Arai retained the top spot on J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study, sharing top honors with Icon.

The J.D. Power and Associates study measures the customers’ satisfaction with their helmets. Brands are scored on a 1,000-point scale generated from 11 different attributes: quietness; ventilation; de-fogging performance; face shield wind protection; face shield scratch resistance; ease of replacing face shield; shell scratch resistance; color and graphic; weight; ease of strap fastening; and fit and comfort.

Arai is back on top for the 13th consecutive time, tied with Icon with an overall score of 852, well above the industry average of 788 (a new record high in the study’s 13-year history). According to J.D. Power and Associates, Arai rated well across all 11 attributes, especially fit and comfort and face shield wind protection. Icon rated high in color and graphics. Shoei, which rated second in last year’s study, dropped to third this year despite increasing its rating and performing well in ease of shield replacement.

The study also found some other interesting trends. Customers are more likely to buy helmets over the Internet than ever before, with 23% of helmet owners purchasing their headgear online, compared to just 20% in 2010. The average helmet purchase price was $209 in 2010, a small increase from the industry average of $206, and the $203 average from 2007.

The Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study also re-affirmed data from J.D. Power and Associates’ latest Motorcycle Competitive Information Study: motorcycle riders are an aging demographic. The median age of a new helmet buyer is 48, a consistent increase from the 2000 study.

J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study
Brand	2011	2010	2009
Arai	852	836	830
Icon	852	826	806
Shoei	831	827	815
Harley-Davidson	800	815	790
Scorpion	800	785	782
Industry Average	788	784	766
Bell	781	777	722
Nolan	774	758	752
HJC	761	757	738
Fulmer	759	769	730

Press release after the jump.

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2010 JD Power helmet satisfaction study
Customer Satisfaction Down in 2010

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HJC’s best selling modular helmet, the IS-MAX, is now ready for Bluetooth.

The new IS-MAX BT features an integrated recess for the ChatterBox XBi2-H, which allows riders to stream an autoi signal from any source equipped with Bluetooth – mobile phone, MP3 player, GPS unit. According to HJC, XBi2-H also provides the ability for rider-to-rider communication with another helmet this is also equipped.

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The 2009 World Superbike Champion and 2010 MotoGP rookie, Ben Spies, was at the Indy Dealer Expo to sign autographs in the HJC booth.

Spies, who helped HJC develop the new FS-15 Air helmet, was one of the more popular attractions at the show.

HJC was showing off its new IS-15 Air helmet at the Dealer Expo. In fact, World Superbike Champion Ben Spies, who helped develop the helmet, was signing autographs at the HJC booth.

What’s unique about the IS-15 Air helmet is it uses an internal bladder to help provide a snug and comfortable fit. The system allows the rider to adjust the fit of the cheek pads by using the built-in pump. The result, at least according to HJC, is a personalized fit you won’t find in a typical helmet.

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