Here's the WiseGuy's motorcycle helmet reviews KBC VR1 Euro.It's a Race-Ready helmet for the REST of us! I'm going to be honest. . . This will probably NOT be the most objective motorcycle helmet review that you'll read about the VR-1. Why? Because the VR-1 Euro is my personal helmet now and I've got to tell you. . . I LOVE IT! :-) Manufacturer: KBC (Headquarters in Burbank CA, and the UK) Designation: KBC VR-1 Euro (Part of KBC's "Raceware" series)
Available Colors / Graphics:The 2003 colors were carried over for 2004. Black Chrome Blue/Blue Chrome/Blue Green/Black Red/Black Silver/Black White/Blue Yellow/Black Combat Green - NEW FOR 2004 It's also available in these solid colors: Black, Blue, Dark and Light Silver, Red, White, Yellow. Made in: Korea Suggested Retail: Euro Graphics: $229, Solids: $199 Black Chrome: $250 Street Price: The '03/'04 Graphics are currently on closeout and you can get a VR-1 for around $135 including shipping if you know where to look. Available accessories: Replacement visors in Blue, Blue Metallic, Dark Smoke, Light Smoke, Mirror, Red/Orange and Yellow. Street prices range from $25 to $45 depending on color. 
Pros: Lightweight Very comfortable Tool-Free Super Exquick visor system Cool visor colors available Very well thought out design (i.e. unique shell shape!) Removable liner system Cheekpads can be interchanged for a custom fit I've also found that it's a good cold weather helmet since the visor fits nice and tight to keep out drafts. Cons: 
Right out of the box, I was impressed. The helmet bag is a nice, thick cover with a suede-like lining that is serious protection, unlike the see-thru bags that are included with some helmets.
The next thing I noticed was the weight. . . Very light. Just under three and a half pounds on my scale. That puts it in a class with the most expensive race ready helmets. My VR-1 fits like it was custom made. There's a note here though. I used to wear a size medium in most helmets that I tried on, but I had to go with a Large in the KBC.
That's something you might keep in mind especially if you plan to order your VR-1 Euro online. The neat thing with this lid is that the cheekpads can be interchanged if you need an even more custom fit. The cheekpads are only available with the replacement liner kit though.
I like to wear a full face helmet largely for the noise reduction (I still wear earplugs on trips). The KBC VR-1 fits very snug all the way around the bottom which makes for a tight seal. I suspect that there will be some fogging in cool weather, but so far it hasn't been a problem. There's a breath deflector which is sized just about right to do its job without impairing vision. The "Savoire Suede" liner is soft and comfortable even if you don't wear a helmet liner. It seems to pull moisture very well. I'm not worried about having a smelly helmet, though since the liner is removable and washable. In the top there are mesh panels that let the airflow get at the top of your noggin. Speaking of airflow. . .it's about like other helmets I've worn. You really can't tell there's much going on when it's warm. I CAN fell a good bit of air being pulled across my scalp on the few cool mornings that I've ridden to work.
Visibility is wonderful. . . I can use practically all of my peripheral vision and the visor offers absolutely no distortion. Since there are no side plates, this further reduces wind noise. I mentioned the visor change system in the "Pros" above, but it's worth mentioning again. I can change the visor on my VR-1 in less than a minute with NO TOOLS. The best way I've found to do it is this: Visor Removal: Visor Installation: That sounds more difficult than it is. Once you've done it a couple of times, it's a breeze! KBC definately packed in a lot of helmet for the price with the VR-1. WiseGuy's final rating? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
If you are an outspoken owner of a VR-1 Euro, contact us, and let us know how you like your VR-1. We'd love to share your comments with our other readers. "I purchased the KBC VR1 combat helmet purely for it's unique look and styling, only to discover It has more to offer than first anticipated. Apart from it's attractive price tag, It offers in my opinion, one of the best visor-change-over-systems on the market today! So quick and easy!! The KBC VR1 also one of the most comfortable, well fitted and lightest helmets around offering a removable/washable liner which you almost only find in the high-end, highly priced helmet range. This is a great advantage as most times my lid does get quite smelly after awhile. Airflow is great with well designed ventilation. The visor is solid and secure with smooth adjustability, unlike my $600 Soumy which has popped off once or twice due to bad design of side-pod fixtures. The Unique Combat design has drawn a lot of attention with other riders. I get a lot of great comments like "...how aggressive it looks on the road" and "...where can I get one!". I love it!! After crashing my bike at a track day not so long ago, the KBC VR1 did it's job in protecting my head and stood up well with minimal damage, which has lead me to purchase another one. Dealing with Brett has been the best online, purchasing experience I have had to date. Communication is second to none! Delivery time is unbelievable and I am always happy with his quick replies! I will always rate him highly to anyone and look forward to doing business with him once again! Jason Downs, Melbourne, Australia. (August 2004)
"Hi Wiseguy, I read your review of the VR-1 and I wholeheartedly agree it's a great helmet. I went to my local Cycle shop and fell in love with the very things that you described in your review. It didn't matter which one of the other helmets I tried on ( HJC, Fuller, Bieffe, Shoei) I kept coming back to the VR-1 it just made me feel confident that it would do a good job and just felt the best on my head." "Brett -
Congratulations! If you've read this far you are much better prepared to make your VR-1 buying decision. If you're ready to get the best deal on a VR-1, Click Here. You can also check out the helmet sources on our motorcycle helmet page.
Check the WiseGuy's current eBay auctions Home >> Motorcycle Helmets >> KBC VR-1 Review Link.::.Contact
Us |Copyright © 2004| Privacy.::.Subscribe
|
The scoops on top of the helmet are designed to draw air across the top of the helmet and as it does, pull heat out the top. There are two small levers at the back of the scoops which open and close the vent holes. These work very smoothly as does the chin vent.
