Product Review: HJC CL-15 Orbit Helmet

Unlike most of my peers, I don't think the price of a helmet has any correlation whatsoever as to how safe it is or how desirable. Does this make me a moron? Perhaps, but in my skewered way of thinking, all helmets sold in the US have to pass the same rigorous tests. And Snell and/or DOT tests are better than any European tests so when its time to buy a helmet I just look at what appeals to the demons my head then figure out of I can procure it..

Recently I was thumbing though one of the 2000 flyers we get in the mail each day and this HJC CL-15 Orbit Helmet caught my eye. It was last years model and at a unbelievable close-out price (from NewEnough.com) of $69.US + shipping. Retail was close to $150 earlier in the year. While it's obviously no Arai... the most comfortable helmets on earth (and some of the most expensive) I was/am thoroughly impressed with the inexpensive Orbit.

The graphics on the Orbit are as good as any I've seen. That's what caught my eye in the first place. It has the standard features.... side and rear vents that don't do much... removable/washable cheek pads and inner liner... tool-less shield install and removal... and even a slide locking mechanism to keep the shield locked down for track riding. On a scale from 1-10 on the "how quiet is it" scale.. I'd give the HJC CL-15 Orbit a solid 7.5. On the "how comfortable is it" scale.. I'd give it a 7.5. On the value scale... I'd give it a 10. For under $80. this helmet is a killer deal.

Barber News : Barber Motorsports Park To Expand in 2009!

George Barber said he plans to nearly double the size of his motorcycle museum and add a freakin' motocross track at his Barber Motorsports facility in Birmingham. George B, a dairy and real estate millionaire who built the current facility with 70 million of his own money, said ground would be broken in 2009 on the 100,000 square foot museum expansion which would allow them to display hundreds more motorcycles.

The existing museum space of 14,000-square feet allows for the display of only about 1/2 of Barber's 1200 bike collection.. widely regarded as one of the best collections in the world. I'm not kidding.. while I'm not a "museum" kinda guy.. the current museum rocks. If you walk through the doors, you'll be sucked in for at least a couple of hours.

The Barber Motorsport Park, (my favorite playground except for my wife's panties) has been operational for only 6 years now but has brought in over $370 million dollars to the local economy. If you've never been there.. you should consider it..

1. A lot of people, including myself, wanted a Laser HotCam in Carbon Fiber, but quickly learned that they don't offer one in CF for the K1200S or K1200R or R Sport.. only Titanium. When I asked Laser why they offer a CF version for other bikes, but not the K-series BMW's they just blew me off and said it was a heat issue. Well.. a customer of mine in Dubai thought their explanation was total BS so he bought a CF HotCam canister that was supposed to go on a Honda, bought a BMW mid-pipe and hanger bracket from us... installed it on his 2008 K1200S and he says it works perfectly!! He says he's had it on his bike over a month now with ambient temps reaching over 110 degrees and the pipe is looking and sounding great. Click image at right to see the Carbon Fiber Laser HotCam in all it's glory... See what you get with a little skepticism and determination?? Thx, Ziad.

2. Anyone who needs help with the installation of the full set of R&G Crash Protectors on their BMW K1200R..., check out this web site: http://jocke.selincite.com/bikes/rg-crashprotectors

3. Pack Parts of Germany now has some K1200S Fork Protectors on their menu .. called the Original Cup-Protectors. The exchangeable plastic protectors are mounted by aluminium adaptors near the calipers. The kit containes everything you need for installation, 1 kit contains both sides. Here's a larger image..

4. ZTechnik has a taller, wider K1200GT VStream windshield on the market. The new version is 2.5" taller than their first VStream and 1.5" wider. Part # is Z2453 and retail is $210.. about twenty dollars more than the first version. Here are the specs: Height: 25.75 in. (65.4cm); Width: 25.25 in. (64.1cm) According to their website verbiage.."It's the perfect shield for taller riders or those who want even greater wind protection."

5. If you are a K1200R or K1200R Sport owner and looking for a taller aftermarket windshield.. There is now at least one option out there...Check out these options from Laminar Products. Geezz.. Not the prettiest things, but at least it's something.. Looks like they are offering at least 2 versions for the Sport.. Clear and Smoke and one option for the K1200R. Price looks reasonable. .$84ea. Thx for the tip, Forrest.

6. Listen up rubber fetishists.. Have you been wanting rubber between your boots and your metal K1200S footpegs?? We just found out that the rubber covered front foot pegs that come stock on the R1200R fit perfectly on the K1200S...They look similar to the old K1200RS factory pegs...Thx, JoeS.

1. As I foretold in last months cheesy newsletter..our legendary Pirates Lair K1200S Plundering Tees went fast and alas.. they are all SOLD OUT.

2. I just dropped the price of the Two Brothers M-2 Aluminum slip-ons for the K1200S, K1200R, K1200R Sport, and K1200GT from $640 to $590 and that includes the P-1 sound diffuser... all included in the price..

3. We just re-added the Brake LED Kits from Gizmo Mill to our K1200RS product line. The Brake LED Light Kit is simply the best K1200RS tail light kit on the market! Yes.. a bold statement especially since I have seen and/or tried just about everything out there. Each is visually stunning, easy to install, and is as clean as it gets. We have these In Stock!

4. FYI. Here's a bone for you sissy twin guys..We just found out that our Pirates' Lair Stealth Radar Detector Mount will fit the 2007 BMW R1200R...

5. Speaking of sissy twins... You don't have to be a Nostradamus to see this one coming.. Yes.. I just bought a Ducati 1098... Yes.. after I prophetically pronounced to the world "Norwegian flying snow monkeys will fly out my ass before I buy another twin." .. Not only am I eating my words.. I actually love this bike and honestly feel like a long term relationship is in store for me and the Italian beauty. So.. can a Ducati 1098 Product section be far behind? Expect that to go live in the next month or so..

6. A while back we started selling Billet Gas Caps for BMWs..They are beeautiful!!. I have one on my bike..Very stylish.. Up until now we've only been importing them with a silver finish. As of 4/18 we have started selling them with an anodized Black finish... We have those In Stock. Same price as the silver version..

7. FJR1300 Stealth Backrest Update: OK.. the GOOD news is... Our machinists have completed the first few production pieces with the balance just a week or so out. These 3 sold in about 5 minutes... . the BAD news is..The material that we order from Sargent seats for the covers (which matches the factory Yamaha material) has been back-ordered since Feb. Sargent had enough material for our prototypes and the 3 and now they are out and waiting for the next shipment from Asia..

How-To-Survive On A Motorcycle

We have a new contribution this month.. WooHoo!! ?? Check out # 133 contributed by contributed by Dan Bamford of Canberra, Australia .!!! Thx mate!!

Could this tip save your life? Dare you NOT look?

If you'd like to help others by contributing a How-To-Survive on your Motorcycle, How to Survive Deals Gap, or any How-To link.. First... check out the tips we already have and if you have something new... just send to me and if it's worthy... I'll add it.. Remember.. we're all in this together.. so use deodorant.

BMW How-To Section

Our last contribution??...contributed by Sir Rich Edwards.. He documented his '07 K1200GT Oil Change in pictures. It's the first listing on the page. Thx, Rich.

Picture at right Courtesy of Sports Illustrated photographer Walter Iooss, Jr. / Model: Ms Melissa Haro