Cheep Shoei and Arai sales on trade me

[Brett]

Well since I paid $499 incl GST for my Shoei XR 1000 (Graphics) from Motomail INCLUDING a tinted visor, I know where I will be buying my next one from. I know their history, I know they aren't dodgy and thus I know the helmet will do what it is meant to, if it needs to.

[xwhatsit]

Here's what he said in response to one of his negative feedbacks;

... 4. Don't be fooled by so-called "official declaration asian shape euro shape etc its just Arai's marketing stategy, always REMEMBER MODEL SHAPES NOT MARKET SHAPES: RX7 - Relaxed Round Oval interior, Profile / Viper GT - Long oval, Quantum 2 /

What do we think about that? Model shapes, not market shapes. Arai offer a different selection of models in other markets -- but if you buy the same model on offer here, you get the same shape?

He's, er, not the best when it comes to public relations. But if at the end of the day all he's doing is selling helmets which are a slightly different fit for swollen Kiwi lumps, it's not entirely deserving of the amount of vitriol he's copping. Hell, if he's selling to the Auckland university bikers at least, for half the buyers it'll be a better fit than what they get from a shop

I notice the Chinese bikers I know don't run around complaining they can't find a good-fitting helmet here in the NZ market

[imdying]

That is why I would never buy stuff a helmet off the interwebs. I want to try it on first.

Ya. I brought a Craft RX6 in matt black from the web (wanted a motorcycle suitable Simpson Bandit), but that was the only way I could get hold of one

Having been through the buying an Arai from overseas thing, I would probably front to my local dealer and just give them the extra cash to fit it the best it can be (different cheek pads etc), and get the free servicing. Some people are a lot tighter on dollars than me though, so I can see why someone would import one.

[imdying]

whoa! stay away from the race card.
They can't drive, let alone ride 2-wheeled vehicles.

Heheheh. It's a point I'd be interested in hearing from the Arai distributor about though... are they doing the local Asian population a (potentially fatal?) disservice by not importing every internal shell type into NZ (or any other country with immigrants for that matter)?

Or is the different internal shell just all hot air and bullshit? It appears to me that they can't have it both ways... unless of course they import different internal shelled helmets on request? Anyone know? Some would say it's simply a matter of buying another brand, but as well all know, many of the replica helmets are exclusives.

[Marmoot]

it's not entirely deserving of the amount of vitriol he's copping.

TradeMe is full of wankers and auction trolls.
So many people just can't resist poking their heads into other's auctions and post degrading "questions". Attempt to pull the price down maybe?

[Marmoot]

Or is the different internal shell just all hot air and bullshit?

I'd incline more towards hot air and bullshit.

However, saying so, model-specific shapes are entirely true.
I can fit my Arai RX7 perfectly, while I literally collapsed after 15 minutes in my brother's Arai Chaser once, dropping my bike on the driveway.
Both are of Small size (55-56).

[Klown73]

I thought I'd play devil's advocate, so asked the question of Shoei regarding different shapes versus different territories:

"The shape of shell is same (using the same mold), but the material (a component ratio) is different. The interior is also different because the shapes of the head between European and Asian people is different."

The question here is not safety, Shoeis / Arais from any territory have to be, and will be, safe and legal. It's more a comfort issue. You can't blame Niaoniao for trying to make a buck when the currency is (was) strong, but I feel he's obligated to advise people that there is a difference, and that they may not receive after-sales service that proves his product good value for money.

[imdying]

The question here is not safety, Shoeis / Arais from any territory have to be, and will be, safe and legal. It's more a comfort issue.

Really? Surely an ill fitting helmet is dangerous though? Wouldn't an Asian (or American) immigrant be unable to buy a helmet that fits correctly in NZ if internal shells really had to be different enough to accommodate their head shapes correctly, if all NZ ever gets is European shapes helmets?

[Katman]

TradeMe is full of wankers and auction trolls.
So many people just can't resist poking their heads into other's auctions and post degrading "questions". Attempt to pull the price down maybe?

Ain't that the truth. I've got some helmets on Trademe at the moment and I'm getting highly pissed off at some of the questions being asked under the 'guise' of legitimate inquiries.

[nodrog:Me]

read -

http://www.araihelmet-europe.com/php....php?page=faq5

FWIW i imported my RX7, up to $700 cheaper (depending on what stealership you go into), and it is EXACTLY the same as the ones in the shop.

[Hitcher]

It's interesting that people get so obsessive about Arai when they only manufacture a limited range of helmets. I will never wear one.

[imdying]

It's interesting that people get so obsessive about Arai when they only manufacture a limited range of helmets. I will never wear one.

Apologies if it looks like I'm singling out Arai in my questions, and I agree, it does look that way, but they are definitely just generic questions.

[Big Dave]

with respect, different argument.

Nah.
Support your local bike shop.
Cause if you don't there isn't any local bike shops.

[jim.cox]

I will never wear one.

Me neither

But that's only because they aren't a good fit on my big fat "Bell" shaped head

[rc_36_rider]

Nah.
Support your local bike shop.
Cause if you don't there isn't any local bike shops.

Defanitly support your local I say, Take this into consideration. Lets say we all started importing only the things we want like the odd helmet or tyres or some gear then the shops says screw this and closes its doors, at that stage your stuffed, no warrenty for faulty items, no returns, no stock... I need that part in a hurry but I have to wait for it to sail out of jap land now I cant ride my bike... I'm brocken down on the side of the road but the shop that used to come pick me up is closed.... do any of these importers care about customer service? can they supply parts? I don't think so, do they care if your side pod brakes? probibly not. all they want to do is take your money make a quick buck and run.