posted January 12, 2006 03:22 PM
Arai Helmets not what they once were! Read Well looks like Arai Helmets are not what they once were when they won JD Powers awards.. I purchase my 3rd Arai helmet on 9/28 because my older Arai helmet I have had since 02 was showing its age and since you can't use a helmet on the track that is over 5 years old I had to break down and get one.. I ordered the helmet on 9/28/05 just like the one I already had.(signet series). You can't just call the company anymore and let them send you another. You got to do some bullshit thing online and then they contact you. Well come to my surprise my new Arai helmet was dated 9/02. I do several track days and such... Thats right my helmet is almost deceased. Good for 1 year $496 helmet...I called customer service and they are giving me the run around saying your helmet only has to be Snell approved.. Bullshit! They saying they are going to have to get back with me... Whatever. I have 1/5 of a helmet. So I want a new helmet or 4/5 the cost of it back.. Its not the dealer fault he ordered it and thats what they sent him... WTF??? What would you do??????????????
posted January 12, 2006 04:15 PM
There is a guy with a log on name, "Brian" that frequents http://www.gl1800riders.com. I sent him a PM for some issues I had with my RX7-RRIV and Corsair helmets. He resolved my issues in less than a week each. He is a manager at Arai. It might be worth your while to get on http://www.gl1800riders.com and PM him. Maybe I can PM him and link this thread.
____________
Not just a great barbarian, the greatest barbarian, bar none.
quote:There is a guy with a log on name, "Brian" that frequents http://www.gl1800riders.com. I sent him a PM for some issues I had with my RX7-RRIV and Corsair helmets. He resolved my issues in less than a week each. He is a manager at Arai. It might be worth your while to get on http://www.gl1800riders.com and PM him. Maybe I can PM him and link this thread.
I would appreciate that very much... The web is a powerful tool this day. And since I'm a memeber to several bike forums news travel fast.... The guys I talked to acted like they didn't know I was talking about... I wouldn't have even looked at the date inside my helmet unless my shield holder didn't break and boy was I pissed. I did a track day in January and didnt use my new helmet because my old one would still pass tech ( It is a 02 as well) I bought it in 02 thou..
posted January 13, 2006 05:29 AM
I sure hope this helps because I'm sure am racking up the hits on The R1 forum and the zx10r.net site along with others.. Next going to be BBB and JDPowers & Associates. I'm not really a Dick but I hate being treated like a dumb ass. I talked to Arai and they act like they didn't even know of that 5 year helmet policy. What the hell ? A racing helmet manufacture wouldn't know that.. It also states inside the helmet that don't wear after 5 years of purchase or don't wear at all after 7 years of manufacture. I told them were to look for the track day policies and such. Even the dealer agrees with me... I hope they act on this... Next going to pay my nephew to put links on all of the search engines. Not worth my time. Just throw a hundred his way.... Sometimes its more principle. I have found that has a sportbike rider you get treated like you are a kid or something. Same thing with insurance.. I best shut up before I get myself real mad.....
posted January 13, 2006 07:21 AM
Bummer, that's why I always pick a brand new graphic when I get a helmet. Arai isn't the only one doing this, just look at Shoei dumping all the rf1000 Duhamel helmets since he switched to shark.
I wouldn't put too much faith in the customer service people on the phone, chances are that it's just a job for them and they probably don't even ride. Only way they're worth a shit is if they'll put you in contact with a manager or somebody in tech.
posted January 13, 2006 01:09 PM
I buy to many different bikes. So I like a solid so I can wear it with several bikes and not look stupid.. I look stupid now for paying a shit load of money for 1/5 of a helmet..
posted January 13, 2006 01:49 PM
I had a Signet I ordered a Signet GTR that is the replacement of the Signet and now for 06 the helmet is called a profile... Its the same shell shape in which fits me best. A new black helmet. Like fresh bread and milk. Milk turns sour after its date as so does the helmets read the inner chin strap. Its so there. I hope they make it right.
posted January 26, 2006 11:56 AM
Arai will not do anything about it.. They suck. Poor customer service and the thing about it is the employess agree with me... They sold me a out dated helmet thats only good for around 1 year. Whatever you do don't buy Arai because they no longer stand by what they sell. Save your money and buy something cheaper...
posted January 26, 2006 02:45 PM
I would send it back with the receipt and dispute the charges with the credit card company, then file a claim with the BBB and buy a Shoei.
posted January 28, 2006 03:29 PM
I fix those mufa Fuckers. Just submitted this to the BBB. LOL I ordered a racing motorcycle helmet on 092806 because the helmet I currently have is old and wanted a new helmet similiar to what I already had and in order for me to race I have to purchase a new one because the helmets are time sensitive and in is against the rules of WERA,CMRA,CCS etc. to use a helmet on the track over 5 years of age. The helmet must go threw inspection upon getting on the track. It also states on the helmet that the helmet must not be worn longer than 5 years of ownership or discard of after 7 years of manufacture. Arai are expensive helmets 486.00. Upon having a problem I noticed when I had to submit for warranty that my helmet was manufactured in 02. This helmet was supposet to be brand new and they are time sensitive like milk. After I called the company they acted like I was a idiot for complaining about the date.. After making several attempts to get this resolved Arai told me there is nothing they can do. Even talked to a nice lady at Arai and she agrees with me and understands but she says her hands are tied. The dealer that ordered the helmet thru Arai name is Nole at Triad Powersports in Greensboro, NC 336-852-4228. He can't get them to do anything as well. I bought a new helmet. Not a 2002 helmet. This helmet is only good for less than 1 season and then I have to throw it away. Yes a 486.00 helmet. I can document everything.
posted January 31, 2006 04:06 PM
Wait a second. Arai did not sell you the helmet. Your Dealer did. Your Dealer buys them from a Distributor (Tucker Rocky, Western Power Sports, JD Walters and Sammy Tanner Distributing). Arai manufacturers them. You need to take it up with your Dealer and then your Dealer needs to take it up with their Distributor. Why would Arai have anything to do with this whole thing. Educated consumers are the problem here. All Arai helmets are made to order. If they are not ordered they are not made. Period. For example, a distributor orders 10 white helmets in June of 2005. They take 3 months for production and delviery to the USA from Japan. Then Distributor Reps. try and sell them to shops. If those 10 are not sold, they do not order more. They can sit in the warehouse for years until someone orders one of them.
I know for a fact that the Distributors had the Signets on a SUPER cheap sale. SInce there was a new model coming out. So what you paid for your helmet was close to full retail. YOUR Dealer is claiming dumb to you and blaming Arai. YOUR DEALER is the one who made all the money off of you. You need to take it up with them and seriously find a new Dealer to buy your Arai's from.
But again try to understand the way things work. There really is nothing Arai should do for you, and you only show the lack of undestanding when you go and trash a comapny because they do not just hadn out helmets. That is not the way things work.
I also understand where you are coming from. I am a cinsumer as well. But again YOUR DEALER is the problem. They need to stop claiming ignorance and take the helmet back goto the Distributor they bought it from.
The reason Arai has such tough contact and strict policies is because of our peers in the world of motorcycling. Every law and rule is there because of someone else. SO yes you are frustrated and upset, but not being educated about things makes you no better then the other party.
Seriously ask me if you have any other questions. I have been in this industry my whole life. No before you go and respond to me ranting and raving. Re-read hat I wrote and try to soak in what I was trying to explain to you. There are things to understand and learn here.
posted January 31, 2006 06:00 PM
Robert I do understand the distribution channel. I was a representive for several years. How ever Arai is in charge of there distribution and marketing. Me as a consumer could care less of there distribution channels and that is none of my buisness. Arai is in full charge how they bring their products to market and their distribution and thats their responsiablity to get it to market fast enough when especially there is time sensitive goods. I tried to order my Arai mail order threw a company that I bought my last one with (Helmet Harbour) Discount helmet seller. However Arai would not let them mail me a helmet. Arai choose the way they do business. So I had to pay for retail for a old 02 helmet.
Business 101 The customer is always right...... And its the manufacture responsiablity to make it right.. Arai is charge of there distribution process, Thats sales and marketing.... Bringing your goods to market...
posted January 31, 2006 07:15 PM
Customer is always right, when they are educated on the cause. Customer ignorance is not right. Also it is not the manufacturers responsibility to make things right. They will when the proper channels ahve been taken. And from what I read your Dealer has not taken any channels. Arai cannot control the ordering of distributors. They are NOT in control of their Distributors. They simply are not. They can suggest to them what to do, but cannot control them. Marketing is done by them yes. But if Dealers do not sell helmets or order helmets from the Distributor. The Distributors will not order more. And Arai does not produce more. Very simple. Once the Distributor pays for the helmets, there is nothing Arai can do. Arai does not take back old inventory. No manufacturer of helmets does that. Distributors may do that, but thats it. Your whole problem is that your Dealer took your money. Not Arai. I am a Dealer sir. I sell helmets for a living. I am an educated merchant and know the products I sell. I know what I order from the Distributors. I know when it is an old or new product. Your Dealer is your key. Your dealer is passing the buck here. That is what has been going for decades in this little motorcycle community. They need to take your helmet back. Return it to the Distributor and get another one. They need to ASK for specifics. Arai does not have a warehouse in the US stocked with helmets. Neither does Shoei, Sumoy, Etc. The Distributors have the warehouses. So they cannot just send out helmets to everyone.
Arai has no control of the helmets once they are brought to port in the US. It is up to the Distributors to sell them to Dealers in a time sensitive manner. If they choose to. Then it is up to the Dealer to sell helmets to you in a timely manner if they choose to. And also give you better pricing, if they choose to, which in your case your Dealer in my opinioin ripped you off. Plain and simple. They got your money. They got that helmet for about $199, which was the going price for clearance model Signet back when you bought it. That is way below normal Dealer cost for that helmet. And since it was clearance, they probably cannot return the helmet to the Distributor so thats why they are telling you its Arai's fault. When it simply is not.
Your right, you do not need to know the ditribution channels. But in this case, you need to go through the proper hiearchy of retail business. Consumer>Dealer>Distributor>Manfacturer
When you buy a new car and your windshield wiper fails you buy it from a store. You do not go back to Detroit, Japan or Malaysia about the problem, you go to the shop or store you bought it from. You should approach this the same way, before you go running and calling people names and pointing fingers. And threatening to write the BBB and posting all over the web. Thats very petty.
I cannot say this enough, your Dealer is your problem, not Arai.
I am also not here to argue or cause stress. I was reading posts and felt to make a comment because things that were said are not correct.
posted February 01, 2006 03:27 AM
Robert manufactures choose how they bring their products to market and its their choice to use distributors. Some manufactures do not use outside distributorships. However the manufactures responsibility all the way threw to the end user.. (me). I know I have worked with a manufactures as a independent repersentive and sold to distributors and sold directly. Doesn't matter to the consumer how it gets to market. Me as a repersentive always had to make the end user happy. Regardless how the product got to market. Robert I went threw the proper channels all the way to the top. Its more than just the cost of the helmet now I could care less. Its the priciple. First of all Arai acted like I was a idiot for complaing about my helmets date told me I didn't know what I was talking about.... Don't you think they should know this??? Arai gave me the run around and I handled it totally professional. They lied to me saying they would call me back didn't happen.I talked to another customer service repersentive at Arai (supposely a manager of some sort) and all I asked for was very little. A replacement helmet with a newer date, refund, or some money back..... Not to much to ask. He told me tuff.. Then I told him that is find however I will let over 5000 people here about this with in a couple of weeks time. Arai told me they didn't care.....Go for it.. So Robert I'm keeping my promise. So a measly couple of hundered bucks will cost them thousands and thousands of dollars. But they don't care Robert. Idiots! Like I said its the priciple. If they don't I will put a couple of employess ( on my payroll) to post on every motorcyle forum they can get their hands on... Thats right cost me money.. Do you think Arai made the right decision???
Zone Head
Posts: 570
posted January 26, 2006 04:21 PM Edited By: warbird on 26 Jan 2006 16:27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drowland has every right to be upset. Helmets have an "expiration date" for very important reasons. The shell material, impact absorbtion material and liner all degrade over time. ( A short amount of time according to Arai) The helmet will not absorb and spread impact over a large area after a certain amount time or "degrading" has occured. The liner degrades and the absorbtion material compresses over time ( from repeated wearing of the helmet) and then will no longer fit correctly, also causing an unsafe condition. This info is straight from the mouth of Arai's top man last year at the Dealer Show in Indy. My wife has an Arai helmet she bought from the Suzuki dealership when she bought us new 1986 GSXR 750 and 1100's. It was sold by Suzuki in matching colors to the 1100. We asked Arai's "top guy" about getting it relined because it has literally turned to dust. We explained that she would not be wearing it, that she was partial to it and has it purely as a keepsake. He said absolutly not and it was unsafe to even keep around in case someone used it with out her knowlege. His suggestion was to destroy it. A VERY nice and knowlegable guy without doubt........but according to what he said Drowland deseves a brand new helmet.
I will see if I can help. Try not to wear the helmet in case I can get it replaced for you.
____________
I'd Rather Be Roadracing.
posted February 01, 2006 04:00 AM
I want buy another Arai ever if thats the way they handle customer complaints when you buy a primo expensive helmet. I usually like the customer service I get when I buy a primo car like my Infiniti. When I take my car in for service and then they have a car right there when I step out of mine and they have a clean nice car for me to step into. And they say thank you Mr. Johnson we will call you when your car is ready... Thanks Service... And its worth more to me... I got of couple of riding buddies that wears Arai I will sent them a link...
posted February 01, 2006 07:06 AM
Drowland, I worked everyside of this industry as well. For the Manufatcurer, Dealer, Distributor, racer and consumer. Your Dealer is your problem. I can assure you, if your Dealer actually went to their Distributor they would have taken care ot it. But I do not believe they have. Honestly, your Dealer you bought it from got it on clearance. And when you buy clearance items, they are not allowed to return them. Thats the big problem on why they told you to goto Arai.
Your dealer has your money. Arai does not have the Signet GTR model out anymore. That was a bad salesman move from your Dealer to let you have a helmet with an old production date. You need to hold your Dealer more responsible.
I am the owner of the MOST Specilaized & Registered Arai Helmet dealer in the Americas. No question. We service and sell Arai's all over the USA. At the AMA Superbike races and also travel with the International Motorcycle shows all winter long all over the US. I know for a fact if I have a consumer ask me for a helmet for racing I can goto the Distributor and ask for a recently produced helmet. They do not like that, becasue they sell their products in a purchase date rotation. Old first, like ALL retail businesses do. I do not deal with Arai at all. If my customers have a problem with anything. I am the one they should come to. I can handle everything I need to through my DISTRIBUTOR. I know I know, you do not care about where they came from. But again your Dealer is the problem here. They made the money and are washing their hands and pointing to Arai.
Now I do not know what You and Arai have said to each other and how that was handled. (I guess I may be a prick too) But if I was the Arai guy, I would tell you to go back to your Dealer. They sold you an old stock clearance helmet. If they cannot help you, they should goto to the Distributor for credit. Arai does not have to hand out helmets. Just not the way it works.
I do not understand the track day people or race org. that told you that helmet is no good. It sounds like they need to look at their guidelines better. The life of a helmet is 5 years from it first use, 7 years from date of manufacturing, which ever comes first. You are good for quite a few years. But if your racing anyway, you shold be putting a new lid on your head 1-2 years anyway. Your prod. date was 09/02. You got it 09/05. Ok so till 2010 by the 5 year and 2009 by the 7 year deal. You got some good life left in that helmet.
You are not the first persont his happend to. As I travel all over the US, people come up really upset and tell me they just bought a new helmet and spent big bucks and now what. I tell every one of them. GO BACK TO YOUR DEALER. I also then ask them to contact me on how it was handled. I have only heard positive results from them all. The only times not, is because it was a CLEARANCE helmet the Dealer bought and could not return it. Again I think this is problem here with your Dealer.
Tell you what, where are you located? What color Signet GTR are you looking to replace. The new Profile model fits similar to the Signet but not exactly the same. The Profile now uses the same shields and parts as the Corsair, Q/2, Astral-X Etc. But there are really no Signets left to buy that are current. The ones still in Dist. warehouses are old. Like the one your got. But depending on where you are located, I would like to make sure you fit up properly in the new Profile. I will take your Signet in on a trade-in for a new one. Goto my website to read what I am talking about.
http://www.theservicepavilion.com/trade.html
I can tell you I will not be able to give you anywhere near the $496 you paid for you helmet. Because since last spring 04/05 the Signets have been getting blown out for $250 and under at Dealer level pricing. So generally where your dealer only makes maybe $100 on a helmet, they made HUNDREDS of dollars on your purchase. I know this for a fact.
But please let me know where you are. Please email me directly if you would like more information through my website.
I cannot emphasize enough, your dealer is the big problem. But let me try to help you out even though I did not sell you the helmet.
posted February 01, 2006 04:40 PM
Arai Helment Have dealt with Robert on more than one occasion. Highly reccomend his business to you.
Have purchased helment from the IX Show in Cleveland, Ohio also at the Super Bike Race
In Lexington, Ohio. Very Knowledgeable in the helment world and concerned with getting you the proper fitting helment and not just getting your money! Have never had anyone spend any time at all to explain how and check the fit of a helment. during a sell.
Also about everyone in my family has purchased a helment through Robert.
Helment's off to Robert Highly Recommend buying from his business.
P.S. Having a properly fitting helment sure makes it alot more enjoyable to wear.
Thanks again Robert.
posted February 01, 2006 05:30 PM
I really appreciate your offer Robert! And I mean that. Its good to see someone who cares. And I'm sure you are aware of their poor business decision. Its the principle and the promise I made to them. Robert I was always told that you must stand for something or you will fall for anything.... 1144 hits on R1 forum looks like I'm already over quota
quote]Drowland, I worked everyside of this industry as well. For the Manufatcurer, Dealer, Distributor, racer and consumer. Your Dealer is your problem. I can assure you, if your Dealer actually went to their Distributor they would have taken care ot it. But I do not believe they have. Honestly, your Dealer you bought it from got it on clearance. And when you buy clearance items, they are not allowed to return them. Thats the big problem on why they told you to goto Arai.
Your dealer has your money. Arai does not have the Signet GTR model out anymore. That was a bad salesman move from your Dealer to let you have a helmet with an old production date. You need to hold your Dealer more responsible.
I am the owner of the MOST Specilaized & Registered Arai Helmet dealer in the Americas. No question. We service and sell Arai's all over the USA. At the AMA Superbike races and also travel with the International Motorcycle shows all winter long all over the US. I know for a fact if I have a consumer ask me for a helmet for racing I can goto the Distributor and ask for a recently produced helmet. They do not like that, becasue they sell their products in a purchase date rotation. Old first, like ALL retail businesses do. I do not deal with Arai at all. If my customers have a problem with anything. I am the one they should come to. I can handle everything I need to through my DISTRIBUTOR. I know I know, you do not care about where they came from. But again your Dealer is the problem here. They made the money and are washing their hands and pointing to Arai.
Now I do not know what You and Arai have said to each other and how that was handled. (I guess I may be a prick too) But if I was the Arai guy, I would tell you to go back to your Dealer. They sold you an old stock clearance helmet. If they cannot help you, they should goto to the Distributor for credit. Arai does not have to hand out helmets. Just not the way it works.
I do not understand the track day people or race org. that told you that helmet is no good. It sounds like they need to look at their guidelines better. The life of a helmet is 5 years from it first use, 7 years from date of manufacturing, which ever comes first. You are good for quite a few years. But if your racing anyway, you shold be putting a new lid on your head 1-2 years anyway. Your prod. date was 09/02. You got it 09/05. Ok so till 2010 by the 5 year and 2009 by the 7 year deal. You got some good life left in that helmet.
You are not the first persont his happend to. As I travel all over the US, people come up really upset and tell me they just bought a new helmet and spent big bucks and now what. I tell every one of them. GO BACK TO YOUR DEALER. I also then ask them to contact me on how it was handled. I have only heard positive results from them all. The only times not, is because it was a CLEARANCE helmet the Dealer bought and could not return it. Again I think this is problem here with your Dealer.
Tell you what, where are you located? What color Signet GTR are you looking to replace. The new Profile model fits similar to the Signet but not exactly the same. The Profile now uses the same shields and parts as the Corsair, Q/2, Astral-X Etc. But there are really no Signets left to buy that are current. The ones still in Dist. warehouses are old. Like the one your got. But depending on where you are located, I would like to make sure you fit up properly in the new Profile. I will take your Signet in on a trade-in for a new one. Goto my website to read what I am talking about.
http://www.theservicepavilion.com/trade.html
I can tell you I will not be able to give you anywhere near the $496 you paid for you helmet. Because since last spring 04/05 the Signets have been getting blown out for $250 and under at Dealer level pricing. So generally where your dealer only makes maybe $100 on a helmet, they made HUNDREDS of dollars on your purchase. I know this for a fact.
But please let me know where you are. Please email me directly if you would like more information through my website.
I cannot emphasize enough, your dealer is the big problem. But let me try to help you out even though I did not sell you the helmet.
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posted January 12, 2006 03:22 PM
posted February 01, 2006 05:30 PM
