my Arai helmet keeps breaking

[chr|s sedition]

It looks like this morning I broke one of the side panals on my Arai / Edwards helmet AGAIN. This is the second time this has happened in a little over a year. Rikard also blew his out a few weeks ago in the same manner. There seems to be a plastic tab which holds the side panel in place, that keeps breaking off. Has anyone else had any issues with this?

-chr|s

[OreoGaborio]

sure you're not blowing out an O ring?

MAN UP, BITCH! stop bein such a


JK bro... that kinda shit is pretty agrivating... see if Arai will do somethin for ya to fix it.

[Jaynnus]

Hmmm.....Double"D" has an Aria and the trim that go across the chin fell off this week. The contact cement could not stand up to the heat I guess

[Jenn B]

I had that problem when changing shields. I found that if I was a little more gentle when changing them I didn't have that problem anymore.

If the clip is broken that holds the side panel on you may have to give Arai a call and see what they can do for you.

[legalspeed]

To Hell with Arai.

You won't sell to me over the net? I won't buy from you.

Go get a better helmet from a company that supports our internet market.

[LuvDog]

What did you do the first time you broke it? Did you buy a new one or did Arai replace it?

Just wondering... because I just broke one of mine this weekend.

I've never even worn the helmet and it's already broken.

I pulled the shield off to clean it and when I was putting it back one of the side panels popped off and broke a little plastic tab.

I sent them an email... and I'm waiting to see what they say.

[chr|s sedition]

Originally posted by LuvDog
What did you do the first time you broke it? Did you buy a new one or did Arai replace it?

Just wondering... because I just broke one of mine this weekend.

I've never even worn the helmet and it's already broken.

I pulled the shield off to clean it and when I was putting it back one of the side panels popped off and broke a little plastic tab.

I sent them an email... and I'm waiting to see what they say.

bought a new on the first time. sending them an email now. I'll get Rikard to send them one also. class action suit, here we come!!

[katana0215]

I thought Arai's were known for superior construction?

[highsider]

When I bought my first bike, I spent almost as much an Arai helmet as I did on my bike.

That helmet fell apart, constantly.

[chr|s sedition]

email them and bitch!

http://www.araiamericas.com/help_query_general.html

here is the email I just sene them:

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in regards to an Arai Edwards helmet that I bought brand new in 2004 at Riverside Motor Sports in Somerville, MA. The helmet has never been dropped or been involved in any form of accident. In the past year I have twice had a small plastic tab on the helmet’s side panel break off making the visor unusable. Both times this has happened while opening the visor under normal procedure and force. I am writing to inquire what can be done about this issue. After doing some research on various Internet web forums, it appears as if many other people have also had the same problem. The side panels are rather expensive to replace, especially considering this problem appears to be a systemic, ongoing design flaw. Can these parts be exchanged free of charge? Do you have any suggestions about how to fix this problem permanently? Are there any recalls on the Edwards helmet that I am unaware of? I can be contacted at via the info below if you need any more information.

Thanks in advance for your time,

-Chris Sterling

[Awesome]

I've had the same issue with one of mine.

[legalspeed]

Looks like a good letter to me Chris.

Keep us updated.

[RandyO]

I had mine break within a week of when I bought it, the dealer that sold it to me did not teach me the proper way to change a shield, my local dealer (not the one I bought it from) ordered the replacement parts and fixed it free of charge and taught me shield changing proceedure, haven't had a problem since

[snowborder]

can't wait to see the reply!

[benVFR]

See what they do, if so many people break it there is something wrong with the design.

Do people just get Arai helmets because they fit right? They really seem kind of hokey for the price but I understand fit is everything.

[bentbryan]

I've had issues with my arai as well. The side-pod on my helmet will not stay on! Nothing appeared broken, I even ordered new ones but they didn't work either. I hafta bring mine back to Nault's, good thing for the warranty.

The fit of the arai is awesome though. If not for the cheese shield-system, the helmet would be worth the $500 (or whatever deal you can find).

[RandyO]

I have had less problems with my arai than I have with my HJC, and the HJC hardley gets worn

[benVFR]

I've got 2 Shoeis and never any problems with the visors or vents, they don't have any goofy sidepods to cause extra things to break and the lack of sidepods supposedly makes them quieter. I can't even say the springs for the visor mechanism have worn at all on the older of the two helmets.

They split the difference in price between Arai and HJC.

The other thing that bugged the hell out of me is Arais visors themselves are 2-3x more expensive then other brands... WTF is up with that.

If Arai is going to be the most expensive they need to be absolutely perfect as all these helmets are Snell certified, the only reason to get the more expensive Shoei/Arai helmets instead of cheaper HJC, Icon, whatever helmets is fit, comfort, and durability.

[R7]

I've had the side pannels come off on mine (RX7RR4) only a few times and it only happened because i was in a hurry and didn't take the time to change the visor properly. They always popped back in properly with no issues. I've had it now for 4 years, had a quantum F before that and had no troubles with that either. They do come with a 5 year warranty if you buy it new and sent in the warranty card
If you can wait to have the latest and greatest helmet out from Arai, left overs usually go for about 2/3 the list price the following production year

I'm ready for a new one again so i'll be shopping this fall, no question it will be another Arai as they fit me the best and last a long time

[craig]

The nearly useless eyebrow vent broke off in my hand on my visor last season when I went to flip it down. that was pretty obnoxious considering how much a new visor cost...I maybe could have bitched and got a replacement but I didn't have time.

But after feeling how goddamn light Tim's new Suomy is...I know what company will be getting my money next time.

[airgary]

i had my arai quantum-e (i think) for allmost 6 years... i crashed once in the grass and landed on my face... dropped it from the bike numerous times and never ever had a problem with it.
i had an older shoei and that thing was like a lead weight compared to the arai that replaced it.
as far as i know arai is very very good with customer relations.. besides the fact that the warranty on the helmet is 5 YEARS..
too bad everyone here has had problems.. i love them.. just bought a new one this season.

only thing i noticed about them... the chromed visors DONOT hold the chrome..

[Tricky Mike]

Had the same thing happen with last week with my Corsair...
I bought an extra set of side plates in plain black for when I eventually do it again... (and I *will*)
I think they sell some al-ooo-minium replacements...
Didn't buy them 'cuz I wanted to keep the graphics, but I think I have the link bookmarked on the work 'puter. I'll post it tomorrow if I can dig it up, if you're interested. Design kinda blows. Tried to JB Weld my tab back on after I broke it... No friggin way. As soon as that thing breaks it's junk.

[Tricky Mike]

here's that link...
http://www.motorhelmets.com/htm1/rep...rx7corsair.htm

Having aluminum replacements might just mean that now the screw-in mount breaks instead... dunno.

[skiierx]

Take the helmet to MM and have Paul look at it. I broke one of my tabs and he fixed it for free and then showed me the easiest way to change the shield. It looks like I am ripping the shield off now and I never have any issues.

Jamie