Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a new helmet. And sufice it to say I've done quite a bit of research into finding a new lid. Fact is I've probably spent waaaaaay too much time on the web researching this, but when it comes to your head, I guess you can never do too much research.

That said, I've only bought one helmet in the 18 years I've been riding. Mind you I don't ride all that much, as my ole' tried-n-true 1991 F2 doesn't even have 10K on it yet! And you say you're a motorcycle rider?! I know, I know. But after two seperate lay-offs in the last 8 years and the birth of my only son - almost three years ago now - I just haven't had the time and/or the money to put into it.

O.K. enough said about me, back to the point...

My current lid - and yes I'm ashamed to admit - is a VERY OLD Shoei X-8. But the fact is... this old girl and I have a love-hate relationship and I've put enough freaking money into this one helmet to have bought 4 new ones buy now. Cool graphics just wasn't a big thing way back in the early 90's and most helmets - even the "high dollar" ones - didn't offer much more than a few bars of color (more like colored tape) on the helmet. I'm a graphic designer by trade and having said that, I was in dire need of help in making my X-8 become a personal statement. Enter my "first" attempt at getting a "custom" paint job on this lid - and suffice it to say - it DID NOT turn out well! Long story short - after contacting a lawyer - I was told I'd be better off eating this $200 plus cost rather than trying to recover it over state lines! With my "second" attempt - yes I said "second" - I finally got what I was after, but by now I had waaaaaay too much invested in this one helmet! But I wore it proudly and even with the two times I've crashed - both low-sides - I deliberately held my head high during the slide to keep my "precious" paint job off the pavement.

But in all honesty I knew the helmet was gettting old, but I had no clue as to the "actual" shelf-life of a helmet with that being about 5 years max! What can I say... I'm and idiot! After getting an old friend of mine to help me with some repairs on my F2, I told him I was still wearing this X-8 - and he just looked at me like I had completely lost my mind. That's when I found out about the shelf-life - much to my unhappiness!

So since then I've been in the market for a helmet. And like I said earlier - I've been all over the internet gathering some rather informative feedback that has helped me in re-thinking my priorties regarding a helmet purchase. Basically I've come to the realization that you really don't have to spend a "mint" to get the same quality as some of the "higher priced" helmets that have been on the market longer than I've probably been alive. And that's saying a lot... . One of the best articles I've read and the very one that has helped "ween me off the teet" - so to speak - for having to spend a small fortune on a top quality helmet was this one. (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html) Needless to say this one article has effectively changed my thinking on the purchase of a helmet. With the offerings on the market today from newer companies such as Scorpion, KBC, Shark, etc. - just to name a few - I could buy 2 or more helmets for the cost of what one new Shoei X-11 would cost! Don't get me wrong, I still like Shoei - always have and always will - and if I had the money I'd probably still blow the cash on one of these "high dollar" helmets. But by simple virtue of the fact that I - DON'T - have to do that anymore, I've decided to look at some of the newer players in the game! Knowing that if I continue to ride - for another 5 years - I'll have to start this "spending" process all over once again!

That said I've narrowed it down to one helmet (below) that has really caught my attention and I'd like to get a few of the forum members' opinions on my "possible" choice of helmet.

It's KBC's VR-2R
I've actually tried the helmet on and... I like the fit. Shield seems to seal well and although I haven't worn one on a quick ride, the ventilation - not to mention quietness - have both GOT to be superior to my old Shoei X-8.

In any case, thanks for your time and your willingness to offer your opinions or "E"-pinions.

Dave

 

Thanks for "breaking" the ice... .

I know helmets - in general - are a hot topic that bring opinions literally out of the woodwork. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing and that's why I started this thread.

I'm hoping to get opinions - both pros and cons - and yes even a few - like yourself - from guys who actually wear a similar helmet. So thanks again. By the way... I checked your link for the helmet and the price you gave in your post was about $36 cheaper than the website's price?! No biggie though, just a couple of key strokes transposed. But hey it did excite me a bit.

I've actually spoken to a representative at KCB - in California - and he said that the helmet tends to run a size smaller than you would normally think. Hence my reason for visiting a local motorcycle shop and trying this helmet on as well as the KCB Magnum, which - according to KBC's rep - replaced the VR-3.

Please guys... take a minute and offer your opinion.

Thanks again....

 

I couldn't agree more with what was said above. Everyone has different preferences for the fit and appearance of their helmet. The main brands of full face helmets that have certification are all going to be protective. Don't feel the need to spend more than the KBC that you're looking at. I wear a Scorpion Exo400 that is my no means the most expensive helmet but it has features I like and it feels better for me personally than many more expensive helmets that I've tried on. KBC is a similar brand in that they offer good value for your money.

 

True true, DOT/SNELL approved is DOT/SNELL approved. Now would I trust a $29 Bell from Walmart? hell no, but KBC is a good name and has some very affordable helmets.

With the high helmets you may get lighter and more comfortable, but not safer.

 

Been riding and wearing helmets for over 40 years. Have worn many, many brands. You are correct in that cost does not equate to safety, and in the showroom, cost does not equate to fit.

However, in my personal experience, I have found that the "higher end" helmets were more comfortable after that 8 hour ride, had better ventilation that made them cooler in the summer, yet I could control the airflow making them warmer in the winter, and designed such that they were quieter all the time. YMMV.

 

MANY THANKS GENTS!

This is exactly the support - make that opinions - I was looking for!

I've also considered the Scorpion EXO-400, as it too is JUST as good as the KCB. But like most have said - get one that feels good on "your" head - and the KBC [surprisingly] does. And an added bonus - for a graphic designer - is the cool graphic on the Alien model.

Again thanks and if others have opinions, I'm all ears... .


Oh yeah... CBR Classic - please accept my apology, as you were exactly right, I was just reading your post my "own" way. That would be "my bad" as they say.
Thanks for your time and posts!