Have you guys heard of these brands: RS Taichi, AXO, Corsa, HJC and Spidi? A local motorcycle shop sells these lines, and they cost a fair bit, but I have never heard of them, and don't want to get ripped off on crappy gear. I know HJC makes helmets, but are they any good. If there is one thing I won't skimp on, it's a helmet, however they are reasonably priced which makes them appealing.
HJC is pretty good from what i hear, but i don't have too much background with them. I use an arai (and highly recommend it) and a nolan. what type of helmet are you looking to get? full face, or open?
i've heard of most if not all of those brands, but that's not wildly helpful, imo. you want specific feedback on the specific items you're lookin' at. check out the "gear" sections of many of the m'cycle boards, eg: http://forums.sportbikes.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=21 doody.
RStaichi, and Spidi are top shelf. HJC is good quality but not real high tech. Good value though (I have owned 2) The others I am not very familiar with. I hope this helps a little. What kind of bike do you have?
My other personal experience. Dainese Jacket and gloves-very good,crashed twice and still rock solid. Joe Rocket full leathers-very nice comfy and appear to be well made. Not crash tested. (knock wood) Alpinestar gloves- nice looking but I blew a hole in the palm racing shifter type go carts. They were only worn twice before and one afternoon of go carts destroyed them. Shark helmet-very nice crashed one and it held up so well that I bought another. Good value for the fit and finish and features. A little hard to find. * These are just my opinions some people may disagree. Good Luck
Those brands are on the higher part on the middle of the road, IMO. FWIW, I bought an Icon Motorhead leather jacket, Icon gloves, and a Suomy Spec-1R Extreme helmet. But I have learned that everybody has their own favorites for their own reasons. Dave
I consider HJC to be a "middle of the road" brand. Ok, not bad, not great either. If you are looking at their helmets, spend the extra and pick up an Arai. How much is your appearance or your ability to think worth to you? Don't skimp on a helmet. While some may offer equal protection to another, comfort, fit and ventilation are all huge factors. If the helmet isn't very comfortable, or if its really noisy at speed, or the ventilation is just "ok", then you are less likely to wear it. You'll be more likely to rationalize reasons to leave it off. "I'm just going a few miles to a friends house." If you get cut off at 30 MPH and face plant... guess what? I love my Arai! I sold the HJC spare helmet I had.
Thanks guys! I wasnt sure if he was trying to sell my schwag or if it was just obscure enthusiast brands. Coming from the Japanese car scene(my tastes have moved upwards), I know there are alot of little known brands that make some VERY good parts but have 0 reputation, but are favoured by elitist badge snob whores like myself, and just as many two-bit Made In China brands. If I'm buying life saving gear, you can guess which I'll go for. For a helmet I've decided between an Arai or Shoei. Depends on price and what fits my head better. Would you guys reccomend a textile jacket or a leather? I like the look of a leather (textiles remind me of my ski jackets circa 5th grade) but I'd imagine a leather would be stifling hot in the 90+ degree summer. Also how good are the "motorcycle jeans" with built in armour/knee sliders. Wearing leather pants in general is not my idea of fun. I'll leave that to Robert Plant and Mick jagger. How are KBC Helmets?
$$$$ maybe one day... for now, i'm thinking i might pick up an AGV Sport 2 piece here pretty soon, maybe for christmas. i've heard alot of good things about that brand
HJC is a pretty good helmet for the price. SNELL and DOT approved. I use a Shoei, but have looked at an Arai when I get another bike. My old rommate races CMRA and uses a HJC helmet. He's been down with it and it held up great. Spidi are some of the best boots you can buy. Also look at Alpinestars. For a jacket or leathers, I'd buy a Dainese suit or jacket if money wasn't a problem. MotoGP also has a roo suit out that is really light, but I've heard mixed reviews about its durability in high speed crashes. Alpinestars is another good suit to look at if you must buy an off the shelf suit. If you have the money to spend, look at a custom made leather suit. I have a Joe Rocket jacket that held up great in my 50mph lowside about a year ago (damn gravel in the middle of a turn).
Like you said, everybody has their own tastes. I feel like Icon gear is marketed toward the stunter crowd and is for style instead of protection. I've seen people at local meets wear Icon jackets and they appear to be really loose. But the gloves with the titanium they sell look to be pretty effective.
I have seen my fair share of Icon gear on the local crotch-rocket guys, but, when trying on the Icon and a Joe Rocket back to back, their armor and fit seemed identical to me. It really came down to liking the look of the Icon better. I didn't get the Ti gloves, but settled on the Carbon fiber knuckled ones. Dave
If you're looking for a helmet, get the Arai Kevlar Replica helmet. A little costly (your dealer won't have them in stock, will have to order them special), but the best protection you can buy. I've got one, got it from Hooper, painted in the Red Bull colors. Haven't crash tested, and hopefully won't. Art
They are not that expensive if you shop and are willing to make conscessions. I got my jacket for about $350 and the gloves were $100. I got them on close out. AGV makes some good stuff but it is usually at the higher end of their line. If you look for sales you can make out pretty well. I like to go to the Motorcycle show in Cleveland on Sunday and low ball offer cash for stuff. They will sell it to you just so they don't have to take it back with them. I know, I am as cheap as they come.
Is anyone going to the Toronto motorcycle show? Ive never been, wanted to check out the cycles in depth, look at some gear etc. How does it rate?
i raced w/ ku****ani leathers, arai helmet, and frey daytona boots. crashed my azz off many times and never left any skin on the road. bought a new set of ku****anis 2 years ago because they remain the best and i just wanted to treat myself to a new pair!
