Who has an ARAi lid...?

[Basil Brush]

As per the title - who has an ARAI lid...?

I'm at my wits end. Bought an RX7-V about 10 months ago. Does any members on here have one. I'm not a member of any other online bike forums. So, I need to pick some brains urgently.

I purchased a Kenny Roberts ARAI RX7-V lid last July. From day one it was draughty and noisy. I took it back to the on-line store I purchased it from. Basically they did not give a shit. As the months progressed it got worse. So, I befriended my local dealership again. They said there was a fault. It got returned to ARAI. Came back with numerous faults repaired. Job sheet was enlightening...

Short story. Out today. Breezy day. Worse than ever. Draughty as ever. Not content to see flies crawling about on the inside of the visor - they must have their own entrance. I got temporarily blinded by dust/grit entering the visor/lid. This cannot be right.

Has anyone else experienced this problem. I fear another battle with Arai UK looming.

I have made a clanger. I used to have a spare AGV lid I used. Fool I sold it. When I used like for like. The lid 5 times cheaper was better...

Any help/suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

BB.

[seth]

I used to have ARAI's untill a few years ago when they changed the shell sizes so I switched to shoei's
Anyway ARAI used to offer a free service and check at dealers as part if owning an ARAI helmet so take it to a dealer and get your free check.

[Mick_J]

Have used Arai since 86 without any problems.  However I have found that the higher up the range you go the noisier they get, more vents = more holes = more noise and more places shit can get in.  My acess is warmer and quieter than my Quantum st.  The RX7 is a race spec helmet and has lots of vents in it to keep you cool while thrashing the bike around the race track at silly speeds, not really a road helmet IMHO.

[Daytona]

Eyup basil,according to a mate of mine you can remove the side pods on the helmet and adjust the fittment bringing the visor tighter on to the seal,having said that though surely when it went back to arai they would have done this adjustment,I'm on my third arai now and find them very comfortable for my shape of  head ,I have found all arai helmets noisy and to get round this issue I always ride with ear plugs in,don't seem to get any gaps where insects get in though,,

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Interesting, I'm looking at a new lid and the RX7V was actually on my short list.
I've got a Shark lid ATM need to try on a few more until I make a final decision.  Doubt I'll buy one on line, would rather go and talk to a real person at a shop...

Cheers,  Eric

[Basil Brush]

Thanks for all replies. Arranged with Arai to return to my nearest dealer for another service. If they find a problem - which clearly there is. Off it goes again.

I genuinely think I've bought a Friday afternoon job. When it got returned last time two faults were extant. 1) There was some padding missing on l/h side. 2) Visor mounting point was faulty.  So much for £600 plus lid hand made. There is a problem with visor not seating properly. When it's closed it's too draughty. Ironically there are numerous vents etc. I never open any as the thing is draughty enough.

Wherever you do. Never buy online. My big mistake. The box-shifter I used has appalling customer service.

I could kick myself. I had a clear out. And sold a couple of AGV K3's that we're far better. Quieter and no draughty. Missus (nurse) had told me to keep off bike for a couple of days as eye still inflamed.

I'm gonna check mounting point again. Clearly that's where the problem lies. I checked yesterday it just appears to fit 'one' way. I'll have another look in the shop.

Many thanks for reading and replying.

BB

[seth]

Hopefully you get it sorted as you say it wasn't a cheap helmet .
Good luck

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Hope you get it sorted mate, glad to hear that the Arai dealer was willing to take another look, they are a good brand of helmet.

[lloydjames]

Is it a possibility that a dodgy online seller got hold of a cheap batch of helmets that had failed quality control checks? Or knock-off copies? These things can happen with unauthorized online retailers. Think "Only Fools and horses" from a garage.

I only ever buy helmets from authorized dealers after trying them on and have worn Arai helmets since 1996 with no issues. Yes, they are quite noisy due to having side pods but they have never been drafty or let bugs/dust in. The fit has always been perfect, as has the build quality. I've had Astro Rs, Quantum E and Fs and currently a Rebel and all have been a joy to own if maintained as per the owner instructions.

[BJ]

I had Arai's for several years as they were the best fit for my head shape.
BUT in the end I found them just too noisy even though I wear ear plugs all the time.
In hindsight I suffered way too long with a poor performance helmet.
Now have a Shoei Neotech and am very happy with the comfort and noise level.

[Big Geordi]

I have always bought Arai always bought from The Visorshop/Crossans and always get them custom fitted.
I really don't understand why people buy such an important piece of safety equipment online without trying,unless of course u have used that specific Helmet b4.

[seth]

I used to always have ARAI's but they change the shape of the shells with the quantum v and I found that the chin piece was to close so I switched to shoei nxr and wow never had a quieter or lighter helmet .