We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment - Hilaire Belloc
Ride, Relax, Reflect
From shared journeys with loved ones to the personal love story with the road, find joy in every moment on two wheels
Cruise, Calm, Connect
Embrace the rhythm of the road, share the journey with friends, and let every twist and turn elevate your spirit
Conquer, Cruise, Cherish
The road winding like an inviting challenge, experience the thrill of motorcycle sport touring and the joy of the journey in every moment
Meditate, Move, Mingle
Find your balance, where every ride deepens connections and amplifies the shared joy between souls
Arai motorcycle helmets
Arai: a name that's been synonymous with top-notch motorcycle helmets for over 60 years. Originating from the Land of the Rising Sun,this brand is a preferred choice for riders who are concerned not only with aesthetic appeal but also with ensuring maximum safety and protection while on the road.
Founded in 1926 by Hirotake Arai, the company didn't actually set out to be the helmet hero it is today. Nope, Hirotake kicked off his career at the tender age of 21 as a straw hat maker. Over the years, he shifted gears from straw to sturdier stuff, making hard hats for the hard-working lads on construction sites. By 1937, the first bricks of the Arai factory were laid in Omiya, where it still stands tall as the brand's HQ.
But then came a twist in the tale. After getting his hands on a Harley-Davidson, Hirotake was bitten by the bike bug, leading him to pioneer Japan's first-ever motorcycle helmet. So, it turns out that Arai didn't just commit to keeping riders safe and comfy; they literally set the standard in Japan.
Now, isn't that a journey worth strapping in for?
Manufacturing Process
Arai's relentless pursuit of quality shines through its intricate manufacturing process. Each helmet undergoes a 27-step procedure and takes over 18 laborious hours to craft. Comprised of hand-selected, high-grade materials, these helmets are rigorously examined to either meet or surpass international safety standards.
Innovation in Design
Arai has been a trailblazer in helmet technology, setting milestones with features like the first full-face helmet introduced in 1968, followed by the debut of an adjustable ventilation system in 1985.
Reputation and Leadership
Over the years, Arai has cemented its reputation for delivering unparalleled safety and quality, earning it a dedicated following among motorcycle aficionados globally. As a leading force in the industry today, the company offers an extensive range of helmets tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of riders worldwide.
Commitment to Safety
Arai takes the concept of protection to the next level through its bespoke manufacturing techniques. The company crafts its helmet shells in-house, ensuring maximum integrity even at the edges. At the heart of their helmets is Super Fiber—a glass fibre material that is not only 30% more resilient than conventional fiberglass but also six times costlier, illustrating Arai's unwavering commitment to safety.
While Arai is devoted to pioneering safety innovations, it recognises that no helmet can offer complete invincibility against all types of impacts. Through meticulous analysis of various real-world incidents, the company has incrementally enhanced the protective features of its helmets, enabling better management of impact energy.
Understanding Kinetic Energy and Impact
According to physics, an object's kinetic energy scales with the square of its velocity. This implies that higher speeds result in exponentially greater energy levels during impacts. In real-world scenarios, such impacts could exceed the limitations set by existing safety standards. Consequently, Arai places equal importance on a helmet's ability to divert or "glance off" obstacles and slide smoothly across irregular surfaces, reducing the risk of getting snagged. This focus on "glancing off" complements traditional impact absorption methods, offering a more holistic approach to rider safety.
The Significance of "Glancing Off"
In the design of Arai helmets, "glancing off" is a crucial feature that enables the helmet to deflect or redirect impact forces. This is made possible by the helmet's rounded and streamlined shape, intentionally engineered to reduce the force transmitted to the rider's head during a collision. While impact absorption remains vital, the ability to redirect forces is equally significant in lessening head injuries.
Gaps in Regulatory Standards
It's worth noting that while international norms like ECE and DOT lay down minimum requirements for "impact absorption," they fall short of mandating any standards for the "glancing off" property. This makes it an area where manufacturers can truly differentiate their products.
Arai's Unique Approach
Arai places a strong emphasis on this "glancing off" aspect, considering it a key differentiator in offering advanced protection in real-world conditions. The design has evolved to mimic an egg-shaped structure, widely regarded as one of nature's most robust shapes, to maximise the "glancing off" capability.
Optimal Fit for Safety
For any rider, a snug and stable fit is paramount for effective protection, and Arai helmets deliver precisely that. Engineered to stay firmly in place even when you're pushing the speedometer, these helmets are designed with a universal interior EPS liner shape that accommodates a diverse range of head sizes and shapes. Arai continuously refines this fit based on ongoing research and practical experience.
Reliable Fastening System
All Arai helmets feature D-shaped rings, which are widely considered to be among the most secure fastening systems. These rings lie smoothly against the chin and are free from moving parts, reducing the risk of corrosion or mechanical failure. A simple tug on the tab is all it takes to loosen the strap, ensuring both security and ease of use.
Five-Year Limited Warranty
Arai helmets come with a five-year limited warranty that covers any material or workmanship defects. This warranty is exclusively applicable to the initial purchaser who has been properly fitted for the helmet. The warranty remains valid for five years from the date the helmet is first used, but under no circumstances will it extend beyond seven years from the helmet's manufacturing date.
Arai Motorcycle Helmets: Further Key Features at a Glance
Five-Stage Quality Control: Each helmet undergoes multiple inspections, including after shell creation, painting, assembly, and two in-process checks.
Easy-to-Clean Interior: The high-quality liner is washable with mild soap and water.
Comfort and Balance: Arai's expertly designed interior and ventilation system offer all-day comfort. The helmet's balanced weight distribution makes it barely noticeable when worn.
Streamlined Design: The smooth outer shell is engineered to reduce resistance, and all vents and ducts are designed to break away in case of impact to assist "Glancing Off".
Customizable Sizing: Most models offer one outer shell size for every two helmet sizes, along with varying shell shapes, ensuring a nearly perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
Arai motorcycle helmets set the benchmark for safety and comfort, making them a preferred choice for riders who won't compromise on protection. Known for their cutting-edge designs, stringent quality checks, and unwavering commitment to excellence, these helmets offer the assurance every rider seeks. Whether you're an experienced motorcyclist or just starting out, choosing an Arai helmet is a decision you're unlikely to regret.
Arai Motorcycle Helmets for Sport Touring
Pros
Safety First: Arai helmets are known for their top-notch safety features, often exceeding safety standards.
Quality Build: Crafted with a focus on durability and longevity.
Comfort: The interior padding and ventilation system are designed for long rides.
Custom Fit: Many Arai helmets offer customizable padding options for a snug fit.
Aerodynamic Design: Engineered to reduce wind resistance.
Noise Reduction: The design also aims to minimize wind noise, making for a quieter ride.
Easy to Clean: Removable and washable inner linings.
Visor Options: Availability of different visor types, all pinlock ready.
Brand Reputation: Trusted by many professional riders.
Cons
Pricey: Arai helmets are on the expensive side.
Complex Visor Mechanism: Visor swapping can be less user-friendly.
Not Modular: For safety reasons Arai doesn't offer modular helmets, which some prefer for convenience.
Ventilation: May not be sufficient for extremely hot conditions.
Break-in Period: Some models require a break-in period for optimal comfort.
Availability: Being a premium brand, not all shops stock them.
Spare Parts Cost: Replacement parts can be expensive.
Thinking about saving a few quid on a cheaper helmet? Remember, if you've got a £10 head, get a £10 helmet. Invest in quality. Your brain will thank you!
Best Deals on Arai Helmets
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Fun Facts
Did you know the world's longest motorcycle was over 26 meters long. It was presented and measured at Lakhota lake, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, on 22 January 2014. The bike was more than 4 m (13 ft) longer than the previous record holder's.
To ensure that his super-stretched motorcycle would be able to perform like a conventional motorbike, the constructor rode it along a road for 100 m (328 ft) without putting his feet down.
Tip of the week:
Never grab the front brake; squeeze it!
Grabbing the front brake abruptly can cause the front wheel to lock, as it doesn't allow time for the bike's weight to shift forward.This significantly reduces the front tyre's grip on the road and may result in loss of control, posing a serious risk of an accident.
Did you know?
The aerodynamic drag on a motorcycle can increase by up to 40% just by the rider sitting upright instead of in a tucked position. It's a wind-resistance thing—like trying to walk through a pool vs. gliding through it!
Photo of the week
Reading List:
Twist of the Wrist II by Keith Code
Why it's ace: This book is essentially the Bible of motorcycle cornering. Want to tackle bends like a pro? Get this in your noggin.
Motorcycle Maintenance TechBook - Haynes Manual
Why it's ace: This is like the Swiss Army knife of motorcycle books. It covers everything you need to know about servicing and minor repairs.
Ready to elevate your skills from basic riding to mastering the road? This guide aims to do just that by uncovering crucial riding techniques that will boost your confidence, safety and enjoyment on the tarmac. But we're not stopping at mere tips and tricks; we're going the extra mile.
Ever geared up for a motorcycle tour and found yourself puzzled about where to put all those essentials? Welcome to the life of a touring enthusiast. But fear not, because the gods of motorcycling foresaw this dilemma: Enter motorcycle luggage. Not just any old bag, but the kind tailored for those who believe a week-long journey with just a toothbrush and a dream is, well, unrealistic. Join us as we unpack the art and science of equipping your ride with the perfect storage. Because let's be honest, your majestic steed deserves more than bungee cords and prayers to hold onto your worldly (touring) possessions!
From rugged panniers to streamlined tank bags, the choices are as varied as the routes you ride. The trick lies in finding the balance between capacity and mobility, form and function. So, buckle up, as we guide you through the labyrinth of luggage options to make your next tour as smooth as your bike's throttle response.
When it comes to hitting the open road, there's one piece of gear that's non-negotiable: your helmet. Think of it as your noggin's knight in shining armour—quite literally. This Must Read Helmet Guide is your golden ticket to understanding what makes a helmet tick, why it's your best mate on the tarmac, and how to pick the one that fits you like a glove. After all, what's between your ears is priceless, so let's make sure it's well-protected.
