OK, i am starting to get all the crap together... LoL..

Anyways. i am looking at helmets right now and i got a few questions for you guys...

Are HJC's any good? are they decent in protection? and are they any good compared to the 500 Dollar SHOEI ones? i dont have all the funds to go all out.. so i was looking at 2 basic models..

#1 the HJC CL-12
CL 12 pics and specs (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/product.asp?Dept=4&ID=5626)
i personally think it looks a bit cheap.. i wouldnt know though.. any info on this one?

#2, the HJC LT-20
Lt-20 pics and specs (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/product.asp?Dept=4&ID=2710)
Well to me this one looks more like it would save my head from being cracked open in case soemthing happened... i really dont know that much about HJC though.. so i ll appreciate any imput...

and if you have any other suggestions let me hear em..

one more thing... do the blue shields look any good? and do they do anything for tinting it?

thanks images/icons/smile.gif

Aloha,

I own the HJC Cl-12 but it is the 2000 model. It is a pretty good helmet and I think for the price you are getting a lot of features that the other higher priced helmets have too. I use it everyday as I ride 50 miles a day, I got the smoked shield and it works great in the day. If I compare it to my Arai RX7RR4 there is not much difference except for the looks and the weight, the Arai is extremely light. When I ride and I know its a windy day I will use the Arai especially if I plan to hit speeds higher than the speed limit.

My suggestion is that you try it on and see if you like the feel. Ask someone who has it and see what they think. Ask the dealer if you can take it out for a ride, but I doubt that they will. Sorry for the long reply.

I have the CJ 12 its an OK helmet not the best not the worst but it is both DOT and Snell approved. Im sure an Arai or shoei are probaly more comfortable and better quality but they can be a bit pricey. When i get the dough i will be getting an arai. Buy the HJC for now if your strapped its agood helmet!!! images/icons/tongue.gif

Well, I had the HJC LT-20 for a while as my first helmet. My experience with it is that the vents on it SUCK and it chips easily. But I guess it would save your head in an accident as well as just about any helmet. But overall it was aight and well worth what I paid for it (just under $200)

Then I got an Arai Signet GT. The vents are WAY better (it has more of them) and it's much lighter. Plus, it fit me a lot better (but that will vary from person to person). And I've had it twice as long as the HJC and it has no chips on it. In my opinion, the high dollar shoei's and arai's are well worth it if you have the money. What I would do is go to a bike shop and try them all on and see what you like the most. It's my opinion that you shouldn't skimp when it comes to your helmet. It's the most important piece of motorcycle safety gear you will ever buy.

[ 02-03-2002: Message edited by: mcoker ]</p>

HJC is a good helmet. Don't be fooled with the Arai is the be all end all. Did you see A Gobert crash at an AMA race this year and land on his head after a brutal high side. If it fits good and is of good quality that is all that counts.

I had a HJC CL 12..and I thought it was pretty good, the IMPORTANT thing is to make sure it fits properly, they will loosen up a bit..that's when I got an Arai quantum, I will say the Arai, is more comfortable, and quiter..and yep, they are more $$$..

I liked my first HJC CL-12 so much, I bought second one. It's every bit as nice as the Shoei that it replaced, and cost almost $100 less. I can't compare it to an Arai because I've never owned one. It is a good helmet for the price.

I had a couple HJC's they were ok, but I then went to ARAI and I will never go with the budget helmet again. Remember this is your life you are paying for, go with the best when it comes to helmets its worth it. I would also suggest go and find out what fits you the best every head is different.

Zack

You only need one brand when it comes to helmets...ARAI!!! images/icons/wink.gif

I personally Love my ARai and wouldnt wear anything else. I dont think there is another helmet that can match the comfort ot ventalation system.

HJC doesnt compare when it comes to wind noise and comfortability. You can get a good shoei for a good price if you shop around. Check out www.brocktoncycle.com (http://www.brocktoncycle.com) they advertise in cycle world and have nice shoei helmets with killer graphics for $299. I checked out their site and the prices are good.

moving this to the Riding Gear/Apparel forum.

I own an HJC CL-12. If I were to do it again, I would of bought a Arai. I don't think there is gonna be too much difference in the crash protection between them. I am sure both would hold up well. However, the HJC feels a bit heavy after a couple of hours of riding and the ventilation is not all that great. My head also itches something fiece in hot weather. I would up and say the helmet is the single most important piece of gear that you shouldn't cheap out on. You can't ride all day in 90 plus degrees with a jacket, boots, gloves and pants. But when you put on the helmet, man your roasting. Buy a good helmet. Cough up the bucks now so you don't have to again later.

I found the best prices for helmets online to be the following:


www.helmetshop.com (http://www.helmetshop.com)

or


discountmotorcyclehelmet.com

They have the best prices...

Hey Norbert...I've got three Arai's and one Shoei. Which one do you think gets worn the least? Its funny, but the Arais just seem to fit me that much better than the shoei. I only bought the shoei because I loved the paint scheme so much....its the Blue and White Norrick Abe helmet...with the neon yellow stars...too bad it just isnt comfortable to me!

I you really want to feel comfortable in your helmet you need to get a Aria or a Shoei. I have had a HJC and a KBC helmet and all of my friends where telling me that I would be more comfortable in one. I did not belive them until I bought one and whent about 100 mph down the highway. No noise and it was cooler in the summer and did not let off heat in the winter. A helmet is one thing you get what you pay for. I would suggest a Shoei. You cand find them for a decent price.