nklr hsc cl-12 and lt12, what is the catch!

[The Squasher]

There is a 2000 KLR 650 with 4k miles in the newspaper for sale. It has a Corbin seat and custom pipes (looks like a ISD2 in the picture). It's from a non Kawasaki motorcycle dealer and they want $4295.00 U.S. (Northern California). I would rather have an all stock bike then one with the Corbin and ISD2 exhaust. Is $4295 a good price? Is 4k miles too much for a Y2K KLR650? Thanks KLR-less (for now) ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

[Brad Davis]

First of all I would like to thank all the folks who have answered questions from me on tires, helmets, etc. , as I learn about motorcycling and the KLR. I have been very pleased with this groups willingness to take the time to answer my basic questions which must seem mundane to the more experienced rider. Thank you! Now on to my question . I had thought I had decided on a Shoei RF- 800 until I went to my local shop and tried on a HSC CL-12. It fit great and seemed high quality to my inexperienced eye. I know some of the other listers have HSC helmets and are satisfied with them. Well, what is the catch? The CL-12 is $140 and the RF-800 is $220 (from www.helmet.shop). If it is only that HSC has lower advertising costs and chooses to pass them on to the consumer, please let me know, I rather get the HSC and save some $$$. Both helmets are Snell95/DOT rated so I am really curious about what the differences may be that would justify the 70% greater cost. Isn't it true that the HSC is built in Korea and the Shoei in the USA? I don't know for sure but possibly the difference is due to labor costs. HSC also has the LT12 which is 100 grams (1/4 lb) lighter and has a fiberglass/Kevlar shell instead of the thermoplastic shell as on the CL-12. Are these features worth $40 dollars more at $180 a pop? Thanks again and one of these days (soon I hope) I'll have purchased my equipment and will shut up! Brad