Arai Tops J.D. Power and Associates Study
Arai helmets have topped the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study(SM) for the eighth year in a row.
With an overall satisfaction index score of 814 points on a 1,000-point scale, Arai ranks highest for an eighth consecutive year and performs particularly well in the area of ventilation/air flow. New to the study, Scorpion follows Arai in the rankings with an overall satisfaction index score of 813. Shoei, Icon, Nolan, Harley-Davidson and KBC also perform above the industry average.
The 2006 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 5,476 purchasers of new 2005 model-year motorcycles who provided information about their most recent helmet purchase experience and helmet use.
“To rank highest in customer satisfaction for eight years in a row clearly demonstrates Arai’s commitment to excellence and to its customers,” said Todd Markusic, senior director of the Powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Scorpion has also made an impressive debut this year. In particular, the company offers a helmet that provides a high level of satisfaction at a price that is $20 below the industry average.”
The average price customers report paying for a motorcycle helmet is $187 — down from a high of $203 in 2002.
“With helmet satisfaction at an all-time high, manufacturers have done a relatively good job of offering consumers a better product over time without instituting large price increases,” said Markusic.
J.D. Powers and Associates’ Overall Helmet Satisfaction Index, based on a 1,000-point scale, ranked brands with the following score:
Arai, 814
Scorpion, 813
Shoei, 784
Icon, 765
Nolan, 750
Harley-Davidson, 746
KBC, 730
Industry Average, 730
Bell, 715
Fulmer, 700
HJC, 699
Vega, 688
Powersports Business magazine’s four-part series documenting findings of the J.D. Power and Associates study started with the June 5 issue. The series continues in the July 24 and August 14 issues.
