Budget Helmet

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I am currently using an HJC IS16, but I am a bit over due for a replacement.  Will most likely buy another HJC, as I feel their quality is excellent and you more than get your moneys worth.  My prior helmet, an HJC CL15(?) was my favorite helmet ever.  I fished it out of a bargain bin for $75 at a BMW dealer when I was out in Phoenix.  It's too bad you can't buy the exact same helmet a few years onward, but "improvements" are to be made.

HJCs are about the only helmets that fit me well. I replaced the first CL-Max ($139) with another, identical except for color and country of manufacture ($84 on close-out). Can't do that this time though - it's been replaced with the CL-Max II ($140 shipped). But, that fits exactly the same, so I'll be buying one soon.

[bpreynolds]

Another budget brand is out there called Torc that I've never seen before. 

[Sheepdog]

I have to agree, I have a HJC IS, very noisy, the shield goes up halfway before the first detente, and results with the bottom edge of the shield right where I look, very hard to ride with it half open.  Closed it is very noisy, you can't crack the shield just a bit as there are no detentes that low.  I had to play with the cheek padding to get it comfortable, still not quite there, going to go way up to a Schuberth next season.

I haven't thought about detente since the Cold War ended.

I actually have had great luck with HJC helmets. They fit me pretty well and since I wear open-face designs, the noise is about the same as the more expensive lids. I also have had some pretty great Z1R helmets. Z1R is the maker that shocked the staff of Motorcyclist some time back. It tested as well as the pricey stuff at a bargain price. These decent-but-affordable examples allow me to replace helmets at a smart interval...

[Muley]

The HJC CL 17 helmets fit both my wife and myself very snug, and, as others have mentioned, the cheek pads are quite tight against the face.  I expected new helmets to be like this since our old ones had pretty much deteriorated to the point the lining was falling out.

One problem is that the wife can't get her glasses on with the helmet.  I have trouble myself but eventually work them in.  She, being a little impatient, decided to just not wear glasses while riding, but I like to see things

For the $, the HJCs look like pretty good gear.  We'll see when "riding season" comes around.

[sidecarnutz]

Call me a fan of HJC too. I used to love Shoei's for their fit and high quality. My RF1000 saved my life when I got hit bad in 1995. But after that, as a disabled Vet, Shoei's became too rich for my wallet. I have a big square head. I can't even squeeze a Schuberth on my head. Nolan's press hard on my forehead. HJC's fit me as perfectly as the Shoei's did that I used for years. They have terrific fit & finish and you can't beat the quality to price ratio.

[Triple Jim]

I went to order a replacement shield for my daughter's HJC CL-15 helmet for $22.49, and motorcyclegear.com had HJC CS-R2 helmets on sale for $69.00.  Of course they come with a shield, so I figured I'd buy shield and get a helmet for just $46.51 more.  Now she has a new helmet in red metallic that matches the Ninja 250 she rides.

[LowRyter]

I used to like HJC full faced helmets because I could keep my glasses on while I put the helmet on.  I tried the HJC like the CL17 and found it was no longer possible.

I just have to wear modular helmets now.

[Triple Jim]

Interesting... my CL-15 requires me to remove my glasses too.  I didn't realize some don't (or didn't).

[wavedog]

I have an HJC FG17 - same as the CL 17 just a different composite for the shell. Fit is the same as the CL. I wear thick rim sunglasses with mine all the time no problem, but I put them on after I have the helmet on. Good helmet, a bit tight in the front of my head at times but it is getting better. The helmet is noisier than I was led to believe it would be.  The quietest is with the shield all the way open. Partialy open and its is LOUD. Venting is not that great either. So its all the way open for quiet and air or closed to keep the bugs and grit out and be stiflingly hot. During the winter its much better. My old ZOX helmet actually was quieter and had better venting and was certified to the ECE blah blah blah standard, but it was a cheapo helmet and the stuffing wore out quickly.

[LowRyter]

Interesting... my CL-15 requires me to remove my glasses too.  I didn't realize some don't (or didn't).

My HJC LT and AC series (Snell) helmets allowed me keep my glasses on while I put on either of those helmets.  I normally wear modular helmets now.  I was looking for a new Snell helmet and tried on the new HJC when discovered that I could no longer keep my glasses on while I was putting it on.

[Arizona Wayne]

I bought a Bilt Apollo modular helmet a couple years ago w/flip down tinted lense and am overall happy with it for $100 except it ain't light.  But I've come to the conclusion unless you pay a lot more $ no mod. helmets now are light.  My previous helmets were Shoeis, Nolans, so that tells you my head shape.  I think this Apollo helmet is still available new for $120 now.   I did have to get some foam @ WalMart to seal the top of the helmet lense to keep rain water out and doing this got rid of a whistle noise prior.  Replacement lense attachment brackets are only $5/set @ Cycle Gear stores if you break 1.

[Toecutter]

Ima toss my $0.02 in the ring.

I love my Biltwell Gringo. Comfy as a very comfy thing, light as a very light thing. I'm replacing my current one with another one, when the time comes.

[Doppelgaenger]

I'm on my third HJC now. Always a great helmet. My last one even protected me from impact with a vulture at 60 mph. I don't understand the need to pay $450 to $600 for shoei or aria, they can't be that much more protective. Weight is another factor entirely, but I've always felt protected with HJC

[Penderic]

Remember the days you could get a good one at the army surplus store?


 

[charlie b]

If they had a bit more protection I'd wear the tanker helmet that I was stuck with for 6 years.  But, the fiberglass shell is just strong enough to keep you from banging your head inside a tank, not from a fall.  And it was pretty quiet too if you snugged up the chin strap.

PS I still remember as a kid the local AF base sold off a bunch of pilot helmets.  The disclaimer was that they would not protect you when riding a motorcycle.

[Green1]

motercyclegear.com  always has closeout helmets and are great to deal with,check the link
link
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets?page=3