HJC Helmets

[SlimDizzleATL]

Whats the word? Who uses them? Hows the fit? Ive got a Icon right now and its just not kickin like the last one. TIA. :gheydance:

[Mortalis5509]

I have had one for 2 years and like mine a lot. It's never been "tested" and I intend on keeping it that way. Never heard anyone saying bad things about them but I'm sure that won't be too hard to find. Someone is always going to complain about something. Give them a try. You should really like them.

[TLR67]

Better than the ICON Garbage.. Maybe Ben Spies wil chime in...

[Seca]

I have crash tested a couple. Held up ust find fiin finne ...fine. I wear an HJC off road helmet now.

[Reece]

My personal experience is that HJC helmets are kinda noisey and don't have a lot of the cool features of more expensive helmets. (I think they use the same size shell for all their helmets and use the interior padding to make the helmet fit.)

That said, here's how they rate in Motorcyclist Magazines helmet test (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html)from a few years ago:

AVERAGE Gs
Fewer Gs = Less chance of brain injury

DOT-only helmets:

Z1R ZRP-1 (P)
Average: 152 Gs
LF: 148 gs
RF: 176 gs
LR: 153 gs
RR: 130 gs

Fulmer AFD4 (P) Average: 157 Gs
LF: 152 gs
RF: 173 gs
LR: 175 gs
RR: 130 gs

Pep Boys Raider (P) Average: 174 Gs
LF: 163 gs
RF: 199 gs
LR: 185 gs
RR: 152 gs

BSI/DOT Helmets

AGV Ti-Tech (F) Average: 169 Gs
LF: 156 gs
RF: 199 gs
LR: 195 gs
RR: 129 gs

Suomy Spec 1R (BSI) (F) Average: 182 Gs
LF: 192 gs
RF: 215 gs
LR: 197 gs
RR: 126 gs

ECE 22-05/DOT Helmets

Schuberth S-1 (F) Average: 161 Gs
LF: 151 gs
RF: 180 gs
LR: 176 gs
RR: 137 gs

Suomy Spec 1R (ECE) (F) Average: 171 Gs
LF: 156 gs
RF: 200 gs
LR: 190 gs
RR: 140 gs

Shark RSX (F) Average: 173 Gs
LF: 166 gs
RF: 187 gs
LR: 201 gs
RR: 141 gs

Vemar VSR Average: 174 Gs
LF: 171 gs
RF: 198 gs
LR: 166 gs
RR: 162 gs

Snell 2000/DOT Helmets

Icon Mainframe (P) Average: 181 Gs
LF: 168 gs
RF: 217 gs
LR: 189 gs
RR: 152 gs

Icon Alliance (F) Average: 183 Gs
LF: 179 gs
RF: 200 gs
LR: 179 gs
RR: 175 gs

Scorpion EXO-400 (P) Average: 187 Gs
LF: 185 gs
RF: 212 gs
LR: 193 gs
RR: 158 gs

AGV X-R2 (F) Average: 188 Gs
LF: 192 gs
RF: 226 gs
LR: 166 gs
RR: 167 gs

Arai Tracker GT (F) Average: 201 Gs
LF: 193 gs
RF: 243 gs
LR: 203 gs
RR: 166 gs

HJC AC-11 (F) Average: 204 Gs
LF: 195 gs
RF: 230 gs
LR: 231 gs
RR: 163 gs

Scorpion EXO-700 (F) Average: 211 Gs
LF: 207 gs
RF: 236 gs
LR: 226 gs
RR: 176 gs

Impact Key: LF: Left Front, 7-foot drop, Flat Pavement. RF: Right Front, 10-foot drop, Flat Pavement. LR: Left Rear, 7-foot drop, Flat Pavement. RR: Right Rear, 7-foot drop, Edge Anvil. Shell Key: (P): Polycarbonate (F): Fiberglass

[SlimDizzleATL]

Thanks for the advice guys. TLR, I did ask Ben, thats where I got the idea. lol. And I cant hate on Icon too much, it saved my life once. I think I'm going to look at some today.

[Seca]

While I use HJC, Shoei is by far my fav helmet. They fit my fat head perfectly!

[redciv1]

I have a Cl14 that saw a little off road action from a excursion last fall. Helmet shield was scratched up and some scratches on top but held up. Going to by another HJC shortly from another user on the board. I love them.

[SpeedyR]

the info above from the old Motorcyclist article is pretty outdated. the AC-11 that is tested has been out of production for at least 7 years. it was replaced by the AC-12 and that has now been replaced by the FS-15. far, far, far superior helmet IMHO.

there's nothing wrong with HJC helmets. it's not a Shoei or Arai but for the money it's a great helmet. it's the #1 selling helmet brand in the US. they have a few different models, from $50 to $500. Spies races with the FS-15 carbon helmet and it's very nice. lightweight, good venting, nice liner, etc.

Most helmets are basically divided into two catagories: 1) polycarbonate/plastic shells and 2) fiberglass composite shells. the plastic shells are usually under $200, the fiberglass shells are over $200 usually. some companies make both types (HJC, KBC, Icon, Scorpion, etc.), some only make composite shells (Arai, Shoei, AGV, etc.).

HJC's basic line is the CL16 (about $140) with the plastic/polycarbonate shell. or the IS-16 with the internal sunshield. then you get into the Fiberglass Spectra helmets which are great bang for the buck ($230 range).

hope that helps.. but the newer HJC"s have come a long ways from the older ones.

Oh yeah and there's a new SNELL 2010 standard that has lower impact forces compared to the original 2005 standards quoted above. if that's important to you, get a SNELL 2010 model. :)

[Reece]

I didn't even think about how dated it was and that the models referenced may not even be in production! (oops) I had hoped it would demonstrate how it compared to the other brands from a safety perspective.

That said, the safest helmet is the one that you'll wear so go try one on and buy something that fits.

[SlimDizzleATL]

Tried on the HJC FS-10 today and it felt like a dream. Also tried on the Icon Airframe...at little bit, but it felt comfortable too. Thanks again for the advice guys.

[BadAssRX-7]

ive had 2 hjc's never tested them but dont want to ever test a helmet. Ive had my current 1 i think its a cl15 or something for about 3 years. the only real issue i had with it was the ratchet parts on the visor they were kinda screwed i emailed hjc and they sent me a free set to install. I think its a bit noisy too. I just got me a icon dom.2 this weekend and have high expectaions from it. not my 1st choise on the layout (mechanica) but for the 50% off i can deal with it.

[allen]

I've also got the HJC CL-15, it is SNELL rated. Seems to be a good lid. I'll agree with most others, they are noisy. They also have changable padding that can be used to fine tune the fit. Next helmet will probablly be an HJC also

[redciv1]

Hey Slim, I just noticed you are a fellow Kat rider. You know not too many of us out there that would brave a Kat, lol. How often do you ride? I was on Katriders but not too much going on over there especially in the SE section.

[Reece]

Man, I used to be a mod on the old KatanaPlanet.com (which later became Katriders) I really used to have some fun on that bike!


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[Seca]

Man, I used to be a mod on the old KatanaPlanet.com (which later became Katriders) I really used to have some fun on that bike!


340341
http://www.georgiasportbike.com/images/BP-Brown/misc/pencil.png

I will have to dig through some old photos when I get home. I have a couple of you on that bike from riding on RR loooooong time ago.

[SlimDizzleATL]

Hey Slim, I just noticed you are a fellow Kat rider. You know not too many of us out there that would brave a Kat, lol. How often do you ride? I was on Katriders but not too much going on over there especially in the SE section.

Yessur. Kitty is a good bike. I ride as often as possible as I'm approaching my 1K seat time. I'm also on Katriders but really dont like that site. GSB is much better.

[redciv1]

Man, I used to be a mod on the old KatanaPlanet.com (which later became Katriders) I really used to have some fun on that bike!


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http://www.georgiasportbike.com/images/BP-Brown/misc/pencil.png

Nice shots Reece. You know it's funny how people clown Katana's but I love the bike and don't even care. I wanted one back in 88 when the first came out because they weren't race replicas and could ride all day.


Yessur. Kitty is a good bike. I ride as often as possible as I'm approaching my 1K seat time. I'm also on Katriders but really dont like that site. GSB is much better.
Hey Slim, I understand about the seat time. I picked my bike up back in January 09 from WV with about 14K on the clock. I was trying to do 3K by the end of the year, but had a little get off that side lined me for about a month in September, then it started to get cold. I'm cool now.
Haven't been out much this month to enjoy the weather due to needing to get new tires mounted. Trying to make it to Varsity next Thursday night with co-workers. You game?

[SlimDizzleATL]

Cant do next Thurs redciv because I have a friend's rehearsal dinner for his wedding. But we'll have to get up soon for sure. I havent been to a Vortex/Fellini's/Varsity night yet, so I'm due.

[redciv1]

That's a deal sir. Ooohhh Fellini's, I could use one of their Calzones about now.

[bigmixx]

I had a CL-15 and hated it. Extremely noisy even with ear plugs. Also, the wind would cause it to lift.

[magnetnerd]

I prefer the Icon over my HJC. Way more comfortable for me.

[coolbreeze]

I have the IS-16 and love it, although it is a bit noisy.

[Ride4Life]

I have an:

HJC CL-SP
HJC FS-10
HJC IS-16

I mostly wear the IS-16 as it improved 2 negatives on the FS-10.
1. The FS-10's visor doesn't come down far enough ... just below my line of sight.
- The IS-16 on the other hand comes down to the bridge of my nose.

2. The FS-10 is a little more oval in the front mouth area and allows too much air to blow
- across your face (and debris into your eyes) - but I kind of like the air flow during hot weather.

I got the IS-16 for $155 at newenough end of summer last year.
The only other helmet I looked at at that time was the Scorpion EXO-1000 which
was twice the price ($310) and offered the "Reebok Pump" like system. I liked it but $$ kept
me away.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

holy crap, the scorpion exo 700 was the highest (worst) rating? BOTH of my primary helmets are exo 700s and my backup backup is an exo 400... hmmm...

[coolbreeze]

I mostly wear the IS-16 as it improved 2 negatives on the FS-10.
1. The FS-10's visor doesn't come down far enough ... just below my line of sight.
- The IS-16 on the other hand comes down to the bridge of my nose.

2. The FS-10 is a little more oval in the front mouth area and allows too much air to blow
- across your face (and debris into your eyes) - but I kind of like the air flow during hot weather.

I got the IS-16 for $155 at newenough end of summer last year.
The only other helmet I looked at at that time was the Scorpion EXO-1000 which
was twice the price ($310) and offered the "Reebok Pump" like system. I liked it but $$ kept
me away.
I love the inside visor as I don't have to switch visors or carry sunglasses. I bought mine locally in Conyers for $200+ (IS-16, red/black Scratch) , two weeks later NewEnough had it for $20 less and free shipping. They now have it for $144.

[SlimDizzleATL]

I ended up getting a FS-15 carbon fiber from Kneedraggers.com. I like it so far. Lighter, a litle more round, and the chin curtain helps a lot. The padding feels softer too for some reason.