KBC VR-2R Helmet Review

KBC VR2R Helmet Features

Shell: TRI COMP* Shell Constructed using an advanced Vacuum Lamination System*, resulting in a lightweight helmet.

Ventilation: DUAL-INTAKE VENTILATION SYSTEM(DiVS) Efficiently draw, circulate, vent and control airflow providing ultimate comfort.

Shield: QUICK RELEASE VISOR PLUS(QRV+) Optically correct, scratch resistant, anti-fog shield utilizes a tool-less QVR+ system and seals securely when closed to the helmet’s RIB system.

KBC Helmet Sizes: available from XXS - XXL

SHIELD REMOVAL - KBC VR2
REMOVAL OF SHIELD FROM KBC VR2R HELMETS:
All KBC Helmets utilize a very simple and effective shield removal mechanism system. NO TOOLS ARE REQUIRED. The shield can be removed and replaced very easily and quickly. Follow the diagram shown here. First, open the shield and locate the shield spring pin. Pull downward on this component to release the mechanism. The shield will 'pop off' or release very gently. Repeat on other side for total removal. To reattach the shield, locate the shields central circular mechanism and push into central spring loaded fixing point on helmet ratchet plate. Apply moderate pressure to both sides using your hands to latch the shield onto the guide pins. Then gently close the shield. Open and close the shield several times to ensure shield is fixed correctly, before using the helmet, as incorrect fixing could cause shield to shear or fall off when riding and could cause an accident.

Interior: ULTRALUX Liner Removable, washable genuine Savoire Suede liner with customizable padding system.

Retention System: Double D ring chin strap

Safety Standard: Meets or exceeds SNELL/DOT standards. Also available in ECE/AS standards.

HJC AC12 Carbon Helmet Review

HJC AC12 Helmet Fit
The AC-12 Carbon has an internal head shape on the long oval side of round. HJC is aiming for a neutral middle ground that will fit the most head shapes possible.
The helmet is comfortable for most round head shapes but it can feel slightly tight at the sides and cheeks, which means that it should fit most round oval head shapes also.
Matching your head shape to the way the HJC helmet fits is crucial for both comfort and safety
HJC AC12 Helmet Venting and Air Flow
The vents on the AC-12 Carbon helmet are accurate. The chin vent has a secure feel that gives the impression that the plastic won't break off in the owner's hand after short time.
The fittings on the HJC AC-12 Carbon helmet are excellent. The interior compliments the exterior of the helmet. Most helmet manufacturers seem to use lower quality air vents.
HJC AC12 Helmet Noise Levels
Noise levels are not too bad at higher speeds. Not as quiet as some less expansive helmets we have tried.
HJC AC12 Chin Strap
Classic "D" ring adjustment system and adequate padding for the chin strap. The strap itself feels slightly thinner than normal, and it is positioned very slightly back from what I'd consider to be the optimum location, although this doesn't seem to bother once it's fastened.
HJC claims that the eye port opening is larger than normal, but it actually seems a bit smaller than normal.
HJC also claims that the helmet has a "built in communication cavity speaker system".
The HJC AC-12 Carbon helmet meets DOT and Snell M2005 standards.
HJC AC12 Carbon Helmet Conclusion
The HJC AC12 carbon helmet looks great and the quality is excellent. Its one of the lightest helmets we have ever tested. The price offers great value for money too.

Arai Vector Helmet Review

Arai Vector Paint and Finish
This Arai Helmet features the Phil Read graphics. Phil Read was the first rider to accomplish the Triple Crown of motorcycle racing, winning the 125, 250 and 500cc championships.

It's interesting to note that he won two 250cc championships first, in 1964 and 1965, before winning both the 125cc and 250cc championships, both in the same year of 1968.

He went on to win another 250cc championship in 1971 and two 500cc championships in 1973 and 1974, both on MV Agusta motorcycles.

The paint finish is on our Arai Vector Phil Read is exceptional, the helmet has a super-thick clear-coat finish that really does it proud.
The Arai Vector is also available in solid colors and other graphic

Arai Vector Helmet Fit,
The Arai Vector is an "Intermediate Oval" internal head shape. This means that the helmet offers more forehead room than the "Round Oval" shape of other Arai Helmets.
The helmet fitted well on the sides, but there was some space at the top of the helmet.


The front visor opening looks slightly smaller than other full-face helmets. The advantage of this narrow design is more room in the chin area, and better wind noise at higher speed. With all this said – I don’t think there are 2 riders in Florida with the same head size & shape – that’s why its important to know your helmet size and to try on the Arai Vector before ordering online. We purchased our Arai Vector Helmet from Atlantic Moto.

Arai Vector Helmet Lining
The comfort of the helmet lining is excellent. Arai have soft, comfortable velvet-like fabric and padding.
Other than the choice of fit for different head shapes, part of what you pay for in an Arai helmet is the quality of the liner, which translates as comfort. The Arai Vector's liner is removable.

Arai Vector Venting
The Vector has Arai fold-down chin vent and a single hole in the top of the helmet with a three-position sliding cover. The rear of the helmet includes two exhaust with a three-position switch and two open exhaust vents.

The helmet visor has the standard Arai flip-down air vents.
The chin vent directs air on to the back of the visor, the chin bar includes two which flow air on to the your chin.

The helmet top scoop vent works well, allowing plenty of air to flow over the top of the head.
The vent opening/closing switches on the work very well.

Overall the Arai Vector has excellent air flow and ventilation.

Arai Vector Helmet Noise Levels
At speeds of up to 65 mph ;) I found the Arai Vector to be an exceptionally quiet helmet. Even with great internal airflow and ventilation, the wind noise was one of the quietest helmets I have worn. Although of course earplugs are a must with any helmet.

There was a slight whistle from the top vent when riding in sit-up position with the vent open. If this vent is closed, the whistle disappears.

Conclusion
The Arai Vector is another high quality, comfortable and quiet helmet from Arai that should fit riders with the "Intermediate Oval" head shape that's between the Arai "Round Oval" and "Long Oval".
We would like to thanks Atlantic Moto for providing our Arai Vector for this review.

SHOEI X11 Helmet Review

SHOEI X11 Helmets

The X-ELEVEN has been the helmet of choice for professional riders since it’s introduction. Built to race specifications, the X-Eleven was designed and developed in collaboration with professional riders, like Jake Zemke, Eric Bostrom, and Chris Vermeulen to name a few.

We purchased the Shoei X-11 from Atlantic Moto ($566.99 with Free Shipping)

Numerous hours in our wind tunnel and on racetracks around the world has produced an aerodynamically superior helmet with minimal lift and drag, plus incomparable fit and ventilation.

The world’s most demanding riders demand nothing but the best. The X-ELEVEN only from Shoei.



SHOEI X11 Helmet Features

* Quick Release Base Plate System

* Dual Liner Ventilation System

* 3D Comfort Liner System

* Upper Air Intake

* Lower Air Intake

* Dual Air Charge System
* Face Shield Defogging Vent
* Chin Curtain
* Rear Air Exhaust



SHOEI X11 Helmet Specifications

* Neck Outlet Vent
* Exhaust Breath Chamber
* Breath Guard
* Aero Edge Spoiler With Exhaust Vent
* Preset Shield Opening Lever With Locking Mechanism
* CX-1V Shield
* AIM+Shell Construction
* Snell M2005
* 5 Year Warranty From Purchase Date. 7 Year Warranty From Helmet Manufacture Date. Whichever comes first.

Arai Corsair V Helmet Review

Arai Corsair V Replaces Arai RX7 Corsair
We have been waiting to try out the new Arai Corsair V for some time. Arai introduced the replacement for its top of the line Arai RX7 Corsair (RX-7 Corsair) The all new Corsair-V. (Arai have dropped RX7 prefix)

The Arai Corsair V was launched in September 2008.

Arai Corsair V - First Impressions
At first glance you might be hard-pressed to find s significant difference in the appearance of the Corsair V - compared with the old RX7. Arai state that they only make changes where they feel it will improve the overall helmet - not making helmet changes just for the sake of it. Well the certainly didn't go for the 'shock' value with the new helmet launch.

Here is an overview of the new features of the Arai Corsair V Helmet

Arai Corsair V Helmet Ventilation:
DF-10 Diffuser (New Helmet Feature)
Enhanced air inlets to increase airflow efficiency even better than the original RX7 Corsair. It also adds a new second air-intake slot in the middle of the diffuser body to create a higher venturi effect and further increase the venting of stale air faster.

Larger upper vent toggles make operating the vents easier than before - even wearing thivk gloves. The center Top Vent has been re-sculpted to provide more air intake; and also has a larger easier-to-operate toggle.

Side-Vent Exhaust Ports (New Helmet Design)
Newly-designed vent cowls exhaust heat more efficiently. And because of the way they are now “sculpted" into the new rear-shell shape.

New Brow-Vent Channeling (Modified Helmet Design)
Arai’s faceshield Brow Vents send incoming air to the temple instead of to the face and ar area - Helping to keep the brain cooler.

The Corsair V is one of the more expensive helmets on the market. But as we have said before – What price would you put on your brain? The Arai Corsair V is available on the internet from around $800. We purchased our Arai Corsair V Pedrosa from Atlantic Moto .

Arai Corsair V - Helmet Interior

Emergency Cheekpad Release System (New Helmet Feature)
Arai must have listened to everyone who asked if this safety feature (see on the VX-Pro3) would make its way to their street helmets. The Emergency-Release Cheek Pad System was developed to allow easy access to an injured rider. The helmet cheekpads slide out easily with the use of integrated pull-tabs, which makes removing the helmet much easier for paramedics etc.

Removable/Replaceable Vented Neckroll (New Helmet Feature)
Helping to keep your head cool, another ventilation outlet for the removal of interior air is created. The Corsair-V’s neckroll is both removable and replaceable, and adds an exhaust vent through its bottom in the EPS Helmet liner,

Latest-Generation Dry-Cool® Liner (New Helmet Design)
Arai’s Dry-Cool® liner has repositioned the rear mounting-snaps closer to the liner bottom for a more secure fit.

Arai Corsair V - Helmet Shell:

Peripheral Belting (New Helmet Feature)
Developed by Arai for its most-recent generation of Formula-1 helmets, this belt extends across the forehead area of the shell above the eye opening. It improves the Corsair-V’s structural integrity while keeping flexibility, low weight, and shell size. The Arai Corsair V keeps the most-advanced SNC (Structural Net Composite) shell construction.

Wider Helmet Visor Eyeport (New Helmet Feature)
The new Peripheral Belt has allowed Arai to introduce a new 10mm-wider eyeport opening (5mm at each side) on the new Corsair-V, icreasing the rider’s peripheral vision. This new helmet feature will be most beneficial to racers - showing Arai's true roots.

Series “I" Faceshield (New Helmet Feature)
A wider faceshield was required because of the wider eyeport. Called the Series "I" faceshield, it is exclusive to the Corsair-V. The new shield fits even more flush against the shell than the previous RX7 Corsair.

AirWing® (New Helmet Feature, Patented)
Arai’s exclusive, adjustable new AirWing® is designed to greatly reduce drag, turbulence and buffeting. It provides the rider with unprecedented aerodynamic performance options via five distinct, easily hand-adjustable “attack angles":
a.Full-tuck position, run the AirWing® in a lower positio - for race speeds
b.Run the AirWing® in one of the middle positions - for normal sportbike riding
c.Choose one of the upper angles, for upright riding

Arai’s Compact Organic Shell Shape (Retained feature)
The new Corsair-V’s shell shape is even more compact and aerodynamic than the Corsair’s.

Arai RX7 Helmet Review

Arai RX7 Tommy Gun Ventilation & Visor
We found that there was little fogging up of the Arai RX7 visor, although testing conditions were limited to Florida. The front vent on the Arai helmet seals very well when locked. The Arai RX7 is very lightweight, and we were able to turn our heads at high speeds without too much effort. The Arai rx7 helmet lining is both comfortable and removable.

Arai RX7 Helmet Graphics:
I would say that Arai offer some of the best graphics available on Motorcycle Helmets. The Arai RX7 that we tested was the Tommy Gun version. Close inspection of the helmet shows the great paint job and cool graphic finish. The helmet now has a few light scratches, but to be honest, they are very hard to spot with the Tommy Gun graphics on this Arai Helmet.

Arai RX7 Helmet Comfort and Sizing
I know there are 2 points of views when it comes to the comfort & sizing of Arai Helmets. Some people love the fit, others find the Arai RX7 presses too hard on their foreheads. Personally I found the RX7 to be a great fit. Of course I consider myself to have a ‘normal’ shaped head; But then again, who’s going to describe their own head as abnormally shaped. I found the RX7 helmet to be a snug & comfortable fit. My best advice would be to try out an Arai RX7 at your local motorcycle store, and see if the helmet fits your head shape.

The Arai RX7 is BSI and DOT approved. You may be able to prove me wrong on this point, but as far as I am aware, BSI is a stricter test than Snell helmet testing, since an entire batch of motorcycle helmets is tested, as opposed to one randomly selected helmet from a batch.

The Arai RX7 is by no means the cheapest motorcycle helmet around. In fact, the RX7 is one of the most expensive helmets on the market. But the age old question pops up – What price would you put on your brain? The RX7 is available on the internet from around $640. We purchased our Arai RX7 Tommy Gun from Atlantic Moto . I did consider that the RX7 might be too highly priced for some riders. I even had doubts about spending $600 on a helmet myself. Well that changed last year.

How an Arai RX7 saved my life
Well not my life, but I thought I’d give you my own first hand experience of an Arai RX7 Helmet doing its job. My wife had picked me up from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport late one night. We were exiting I-595, joining US1 North (this is a full 2 lane loop that tightens at the exit). We had almost reached the end when I noticed a rider coming up quickly on us. It’s a tight turn. There is also a slight bump in the road as you reach the exit (around the same area that the curve tightens). So not the best combination for someone riding too fast on the way back from a bar. The rider lost it, and went off at about 65 – 70 mph. Bouncing across 3 lanes of US 1 , he came to a sliding halt after hitting the base of a street light with his helmet on his way down to the median.

We were the first on the scene. I noticed he was wearing an Arai RX7 Edwards Helmet. We tried to keep him conscious by screaming into his visor like you do, when the sh%& hits the fan. The Paramedics arrived quickly, and we all played a part in getting the IV going and getting something into his airway. All very dramatic. We were told that he was unlikely to survive. I could see the damage to the back of his helmet (I think he had caught a fat Nut & bolt on the base of that street light. A combination of alcohol & speed were blamed for his accident. In fact the paramedics had just left the same area, and were doing a U-turn when they saw us flagging them down.

We contacted the hospital several days later, and were told that he was OK, and had been discharged. Lucky B@$t%rd. I strongly believe that after witnessing the accident first hand, if he had not been wearing an Arai RX7 Helmet, or a similar high price/ high quality helmet, then this story would not have had a happy ending. So when it comes to buying a helmet, spend the extra few hundred dollars, and look after number one.