KBC Helmets

As the snow keeps falling here in Kansas, I decided to do some reviews. When it gets stupid cold I tend to spend money to make myself feel better, this winter has been no exception.

First up, my new KBC helmet. Going into this helmet I didn’t know what to expect. There are no KBC dealers in my area, and I did not know anyone that owned one. Luckily the good people at www.helmetharbor.com (http://www.helmetharbor.com) know their products. Prior to this helmet I have owned a Shoei RF-800, a HJC CL-12, and have two Simpson racecar helmets, a Bandit, and a RX-8. Like all my helmets it carries the DOT, and SFI (snell) ratings. Here is a brake down of how I feel about this lid.

First up is overall appearance. This helmet has very nice graphics; the red used is a good match for the Honda red. There is some mismatching on the vent graphics, i.e. the lines don’t all match up perfectly. They are real close, but that lowers it to a 4.75 starts out of 5.

Now fit. Five stars. The helmet is the best fitting helmet I have worn. I found my head is the correct shape for Shoei and HJC, however the medium was too small, and the large just barely too big. My Simpson’s always fit real good, but I have been unable to find that fit in a motorcycle helmet. The KBC is a medium; it must be about ¼ to ½ size larger than a Shoei or HJC of the same size.

http://esport.sportbikes.com/UBBimages2/672277-KBCoverall.JPG
<font color="red"> Side View of my KBC VR-1 Euro </font>

On to the Interior of the KBC. It uses a totally different material than any other helmet I have worn. It feels almost like some kind of spandex, it is super comfortable, and wicks moisture away without feeling “wet”. It has a patch of mesh in the back where the vents open to, seems to move air real well. The interior is also removable, a big plus in this price range of helmet. You can wash it, and replacements are available. I also found the ear pads can be removed separate; this allows me to wear my radio headset without any pressure on my ears. Five stars.

Extras: The visor changing system is great. No tools, and a much more positive feel than the HJC CL-12. The visor lines right up, and snaps right in. The ventilation is also very good. I will say that all my riding has been in extreme cold, so I notice all the air whizzing by my head, it may be less pronounced when it is really hot out, I will hold up on rating the ventilation until after some hot whether rides. The visor hardware is also available, so broken parts can be replaced for around eight dollars. Four stars.


http://esport.sportbikes.com/UBBimages2/672278-KBCinside.JPG
<font color="red"> Here is the inside, note the mesh on the top and bottom (would be the right and left side if helmet was being worn). </font>

Next up is fit and finish. This is a five star here. With the liner removed there are no gaps or blemishes in the attachment points, the air ducts fit close and the vent levers are smooth and feel solid.

Over all I am very happy with the helmet. Only draw backs I found was the noise. This helmet is quieter than the RF-800 and CL-12, but not as quiet as some other helmets I have worn. I ride with earplugs or a radio, so I don’t notice it that much. This helmet may not be a RF-1000, or an Aria, but for the $100-200 dollar price range I don’t think you can beat it.


http://esport.sportbikes.com/UBBimages2/672280-KBCfront.JPG
<font color="red"> Here is a look at the breath deflector and thick cheak pads. You can mix and match the removable cheak pads to get the best fit. </font>

http://esport.sportbikes.com/UBBimages2/672281-KBCmismatch.JPG
<font color="red"> Here you can see the slight mismatch on the ductwork. It is my only gripe. </font>

Not too big of a deal with the mismatch but still irritating enough for the anal retentive like myself.

How does it compare for weight and aerodynamic feel?

Shaft- Yep, it's on the top, so you would never really notice it, but I am also a perfectionist (cant you tell by my spelling!).

Spiked- The aerodynamics are very good. It has a little lip on it about half way up, not sure if it really helps at highway speeds, but it is as stable as the Shoei, and more so than the HJC. As far as weight, I don't know. It seams lighter than both, but I don't have a scale that exact, so I would hate to make the call.

To follow up I did some more riging with the helmet, this is what I have found. The venting works real well, more noise when open, but not untolorable (and yes I did take out the ear plugs). Also the wind noise is not bad, I had to ride in 35 mph winds the last two days (150 miles each day) and head on, and wind behind were excellent, cross wind was louder, but not too bad. The wind buffeting at highway speeds was awsome, even with the wind. I did a back to back with my HJC, the wind beffeting was much better with the KBC, road noise was very comprable with a slight nod to the HJC.

I have a KBC VR1 Euro too &amp; so far I really like it. In fact I was going to buy a second KBC VR1 solid color as a second but for some reason KBC no longer makes a blue mirrored face shield for the VR1 only the Racer? Maybe I'll buy the Racer &amp; try that out. Hang in there, the last winter days are almost over. Enjoy your new lid &amp; thanks for the review.

I have that helmet also.. I really like it and the only thing I found was that the mounting bolts for the face shield had come a little loose after about a year. nothing a little lock-tight couldnt fix.