J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Motorcyclists are Increasingly Shopping for Helmets Online

Arai Motorcycle Helmets Ranks Highest in Overall Customer Satisfaction for an Eighth Consecutive Year

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., June 15 -- Motorcycle helmet shoppers are increasingly turning to the Internet as a means for gathering information before making a purchase, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study(SM) released today.

The study finds that 29 percent of customers go online to shop for their motorcycle helmet -- up from 9 percent in 2002. Customers who purchase their helmet online are more likely to be satisfied with their purchase overall and indicate the helmet performed above their expectations. These customers are also more satisfied with the value received for the money spent than those who did not purchase online. However, 70 percent of respondents report that they prefer to actually purchase their helmet from a dealership, compared to 12 percent who purchased online.

"The comfort and fit of a helmet has the greatest influence on the purchase decision, and that is something that online retailers have a difficult time simulating," said Todd Markusic, senior director of the Powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. "However, the Internet continues to be an invaluable tool for motorcyclists in gathering information about specific items that they are considering purchasing. More than one-third of helmet buyers say they obtained product reviews and ratings online. This is why it is imperative for helmet manufacturers to maintain a Web site that allows shoppers to be able to quickly find specs and information before actually visiting dealers."

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.

"To rank highest in customer satisfaction for eight years in a row clearly demonstrates Arai's commitment to excellence and to its customers," said Markusic. "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.

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.

  Overall Helmet Satisfaction Index
  (Based on a 1,000-point scale)

  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

  About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. 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 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 290 offices in 38 countries. Sales in 2005 were $6.0 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.