How much do you normally spend on a new helmet?

[Papa Weeley_imp]

I feel that a good helmet is a necessity, and cost should (nearly) be no object, since it's protecting - quite literally - your most important asset.
Shoei is the only brand I've bought in the last 35 years, as they fit me well, and the quality is impeccable. Having had 5 pretty different bikes over the past 4 or 5 years, I've got a fairly large collection of helmets from a Shoei Qwest ($350) to 2 different RF-1100s ($375-575) to a GT Air ($600?) to a just purchased NeoTec ($660).
I've had some friends make derogatory comments about the ridiculousness of the above, but helmets are specifically designed for the kind of bike you ride (and the position you're on it), and my bikes have ranged from a sportbike-bent-over Ducati 900SS to the upright-position CB1100. And if you've been down hard, and have seen what a helmet can do to save your bacon, you'll understand; to me, a helmet is NEVER an item to be scrimped on.

[AzBob_imp]

My RF-1200 was $500-something, and another $100 or whatever it was for the Transitions shield that works unbelievably well. I change every 5 years or so.

[Rolls_imp]

I found a helmet that was perfect for me (fit, quality, no-fog) for $400, but I waited and shopped diligently and found it in not my first choice, but an acceptable color scheme, for $215. Very happy with it, and secure, 2 years in. So my advice is get the right shape helmet for your head shape (roundish or ovalish), get the right size (most helmets are looser than optimal), and don't scrimp on quality/safety.

If you must save, don't scrimp. Rather, be patient, shop around and wait to find someone having a great sale on the helmet you've determined is right for you and gives you all the safety possible, should you ever need it.

[LongRanger_imp]

Someday I hope to be cool enough to be one of those guys who ride around with their helmet strapped to their bike. Or not.

[Sprout_imp]

My helmet is a shoei--- $360 plus tax
Love it!