AGV Trade-In Deal

AGV has announced a deal on a new helmet. Trad in your old stinky helmet for a fresh new one!
-april
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"Trade in your past: start fresh with a new AGV helmet!"

From May 1st to June 15th 2011 you can make a clean break with the past. Trade in your old helmet and receive a 20% discount on your new AGV helmet.

 

Every motorcyclists in the USA can trade in their old helmet of any brand, for 20% off on the purchase of a new AGV helmet, from May 1st to June the 15. This promotion is available to the public at all participating dealers.

Our goal with this "Trade In" program is to emphasize safety and awareness, an important matter and concern for all motorcyclists, that is always at the top of AGV's priorities and daily operations

 

Restrictions

 Promotion is available only at participating dealers and on selected helmets only.
Dealer must collect the chinstrap of every old helmet traded in for the purchase of a new AGV helmet (one chinstrap = one new AGV helmet purchased).

Check the AGV Dealer Locator to contact your store.
To participate to the promotion through www.agv.com, please send a picture of your old helmet you want to trade in to agv@dainese.com and you will get a 20% promotional code to use for your online purchase at www.agv.com (helmets under the "Hot Deals" category are not part of the promotion).
Promotion available in USA only.

Vespa USA Helmet Promo

Vespa USA announced a new promotion: a free helmet promotion (valued at $377) for anyone who purchases a new Piaggio or Vespa scooter from now until April 30. See your local dealer for more info.

Also announced is the “Vespa Helmets are for Everything” Facebook Photo Contest:·        

• The contest, hosted on http://facebook.com/VespaUSA invites fans to upload a creative photo showing how they use their helmet when not riding.
• Throughout the duration of the contest, one lucky fan per week will have his/her photo featured on Facebook as a downloadable trading card and will receive a free Vespa helmet and a Vespa bag o’ fun!

 I made trading cards out of local scooterists a long time ago. Such an amount of effort, I abandoned the project, but I'd like to see what Vespa has cooked up for this promotion.

Arai Takes J.D. Power Honors Again

According to a new press release out today, Arai is a top dog of the helmet satisfaction survey again:

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Highly Satisfied Motorcycle Helmet Owners Are Notably More Likely to Repurchase the Same Helmet Brand

Arai Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Motorcycle Helmets for a 12th Consecutive Year

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 20 May 2010 — Highly satisfied motorcycle helmet owners are approximately 10 times more likely to repurchase the same helmet brand, compared with owners with lower levels of satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction StudySM released today.

The study finds that brand loyalty is tied directly to owner satisfaction, as 41 percent of highly satisfied motorcycle helmet owners (satisfaction scores averaging higher than 900 on a 1,000-point scale) indicate they “definitely will” repurchase the same brand. Conversely, only a small percentage (4%) of helmet owners who are dissatisfied (satisfaction scores averaging lower than 550) say the same.

“As new-motorcycle sales have declined considerably during the past few years, the market for motorcycle helmets has also dwindled,” said Todd Markusic, senior director of the powersports practice at
J.D. Power and Associates. “As a result, it’s more important than ever for motorcycle helmet manufacturers to ensure their current customers are highly satisfied, increasing the likelihood that they’ll return to the brand the next time they are in the market for a new helmet. Since owners typically replace their helmets every three to four years, fostering customer loyalty may bring substantial benefit to the bottom line for manufacturers.”

Regardless of the actual price paid for a new helmet, motorcycle owners who are highly satisfied with their helmet also say they believe they received a great value. Overall, 57 percent of highly satisfied helmet owners rate the value for the price they paid as “outstanding,” while only 4 percent of those with low satisfaction indicate the same.

“In addition, satisfaction levels tend to rise as the price of the helmet increases,” said Markusic. “Quite simply, motorcycle helmets appear to be a product where you truly get what you pay for, in terms of comfort and fit.”

The study measures overall satisfaction of motorcyclists with their new helmet in three key factors: ventilation, face shield, and design and styling. These three factors are comprised of 11 attributes: quietness; ventilation/air flow; de-fogging performance; face shield ability to keep wind out; face shield ability to resist scratching; ease of replacing face shield; scratch resistance of shell; color/graphic design; weight; ease of fastening the strap; and fit and comfort.

Arai ranks highest in customer satisfaction for a 12th consecutive year with a score of 836 and performs particularly well across nearly all measures. Shoei follows in the rankings with 827, while Icon ranks third with 826.

Overall industry satisfaction averages 784 in 2010, up 18 points from 2009—the highest level since the study’s inception in 1999. This improvement in satisfaction is driven mainly by increases in satisfaction with ventilation/air flow; fit and comfort; color/graphic design; and scratch resistance of shell. Harley-Davidson has improved considerably, up 25 points from 2009, because of increases in satisfaction with ventilation/air flow; fit and comfort; and color/graphic design. Despite ranking below the industry average, Bell and Fulmer also improved notably—up 55 points and 39 points, respectively, from 2009.

The 2010 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 4,800 purchasers of new 2009 model-year motorcycles who provided information about their most recent helmet purchase experience and helmet use. The study was fielded August through October 2009.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a global information and education company providing knowledge, insights and analysis in the financial, education and business information sectors through leading brands including Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, Platts, and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2009 were $5.95 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/. 

Tod Fancy Helmets

If you feel that you got too good a deal on your scooter, perhaps you will consider diverting the extra savings on a fancy-pants helmet from Tod. These helmets, originally posted on JustLuxe.com, cost $1,000. Hand-made with high-end ingredients, the helmet could possibly cost more than a year's worth of gas.

Bell Sports Helmets Lambretta Animation

I was looking up some info on Bell Helmets and noticed that they have an animation of a guy riding a Lambretta. Cool! There are several Flash animations, of which this is one.

Karl Lagerfeld Scooter Helmets

I once got the hard-sell from a helmet manufacturer who told me that it was important that the vents and ornamentation on the outside of a helmet easily be removed, so that when in a crash, the pieces would fly off rather than create a bump that the helmet could catch on. So when I saw this helmet from Karl Lagerfeld I wondered what the "slidability" was on that thing. Nevermind that it is hideous. I think it might also be dangerous. Oh, and dangerous to your wallet: "Find them at Colette in Paris, of course, and at other specialty retailers, for just $1,805 to $6,837." According to New York Magazine. Thanks to Nancy for sharing!

Arai takes JD Power Survey Again

The J.D. Power helmet satisfaction survey is available for 2009. Press release below.
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Helmet Owners Increasingly Likely to Purchase Online

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 26 May 2009 — Arai ranks highest in satisfying motorcycle helmet owners for an 11th consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction StudySM released today.

The study measures the overall satisfaction of motorcyclists with their new helmet in three key factors: ventilation, face shield, and design and styling; which consist of 11 attributes: quietness; ventilation/air flow; de-fogging; face shield ability to keep wind out; face shield ability to resist scratching; ease of replacing face shield; scratch resistance of shell; color/graphic design; weight; ease of fastening the strap; and fit and comfort.

With a score of 830 on a 1,000-point scale, Arai ranks highest and performs particularly well in the ventilation and design and styling factors. Shoei follows with a score of 815 and performs well in face shield. Icon ranks third overall with a score of 806.

“Arai continues to improve in the areas critical to customer satisfaction, which has further differentiated it from other manufacturers,” said Tim Fox, research manager of the powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Arai’s focus on fit and comfort—the most important consideration when purchasing a motorcycle helmet—and its ability to cater to different types of riders have given the manufacturer a consistent edge in satisfying customers.”

Overall satisfaction with motorcycle helmets has increased to an average of 766 in 2009—up 5 points from 2008—the highest level since the study’s inception in 1999.

The study finds that while the percentage of helmet owners who conducted research online before buying has remained relatively steady from 2008 at 36 percent, the proportion of helmet owners who purchased their helmet online has increased—up to 17 percent in 2009 from 14 percent in 2008. Additionally, those who purchased more expensive helmets ($200 or more) are more likely to both research and purchase their helmet online. More than one-half of these helmet owners researched online prior to their purchase, and 22 percent of them made their purchase online.

The 2009 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 4,600 purchasers of new 2008 model-year motorcycles who provided information about their most recent helmet purchase experience and helmet use. The study was fielded in September and October 2008.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

Amazon's new motorcycle shop...and an update

Apologies for my absence from blogging. I got back from Vegas and them promptly developed a terrible cold that involved two days of fever, lots of coughing and me laying in bed while my housemates had a party at our house. When I miss a party, you know I must be sick!

So, I'm back and ready to tackle more scootin' news. One example is Amazon.com's new Motorcycle and ATV store. Looks like the identified another place where they weren't stomping the competition. Most of the products are sold by other vendors, so let's hope that these retailers are getting the benefit of Amazon's name while still maintaining their own business. As with all Internet purchases, do your homework. I prefer to buy locally, but some local retailers just don't carry the items that I need.

Blog Entry Soundtrack: "This Town Isn't Big Enough for Both of Us" by Sparks

Of Helmets and the Ill-Informed

Well, I think I'm being generous when I say Ill-informed. Many people that don't wear helmets where they are required are just ignorant or just don't care. I came across this news item in the Gloucester Times:

Police have made good on their promise to more strictly enforce laws governing motorized scooters.

On Thursday evening, officers pulled over a man who was wearing a hockey helmet instead of the required motorcycle helmet while riding a scooter on Washington Street. And when they found he had a suspended driver's license, they arrested him.

Antonino Lafata Jr., 25, of 68 Centennial Ave., Gloucester, was arrested at 5:16 p.m. by Patrolman Kevin Mackey.

Earlier this week, police announced that they would be cracking down on people driving the motorized scooters illegally. To drive one, a person must have a valid license or a learner's permit. They must also wear the same type of helmets required by motorcycle riders.

A hockey mask? Maybe street hockey is a problem with high flying errant pucks in the street. Maybe he just thought he'd sneak by any cops.

A couple of years ago, I saw something that got my blood boiling. A guy and girl were riding two-up on a 50cc Honda Metropolitan (or some clone). The Girl was sitting in front of the man. between the man's legs. He was driving. She was drinking a fountain soda with a straw. They were both wearing bicycle helmets, shorts, t-shirts and sandals. OMG! Can you image what could happen if a squirrel darted in front of them, or a car pulled into their lane? I can imagine him grabbing the brakes, she trying to grab the handlebars to steady herself (one-handed no less!) and maybe even that straw poking her in an unprotected eye.

Maybe I'm becoming an old lady, because my first thought was, "Where are the cops?". I was at an opposing signal light & couldn't get near them to give them some advice (other than, "Are you two idiots?")so they rode off in their bliss as new scooter riders...


I recently had dinner with a friend of a relative. She has a fancy Vespa that she bought a few years ago and was asking me where she could find the matching helmet for the bike. I asked her if it was the 3/4 helmet that Vespa sold. That was exactly what she was looking for. I told her that other than the dealer I had no idea since her bike was as limited edition color. But I also added that I would never wear one of those helmets as I only wear full-face. I mentioned that my accident would have been much worse i I had not been wearing a full-face.
"You've been in an accident?" she looked worried.
I told her about my accident and how falling at 25mph can really screw up your day (and month!). Later in our general conversation when she asked about the magazine in general I mentioned that we had some tough times after Josh's accident. "Accident?" she said, "I dunno if I want to ride my scooter anymore..." she laughed uneasily.

The point is that hearing of two accidents made her reconsider riding. My question is, "You've never heard of people getting into scooter accidents?"To try and calm her, I said that in 13 years of riding I had only had one accident (I didn't mention the few that Josh had been in) and in that same time had 3 minor car accidents. She didn't seem comforted.

Even in states with no motorcycle law, I wear a full face helmet. It is my preference. Not that I don't wish I could take it off when it is 100-degrees. But I am now using a Nolan flip-up helmet that I can open at stop lights to get some relief.

Have you seen any crazy helmet substitutes out there? I almost forgot that I have seen horse-riding heats/helmets and jet fighter pilot helmets. Anyone else wearing a football helmet (like Jack Nicholson in Easy Rider), maybe a wrestling helmet?

Reminder: Wear a Helmet

I often see article about scooterists being seriously hurt in crashes. Most of these articles I find through internet searches. I follow the link from the 2-sentence lead to find out if the article cites what type of gear the scooterist was wearing. Here is a recent one from the Arizona Republic:

2 injured in scooter crash

Zach Fowle
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 21, 2008 10:09 AM
A man and a woman suffered serious head injuries Thursday when a car collided with their scooter.

Charles Herin, 49, and Christine Flores, 42, were riding a scooter near 15th Avenue and Highland Road when a driver of a Volkswagen sedan failed to yield and crashed into them Thursday afternoon.

Herin is in serious condition and Flores is in critical condition. Neither was wearing a helmet, police said.

Those type of articles burn me up. Nothing about the reporting; everything about the stupidity of someone who doesn't take the most simple form of protection to heart: wear a helmet.

So, it sounds as if the accident was the car driver's fault. Even if the scooterists were practicing the best driving techniques, they couldn't help it if there was another person who is careless, stupid, clueless or just a terrible driver. Wearing a helmet and protective gear give you a chance. Not wearing a helmet puts you at a disadvantage.

Samuel looks cute in doggie helmet

When we got these helmets to test for the magazine, we found that dogs with ears that stuck up or protruded just wouldn't work. I needed to find a round, smooth head with flopping ears. Enter my mom's dog, Samuel.

He's a very distinguished smooth-coated dachshund with a calm demeanor. He can sit very still when anticipating a cold cut or some other tasty treat, which my mom was dangling in front of him when I took this photo. She also set a Motorscooter Samantha controller next to him for added effect. It matches his collar.
I think its adorable.

Battlescooter may still have some available if you want one for your dog.