Wilsons Sandbox

One man's opinion is that the top rated is probably Arai, followed by Shoei and then all the others. Very subjective obviously... Arai helmets do cost more, and are usually lighter than the others. You can expect to pay $350 -650 for their sturdy yet light weight helmets. They are generally among the most quiet helmets around. Second tier helmets like the Shoei RF900 and TZ1 are good reliable products. I have two of the TZ1s, although I'm pitching the older one after a recent spill that gouged the heck out of it. I'll most likely replace it with another TZ1, as I was very satisfied with the protection it provided for my melon. Mid priced at about $280, and not as quiet as the Arai. The import units like KBC and HJC have established a good reputation for quality and great prices, $120 -250 for most of their product lines. Somewhat heavier, and generally noisier with the wind flow at biking speeds. But still provide good afordable protection. I would recommend a DOT and Snell approved helmet, full face, with clear visor (night time use) and smoke visor (day time). You are much better off going into the store and trying the helmet on for 10-15 minutes, to be sure you have a good fit. Too tight and it will give you headaches and be painful, too loose, and you won't be protected in a crash. The fit should be snug but not uncomfortable. Worry less about paying too much, and more about getting teh perfect fit. The fit is the most important aspect in choosing a helmet. A poor fitting $650 Arai offers less protection than a perfectly fitting $120 HJC (assuming both are Dot/Snell certified). Good luck, MarkB PS: Did I mention how important a good fit is? Okay, just checking. --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "billshel2003" wrote:

> What kind of full coverage helmet does anyone recommend? Good

quality

> or better. I'm just getting back into bikes with my A13; I used to > wear a Bell Star back in the early 80's and liked it. What's the

best

> now? Thanks. > > Bill

I recently purchased a new arai quauntum/f. I was truly amazed when I pulled out of the cycle shop. This helmet is amazing. It made riding even more a joy. Russ

On Friday, September 26, 2003, at 09:19 PM, monahanwb wrote: > Best one is the one on your head when you tank it. If you like your > chin much, get a full-face model. I use HJCs, exclusively nowadays. > I love the fit. > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ > courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

I am pretty happy with my HJC CLX-4 - it is an off-road style helmet. Fits similar to my old RF-200 Shoei. Seems to be a similar shape to the Shoei's. I got mine on closeout from Sierra Trading Post. They normally don't have motorcycle helmets, but had a few on recently. They still have some full face Arai's or Shoei's but none in my size. Also have the HJC in XXL on HUGE closeout ($59 if I remember correctly.). I paid $89 for the medium. I will probably buy another full face helmet if I start riding to work. Right now I only ride on the roads long enough to get off of them... - Dave in Wenatchee

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "monahanwb" wrote: > Best one is the one on your head when you tank it. If you like your > chin much, get a full-face model. I use HJCs, exclusively nowadays. > I love the fit.

In a message dated 2003-09-26 8:42:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time, MBAKARICH@... writes:

> > I would recommend a DOT and Snell approved helmet, full face, with > clear visor (night time use) and smoke visor (day time). You are > much better off going into the store and trying the helmet on for > 10-15 minutes, to be sure you have a good fit. Too tight and it will > give you headaches and be painful, too loose, and you won't be > protected in a crash. The fit should be snug but not uncomfortable. > Worry less about paying too much, and more about getting teh perfect > fit. > > The fit is the most important aspect in choosing a helmet. > A poor fitting $650 Arai offers less protection than a perfectly > fitting $120 HJC (assuming both are Dot/Snell certified). > >

Since the idea is a helmet provides protection you can buy what fits your budget knowing that the combo of both a DOT and Snell certification means its a good helmet. The main difference will be the materials used - the more expensive helmets use trick materials to lighten the weight - and the features offered such as a liner that can be removed for washing. The other big difference will be the manufacturer's idea of what a normal shaped head looks like. Most Arias are built around an oval shape while Shoei/HJC use a rounder shape. Aria has a round he ad model but the brow fits too tight. Big reason to spend a good bit of time trying on helmets is to find those brands/models that were built around a head mold that best approximates the shape of your head. Pat G'ville, Nv [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We have all been hearing about the diesel KLR. I found a few pics on the Ontario Dual Sport website and uploaded them into my Yahoo photo album. I tried to create and load pics into an album on this group, but it would not upload the pics. Near max limit of 30 mb. Anyway check out http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/kelpo2001 Richard Korpela Chapleau, On A15