Anybody with KBC Helmets? Compared to shoei?

whats going on guys... i need your help once again. i dropped my TZ-1 Shoei a few times now and i'm getting worried about it.. i want to get a net helmet. i've been looking at OGK's but i really cant afford the 400+ price on them. KBC seems to have a few nice vents and overall construction. I'm looking at the VR1 in particular. Are they any good? How well do they vent? Are they comfortable? my main worry is i dont want to downgrade my comfort/safety. thanks alot guys. i appreciate it.

here is my KBC. My only complaint is that its NOISY!...

When i bought my R1 last year I tried to jew the dealer for as much as I could. One of the things I worked into the deal was a lid. The only one they would give me was a KBC ( that should tell u right there, but if u like continue reading). After riding with it for two months the rear vent started coming off. One day it flew off and all I could hear was the hellacious, screaming, shoot me in the f**kin head, wind howl. Next day, first stop Cycle Gear, Aria please. Thank you Senior Visa. Aria IMO is the most comfortable, shoei quietest, but I wear plugs so that really doesn't matter. My advice stay away from KBC, unless of course it's only for passangers. Hope I helped!!!

The KBC's I have tried were all heavy...;( C

KBC was my first helmet so it was cool since I didn't have anything to compare it with and that fact that some chick brought it for me. Now that I have an Arai I would never go back I tried it on the other day and the padding is like cement compared to the Aria

extra dollars and get the "racer 1." It has better padding and has cool graphics. The best part about it is that it has a removable liner like the VR-1. KBC is a pretty good bang for the buck. On another note, check E-Bay for a seller, dktrader, of AGV helmets. They will work with you outside of the auction if you ask them. Some great deals to be had there.

I've read many magazines reviews that rate the VR-1 the best bang for the buck. I've always heard them praise it as being as good as helmets 2X the price. I have never had an Arai or Shoei to compare it to, but I love my Vr-1 KBC. Is it as good as the Arai or Shoei?? I doubt it, but for $200 or so, it is a damn good deal. I've been wearing mine for 2 years, and I have had no problems with it. When mine wears out I will certainly buy another. - BA

Definitally the KBC Racer-1...I got mine for $250. The best fit and finish for the price...You can buy 2 of them for the price of the new ARAI RX-7. I think that they are one of the nicer helmests out there. Very comfortable and light...Try Helmet Harbor.com

i got my KBC Chrome helmet VR1 from Ebay brand new for 127 dollars

I have a KBC. it's the only helmet I've ever had, so I can't rate it for the noise (though it does seem to be foking loud), but I know that the vents suck. I can't tell when my vents are open or closed, because it feels the same.

I posted this in another thread, then saw this thread and thought it would be helpful... http://www.motorcyclegearreview.com....php?prodID=757 http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewe...e-products/kbc/ I've always been an arai quantum guy because of the solid quality and the perfect fit. I'd say if you're a Shoei head, then the VR-1 isn't going to fit your head the same. I've had two quantums, a shoei, and two hjc's. I KNOW how to tell the differences in helmet quality. The VR-1 is a good helmet. Yes, my Arai's have better finish qualities but the safety ratings are the same and the price difference is significant. Features are comparable.

wow thanks for that great summary, i really dont like the way the shoei fits, it was a good helmet, but nonremovable liner and the like, plus the tz1 seems to be the bottom line helmet and somewhat cheaply made. i think i'm going to go with a kbc, do you know how sizing compares to shoei?? or HJC?

Hey Norb, You should try a couple helmets on at a dealer first. Then you'll have a good idea of what 'shape' your head is and what helmets will fit best. Typically (this isn't the rule or anything) Shoei and HJC fit similarly, while Arai, Suomy, KBC's VR-1 have a similar shape. The VR-1 fits a tad big. So if you're normally a large, get a medium. I can't stress enough that the best thing to do is try helmets on first.

I've got one on order right now for my daughter. I paid $145 for the solid black shipped from www.helmetshop.com .

Originally posted by Viking I've got one on order right now for my daughter. I paid $145 for the solid black shipped from www.helmetshop.com . Good deal! That's where I bought mine from. But have you seen this?... http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamType=ALL&txtsearchParamCat=36&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtDateAddedStart=&txtPriceEnd=&txtPriceStart=&txtSale=&txtsearchParamTxt=*&txtFromSearch=&subcat=154-bottom&iLevel=2&txtCatName=2 The euro is $130 and the graphics are $120 :eek:

I have both a KBC VR1 and a Shoei TZ1 and I love the shoei. The KBC is a good value but I got it free with my bike... once I got tired of the noise and poor venting, i purchased the shoei. MUCH quieter and a bit lighter too.

I've paid 119$ for a VR-1 euro . price/quality ratio is unbeatable. It's not an Arai, I agree, but it's hard to pass on the price and it have even more safety certification than the quantumF.