I know what you mean about a tight fit to get the thing on - but it fits fine once you are wearing it. I have an RX-7V (my second one). Even the top of the range model is a bit crude compared to modern designs. I know they do a good job of protecting your head in a crash - but so do other helmets. Compare that to the latest AGV-K6 and how clean the lines are and how well integrated the venting is. It shows up the Arai to be really a bit crude (IMHO). Very quiet, lightweight helmet this .................. (currently own Shark Race R Pro Carbon; HJC RPHA11; Arai RX-7V; AGV K-6)
Well, what can I say. After boasting I have no difficulty removing and changing visors on any of the last 3 Arai's I have owned, I took my Quantum ST out of its nice safe storage bag last night and the RH pod is broken lol. So that is a 35 quid issue I had to address this morning Fortunately I have managed to find the correct side pods at The Visor Shop and havent had to go with a colour compromise. I have never needed to pop the pods off previously, I have always managed to change the visor with them left in place...but this is a short video for anyone that struggles to take them off or replace them ...it really is this simple too
With memories of a young lady of my acquaintance, angrily ripping the visor off her Arai helmet in frustration whilst trying to change it, I’m very glad I don’t have a head shape that suits the Arai Andy
Sorry but all Arai’s should be put in one of @Ducbird s bins.... Bloody ancient design that they keep bodging and tweaking, they have more carbuncle bits of lumps added onto them, at the brow to keep the visor shut, at the chin to keep it locked down , and why for gods sake in the first place do you even need a side cover??? Most modern helmets don’t need a side pod, they are a lot more modern cleaner design, ...but Arai’s need a side pod to hide yet more fiddly clips and shite that are just dying to snap off!! And here’s yet another Arai design classic.... Kin “ visor pro” or whatever they call it,...look at the hinge on it ffs! Should be on a garden gate somewhere If you want to look like a dodgy pensioner with those clip on flip up shades on your glasses,...crack on, fill your boots, just crap design from start to finish with Arai’s imo, .....ooohh, I feel a lot better after that rant
Lol. Well lack of hair or a change in the sizing/shell shape means I no longer use Shoei or Arai. Currently loving the HJC RPHA 11. Comes with tinted, clear visor and pinlock. All for less money. Less weight, great vents.
I know what you mean, I went from an Arai RX-7V to the RPHA11 - amazing couldn't believe the difference. The vents worked easily, the visor is easy to change and to open and close. It is much lighter - looks ace, and about half the price. Great lid, wear this one loads.
I’ve had loads of Arai’s and Shoei’s and I’ve currently got a RPHA 10, a RPHA 70 and a Shoei X spirit 3 For the money, you can’t beat the HJC’s The Shoei is good once it’s on your noggin and set up, but on the move the vents are too small and shiny finish to operate very easily , the visor clip is difficult to find and because it’s angled down your fingers slip off it in the wet, in all honesty it’s worth about half of what they are retailing for.. I find the RPHA 70 a blinding helmet for the money, easy to find and work vents, best visor release mechanism of any helmet I’ve tried, great operating and easily found visor clip, built in sun visor, clear and dark visor supplied and a pinlock insert included, plus it’s a vet quiet helmet All for about £200 quid if I remember? I use this on my Kawasaki, haven’t tried it on the Panigale yet, think I’ll give it a go this weekend
Fit is the priority. I must have tried on every Arai and Shoei going, having owned both brands in the past. Then the HJC, which was best fit for me. Took a punt and pleasantly surprised.
I have an RX7-V FIM. It will be approx my 10th Arai or so. I had a van roll over my head wearing an Arai. (I was wearing it, not the van). I will wear nothing else. They're the best. IMO. Along with Shoei. Ive never owned any other marque (apart from a red centurion back in the day).
I’ve got one of those, it actually works really well, don’t think I’ve ever used the tinted visor pulled fully closed, but just enough to cover sun glare works really well, and because you’re not looking through a heavily tinted visor there are no issues riding into tunnels and shade, agree it looks a bit clunky though.
I've always had Arai and i've never had any issues with them. I have two RX7's and they're very light and fit perfectly. The new visor changing system is so much better.
I've always had Arai and have had 4 or 5 RX7's and still use one as its very comfortable. I still can't fathom out the changing the visor though. However the RX7 is nowhere near as light as my new Xlite 803 UC which is equally as comfortable. My only issue with it is its very fiddly to button up.
