Vintage Arai

Suntan Sid · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 May 2009 Karma :

Just been having a root around in the cellar and I pulled out an old Arai "Giga" helmet, in Kawasaki racing green.

It's in its original bag, never been dropped, or crashed, in good condition, the inner liner needs cleaning.
According to the label stitched inside it originated in 1985, so that's 31 years old!
I'm not going to wear it, it was always slightly uncomfortable, so this is not a "would you use this lid" thread.

I've not worn it for donkeys years, it's been stored, in its bag, in various wardrobes and cupboards out of the sun.
So what, if anything, do you think could have reduced its integrity, as a piece of safety equipment, over its decades of dry, dark storage?
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Doovy · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Jul 2008 Karma :

Pics!!
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Suntan Sid · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 May 2009 Karma :

I'll have to fstart up numerous, outdated, digital devices for that to happen!

Might take a while. Laughing

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Ichy · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

Probably nothing at all. Absolute worse case would have been severely greasy fingers. I'd wear it but I rode around the village with a bucket on my head, just because...
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recman · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Mar 2012 Karma :

Reminds me of my mates old Shoei from around the same time. He got it down from his loft when I turned up at his on my 125.
The innards had pretty much turned to dust!

Undinist · Nearly there... Joined: 08 Oct 2013 Karma :

IIRC the official answer is that even if the shell is OK the foam and glue in the liner will have deteriorated over time.

Suntan Sid · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 May 2009 Karma :

Well here it is:-

https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww1/troutbridge01/Arai%2001.jpg

https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww1/troutbridge01/Arai%2002.jpg

A closer inspection reveals it's got a minor scuff, towards the back, a couple of stone chips and there is a bit of blue paint missing, lowdown on one side.

Gotta say it stinks inside, it smells a bit mouldy, but the lining hasn't disintegrated yet.

I can't see anything on the labels to say what it's made of, I assume polycarb, but could be fibreglass.

This helmet was a perfect match for my KR1 when I had it, came with the bike when i bought it.
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ZX-7R · Banned Joined: 24 Jan 2016 Karma :

I was wearing a flurescent orange Bieffe around that time.

Laughing

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Doovy · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Jul 2008 Karma :

I note severe lack of ventilation, bar the chinpiece! Cool

Looks cool though. Kind of thing I'd have on display. Do it.
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Yamaha RXS 100 > Honda CD 250 > Honda Hornet 600 > Honda CBR 600RR > Yamaha RXS 100 > Kawasaki ZX6R J2 > Yamaha FZ1

Ichy · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

Great colours, that must have cost a fair bit in the 80's?

I can remember buying my first helmet. I walked in the shop and asked them what the cheapest one was! I think it was a Bieffe. I spray painted it in TZR colours! Good times.
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