Helmet comparison: HJC CL-SP vs Shoei XR1100

[Hitcher]

I was recently forced to acquire a new helmet. http://bit.ly/17qgdi3

I now ride with my skull encased in an HJC CL-SP. A 3XL. In black. My previous lid, that went west in the boot of a blue Falcon AU XR8, was a Shoei XR1100 that I had worn exclusively for over two-and-a-half years.

When I did the head test bizzo at TSS, I decided to opt for the HJC, not because of price considerations (the HJC is less than half of the cost of the Shoei), but because I preferred the fit.

Now I've done a few hours saddle time I thought I'd pass some comments while the memories of both helmets are still fresh.

I rate the HJC as a superior helmet overall to the Shoei.

• It's quieter
• The aerodynamics are better (probably making it quieter)
• It's a better fit
• The visor optics are better
• The view is more extensive
• Comes standard with a chin skirt
• In-helmet ventilation is really good.

On the other side of the ledger, the Shoei:

• Is 200g lighter, although I haven't noticed the extra weight in the HJC
• Has great double D rings, although I am getting used to the HJC's ratchet clasp
• Had a pin-lock visor as standard, although an aftermarket HJC equivalent can be procured for a few extra dollars
• Has a greater range of clicks on the visor hinge ratchet. The HJC only has about three and shuts with a real clunk.

I've owned HJCs before. For a head my size, choice of helmets is a two-horse race. At the moment the HJC is the lead horse.

[Ulsterkiwi]

cheers for this.
I have been looking at helmets to replace the HJC CL-SP I had.
I had an off last week and the insurance peeps are replacing my gear as well.

I thought I would look around to see if I could get a helmet with an internal sun visor. Like you I need the XXXL. This means effectively that no bike shop between Wellington and Levin can offer me an alternative helmet never mind one with an internal visor. Mind you I drew the line at $400 for a helmet and no doubt there will be someone come along shortly to tell me I am being a cheapskate.

Obviously the Shoei fitted you. Do you know of a similar sized offering with an internal visor?

[AllanB]

I'm a HJC fan - they fit my noggin and wallet. Arai also fit my head, alas not my pocket.

[mossy1200]

I have the hjc rpha 10 and its the best helmet I have ever used. Lighter and quieter than my shoe xr and shark rsi helmets.

Has double d clamp

[mossy1200]

Just seen on facebook motorad had aria helmets for 300 down from 649.
Guess im a bit late for the Monday only sale though.

[Hitcher]

Do you know of a similar sized offering with an internal visor?

In a 3XL? Ha, ha, ha, ho, ho, ho. No.

[Erelyes]

Exo-500 / Exo-400 allegedly (according to their US website) comes up to 3XL, in graphics options, with dropdown sunvisor. Although none of the other Scorpion Exo models do.

My Exo-1000 I'd rate somewhere between 'good' and 'very good'.

Of course, finding a 3XL size in NZ to try on, let alone a graphic'd one to buy, is another matter.

[Ocean1]

I have the hjc rpha 10 and its the best helmet I have ever used. Lighter and quieter than my shoe xr and shark rsi helmets.

Has double d clamp

My HJC has a strange flaw, there always seems to be a breeze flowing upwards over my eyes.

Wee chin curtain thing made no difference. Breath guard thing made no difference. No combination of vents made any difference, and after an hour or so the eyes got a bit dry and sore.

So I retired it and bought a new AGV, which I like. But I still use the old Airoh S4 at the slightest excuse, superb bit of kit.

[Ulsterkiwi]

In a 3XL? Ha, ha, ha, ho, ho, ho. No.

that will be a no then.

Ok, the CL-SP appears to be available in what HJC call "Throttle" has anyone seen this around in XXXL? Are people with big heads only allowed black helmets?

[ruaphu]

I was recently forced to acquire a new helmet. http://bit.ly/17qgdi3

I now ride with my skull encased in an HJC CL-SP. A 3XL. In black. My previous lid, that went west in the boot of a blue Falcon AU XR8, was a Shoei XR1100 that I had worn exclusively for over two-and-a-half years.

When I did the head test bizzo at TSS, I decided to opt for the HJC, not because of price considerations (the HJC is less than half of the cost of the Shoei), but because I preferred the fit.

Now I've done a few hours saddle time I thought I'd pass some comments while the memories of both helmets are still fresh.

I rate the HJC as a superior helmet overall to the Shoei.

• It's quieter
• The aerodynamics are better (probably making it quieter)
• It's a better fit
• The visor optics are better
• The view is more extensive
• Comes standard with a chin skirt
• In-helmet ventilation is really good.

On the other side of the ledger, the Shoei:

• Is 200g lighter, although I haven't noticed the extra weight in the HJC
• Has great double D rings, although I am getting used to the HJC's ratchet clasp
• Had a pin-lock visor as standard, although an aftermarket HJC equivalent can be procured for a few extra dollars
• Has a greater range of clicks on the visor hinge ratchet. The HJC only has about three and shuts with a real clunk.

I've owned HJCs before. For a head my size, choice of helmets is a two-horse race. At the moment the HJC is the lead horse.

Yep got one too, been a good lid, done just on three years and near 50thou K's. Only issues to grumble about.
faint but annoying whistling noise now coming from somewhere, so now always using ear plugs.
A Head vent has started to leak after a about half an hour in the rain, very annoying....................(roll on summer, haha)
Time for a new one me thinks.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Got an HJC IS17 in rubber black
Sze XXL fitted me

Not had it on the bike yet but let you know

Very pleased with fit and look

kudos to Motomart Lower Hutt. Guy said he could get my size in, I asked how long, he said "15 minutes?" it took 16 but who is counting.......