Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Ok boys and girls, Ladies and Gentlemen and Neka.

I'm looking at getting a new helmet this week and was all settled on the KBC VR-2 Assassin, I went though the dealers and guess what.......here in tiny tiny little Adelaide, theres not a single Size L and the best bit is they are happy to take my money now and I can have the 12-14 week wait for the helmet to arrive.

So I've broadened my search a bit and I am quite seriously looking at a Nitro NV-510. The original price for this lid was $399.00, but I can get it (and a blue iridium visor) for $236.00.

So what I'm after is opinions from those who may have tried/owned them....or for that matter anyone who just wants to add their 2c worth.

So roll up, roll up, and let me know what you think.

Arai

My mate at work has a Nitro N900V, he reckons it is the noisiest helmet he has ever used, but he got it anyway 'cause it was cheap.

If your budget can be stretched out, mate, take the plunge and get a better lid. It will pay off in the long run.........you can take your pick from Arai / Shoei / AGV. Even their 'budget' models are a better bet than the best of the cheaper brands........

Only exception I would make is HJC - I got the missus a HJC FG10 some years ago, it has been a good lid, reasonably quite and well-fitting, and the liner / straps etc, have not worn badly at all.

Good luck, helmet hunting can become very onerous.....

the assasin is very nice, and will match your bike nicely.

I think there having a lend of you if they reckon the nitro nv510 is $399 retail. I have a Nitro N1000V and the retail of that was $350 ish and its the top of the line nitro. I got mine for $320 with a tinted visor.
It isn't any noisier than my previous agv x vent and the aerodynamics and vents work much better.
Only 2 complaints, my son thinks I look like a power ranger with it on and the visor pops up at high speed if you look around (only happened on the track but it gave me the shits)..

dont get a nitro

its crap noisy not comfy hard


ok i know have a HJC and i love it so comfy not noicy

kellz wrote:not noicy

My HJC was shite.

By a BMW helmet. They look crap, but they are quiet and comfy. Actually, I wouldn't buy one. If you can get one for free, then get one.

Anyone ever had a Suomy? They've got some nice looking designs.

I am a firm believer in spending more than I can afford on Helmets. Having decked myself a err... uhummm few times, I rely on them to save what little brains I have left!

With that in mind my best advice is to Look at the big 3.

1. Arai- IMO, an exceptional lid. I have destroy three and never had a concussion, they wear well and are very comfy. The visors wear really well and are easy and simple to operate. If you are budget concious hunt around for a shop who is running them out, and maybe settle for a plain colour rather than a graphic.

2. Shoei- Next best on the Market. My wife wears Shoei, and fits her very well. Quality is as good as Arai.

3. AGV- I can't wear em as they don't fit my head, but they are a good quality lid.

The remainder on the market are all OK, s they have to pass the same standards, I just find for longevity, the above threee are second to none. HTH

kellz wrote:dont get a nitro

its crap noisy not comfy hard


ok i know have a HJC and i love it so comfy not noicy

It must be your head, my Nitro is fine...

Unless you bought the cheaper model Nitro of course........

Thanks so far guys and gals,
Gos; I've had Shoei's and AGV's and still have an AXO, I find the $350.00 KBC VR-1 I had (still have but won't use cause it fell off the bike and has a big arsed chip in it) to be not only the best value for money but also best performing Helmet i have owned to date.

Kellz; my current lid is a HJC FG-14.....I wouldn't have one again if it was given to me......both mine and Greeny's are less than a year old and the foam has colaspsed, the vinyl on the bottom has cracked and peeled, the visor opens at speed....not happy.

chameleon; I don't have an Arai head...they just don't fit.

aardvark wrote:
Anyone ever had a Suomy? They've got some nice looking designs.

Never owned one, because I can't find one that will fit me properly! they have a weird shaped shell that pinches my forehead after a few minutes. But they look OK? Don't think they are as good as an Agv though. And not a patch on Arai or Shoei quality.

Do NOT buy a NITRO please please

or a HJC..

must be my ehad i hated my nitro was only the cheapo one.


well so far so good with my HJC

but then again my so many different shapes and styles etc

beccause no 2 peoples heads are identicle and some suit others more then some...

tanyathecheeky wrote:Do NOT buy a NITRO please please

or a HJC..

What would you suggest then Tan?

Just have to try on whats available to see what your head fits into, i have a shoei head but tried on a arai just in case and that didnt work I can also use cheapie agvs but they fall apart in six months.

try everything in your pricerange and go from there i was more interested in ventilation and fit than price when i went shopping and went to a fair few shops.

Miss cheeky got the sale though.