Ordering a helmet internationally?

[Robotree]

Hi Everyone, just signed up to this forum after getting my learners and buying my first bike, now I'm looking to buy a helmet.

Specifically this one:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...Speed_R_Helmet

I'm considering the white version, as unfortunately in NZ it's only sold in black or with a graphic. I've tried one on in store and it fits great.
I've just got a few questions about how good an idea it is to buy from overseas.

- Is it safe in terms of how helmets are handled? I know if you drop it in a store, it's basically yours, so am wondering if it's ok to trust international shipping and couriers with helmets.
- Will it be just as safe and legal? i.e. I'm assuming it'd be exactly the same helmet, not a 'US version' or anything with different requirements.
- From what I've read online it looks like GST is the only charge I could get as it comes through customs, but are there any other taxes I'd be likely to have to pay for a motorcycle helmet?

Cheers.

[Maha]

Only if the helmet itself comes in contact with the ground will you need to concern yourself. Helmets come in a box and packed with polystyrene or similar.
No extra charges will be incurred ...yet.
I bought a helmet from overseas and it was a perfect fit...order now.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ht=helmet+maha

[HenryDorsetCase]

Ive done it twice. Once i got royally shafted, firt by the NZ distributors of Arai helmets: "Fuck you, we dont import that particular helmet, if you want an 80's icon it has to be Kevin schwantz" Me "But I saw it in Ozzie last week" them" "Fuck you, you can't have Freddie Spencer Arai, you have to have Schwantz" Me: "Fuck YOU" "Hello, Peter Stevens? yeah: Arai Freddie Spcencer, size M, in a box and in the mail, here's my creit card number".

The second shafting was I got dinged the GST in Straya and paid full retail (ouch) then I got dinged the GST and biosecurity levy and handling fee and all that fucking crap at this end. And no way to claim back the tax I paid in Straya.

Fuck it, got the helmet I wanted in the scheme I wanted. Yes its the most expensive Arai in the universe, no I dont care.


I also took a punt and ordered another helmet online out of the states. http://www.alienhelmets.com/Alien-XXR-Helmet-Race.htm

Zero problem, great to deal with, speedy service. Would trade again.

I was going to start a sideline business importing them but got a full on case of the cbf's.

[ckai]

- From what I've read online it looks like GST is the only charge I could get as it comes through customs, but are there any other taxes I'd be likely to have to pay for a motorcycle helmet?

Cheers.

Flat duty fee or whatever they call it is something you may have to pay if you're unlucky as well as GST. It think it's $48 or it's going up to that and it's around $40 currently. Basically this is to cover the costs of processing the GST. If your gonna be charged GST you will be charged the flat duty tax as well.

Bringing safety gear into the country is a mixed bag. From experience you won't get stung for anything but if you bank on being charged, it's a bonus if you don't. I know a few people that have gotten off the fees they've been charged because the product couldn't be brought in NZ. Dunno what the specifics were unfortunately.

[mossy1200]

Buy a helmet locally.

[jellywrestler]

how you gonna know what size to get? and if it's wrong when you get it it's gonna be expensive to return...

[onearmedbandit]

Bought my last Arai out of England, saved a few hundred but that wasn't the purpose, Arai didn't import the scheme I wanted into NZ. No complaints whatsoever.

And the local Arai agent know it is an import yet still service it for free.

[yod]

Hi Everyone, just signed up to this forum after getting my learners and buying my first bike, now I'm looking to buy a helmet.

Specifically this one:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...Speed_R_Helmet

I'm considering the white version, as unfortunately in NZ it's only sold in black or with a graphic. I've tried one on in store and it fits great.
I've just got a few questions about how good an idea it is to buy from overseas.

- Is it safe in terms of how helmets are handled? I know if you drop it in a store, it's basically yours, so am wondering if it's ok to trust international shipping and couriers with helmets.
- Will it be just as safe and legal? i.e. I'm assuming it'd be exactly the same helmet, not a 'US version' or anything with different requirements.
- From what I've read online it looks like GST is the only charge I could get as it comes through customs, but are there any other taxes I'd be likely to have to pay for a motorcycle helmet?

Cheers.

you might want to look here:

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/.../Shark-Speed-R

[Akzle]

bro. just get some black gaffer tape and secure styrofoam to your head with it. at speed, noone will even be able to tell.

[AllanB]

Got my HJC ex USA. Again NZ did not stock the graphics I wanted - plus it was on super USA sale and a third of the NZ price ........

[nzspokes]

Waits for a suspension guru to come along and tell us were the cause of all the starving kids in the country.....

[SS90]

Waits for a suspension guru to come along and tell us were the cause of all the starving kids in the country.....

Short sighted attitudes tend to bite you in the bum, it would be different if you fed yourself from the motorcycle industry.

[nzspokes]

Short sighted attitudes tend to bite you in the bum, it would be different if you fed yourself from the motorcycle industry.

Then offer some service.

[Robert Taylor]

how you gonna know what size to get? and if it's wrong when you get it it's gonna be expensive to return...

Because he has already made a convenience of a shop by trying one on. With no intention to support local business that employs local people and recirculates its eaernings back into local communities

[Robert Taylor]

Waits for a suspension guru to come along and tell us were the cause of all the starving kids in the country.....

Not for your benefit