To import bike gear or not?

[michael]

My mate is heading over to the US soon and he asked if I wanted a helmet or anything else brought back with him. Is it that much cheaper over there? I dont really have the cash to spend but I figure if its gona save me lotsa $$$ then it should pay off in the long run? Any advice?

[skelstar]

www.ridersdiscount.com (for example)

Do the math yourself ... its miles cheaper if you get the right size.

[Quasievil]

Do the math yourself ... its miles cheaper if you get the right size.

mmm I saw Astars new one pieces suits and jackets for way cheaper than that site yesterday.
my advise DONT import if you get the wrong size there is no come back. pay a little = pay alot in the long run, youre better off spending a bit more now and have the assurances of back up service and come back if needed.

But I would say that wouldnt I

[disenfranchised]

A friend of mine swears by eBay...and it's usually not that hard to figure out the right size...especially if it's a brand you can try on locally.

I know it probably hurts the local retailers...but the prices can't be ignored, especially when the exchange rate is good.

I would be a little cautious though...there's a lot of clothing available on the internet that looks 100% guenuine, but is an unlicensed chinese knockoff.

If the prices seem to good to be true...they probably are...and you don't want second rate stitching impacting on your safety... do ya!

[Robert Taylor]

A friend of mine swears by eBay...and it's usually not that hard to figure out the right size...especially if it's a brand you can try on locally.

I know it probably hurts the local retailers...but the prices can't be ignored, especially when the exchange rate is good.

I would be a little cautious though...there's a lot of clothing available on the internet that looks 100% guenuine, but is an unlicensed chinese knockoff.

If the prices seem to good to be true...they probably are...and you don't want second rate stitching impacting on your safety... do ya!

So its alright then to make a convenience of the local retailers, trying on their gear knowing full well that you are not going to buy off them? Thats a pretty rotten thing to do.

[CB ARGH]

So its alright then to make a convenience of the local retailers, trying on their gear knowing full well that you are not going to buy off them? Thats a pretty rotten thing to do.

Or you can say "I can get this for fifty bucks overseas, beat it!"

Reminds me of the new Fall Out Boy song.

EDIT: Hey, the smilie's gun in his right hand is broken!

[Robert Taylor]

Or you can say "I can get this for fifty bucks overseas, beat it!"

Reminds me of the new Fall Out Boy song.

EDIT: Hey, the smilie's gun in his right hand is broken!

Well, you better hope then that you are not in an industry that is affected by overseas internet purchases, and to that end will be considering layoffs. When there are very few retailers left dont complain. I stand resolutely by what I said.

[Quasievil]

So its alright then to make a convenience of the local retailers, trying on their gear knowing full well that you are not going to buy off them? Thats a pretty rotten thing to do.

Yes youre bang on there mate, I agree.

[michael]

So it seems like Im stuck between a rock and a hard place. Importing is cheaper as Im a rediculously poor student, but kinda dont wana piss off shops by trying on gear just to waste their time.

[Quasievil]

So it seems like Im stuck between a rock and a hard place. Importing is cheaper as Im a rediculously poor student, but kinda dont wana piss off shops by trying on gear just to waste their time.

What do you want to get anyway, alot of countires have different sizings also, ie helmets, I remember going to a ARAI seminar and them telling us that a USA an JAPAN and a EURO helmets have a different sizings, so thats something else to consider. Another story is I went to the SEMA show in Vegus a few years back and a mate asked me to pick up a Joe Rocket one peice suit he ordered online, he got it sent to my hotel and I brought it back, guess what, it didnt fit now he has a suit that has to be sold so he can fund a new one from NZ, he ended up paying more but at least it fitted .

Buy NZ

[michael]

I havn't actually thought of that. I wanted a Shoei or Arai helmet. I also read a thread this morning about helmet safety ratings, and more expensive doesn't always mean safer. After all we dont only buy helmets cause they look cool, they also happen to stop our skulls of cracking

[firefighter]

I havn't actually thought of that. I wanted a Shoei or Arai helmet. I also read a thread this morning about helmet safety ratings, and more expensive doesn't always mean safer. After all we dont only buy helmets cause they look cool, they also happen to stop our skulls of cracking

That's presicely correct, my oldman had a shitty old (i still don't recommend that!) HJC helmet, cheap as, saved his life when a 15 year old girl pulled out in front of him, I personally like a more expensive helmet, as they are usually quieter and more comfortable (not always my suomy is fkn loud) and if his cheap piece of crap saved him then i'm sure whatever you get will be fine, go for a trusted brand that fits well and is on sale, ignore the other bullshit.

[Quasievil]

I havn't actually thought of that. I wanted a Shoei or Arai helmet. I also read a thread this morning about helmet safety ratings, and more expensive doesn't always mean safer. After all we dont only buy helmets cause they look cool, they also happen to stop our skulls of cracking

Just get the best you can afford dude and a reputable Brand ie not SIM JUK NUK helmet company, gor for a good cheaper brand ie KBC, HJC etc.
Ratings you want to see are , DOT, SNELL , if they have these you should be sweet, then comes the right size and fitting but thats what retailers do, they can advise you and give you the right fit and service at sale and after sale, thats why its worth paying a bit more.

[Quasievil]

Also if youre still confused get a experienced (not a pretend experienced rider which KB is full of) and get them to go with you to Motomail or something to look at helmets.

[firefighter]

Just get the best you can afford dude and a reputable Brand ie not SIM JUK NUK helmet company, gor for a good cheaper brand ie KBC, HJC etc.
Ratings you want to see are , DOT, SNELL , if they have these you should be sweet, then comes the right size and fitting but thats what retailers do, they can advise you and give you the right fit and service at sale and after sale, thats why its worth paying a bit more.

yeah I agree if your not sure how your helmet should fit definately get a retailer to help you out or your guaranteed to get one too big....they don't mind helping you that's their job, and just becuase you take up 20mins of their time you don't have to buy it! they know you wanna shop around.....and if they really are selling a good product for a good price they know you will be back anyway.....