Good matching helmet and jacket

[ptroy]

Alright so i got my 2001 Zx6R. It is yellow metallic and the dark purple which is pretty much black in appearance. Anyone know where I can find a decent matching helmet for around 200 and a jacket for at most 300?

Any suggestions

[85NINJA600R]

Icon Merc Hero Jacket (leather) MSRP is $370, but shop around. You could get it for under $300.


Icon Team Merc Jacket (textile-cooler than leather, but as protective) You could find this jacket for as low as $100.


Icon Halo Helmet MSRO is like $160, but you can find it cheaper.


Shop around and go try stuff on at local shops before you buy. Good luck.

[ptroy]

hey thanks for the advice I will go try on some jackets and helmets at the local bike shops now that I have some direction. Thanks a bunch 85NINJA600R

[85NINJA600R]

Originally Posted by ptroy

hey thanks for the advice I will go try on some jackets and helmets at the local bike shops now that I have some direction. Thanks a bunch 85NINJA600R

No prob man...here's a long, but good guide you should read before you buy yourself a helmet.

1. Do NOT look at prices first. Fit is most important. If Arai (generally the most expensive) fits, then that will provide the BEST protection, if an HJC (generally a less expensive make) fits, then THAT will provide the best protection. For this ‘fit test’ do not buckle the helmet. If you wear glasses, or sunglasses while riding, don’t forget to bring them along for the fit test. Note: At a helmet seminar offered by Arai, those in attendance learned that about 60% were wearing helmets too BIG for best protection. Recently, I learned that I've evidently been wearing a helmet THREE sizes too big, while shopping to replace my "crashed in" Arai helmet. For fit-trying helmets, a 'doo-rag' or Sliks helmet liner, etc. is VERY helpful, especially if you've got multiple piercings or thick hair, etc.

2. Choose a size that looks close (you gotta start somewhere). Pull it on over your head by holding the straps. It should go on with a bit of work, but NOT so tough it feels like your ears are being scraped off your skull. If it goes on with no effort, try the next size DOWN. Tilting your chin slightly down should ease neck strain in doing this.

3. Flip up the face shield. (If trying a helmet with flip up chin bar, ONLY flip up the face shield.) Now, move the helmet around on your head. Have someone watch your face or look in a mirror while you do this. Your scalp and eyebrows should move around with the helmet padding. If it doesn’t, try the next size down OR a different make of helmet and repeat from #2. If your scalp does move, close your eyes and think about how the padding feels around the crown of your head. You should feel EVEN pressure all around, like a good firm handshake - no ‘hot points’ at forehead or ears.
Some helmets give a sort of "chipmunk cheek" feeling. Remember, the padding will compress with wear, so snugness is good in a new helmet, rather than a ‘just right’ fit, or it will become too loose with wear. Some helmet manufacturers offer thinner cheek padding if this is your main concern. (If you feel a hot point at forehead, you probably have an ‘oval profile’ head and should try one of the Arai models.)

4. Now tilt your chin down to your chest (still unbuckled), then take one hand and push UP on the bottom of the back of the helmet. You should NOT be able to push the helmet off, or even nearly off. If you can, then try another make helmet - "flip face" helmets are more likely to fail this step, which should not be disregarded. (If the chin strap fails, or you forget to buckle... )

5. Once you’ve gotten to this point, wear the helmet around the shop for at LEAST 5 to 10 minutes. This is where using a full service shop is worth it. They should encourage you to wear the helmet for some time before buying. You don’t want to find out after you plunk down $$, that the helmet you thought fit is agony to wear for more than 30 minutes. If you are indecisive about two different helmets, make sure you WEAR the 'most likely candidate' last, before purchase. If this feels like it. Buy it. Don't forget to get the box and accompanying enclosures as well. THEN, take the new helmet home and wear it while watching TV or 'surfing the net' for an hour or two... it can be tough to really get used to the fit, when somebody is staring at you (don't think about pink elephants right now), so wearing it while distracted is probably the best way to make sure the fit is right. If you have fit "issues" after this last at home test, RETURN the helmet. A reputable shop should have no issues with this.

Other NOTES:
A) Helmets should be retired/replaced EVERY five years, or at a maximum of seven years from date of manufacture (month/year usually imprinted on chinstrap or on label inside). When buying a 'clearance' helmet, the low price is often because the helmet is already 2-3 years old. No way to tell how well or poorly a helmet has been stored. One reason ARAI no longer allows ANY retail helmet sales online, or by discounters. Arai now insists that their helmets be FIT to the wearer. This must be done in an authorized shop.
B) No matter how well taken care of, a helmet that has been dropped should be replaced. A helmet that has been in a crash MUST be replaced, for your safety (your insurer may cover replacement of your helmet and/or other safety gear).
C) Always make sure you have a clear face shield (visor) available for your helmet. Carry one in your tank bag. It is dangerous to ride in low-light conditions with even the lightest tint visor. Be prepared in case light conditions change or you find yourself out longer than planned.
D) NEVERNEVEVERNEVER use RainX, Windex or other 'for glass' products on your visor. DO NOT use any paper product to clean your visor. RainX and Windex contain amonia which will cause the visor to become brittle. Yellowing will also occur, but this will take longer than you're likely to own the helmet. Paper products will cause microscratches which affect the clarity of your visor quickly. Auto detail rags are perfect for this.

[southjersey636]

Helmet wise check with a company called Scorpion as they make very good helmets for under $200.

Gear wise if you live where its hot at, you might wanna invest in two jackets, one for summer that would be mesh-textile and then for the cold leather.

Icon makes good gear, check with them, also Fox Racing which is known with dirtbikes etc.. has a company called Shift that makes good gear also thats not gonna put a dent in your wallet.

Make sure with your jackets that it doesnt move around much and should be kinda tight, as if its baggy it will flap around alot, especially if its textile and doesnt weigh much like leather.

[ptroy]

thanks for all the info guys, I went to a local dealer and they had Icon stuff on sale. I got the mainframe helmet for 210 with tax and the icon merc hero leather jacket for 291 with tax.

[gatorplaya]

Okay I found a helmet, but do anyone know where I can find a jacket to match my green and black Kawasaki zx6r...2002. Right now I have an all black, but i wanna look cool and match the helmet, jacket and bike.....

[southjersey636]

cant go wrong with Icon Leather Jackets, I own the Daytona and love it.