Frequently asked question :
Q: Is painting of the helmet and use of decals allowed?
A: Painting of an Arai helmet is allowed (check the instructions in your manual), But before painting remove all plastic (polycarbonate) parts. DO NOT remove any (trim) rubbers and cover the complete inside of the helmet to avoid the agressive fumes will damage the inner part of the helmet. Self-adhesive decals (‘stickers’) may be used on the helmet, they don’t have any influence on the material. Do Not remove the inner lining, chinstrap nor trim rubbers at all circumstances!
Q: Why are all Arai helmets equipped with the ‘Double D’ ring fastner?
A: The ‘Double D’ ring is at the moment the safest way to fasten a helmet. A so-called quick fastener may be damaged or the build-up of dirt inside may influence the functioning of the device. Don’t forget that grand prix racers are obliged to use a similar system as the ‘Double D’ ring for racing use!
Q: What is the use of the silicon fluid packed in the helmet box?
A: This is a lubricant for plastic parts as used in the visor hinge system. The silicon fluid is also used for maintenance of the eye-opening trim rubber to keep it smooth. Please use very sparingly and refer to the instructions in the manual. DO NOT use any other parts ( espacially the visor) then those mentioned in the manual.
Q: Why does an Arai helmet fit so perfectly?
A: Arai uses 5 different shell sizes, this gives the right size helmet for the costomers head. The smallest shell is XXS, size 51-52. For every two sizes, there is one specific shell size starting with XS (53-54) up to XXL (63-64). For really large heads, we manufacture the XXXL shell, which covers size 65-66. The inner shell is shaped to the average size of the human head, but there are different inner shells for Europe, the USA and Asia. Furthermore Arai have developed two main shapes for the full-face helmets: the L-type shell and the G-type shell is rounder and may give more space around the face.
Q: What are the ventilation possibilities?
A: Ventilation can be achieved by the Diffuser, the Twiter, the IC/DDL ducts and Delta Ducts/Formula Duct-2 systems. The Delta Ducts in combination with the Formula Duct-2 are also available as spareparts for various other models. There are also ventilation slots in the mouthguard and the shield. Ventilation of the mouthguard will provide an airflow over the inside of the visor. With the air outlets at the back of the helmet, these features will offer the best possible ventilation for a comfortable ride.
Q: Are Arai helmets very noisy?
A: ‘Noise’ experienced in a helmet is very personal. One person may feel comfortable with a certain noise level, while an other will experience it as very uncomfortable.The source of noise in a helmet is mainly the environment (wind, traffic, motorcycle). But also the position of the rider on the bike and the configuration of the bike are importance. A windscreen or fairing on the bike, but also the size and shape of it will have a great influence on the noise level within the helmet, because it will influence the turbulence around the helmet. And it is the turbulence at back of the helmet that is the cause of the highest noise level within the helmet. Spoilers may reduce the noise level and in fact the Diffuser on the RX-7 Corsair and the Formula Duct on the Condor will help to significantly reduce the noise levels in those helmets, because they act like spoilers.We extensively tested our helmets in windtunnels, but also on the circuits and in normal traffic conditions, with various motorcycles, speeds and the weather conditions. These tests proved that Arai helmets are more among the quietest helmet tested. In fact the RX-7 Corsair and the Astro/R are the most quit helmets in our line-up.
Q: Are there differences between helmets for motorcycle and car race use?
A: Yes!To start with: car race helmets are equipped with fire resistance Nomex material. The shield system is stronger (but lacks the streamlined ‘holders’ of the motorcycle models) and the material of the shield thicker due to regulations. The visor opening is (much) smaller for some models, while the shape of the outer shell differs.Car race helmets are approved with the worldwide SNELL approval, due the fact that these helmets are intended for race us only. Mototcycle helmets are developed also for normal street use, but they are in fact the same helmets as used by the racers in the various racing disciplines (road racing, motorcross etc).
Q: Which shields are available for an Arai helmet?
A: The following shields are available as original Arai parts: clear, licht smoke, dark smoke and yellow. (the dark-smoke shield is not available in the UK, due to legal restrictions). Yellow shields are designed for use in rainy and foggy weather conditions, they offer better contrast in those weather conditions. The Super AdSis shield system offers easy changing of the shield, without the need for any tools. With the new LRS (Lever Release System) introduced for the 2000 model range, changing the visor is even more easy.
Q: What to do when raindrops or wind enters the helmet?
A: During use after a longer period, the visor of shield may need to be adjusted. The shield can be re-adjusted to solve this problem. To be sure that the shield is adjusted to factory secifications and thus ensure optimal comfort and safety, we strongly suggest to have the adjustments carried out by an official Arai dealer.
Q: Is it possible to clean the comfort material?
A: The interior parts of an Arai helmet are also described as ‘comfort material’. The removable parts may be washed in lukewarm water and appropriate mild soap. But also helmets with a fixed interior may be cleaned. Use a moist sponge also with lukewarm and soap. After cleaning remove the soap with a clean, moist sponge. Let the helmet dry upside down to allow the remaining water to escape through the ventilation holes. Let dry in room temperature, never near stoves or other heating appliances as a too high temperture will damage the inner liner material.