Same here...I have the gloss black one and its the best I have also. My favorite out of 4 or 5 helmets.

 

I have the Harley Hybrid & have had zero problems. I really appreciate the lighter weight

 

I'm not sure if this applies to all HD helmets but many, including their modular, FF and 3/4 helmets are made by HDC. In fact you can buy the identical model with an HDC logo instead of the HD logo, in most cases for 60% of what the HD has set the MSRP at on their branded helmets at.

 

they get their helmets from agv, hjc, or kbc. i don't think anyone of them has an exclusive contract. my wife got a hd helmet on clearance that was a very good price. less than what it would have cost to get the same helmet from a non-branded source. it was the agv blade.

when i got my first bike, i didn't have a helmet so i had to pick one up at the dealer the same time i got my bike. i don't remember what happened, but i had an issue with the helmet and i contacted hd customer service. they gave me the contact info for the helmet manufacturer and i called them and they sent me the stuff i needed right away. no hassles, no run-around.

 

Bought a couple at J&P a few yrs ago. Did the same thing. Sticky greasy feel. Sold em on craigs list.

 

If it makes you feel any better, my $30 flat black german novelty helmet has a couple of small shiny spots on it, too.

 

My comment is based on the possibility that if a non specified chemical (caustic, solvent, incorrect primer used, any adulterant fluid contamination or whatever) was inadvertantly used /spilled during the manufactuing process it may weaken the outer shell.
Obviously something was between the shell and the final finish or it wouldn't damage the overall finish.

The guy paid for a helmet that should be 100% perfect. If the supplier won't reasonably take it back then I'd play the safety card "what if" and make some noise. That gets attention down here but it may mean less where you are.....not my problem.

Goods for sale must be of reasonable quality and fit for service. His helmet is neither and should be replaced graciously -- unless he spilled something on it....

 

I have the flat black Hybrid half helmet. It's never seen anything but the natural elements that mother nature throws at it and mine is sticky and shiny on the top. I thought some kid must have got his popsickle on it while I was away from my bike at some point. I love how it fits and the light weight.

 

Acid rain?

Driving through New Jersey?

IMHO, either one will melt a helmet!

 

The best helmet I've ever owned (comfort & safety - D.O.T & Snell rated) was a SHOEI J-Wing. Recently after realizing it needed replacement, I searched and found SHOEI had discontinued it... couldn't find it anywhere at the time. Just did a Google search and finally found that Dennis Kirk has them (lots of colors and sizes available), plus fortunately it well discounted. Almost hurt myself ordering it so fast... on the way!

Great helmet, just wanted to pass this along.