Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I've got about 3 grand for a new (to me) first bike plus equipment.

I've got a nice leather jacket, gloves and work boots that I think should be good. But now I need a helmet. Shoei and Arai costs like 400-500 bucks ... it's that worth buy as a first helmet? Or are there some cheaper, but highly recomended helmets to spend my money on? After all, the less I spend on "stuff" the more I can spend on the bike, or is that backwards? Should I spend more on the safty equipment and go a little cheap on the bike?

Thanks
Thomas

Gear up with the max you can afford, you can always upgrade as you go along. As far as helmets go, the price means nothing, it's the fit that counts... Check out the helmet guide lines, http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?t=42 then you'll have a better idea of what to look for and how to fit a helmet.


PS: Welcome to the site...

If you have money to waste then buy a shoei, arai, etc. They are excellent helmets but there are other brands that are nearly as good for significantly less money.

Id look at HJC. I have an HJC CL-15 full face that I bought for $150 and I have nothing but great things to say about it. Snell approved, comfortable, fits my glasses inside, good ventilation, and wind noise isnt bad at all.

But definatly go to a store or dealer and try on the different brands. Some helmet brands fit differently than others depending on the shape of your head. You want the helmet to be snug but not too tight. And dont always trust the sizing charts on the manufacturers websites...according the HJC chart I was a L, but in reality I ended up needing an XL. So always try before you buy.

You check out this site on ebay. I cant vouch for the sellers credibility. It is something that I saw. Someone else on this site may be able to let you know more about this seller.

http://stores.ebay.com/MrsSuperdeals

I wear a KBC helmet. They fit great, protect really well, and only cost $200 or so. And I know they work from experience.

I also wear a HJC CL-15, which is about 130-150 dollar range. They have cheaper models that are still full face from HJC also. Ive heard that Z1R and Scorpion make great helmets for a very reasonable price to. Z1R will be even cheaper than HJC, and for a Scorpion EXO-400 expect to see 130-180 dollars depending on what paint job you get on it.

Some (not all) Walmarts have a small motorcycle section and carry a limited selection of Bell helmets at mass marketing prices. IF you can find one that fits, that's probably the best value in a new helmet available today. Shorty and open face helmets are about $44, and a full face is about $78.

www.newenough.com
Hit them up. Cheap prices, good service.

I personally would avoind the cheap KBC helmets ($150 and less). The visors suck on them (KarateChick can back me up on this one. Oh how i wish i listened ).

Check out Nolan helmets, they are mid-priced and very good quality. I have one, a full face, and its fits perfect.

Ninja Geoff wrote:www.newenough.com
Hit them up. Cheap prices, good service.

I personally would avoind the cheap KBC helmets ($150 and less). The visors suck on them (KarateChick can back me up on this one. Oh how i wish i listened ).

I have a KBC. Once I put a visor liner in the visor, it was fine.

Fit is paramount.