Bikewise Motorcycle Parts & Accessories is the official distributor for Arai Helmet in South Africa.
There was a time some 40 years ago when all helmets were similar in their ability to protect the wearer. In retrospective, we have to admit that our product was only average at that time. Mitch Arai, however, became dissatisfied with being just average and wanted Arai to be something more. In 1976, he not only made the decision to make Arai better, but set his goal to be the number one helmet in the world.
Number One can have several interpretations, however; was it most helmets sold, most money made, most racing championships won? The decision was made, and there was a goal set, but there was no plan on how to achieve that goal or even a clear goal. Around that time he saw that the premier helmet in the world had been sold, the original creators gone, and the new offerings from the new company did not seem to improve or advance, yet they were still acknowledged as the best.
The Arai Collection
Quantic
High speed comfort for the long haul
RX-7V RACING
MAKE FASTER, EASIER
RX-7V
Race Tested
CONCEPT-X
OLD SCHOOL COOL. MINUS THE COMPROMISES.
RENEGADE-V
CRUISE IN COMFORT
PROFILE-V
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
PROFILE-V
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
TOUR-X4
READY FOR ANYTHING
Technology
WHAT IS GLANCING OFF?
It is the ability of a helmet to Glance Off objects to avoid sending energy directly into the helmet and instead disperse as much energy as possible without stopping in an actual accident.
Arai believes that the ability to glance off energy, without stopping, is one of the most important performance characteristics of a helmet in real world scenarios. A helmet should not just comply with acknowledged laboratory test standards, it should exceed in circumstances and situations outside the criteria of those acknowledged standards.
Arai believes that the R75 shape concept for our shell construction, which mandates a rounder, smoother shell thus enhancing the ability of the helmet to both disperse and distribute impact energy by learning from real scenarios through our long history.
Arai has continually improved the “Glancing off” performance by learning from real scenarios. The RX-7V ‘’VAS’’ (Variable Axis System) is the latest development in our pursuit of better helmet performance. Compared with the shell of the RX-7 GP, the smoother area around the temple was increased by an average of 24mm because of the shell modification on the VAS model.
Having a larger, smoother shell over a wider area increases the ability to divert more energy.
EMERGENCY CHEEKPAD RELEASE SYSTEM
This now-copied, ground breaking Arai innovation was specially developed to allow easier access to an injured rider’s head by making helmet removal easier for trained medical personnel.
Allows easier access to an injured rider. By pulling the orange tabs integrated in the pads, the cheek pads slide out. Making helmet removal easier for trained medical personnel and rescuers and minimising the risk of additional injury.
Available On
RX-7V RC
RX-7V
RX-7V Racing
Quantic
Concept-X
Tour-X4
MX-V
INTERIOR MATERIALS
DRY COOL
Arai’s Dry-cool material transfers heat and moisture away from the rider quickly and efficiently.
Available On
Tour-X4
MX-V
ANTI-MICROBIAL MATERIAL
Exclusive “anti-microbial” liner material stays fresher between cleanings.
Available On
RX-7V RC
RX-7V
RX-7V Racing
QV-Pro
Concept-X
Renegade-V
SZ-R VAS
Urban-V
BRUSHED NYLON
Soft, smooth and plush, yet durable offers a balance of all the desirable qualities necessary in a helmet lining material.
Available On
Profile-V
MICRO FIT CHEEK PADS
Giving even more ability to craft the perfect fit and comfort, the cheek pads now feature a 5 mm peel away layer for added room if needed.
Available On
RX-7V RC
RX-7V
RX-7V Racing
QV-Pro
Concept-X
Renegade-V
MX-V
SZ-R VAS
SZ-V
CT-F
Tour-X4
MICRO FIT INTERIOR
Arai’s peel-away temple crown pads give the option of 5mm more interior width if needed.
Available On
RX-7V RC
RX-7V
RX-7V Racing
QV-Pro
Concept-X
SZ-R VAS
SZ-V
PULL DOWN AIRSPOILER
Helps minimize wind noise and also aids with the extraction of hot air from the face area. Provides additional deflection of road debris away from neck.
Available On
RX-7V RC
RX-7V
QV-Pro
Tour-X4
SHELL CONSTRUCTION
Racing Carbon (RC) OUTER SHELL
Exclusive technology developed internally by Arai for the GP-6RC F-1 helmet utilizes carbon fibre found in the latest generation of commercial airlines, and is bonded with Arai´s proprietary resins and is reinforced with a band of incredibly super fibre belt specifically oriented to disperse energy loads laterally across the shell surface.
In the forehead area, this band increases shell strength without adding thickness or weight, and allows the use of a thinner EPS liner which greatly enhances the upward field of view – especially appreciated in a full racing tuck!
Available On
RX-7V RC
Peripherally Belted Structural Net Composite (PB-SNC2) OUTER SHELL
Arai´s proprietary (super fibre belt) Peripheral Belt, borrowed from our F-1 technology, maximizes shell strength and flexibility while maintaining low weight. Positioned across the top of the eye port, this band allows the use of a thinner EPS liner which greatly enhances the upward field of view – especially appreciated in a full racing tuck!
The Structural Net Composite adds a physical bond to the resin bond of the many layers of fibres and reinforcing materials within the shell. The latest “Z-Mixture” resins increases material adhesion requiring less resin for a stronger bond between materials for a thinner and lighter shell.
The latest “Z-Mixture” resins increases material adhesion requiring less resin for a stronger bond between materials for a thinner and lighter shell.
Available On
RX-7V Racing
RX-7V
Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction (PB-cLc2) OUTER SHELL
Arai’s proprietary (super fibre belt) Peripheral Belt, borrowed from our F-1 technology, greatly increases shell strength and flexibility while maintaining low weight and a lower centre of gravity.
Positioned across the top of the eye port, this band contributes to the use of a thinner EPS liner which greatly enhances the upward field of view. A specially designed “mechanically expanded fibre mat”, sandwiched between the inner and outer layers of Arai’s proprietary Super Fibre Laminates, is used to reinforce and bond these two Super Fibre layers without adding significant weight to the helmet.
The latest “Z-Mixture” resins increases material adhesion requiring less resin for a stronger bond between materials for a thinner and lighter shell
Available On
QV-Pro
SZ-R VAS
Urban-V
Peripherally Belted e-Complex Laminate Construction (PB e-cLc) OUTER SHELL
The PB e-cLc outer shell uses a Peripherally Belted e-Complex Laminate Construction (PB e-cLc) for lightweight strength; it’s designed to glance off and spread impact forces. New materials have been used to substitute the AR-mat as middle layer, resulting in a substantial weight reduction while maintaining the same strength as the PB-cLc construction.
Available On
Quantic
Concept-X
Profile-V
Special Fibre Laminate (SFL2) OUTER SHELL
Special Fibre Laminate (SFL2). Strict quality controlled construction using special fibre layers, crowded with fibres right to the shell surfaces and bonded with special resins formulated by Arai, to disperse impact energy over the widest possible area – the shell’s main job – through strength, structural integrity and impact flexibility. The latest “Z-Mixture” resins increases material adhesion requiring less resin for a stronger bond between materials for a thinner and lighter shell.
Available On
Renegade-V
SFL OUTER SHELL
Special Fibre Laminate (SFL). Strict quality controlled construction using special fibre layers, crowded with fibres right to the shell surfaces and bonded with special resins formulated by Arai, to disperse impact energy over the widest possible area – the shell’s main job – through strength, structural integrity and impact flexibility.
Available On
CT-F
Freeway-Classic
Penta Pro
SZ-Light
VX-Pro-Junior
Super Complex Laminate Construction (SCLC) OUTER SHELL
Super Complex Laminate Construction (SCLC). The latest aerospace fibres, with 30% more strength in extension & bending resistance than standard fiberglass comprises the majority of the SCLC shell. While considerably more expensive than most fiberglass (and in fact more than many Carbon Fibre materials), this “Super Fibre” provides incredible flexibility and strength, which maximizes shell integrity. A specially designed “mechanically expanded fibre mat,” sandwiched between the inner and outer layers of Arai´s proprietary Super Fibre Laminates, is used to reinforce and bond these two Super Fibre layers without adding significant weight to the helmet.
Available On
MX-V
Astro-light
Complex Fibre Laminate (CFL) Outer Shell
Complex Fibre Laminate (CFL) employs special fibre layers bonded by unique resins formulated by Arai, producing an extremely high fibre to low resin ratio. This carefully managed construction delivers strength, structural integrity and impact flexibility which allows the rounded outer shell to do its main job – deflect, absorb and disperse impact energy over the widest possible area.
Available On
Tour-X4
SHIELD
VAS-V MV SHIELD
VAS Max Vision shield is standard to provide better visibility in all seasons and for all types of riding.
Available On
RX-7V RC
RX-7V
Concept-X
Renegade-V
Profile-V
PSS (PRO SHADE VAS-V MV SHIELD)
The PSS offers the all-weather solution against sun glare, excess ambient light and fogging. The suns visor flips up and down with a flick of the hand and is fixed in position. The advantages of the PSS system: no reduction in thickness of the inner shell, no weakening of the outer shell and no need for an operating system containing metal parts. When the sun is low, only a subtle dip is needed to reduce ambient light. The PSS will not block the complete field of view, just the part that causes glare. No more need to change your dark smoke visor when the sun goes down.
Available On
RX-7V RC
RX-7V
RX-7V Racing
Quantic
Concept-X
Profile-V
QV-Pro
SAI SHIELD
The 10mm wider opening, compared with the previous generation, enhances peripheral vision and the feeling of “openness” inside the helmet.
RX-7 RC / RX-7 GP / CHASER-V / REBEL / AXCES
Available On
RX-7V RC
RX-7 GP
Rebel
Axces
VAS SHIELD SYSTEM
Impact energy can be discharged if the head can keep moving. The basic structure of the human head can be roughly divided into three components; scalp, skull and brain. The role of a motorcycle helmet is to minimize and manage impacts to the brain. Laboratory impact test standards vary somewhat, but generally all define shock absorption levels. Those levels are tested by dropping a helmet, with a steel head form from a predetermined height onto a steel anvil.
The G meters within the head form measure the G forces sustained in these drop impacts to verify the impact absorption performance. Standards such as Snell set the test criteria quite high to obtain certification approval. Under impact the helmet acts as a buffer, the outer shell displaces the energy and the inner liner absorbs the energy as it crushes, slowing the impact speed. The examination of the impact energy management performance of the standard is very different from an actual accident which occurs in an unpredictable and severe environment. vas shield system VARIABLE AXIS SYSTEM.
The kinetic energy of a moving object increases in proportion to the square of the speed. Therefore, a street rider, traveling at legal limit, can carry up to more than 10 times the amount of kinetic energy. No helmet, regardless of brand or design, can be expected to manage such energies. Keep smoother and rounder within the test area. Therefore, Arai believes that ”Glancing off” performance would be important to divert energies by keeping the head moving.
For potential impacts with energies above those of the standards, and even above what a helmet might be able to deal with directly, Arai has always tried to make helmets rounder, smoother and stronger throughout its long history.
However, even at Arai there are limitations to how round and smooth a helmet can be due to the restrictions of a single pivot shield mechanism. The geometry of current shield systems require a high pivot position. This high pivot point falls within the test area of the standard, across the test boundary lines at the left and right temple area.
The shield is attached to the helmet with a mounting/pivot mechanism. To maintain a smooth/flush transition from shield to shell, the shell area where this mechanism attaches must have some depression or recess. The current shield systems, with some portion of the mechanism within the test area, prevent the shield from maintain a smooth and contiguous curved surface.
VAS is a shield system with a mechanism invented with the sole purpose of eliminating this intrusion into the test area, allowing the shell along the test line at the temples to be made smoother. The smoother shape is the next generation that aims to further improve on the original mission. Through decades of experience with real world road and track scenarios, Arai has developed a helmet compiled of detail upon detail that work together and improve the protective capacity of the helmet.
