Shoei / Arai helmets from Japan

tmly · 08-08-2006, 2:26 PM

I just bought the shoei x-11 Daijiro from Helmetpro.com and it came in 4 days shipped from Japan. They're not DOT approved but approved by the Japanese standards which is probably better. Great prices considering you can't get some of the models here in the States. Also great, great prices on Arai RX-7's (they'll send you a link to the site if you email them). But I have a long oval head and nothing fits better than an X-11 IMO.

ConqSoft · 08-08-2006, 2:28 PM

If it's not DOT approved, is it legal to use here?

Also, Arai requires that you purchase their helmets in person last I checked.

luvtolean · 08-08-2006, 2:29 PM

That's right, it's technically not legal for use in the US. US racing and trackday orgs probably wouldn't catch it, but technically, it's also probably not legal at some trackdays. Unless they also pass SNELL with it, it wouldn't be legal at FB.org days.

I tried them on at Nankai in Japan, they fit different than US models...

Purpdust · 08-08-2006, 2:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

That's right, it's technically not legal for use in the US. US racing and trackday orgs probably wouldn't catch it, but technically, it's also probably not legal at some trackdays. Unless they also pass SNELL with it, it wouldn't be legal at FB.org days.

I tried them on at Nankai in Japan, they fit different than US models...

I have ordered a couple of helmets from Japan, most resently the Arai RX7rr. although it does not have DOT it does have the Snell stamp.

luvtolean · 08-08-2006, 2:39 PM

Do you find they fit the same?

I found it wasn't even close...

In the US, in a helmet requried state, you are technically illegal if it doesn't have a DOT marking.

Purpdust · 08-08-2006, 2:45 PM

Also I have found that they do not go by L M S but by the diameter of the head.

Size Centimeter Inches Hat Size XSm53-54 21 1/46 5/8 - 6 3/4 Sm55-56 21 5/86 7/8 - 7 Md57-58 21 3/87 1/8 - 7 1/4 Lg59-60 23 1/87 3/8 - 7 1/2 XL61-62 23 1/27 5/8 - 7 3/4 XXL63-64 24 1/47 7/8 - 8 XXXL65-66 24 5/88 3/4 - 8 1/2

Purpdust · 08-08-2006, 2:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Do you find they fit the same?

I found it wasn't even close...

In the US, in a helmet requried state, you are technically illegal if it doesn't have a DOT marking.

I was not happy with the fit of the Shoei but the Aria fits well, I does feel alittle more snug, but the McCoy is a few months older and has been worn. As for the DOT I guess I should get some one to make me up the Logo and stick it on.

I buy from Japan because of price.

For those buying online make sure you verify the manufactured date.

tmly · 08-08-2006, 2:53 PM

I was concerned about the fitting also, but after several correspondences with the seller, I got the same size as in the US model and it fits the same to me. Size M in both. I don't know if the Arai's fit differently or not.

phobiaphobe · 08-08-2006, 2:56 PM

I could have saved a bunch on my X11 (and got a cool Kato lid not available here) if I'd bought from Japan, but I was warned that the sizing was way different, so I paid the local price.

tribaltim · 08-12-2006, 9:36 AM

I also have an X-Eleven which I bought here on Okinawa a few months back and it is Snell 2005 certified which is way more technical than DOT. I really don't see the problem with useing it in the states...

Tim

CBR_Rob · 08-17-2006, 8:03 PM

Also pasing the DOT testing is just done by the honor system. Snell actually recieves helmets to test.

CBR929RE · 08-17-2006, 8:36 PM

as LTL said if you're in a state that requires a helmet it has to be DOT certified. the gubmint doesn't care if its Snell rated.

I have a Kato helmet (in tourist trophy). sweet looking lid.

Repeater · 08-17-2006, 9:51 PM

Make a sticker or have it airbrushed on, but i doubt anyone will notice. I've gone through every tech inspection without the helmet or gear on.