For the Japanese motorcycle helmet manufacturer ARAI, the new season starts with a brand-new full-face helmet. It’s a so called ‘neo-classic’ full face helmet, because the design combines classical looks with state of the art technology.
The new ARAI Helmet Concept-X at a glance
Referring to the 1980s style, the ARAI Concept-X full-face helmet has been released. In terms of technology, this motorcycle helmet doesn’t have a lot to do with the decade of bad haircuts and funky clothes. The outer helmet shell is made from an e-Complex laminate construction (PB e-cLc). The forehead area is strengthened through a ‘peripheral belt’ providing more safety on impact due to an improved spread of forces. The motorcycle helmet has a sophisticated ventilation system and the visor mounting has been improved as well. Moreover, the lining has seen some changes making it more comfortable. Each ARAI Concept-X motorcycle helmet complies with the requirements of the international ECE 22.05 standard.
ARAI tests every new motorcycle helmet they bring to market multiple times, regarding quality and safety. Those tests take place during different production phases and the in-house testing for final safety measures has even higher requirements than the ECE standard. By the way: each ARAI helmet is hand built in Japan.
The ARAI Concept-X ventilation and visor
The hidden multi-stage air channel can only be spotted through its intakes at the chin bar and top side of the visor. Behind the visor-intakes a vacuum directs the airflow straight through the lining to the neck exhaust. This air outlet at the neck is also used to direct warm, used air out of the motorcycle helmet. The six air intakes at the chin bar can be closed if needed, e.g. in case of dust flying around. On the sides at the back additional air outlets are implemented, which have the same function as the neck outlet for warm and used air. Underneath the motorcycle helmet the so-called Free Flow System (FFS) is also used to suck out used air. In addition, wind noise is reduced by the FFS.
The ARAI helmet visor offers a great viewing at different weather conditions and has pins integrated. The visor lock is borrowed from the ARAI Formula 1 helmet and is very easy to use with one hand. The mechanics behind the mounting underwent some changes too. The whole construction has been moved further down to gain an average of 24 mm more space in the temple area. In order to have a clear view at all kinds of weather conditions a Pinlock 120 visor is included with every ARAI Concept-X motorcycle helmet!
The ARAI Concept-X lining and cheek pads
The ARAI helmet lining is made from an anti-bacterial material and skin-friendly. For the best wearing comfort a 5 mm ‘peel away’ layer can be removed on the ear cups, cheek pads and temple pads. Disregarding this feature, the whole lining is very soft and feels comfortable. The ear and cheek pads replaceable, while the whole lining is washable. While doing so it’s important to note that lukewarm water and a mild soap are used. After washing by hand, the manufacturer recommends rinsing the whole lining with clear water. Drying should take place under artificial light and not near any heat sources.
The helmet cheek pads have a foam spring implemented to make the lining fit with as many facial structures as possible. This system is called Facial Contour System (FCS) and is another asset regarding wearing comfort. For emergencies, the cheek pads can be easily removed with the Emergency Release System (ERS). This matters for first responders, so that they don’t hurt the head unnecessarily when removing the motorcycle helmet. Another feature is the prepared speaker pocket for motorcycle cummunication systems on each side.
The ARAI Concept-X designs
This is the one-coloured design range of ARAI Concept-X full face helmets. The matte black, the grey and the red variants are called ‘Frost Black’, ‘Modern Grey’ and ‘Sports Red’, respectively. The Concept-X in white has no special name, true to the motto ‘less is more!’ Next up are the multi-coloured designs of the Concept-X by ARAI.
The ARAI special paintjobs respond to the names ‘HA Blue’, ‘HA Green’ and ‘Number White’. The prominently placed 'HA' stands for the initials of the company's founder Hirotake Arai. These designs were created in honor of him. The obvious outlier along those designs is the ARAI Concept-X ‘Number White’. The warm colours and geometric forms make the motorcycle helmet appeal slightly more playful. Apart from the looks, the special paints jobs are structurally identical to the one-coloured ARAI Concept-X models.
The new ARAI Concept-X helmets are already in stock!
The new full face helmet ARAI Concept-X is now in stock. You can now order your desired design, so that you are ready for the first ride of the new motorcycle season 2020.
