After reading some of your testimonials I feel I'd like to add a short statement to the number of people who owe their lives to Arai helmets.

I race Bobsleighs for Great Britain, and last week I had the misfortune to be involved in an accident and I was 180 degree barrel-rolled out of a corner at 135kmh. The 4-man bob with full crew (630kg) landed mostly through my helmet and continued on track for about another 300m until stopping on the braking straight.

The damage rendered to the helmet now makes it unusable for racing. I acquired my Viper last season through some sponsorship when racing 2man with a driver from Shetland (Kenny Simm). Had I been wearing another helmet I fear the result of this very heavy crash could have been alot different. Arai....your helmets are the way!

Chris Woolley-March 2010

Chris Woolley

I have always had a great service from you guys at the BSB and sidecar rounds and indeed at the Isle of Man TT for the last three years, your customer service is second to none,

I believe so strongly in the Arai product as I believe it saved my life at the 2008 Southern 100 races where our sidecar flipped over at 138mph and we skidded on our heads, my helmet took most of the damage.

I have attached pictures of the crash and the helmet for you to view and i keep the helmet as a reminder of the close shave we had.

Details of our crash Castletown Southern 100...

Wet weather put off the first days racing for the sidecars at
this years southern 100 in the Isle of Man.

On the second day didn't look like it was going to be any different, but the showers got lighter and the race was given the go ahead. With frequent tire changes minutes before the race by all outfits it was debatable if it would stay dry.

Although there were dry patches of road, on the whole it was still wet. By the start of the race there was fine rain, and conditions lead to quite a mishap.

Three quarters round the first lap the sidecar veered off hitting the wall, the outfit then flipped and slid about 150 yard down the road with Nigel trapped and me hanging on underneath.

Amazingly both of us came out of it relatively unhurt although the
injuries were enough to put us out the Jurby road race.

After a couple of practice laps it was less than comfortable to
continue. The bike survived with minor damage to the gear shift
and some cosmetic damage to the fairing. Bless carbon fibre.
Oh and the helmet stood up to the job as well.

Dipash Chauhan
Team D&D WINDLE.
January 2010

Dipash Chauhan

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay but I'm still getting over the first road racing outing of the year, last weekend. It all started off very well as we headed to Oulton Park for some last minute testing on the Friday [16th] as there were a couple of new parts on the Superbike we wanted to test.

The changes we had made were perfect and the day went exceedingly well with some impressive lap times. These times were also noticed by newly formed team, BMW Park Lane who were there with their new rider, racing in the MRO on the Saturday.

They approached me on Friday afternoon and asked if I would be available to race their spare bike for them the following day, to give them some feedback, which I agreed to. As I hadn't done the qualifying part the previous day I was allowed to enter the races but was put on the back of the grid.

Determined to make an impression, I won the first race by 4 seconds and finished 2nd in the second race. Following these results the team has asked me to do some more development work with them which will consist of two British Superstock rounds and two MRO rounds this year. Not bad for a day's testing!

Then I was off to Oliver's Mount in Scarborough where my first real road racing challenge of the year began. It started off very well, qualifying the Superbike on pole by over a second to Ryan Farquhar. We also gave the Yamaha R6 its first ride out of the season, putting it 3rd on the grid. That afternoon we finished 2nd on the Superbike in the Superpole race and then disaster struck. 5 laps into the first 600 race all was all going well and I was fighting for 3rd. On the 6th lap I was turning into the esses when I clipped the end can on the kerb at over 100mph, which lifted the backend of the bike up, resulting in a huge crash.

I was taken to hospital as I was having trouble breathing and had had a severe impact to the head but to the amazement of everyone I was given the all clear the next morning without a single broken bone and hardly a scratch on me! I'm now on the mend and can't wait for the TT!

Once I'm feeling a bit better I will be taking a trip out on the BMW S100R again so I will keep you up to date with how I get on.
I would like to thank you all for your continuing support, especially Arai and Arlen Ness. I'm convinced if I was wearing anything less the story could be a lot different. I have attached a picture of the Arai RX7GP I was wearing at the time. As you can see it took a massive impact and yet I wasn't even knocked out! I would have included a picture of the leathers but the medics got a little over excited with the scissors and there isn't much left of them! It was a real shame as the only damage on them was a few scuffs but the did their job.

Many thanks

Steve Mercer
25th April 2010

Steve Mercer

"I have worn a GP-5 for many years now and there is nothing else like it for fit and comfort. I try not to test the safety aspect too often but when I do I trust Arai to look after me, they make a great helmet."

Susie Stoddart – Mercedes DTM Racer-August 2009

Susie Stoddart

"I have used Arai helmets throughout my career because I find them the most comfortable helmet to wear, this is critical in GT and endurance racing. They are strong and lightweight, I wouldn't use any other product to protect my head!"

Aaron Scott- British GT Racer-August 2009

Aaron Scott

I'd just like to relate my recent Arai related incident you as testimony to the excellence of your products.

Before now, I've always replaced my Bike helmet every two years irrespective and always gone for flashy or techno helmets.
Last year I let my head decide over my my heart and went for brand reputation and to heck with the price.
I bought an Arai Condor from Hein Gericke in Nottingham, a plain gloss black helmet and far from being the techno height of the range.

It turns out that it was the smartest thing I've ever done.

Last Sunday - 18th October - I was riding my ZZR600 E10 to Stafford to attend the Classic bike show, I do not know what happened and hope over the next few days to find out in more detail but I went from riding along happily, watching for direction signs to the show, to suddenly opening my eyes and looking through the roof window of the air ambulance at a stationary rotor blade.

All I know at is that either I had a minor stroke and crashed or I crashed due to some other reason and had a minor stroke. There was a witness I am told but presently all I know is that I slumped over the tank, went straight through a corner, took out a road sign and the bike flipped over onto me. The police told my daughter that the witness reported me taking out a road sign with my head!
The kit I was wearing at the time was an Arai Condor Helmet, Hein Gericke two piece leathers, Bulson boots, EDZ undersuit, and a pair of gloves I bought last year at the NEC show which are identical to Alpine star gloves with vents and Carbon fibre protective sections.
Attached is the picture of my helmet, I've no idea where the Cardo Bluetooth module from my helmet is and yet the attachment remained on the helmet.

But to summarize:
I crashed at an estimated 40 mph, went through a road sign, into a post, flipped off the bike through a fence into a farmers field and the bike landed on me.
My head impacted directly on the road sign with enough force to cause droopiness of my left side, severe concussion and unconsciousness, my body was battered by the impacts and by the bike flipping onto me.

Thanks to properly fitting and good quality kit all I have to brag about at the pub will be rapidly fading bruises from my spectacles on my face and a doctors report. I have some breathing difficulty due to bruised and swollen ribs, my lower back muscles are damaged, my throttle hand is a bit tender and my head aches like bugggery.
Initially, I thought the price I paid for the Arai Condor was a bit steep but now I feel that even £500 would have been cheap for the work that it did when required.

Should I decide to get back on the road and continue biking I will not even consider any other make of head protection but Arai.
Where my health and safety is concerned there is no second choice, only a first, Arai, and it may well be another condor.

Kind regards,

Phil Walker -Wearing a Condor- October 2009

Phillip Walker

I have worn an Arai helmet for car racing for a number of years, mainly due to the fact that I find them most comfortable & best fitting helmet on the market. However, I'm pleased to also say it does it's job more than adequately!

I recently had a huge accident in my 1971 Historic Formula Ford at Mallory Park. I hit the back of another competitor which launched me into a series of cartwheels down the track at around 90mph. The ferocity of the incident pretty much destroyed my car - parts were even found by a fisherman in the lake! The photo's were so spectacular they made National news in "The Sun" newspaper and "Nuts" mens magazine (and I didn't have to take my clothes off for either!) as well as all the motor sport press.

I remained conscious and aware during the whole accident and felt my helmet hit the tarmac several times. However, it stayed completely intact despite the forces it was subjected to and I sustained no head injuries. Thankfully I am able to compete at the next event and hopefully take the lead of the championship. If I win it this year, I will be the first female in history to win a National Formula Ford Championship.

I intend to wear an Arai helmet for as long as I'm racing."

Amanda Whitaker wearing a GP-5K
27th August 2009

Amanda Whitaker

The accident happened in the first race of the Thundersport Superstock 600 Superpole. I had set off into Gerrards making a good start on my 2009 triumph, the only one in the class. Coming out of Gerrards at 100mph, someone, trying to avoid another rider took me out. After cart wheeling olympic style and missing 30 other bikes, I finally slid to a halt at Edwinas. I got up and walked to the medics with my battered ego intact, thanks to some quality leathers and a first class helmet. Thanks again Arai.

Adam Boyle- wearing a Condor St George Flag
April 2009

Adam Boyle

Hello,
I am an owner of an Arai viper GT helmet and am contacting you to send my thanks for such a quality product.

I recently came off my bike and skidded across the road. My Arai did its job perfectly in cushioning my head and protecting it.

So thanks again on your brilliant development, I will be purchasing another Arai helmet again.

Lee
24th June 2009-Wearing a Viper GT

Lee Abbott

I am just writing to say what a great helmet the arai is. I am a short circuit and road racer from Northern Ireland and during a race at the Ulster grand prix I over cooked Ireland’s corner and ended up sliding down the road before hitting the hay bails. If it wasn’t for the high quality RX-7 Corsair Nakano replica helmet I was wearing I fear I could have been badly injured. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing your new brochure so that I can get another arai for the new season ahead.

Michael McKinley wearing an RX-7 Corsair
11 February 2009

Michael Mckinley

I am writing to thank you as I had recently had a crash in my Kart,

I race in the Rotax 177 class and compete in the Super1 National Championships.

During the 2nd qualifying heat at Buckmore Park I was thrown out of the Kart as I was forced into some tyres on the inside of the 1st corner and pirouetted around until I got chucked out.

Fortunately, the following Karts managed to avoid me, but I am pleased to report my helmet (GP5) did an excellent job of protecting me.

As I was coming out of the kart my head hit a competitor’s wheel which bent his stub axle so clearly my helmet took a big impact.

I walked away from the accident and was able to race again later in the day and finish in the top 6 after starting from the back.

I am now running 5th in the championship with an aim to finish in the top 3 by the end.

Thankyou

Tom Holland-Wearing a GP-5
July 2009

Tom Holland

Dear Arai
I would simply like to thank you so much for making such a wonderful product. I recently passed my bike licence and purchased a CBR600.

Being new to motor biking I was keen to listen to my friends on purchasing good quality protective equipment, which may one day save my life. I tried on many different styles and makes of helmet in my search for the right one and I'm pleased to say that I purchased an Arai Chaser. This helmet fitted me very well and was by far the most comfortable for me. Sadly 5 days ago I was involved in an incident and have needed hospital treatment over the last few days, and as I'm writing, have only been out of hospital for 3 hours following an operation on my thumb.

The reason why I'm contacting you is to simply say thank you. The quality lid potentially saved my life and I will not hesitate on buying another Arai Chaser in the near future.

I love riding and will probably never stop. I hope to never be involved in another accident again but if I am I will be wearing an Arai. Although I know that just by wearing one doesn’t make me invulnerable to injury. My faith is firmly placed in Arai and I will never hesitate in buying your lids to help save my life.

Thank you so very much.

Mr. T A Francis

Hello,

I have an Arai RX7 Corsair (Pedrosa) and I was unfortunate enough to crash my bike on New Year’s Day! Just a quick note to let you know that the helmet did its job superbly. I had no concussion, not even a scratch on my head! The rest of me didn’t do so well, broken Clavicle and usual cuts and bruises. I now need a new helmet and will be buying another RX7 Corsair. Thanks for a great product; I couldn’t recommend these helmets highly enough.

Andrew Percival wearing an RX-7 Corsair

Andrew Percival

Hi

I thought Id drop you a line to tell you about the new arai helmet test that my beloved helmet passed with flying colours.............

I was out on a ride last Sunday, first one in a while thanks to the weather gods and being a budding photographer decided to take my camera with me to get a few photos of the group I ride out with. We stopped on a great country road to make the most of the weather and the beautiful scenery. I parked on the car park at the front of an empty disused farm supplies building and started taking photos of my parked bike and my friend riding up and down the road. After about 10 minutes of us being there a farmer from the opposite farm drove down his driveway in his 4x4 and turned towards where we were. I expected him to drive past as we weren’t causing any problems or making much noise, or so I thought.

He pulled up on the road next to me with his window wound down and started shouting and swearing telling me to move my bike off the land as it was private property. I didn’t even have time to reply when he accelerated away and swung his 4x4 round the back of where my bike was parked. He was still shouting and screaming at us, obviously very angry. As he turned towards us, my Arai helmet was directly in his path. I shouted and waved for him to stop, but no: he carried on regardless and drove straight over the top of it in his 4x4.

He carried on shouting as he drove straight past me and off up the road??? I expected the helmet to be in pieces but after closer inspection, it was cracked in three places and the visor had come off. I seriously expected a lot more damage. I immediately called the police. By the time they arrived, an hour later, the farmer had returned and driven back up to his farm. I told the police exactly what happened before they went to see him. On their return to me, I was told that Mr X said he didn’t see the helmet and was willing to pay half towards the cost of a new one. How had he not seen it? Its bright yellow!!! After a lot of debate we agreed on a settlement price and that was that. I am now in the process of looking for a new lid, and I can safely say, it will definitely be another Arai!!! If they can take a 4x4 driving over the top of them, they must be made of good stuff!!!!

Phil Wolstencroft

I write to you today following our telephone conversation, with reference to my Arai Helmet which I was wearing when I had a motorcycle accident on June 5th 2008 whilst on the Isle of Man watching the TT races.

The accident was at high speed, approx 120mph, and I impacted a tree at approx 100mph, In all I suffered 29 breaks to various bones in my body: 4 to my spine which have healed with no after effects due to the back protector I was wearing. 2 to my left cheek and chin, 8 broken ribs, 2 to my left shoulder, 7 in my left arm, 1 in my left hand, 1 break to the bottom of my femur, 1 to my knee & 3 broken toes in my left foot.

As you can see I cause some damage to myself but thanks to the Arai helmet I was wearing my head injury was minimalised to just two breaks, a bleed on the brain and a cut to the back of my head. I suffered some memory loss and I still can't remember anything of this year's TT trip. My parents were told at the hospital by the doctors treating me that if I wasn't wearing such a good helmet then an impact like that would have killed me. I had only had this Arai a couple of weeks as my other arai was reaching the end of its natural life so I had treated myself. Little did I know I would soon be testing my helmet out.

I owe my Arai helmet my life. I will ride again soon as I'm able and the first item on my list is a new Arai helmet. Indeed several of my friends who ride have since bought and Arai and my girlfriend, who witnessed my accident, has decided to treat herself to a new Arai after seeing how it saved my life.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Arai for producing such an amazing, life saving piece of equipment.

Yours, Ever Thankful

Leon Duberry

Thank you for saving my life.

I was riding home from where I work (metropolis motorcycles vauxhall london we sell Arai) on the 19/10/07 when approx 6 miles from home a car which was going in the opposite direction decided to turn right across me into a side turning I had nowhere to go & no time to apply my brakes. I hit the car side on at somewhere between 25-35mph my head went through the passenger door window smashing it & hit the top of the door, my Arai viper gt (leon Haslem rep) without doubt saved my life. My bike was utterly destroyed. I have worn Arai's for all of my riding life approx 6 years first one was a (blue starflag) condor then rx7corsair (haga rep) & this year a rx7corsair (hayden) & viper gt (haslem) I have always relied on the good reputation of Arai, I never once thought I would find out first hand.

I can't really thank you & the Arai makers in japan enough but if you need any kind of customer recommendations than I am at your service. I should point out I am the regional coordinator surrey area for SERV (Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers). We are a charity which transport blood for the national blood service free of charge on motorcycles & a few of us have cars. for further details contact me or visit our website www.serv.org.uk

James Hall SERV Surrey

If you have ever thought £350 was a lot to pay for a crash helmet you should see this photo.

This is the helmet which provided enough protection for me to survive a 50mph impact with a 4x4 last week.
Thanks to ARAI I walked away (well limped actually) and will live to ride another day.
I think they have saved my life.

Roger Parrott

My husband WAS the very proud owner of a perfectly beautiful Triumph Daytona 955i. That was until the classic "Sorry mate, I didn't see you" happened.

The car pulled out of a side road almost right in front of him, he nearly missed the car but couldn't get out far enough because of concrete islands in the centre of the road.

He was a very lucky man, I put this down the fact that he never leaves the house without his full kit. His leathers are battered with bits of the cars paintwork embedded in the leather, but he still has his skin. His boots are trashed, but his ankles and feet are intact. His head hit the front of the car and his so called '2 star' Arai helmet has deep scrapes, but he didn't lose consciousness and didn't even get a headache. I'd give it more than 2 stars, and we'll be buying a new one as soon as he is riding again. He came away from this with a dislocated and fractured elbow, and his thumb was fractured in two places.

No, his bike will never move again, and yes he has both arms in plaster... but he is still in one piece! (and looking for his next bike!)

If you ever think 'I'm only nipping into town, I don't need to wear the whole kit... then be warned, this happened at 35-40mph. A sobering thought.

Jeni Davies