WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Arai ranks highest in
satisfying motorcycle helmet owners for a tenth consecutive year, according to
the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study(SM)
released today.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050527/LAF028LOGO-a)
The study measures the overall satisfaction of motorcyclists with their
new helmet by examining 11 key areas: 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 comfort/fit.
Arai, with an overall index score of 819 on a 1,000-point scale, performs
particularly well in comfort/fit and face shield's ability to keep the wind
out. Shoei follows with a score of 816 and receives high ratings in
comfort/fit. Icon ranks third with a score of 806, improving by 71 points from
the 2007 study.
The study finds that overall satisfaction with motorcycle helmets
(http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/motorcycle-helmet-ratings) has increased
to an average of 761 in 2008 -- up 26 index points from 735 in 2007. All
11 measures of satisfaction improve in 2008 and are at their highest levels
since the study's inception in 1999. Comfort/fit, ventilation/air flow and
color/graphic design are the top three measures that most impact overall
satisfaction.
"Manufacturers continue to improve on the key attributes that have the
greatest impact on overall helmet satisfaction, maintaining the upward trend
that began in the 2002 study," said Tim Fox, research manager of the
powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. "Across the industry,
satisfaction with all 11 attributes improves by approximately the same amount,
indicating consistency in efforts by manufacturers to enhance overall
satisfaction."
The study also finds that the helmet industry as a whole improves with
regard to perceived value for the money spent on a new helmet, with all brands
receiving higher scores in perceived value in 2008, compared with 2007. Helmet
owners who spend more money for a helmet perceive a higher value for their
money than those who spend less.
The 2008 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study is based on responses from
5,386 purchasers of new 2007 model-year motorcycles who provided information
about their most recent helmet purchase experience and helmet use. The study
was fielded in September and October 2007.
Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)
Manufacturer Index Score J.D. Power.com Power Circle
Ratings For Consumers
Arai 819 5
Shoei 816 5
Icon 806 4
Scorpion 799 4
Harley-Davidson 777 4
Nolan 762 3
Industry Average 761 3
KBC 750 3
HJC 732 2
Bell 724 2
Fulmer 715 2
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,
training 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 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at
http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.
J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts:
John Tews Syvetril Perryman
Troy, Mich. Westlake Village, Calif.
(248) 312-4119 (805) 418-8103
john.tews@jdpa.com syvetril.perryman@jdpa.com
No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in
this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and
Associates. http://www.jdpower.com/corporate
SOURCE J.D. Power and Associates
