:'(Hey everyone, thought I'd give you guys a heads up. I've just been scammed with a FAKE Arai RX7 helmet. Not an Ebay scam, but I think it may be on there somewhere.
There is a guy going around forums named Helmet HOuse in Redondo Beach, CA. He has pictures and sends tons of them. I just bought a new McCoy Slide King RX7 Corsair size medium from him for $300.00 shipped to me. I gotta tell you, this is the best FAKE I have ever seen. It came in the right box, with all the labels, stickers, and graphics. It's dead nuts accurate, but, NO SNELL logo anywhere inside the helmet. It uses the old RX7 Liner instead of the new Corsair liner, and has FULMER stamped inside the shell under the liner instead of Arai.
So, I called Arai, and they said it is DEFINETLY a fake. They also had me ship them the helmet for inspection, and they are going to send me the real deal in trade, so thumbs up to Arai. They aren't too happy though that people are knocking off their helmet.
Also, this guys uses the excuse that he is broke so that's why he's selling it so cheap. This is a $600 MSRP helmet so..... you get what you pay for.
According to Arai's customer service, and regional sales rep., this is the 4th helmet they have seen like this, and they are attempting to trace the source.
Buyer be ware: RX7 Corsair Slide King/McCoy ALL SIZES
I already got screwed by them >:(
Damn. IF ya dont mind I'm gonna post this on a few bike forums I'm on. Gotta warn the rest.
QuoteDamn. IF ya dont mind I'm gonna post this on a few bike forums I'm on. Gotta warn the rest.
Go for it. I'd post it, but I'm not members of any forums really. I'm just a lurker 8)
This is what the helmet looks like for those that don't know:
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.araiamericas.com%2Fproduct%2Frx%2Frx_small%2Frx_mccoy_slide_king.jpg&hash=2ffd1d2da7d48d01477235e8f3e2f37dddb52dfc)
The 1000 members of cbr600rr.com now know...
I guarantee this will be all over the electronic universe by noon.
I've got a sponsor who tells me that the "real" Helmet House does not even carry Arai helmets (Shoei and HJC) and they don't sell to the public. You wouldn't happen to still have a link to this auction, would you?
QuoteI guarantee this will be all over the electronic universe by noon.
I've got a sponsor who tells me that the "real" Helmet House does not even carry Arai helmets (Shoei and HJC) and they don't sell to the public. You wouldn't happen to still have a link to this auction, would you?
Hmmm... well, I didn't see it on ebay, I saw it in the gixxer forum. I sent the guy an email, and he responded back. It all seemed legit, and he even accepted my credit card. So, I have to call AMEX and dispute it, but Arai asked me to hold out so they can do their thing, and they want me to forward all the charge information. From what I understand, Arai's intention is to body slam this guy once they find out who it is. I've been searching ebay, but I can't find any other helmets like it. Honestly, I'd say that if I hadn't already owned 5+ other Arai helmets, I would have never known it's a knock off. It's really that good of a fake.
My annual tradition is to start off every new race season with a new helmet. At the end of every year, I sell off my old helmet, and after the Cycle World Motorcycle show in Detroit, I order a new one. I guess it's a just a comfort level thing.
So, the minute I opened the box, and noticed the liner, I knew it was a fake, because the RX7RR and RX7 Corsair (new model RX7) have completely different liners. The liner in the McCoy I recieved from this guys had the old RX7 liner. Also, no Snell logo's anywhere, and all Arai's as far as I'm aware have a Snell logo on the back outer of the helmet as well as under the liner inside the helmet. This helmet had neither.
Also, I went to the gixxer forum again, and the thread has been "black holed" or something. I sent a email to a moderator, and asked them to pull the IP information on the post he put up in the classifieds, and I still haven't recieved a response, but the thread is gone ??? I have no idea....
Hey Guys,
Just got off the phone with Arai. They said that the helmet definetly is indeed a fake, and to make everyone aware that if they suspect they have fake helmet, to send it to them via normal warranty channels. When they recieve it, and it is verified a fake, they will refund you what you paid for it, plus shipping, plus 10% for your trouble. It should only take a day or two after they recieve it. They would also like you to include your reciept any all information possible on the purchase. They won't be returning your helmet though.
Thumbs up to Arai for taking care of their customers 8)
I'm sorry - I misread your post about the eBay part.
Nevertheless... I hope they nail this guy - and his supplier (I'm willing to bet that there's a whole shipping crate of these helmets from somewhere)
Hey Honda? I bought this counterfit motorcycle... 8)
Two thumbs WAAAAAAAY up for Arai on this.
God help that poor sap who did this... I'm sure it won't be too difficult to track them down, and there will be HUGE ramifications for them...
Wow, that's scary...
I buy Arai because of the safety rating...I was run over (my head no less) on the track by another racer at Homestead a few years back...
The helmet saved me...Ended up with a minor concussion only...I would hate to think I'm wearing a Fulmer (don't want to bash them, but I always thought they were second rate!)...
It is great to see a prolific supplier like Arai stand up and take care of people who may never have been a customer before, not just those who already are. The industry definitly needs more companies like this. Note to all who fit into Arai's and were considering some other brand- Support those who support us!
I ride for Suomy, and get my lids right from the North American distributor, Gearbox International. Suomy has saved my life a few tomes...
Thumbs up to Arai for taking care of people they didn't screw in the first place. That's awesome.
Absolutely props to Arai for going way above and beyond their responsibility. Posted a link over on the WERA board.
I give a props up to Arai as well but am really suprised that they are giving such good customer service.
I bought a helmet last year and had a bunch of trouble with it. I tried to call them, but there was no number listed. I sent an email to the form on the website, but got no response. I ended up writing a letter via snail mail and finally had somebody call me.
Hope this situation is actually the norm - because I love their helmets.
Uh Oh.. I just found a fake one on Ebay. Same guy, same helmet. Notice he says that it is labeled RX7RR4 for Japan. That is complete crap. I have mine sitting right here, and it is labeled CORSAIR on the back, and this one came right from Arai, and I have the reciept to prove it. Buyer be ware:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6749&item=7902515894&rd=1
Sorry to bring up a dead horse, but obviously it's not dead.
Bump ;)
So what you are saying is that I need to make my best attemp at a knock of aria ad they will replace it with the real thing for my efforts.
Sweet, that is what i call service!!!
Just kidding!!
I think Aria makes the best hemets available and it is great to hear that they have customer service that goes above and beyond what they have to do for the customer.
Thanks for the heads up.
Yeah, if you'd like a one way ticket to Federal Court ;D ;)
Mike we think too much a like...
For the record the lady that responds to this ad when you inquire swears they sell the real deal, and that the snell stamp is on the back.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6749&item=7902515894&rd=1
Here are her comments...she apperently doesnt know much english...
Dear customer:
our helmet is Snell stamp at the back also passed JApan local Transportation test, so that is not us. |And please read our feedback and if you want some reference for evidence show that we only sell the Real Arai, I Can forward to you also
Regards
Veronicda
QuoteAnd please read our feedback and if you want some reference for evidence show that we only sell the Real Arai, I Can forward to you also
Wow - a whopping 3 feedbacks ;D Has anyone contacted the three people to see if they know if they got a real deal? I think I might send them a quick note.
Then they must have added it also. Note, Arai does not make a McCoy replica in the RR4 model ANYWHERE on the planet. The McCoy model is a Corsair, and was just released this year. There is absolutely no way. Furthermore, take a look at my auction. I have a pic of the back of the helmet. It says Corsair, not RR4, and that is the helmet that Arai sent me to replace the fake one that I bought. Arai sent me the real deal directly from their main US office in FL. Here's a link to my auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7902992926&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT
Now, I have the reciept from Arai directly showing where I bought the helmet. It's a 2004 model year helmet, and they quit making the RR4's at the end of last year, and are in process of phasing out the RR4's period. They aren't making them anymore, and selling what they have left. They never made a McCoy RR4 model. They just introduced them in 2004, and they started making the Corsair last year, so how is it possible to get a RR4 McCoy model?
QuoteWow - a whopping 3 feedbacks Ê;D Has anyone contacted the three people to see if they know if they got a real deal? I think I might send them a quick note.
They probably wouldn't know it even if it was fake. I'm tellin' ya, the knock off's are so good, that if you didn't know what to look for, you wouldn't even notice it. I've forwarded the Ebay link to that lady's auction to the guys at Arai in FL.
I sent a quick note and link to this thread to the three. :-/
i bought a arai rx-7 wraith from this person last week. how can i tell if its fake? they said it was a japan version. it has the snell sticker on the back, it looks very very real. please respond to tell me what to look for and if it is in factfake what can i do? there ios also the snell serial number inside on the right side temple on the back it says rx-7 then and big R with roman number IV please email me if you would like some pictures of my helmet. thanks for letting a brother know. lowe ;D
Quotei bought a arai rx-7 wraith from this person last week. how can i tell if its fake? they said it was a japan version. it has the snell sticker on the back, it looks very very real. æplease respond to tell me what to look for and if it is in factfake what can i do?
You should send it to Arai and have them look at it. ÊIf it is a fake, which chances are it is, you won't get it back. Here are some things you can look at to check it out:
1. Under the liner, there is a numbered SNELL sticker. ÊEach SNELL sticker is individulally numbered. Ê
2. Look at Arai's website. ÊLook under the Wraith model, and see which line it is (i.e. RR4, Corsair). Ê If it shows Corsair, and yours is labeled RR4, something VERY fishy is going on. Ê
3. Look at the production date. ÊThe CORSAIR took over for the RR4. ÊThe RR4 quit being made last year. How can you have a 2004 Helmet, when the helmet you have was no longer being made at the end of 2003? Does the Arai website show the Wraith as being a Corsair? How can you have a legitimate RR4 if the site shows it's a Corsair? Notice they don't even show the RR4 in the 2004 model line, let alone in your model.
Oh yeah, there isn't a difference between the Japanese version and the US version. To quote Mr. Arai himself: (per Arai's website)
re there differences between Arai Helmet models other than shell shapes?
Every Arai helmet is made to the same standard. In fact, Arai's most famous racing champions wear the exact same Arai helmet you can buy. Really. No special, trick, one-off, racer-only models whose only resemblance to the one you buy is the paint scheme. The same helmet. How many other helmet companies can say that - and back it up? What does that tell you about Arai and its standards? In the words of Michio ("Mitch") Arai, the president and son of the founder: "Arai has only one standard. All Arai helmets are made the same, whether for a world racing champion or a street or dirt rider. How can you say one person's head is worth more than another's?"
There are some differences in some of the features between models - like ventilation system, face shield type, etc. But these are mostly a function of the helmet's design. You can easily see the differences by comparing the features/benefits icons between models.
Where are these coming from? Places like Turkey do not have trademark infringment laws. I can buy a Rolex for $40 there and probably an Aria for the same.
2004 Arai Helmet Line:
Rx-7 Corsair
Quantum Series
Astral Series
Signet Series
XD Series
SZ-ram II
SZ/m
Classic/m
VX Series
MXC Series
2004 RX7 Corsiar Available Graphics:
Racing Black
Aluminum Silver
Aluminum Grey
Racing Red
Hayden "Wired"- Red 360¡
Hayden "Wired"- Black 360¡
Hayden "Wired"- Blue 360¡
McCoy Slide King 360¡
Edwards - 5 Star 360¡
Edwards - 6 Red 360¡
Edwards - 7 Blue 360¡
Roberts "Double Eagle" 360¡
Gibernau Blue 360¡
Gibernau Red 360¡
Wraith - White 360¡
Wraith - Red 360¡
Wraith - Blue 360¡
Wraith - Green 360¡
Hayden GP - Blue 360¡
Hayden GP - Black 360¡
Nakano II 360¡
Editorial Copy from Dealernews:
Arai Helmet's Corsair "Wraith" - July 2003
Illusory Lid
Whether your customers are superstitious or not, this is one illusion they can believe in. The "Wraith" is the newest graphic design for Arai Helmet's top-of-the-line RX-7 Corsair model. Arai says the Corsair is a major step forward in the RX line because it incorporates several new features, including the latest SNC (Structured Net Composite) shell construction, a revised "enhanced organic" shell shape, a dual-pivot chin vent and Dry-Cool liner material. The Corsair also has Arai's full five-year limited warranty and comes in sizes XS-XXL.
Value Of The Product: Ask your safety- and design-conscious customers to put their faith in the Wraith
Suggested Initial Order: One each of the S, M and L sizes
Dealer Margin: 54%
Inventory Turns: Varies depending on streetbike business
Marketing Tips: Stress that Arai is the only helmet company to rank #1 in customer satisfaction in all five J.D. Powers & Associates studies, including 2003
Notice is says new CORSIAR :-/ Sorry bro, but I'd say you got a good knock off, just like I did.
QuoteWhere are these coming from? Places like Turkey do not have trademark infringment laws. I can buy a Rolex for $40 there and probably an Aria for the same.
Made in Tiawan probably, and really there isn't a damn thing anyone can do about it. Even with things like Rolex, if you look online, you can find knock off Rolex watches even made of real gold and platinum for a couple grand, and nobody, not even a jeweler could tell it was fake, until you send it in to Rolex and they open it up and look at the movement. The knock off industry is only going to get better. >:(
Quotei bought a arai rx-7 wraith from this person last week. how can i tell if its fake? they said it was a japan version. it has the snell sticker on the back, it looks very very real. Êplease respond to tell me what to look for and if it is in factfake what can i do? there ios also the snell serial number inside on the right side temple on the back it says rx-7 then and big R with roman number IV please email me if you would like some pictures of my helmet. thanks for letting a brother know. lowe Ê;D
I'd say send it to Arai. They'll let you know for sure. I still don't think it's a real Arai. Look at Arai's website :-/ Says the Wraith model is a new 2004 helmet, which is also a Corsair. Not sure how you'd get an older RR4 with 2004 Corsair graphics on it unless it was a knock off reproduction. ???
Another thing to think about is that Arai is a Japanese company. You'd figure that the Corsair model was probably introduced first in Japan, then the U.S., not vice versa. ;)
is there a phone number or anything where you could call ?
Yeah, but they are just going to tell you to send it in. I had it written down somewhere, but I gotta find it.
well i just got my bike outta the shop and very eager to go riding, have you snent your in yet? i would hate to miss the summer without a helmet. Are they gonna send you a new one?
Quotewell i just got my bike outta the shop and very eager to go riding, have you snent your in yet? i would hate to miss the summer without a helmet. Are they gonna send you a new one?
Yeah, I sent mine in a while back (when this thread first went up). They sent me a new one about a week and a half later.
i would like to call them and let them know whats going on before i sent mine in. Do you have a address for me?
Maybe a city and he can look it up on yp.yahoo.com
I'm trying to find it. I had a hard time finding it before, but I wrote it down somewhere. It's the same place you send them helmets to be inspected after you crash em' if that helps. Still searching....
the lady responds when i email her saying its a fake.
Dear customer:
I Can tell you that is Arai RX7RR4 this helmet is a special made for (hong Kong)Asia Model. The helmet is get it from the Asia Largest distributor, do you think they will sell the fake one, or they need to?
And I think you can speak in Chinese, and I think I call you to explian to you.
And I can for sure this is a real not fake, only the market is difference, therefore there maybe little difference and please do not hestigate.
IF you want the document
I can try to get it from our local distributor
Regards
Veronica
I suppose you cannot change your positive rating now, can you? 8)
I think you can - if you find it is a fake.
Quotethe lady responds when i email her saying its a fake.
Dear customer:
I Can tell you that is Arai RX7RR4 this helmet is a special made for (hong Kong)Asia Model. ÊThe helmet is get it from the Asia Largest distributor, do you think they will sell the fake one, or they need to?
And I think you can speak in Chinese, and I think I call you to explian to you.
And I can for sure this is a real not fake, only the market is difference, therefore there Êmaybe little difference and please do not hestigate. Ê
IF you want the document
I can try to get it from our local distributor
Regards
Veronica
Get all her contact information, and then send it with the helmet to Arai. Arai is a JAPANESE (Asian) company. Why would they sell an OLD model in their country, then sell a new model in ours? The Corsair, chances are, was available in Asia BEFORE it was available in the U.S. I'd get all her information, and send it to Arai too. I highly doubt that it is a "special Asian" model. Here's a real special Asian (japan only) model:
Arai 40th Anniversary Titanium/Flat Black model. It is all flat black, and all Arai logos are Titanium. NOT AVAILABLE IN THE US. Here's the kicker, it is a RX7 CORSAIR. I tried to get it, and it is in the 2004 Dealer Catalog, but, when a US dealer tries to get it, they say no. It's still a Corsair though.
Quote The helmet is get it from the Asia Largest distributor, do you think they will sell the fake one, or they need to?
Asia's largest distributor probably IS nothing but fakes. lol
QuoteAnd I think you can speak in Chinese, and I think I call you to explian to you.
Think she sounds like a sexy Chinese woman? 8) If so, I have a buddy who would pay to talk to her. ;D
Quote\
Think she sounds like a sexy Chinese woman? 8) If so, I have a buddy who would pay to talk to her. ;D
20 Dolla sucky sucky ;D 50 Dolla me love you long time ;D
For some reason - you don't have the same effect :-/ :)
another response by her.
Dear customer:
If you really do not beliieve what we are selling. You can bring the helmet to Arai US to verify the helmet is fake or Real! and please tell them that is Arai Europe and Japan Version therefore there is no DOT at the back.
Veronica
And Remember that is a Arai Europe and Japan not US ok?
QuoteFor some reason - you don't have the same effect Ê:-/ :)
Huh ???
Quoteanother response by her.
Dear customer:
If you really do not beliieve what we are selling. ÊYou can bring the helmet to Arai US to verify the helmet is fake or Real! Êand please tell them that is Arai Europe and Japan Version therefore there is no DOT at the back.
Veronica
And Remember that is a Arai Europe and Japan not US ok?
::)
also
you guys will find this one funnier:
If that is fake Arai US will send you a new helmet.
And we can ask the local distributor and please tell us what they say
and send it back and we will bring it to Arai Japan to Verify.
We have all the serial number of the helmet
go go ask US arai. if US arai doesn't have that knowledge About the Arai JApan and US. Is that fair to us?
Veronica
Maybe Veronica should be invited to speak her piece on this board................ As long as she doesn't read my post on the phone call :-[ :D
Me thinks that Veronica is packing up the sweat shop before INTERPOL shows up ;D
In case anyone didn't know, Arai changed it's distribution policy in the U.S. at the end of last year to eliminate all mail order/internet sales for two reasons:
1. Eliminate fakes
2. Support your local dealer.
I buy my helmets from a trusted race distributor (see below). That's the only lid I'll trust on my head.
QuoteI'm trying to find it. I had a hard time finding it before, but I wrote it down somewhere. It's the same place you send them helmets to be inspected after you crash em' if that helps. Still searching....
Ever find that address or phone number, Dan?
That's what I thought.
Merle
QuoteEver find that address or phone number, Dan?
That's what I thought.
Merle
Yeah, I have it. Send me an email and I'll reply back. cornercamping1@sbcglobal.net
Actually merle, after reading your thread in the WERA forum, you can go find it yourself. I was trying to help stop someone else from getting burned because I found out the hardway, but my bad. I guess I'm better off just letting you find out for yourself. You want Arai's phone number, call information. You want fun like you put in the WERA forum, see how much fun you have if you did get burned and you expected that Arai you have on your head to save your ass ;) Not my problem. I guess everything has to be a joke to some of you. I could care less.
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?s=bbadf45cdc0783e0892dbfface2f285a&threadid=52051
Stop, please Dan just stop. You are a pussy.
QuoteStop, please Dan just stop. ÊYou are a pussy.
::)
yo guys , i think we are giving this girl veronica a hard time. my helmet is in fact auth.
email from arai in daytona i have been talking to for a week.
This Snell decal was put in a genuine Arai helmet made for Asian markets. As such, it is not legal for use in the USA or Europe and is not covered by Arai/Americas' warranty.
Arai-in-Daytona
so they do in fact make wraith rr4's .