Here's the WiseGuy's motorcycle helmet reviews KBC VR1 Euro

Note: You're in the archives. This helmet is no longer readily available, but fortunately has been replaced by the KBC VR-1X . Here's my original review. Do you own the VR-1X? Then consider submitting your own review.

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! :-)

No, it's not perfect, and I'll do my best to give you the good and the not so good (I haven't found any bad stuff yet).

If the KBC VR-1 is on your list of candidates for YOUR next motorcycle helmet, read on so that you can make a better buying decision.

Let's start with the specifications.

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 / Black
• Yellow / Black
• Combat Green (Introduced in 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:

• Airflow is only marginal
• There's a snap to hold the excess chinstrap which is a great idea, but it's almost under the cheekpad and is virtually useless on my helmet

VR-1 Euro Review

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.

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.

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:

Note: KBC has incorporated this same visor/ratchet system in the new KBC VR-1X so these same instructions will apply.

Visor Removal:

1. Find a soft landing spot for the visor being removed in case you drop it (carpeted floor or a soft towel on a table, etc. . .ask me how I know :-)
2. Hold the helmet in your lap and raise the visor to its wide-open position.
3. With your index fingers, depress the spring loaded keepers on each side.
4. With your thumbs, push the visor up further until the tab on the visor clears the keeper. If you do this right, the shield won't release all at once and fall to the floor (or ground).

Visor Installation:

1. Put the helmet in your lap so that you're looking through the face opening.
2. Line up the tab on each side of the shield with the round track on each side of the helmet. This has to be done with the shield up.
3. Put pressure on the sides of the shield while rotating it down until the tab comes in contact with the spring loaded keeper.
4. Now depress the keepers with your index fingers, keep pressure on the shield with your thumbs and push down on the center of the visor with your chin until it the tabs on each side clears the keepers.

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!

You can read VR-1 reviews from other readers here.

And that's how it wrapped up! I haven't had the chance to try out the new KBC VR-1X , but if you have feel free to let me know what you think about it.