This third and final helmet in the series of limited edition designs by Italian master Aldo Drudi, follows on from 2010’s black/gold TT track-based artwork and 2011’s tribute to ‘100 years of the Mountain Course’. It offers a striking conclusion to the series summing up the TT spirit with the world famous ‘triskelion’ three legs of man symbol prominent on the front of the helmet. The iconic TT letters feature in black on a classic gold background and a bold chequered flag completes the design, circling the base of the helmet.

Underneath the trick paintwork is Arai’s RX-7 GP, a racing helmet considered by many as the benchmark against which all others are measured. Featuring a peripherally belted Structural Net Composite (SNC) shell, with hyper ridge strengthening in its lower section and wider aperture (plus larger visor) for better vision the RX-7 GP not only meets, but also exceeds the specified requirements and approval criteria of both the European ECE R22-05 and the American SNELL M2010 standards and is also built to withstand the SNELL impact penetration tests.

The Arai third Limited Edition TT Series RX-7 GP helmet comes in sizes XS – XL with an RRP of £775 and is available in the UK from Crossan Motorcycles Limited and orders can be now placed on line at www.thevisorshop.com. The helmet can also be purchased directly at the Isle of Man TT from 26th May through to 10^th June, 2012 at Crossan Motorcycles’ shop unit situated in its usual position on the start/finish straight in Nobles Park.

Further information on the third Limited Limited Edition TT Series RX-7 GP can be obtained from Arai’s mini website via the main site www.araihelmet-europe.com.

The innovative, individual marketing approach towards the Arai brand and the talent to understand and to anticipate product trends were decisive factors. Furthermore MotoDirect is a very well respected distributor and this together with the matching professional, yet passionate attitude towards the Arai brand, have made MotoDirect the first choice for the Arai distributorship.

As MotoDirect is highly experienced in developing premium brand business and building up the existing dealer network, customer and media relations, Arai firmly believes in expanding the Arai brand awareness and premium image in the UK even further in 2012.

Debbie Bullock (managing director MotoDirect):  “We are extremely proud that Arai Helmet Europe has appointed MotoDirect as their new UK distributor. With MotoDirect’s experience and passion we are sure this new relationship will strengthen both Arai’s and MotoDirect’s reputation for both quality and excellence.”

Ingmar Stroeven (managing director Arai Helmet Europe): “The individual, personalized approach of MotoDirect immediately appealed to us. We strongly believe in the ability of MotoDirect to move Arai forward. As a highly respected distributor in the UK, MotoDirect adds additional value to the Arai brand. We are therefore confident that we will develop a long lasting, successful relationship.”

For additional information about MotoDirect, please contact: Chris Day - chris.day@moto-direct.com / +44 (0) 1773 864435.

For additional information about Arai Helmet Europe, please contact: Sander van de Water – swater@araieur.nl / +31 33 25 410 10.

Photo caption left to right:
Sander van de Water (Arai Europe – Account Manager UK)
Roland Bullock (MotoDirect – Managing Director)
Kaoru Yoshimura (Arai Japan – Export Manager)
Shigeyuki Harada (Arai Japan – Vice President)
Jonny Towers (MotoDirect – Managing Director)
Debbie Bullock (MotoDirect – Managing Director)
Ingmar Stroeven (Arai Europe – Managing Director)

The Arai Axces helmet arrived in 2010 and proved an instant, and consistent, hit offering as it did all the hallmarks of premium Arai quality, innovation and fit matched to a great retail price point. It opened the brand up to many riders who aspired to own an Arai, and was given the Value Award in the November 2011 RiDE Magazine Awards issue.

Debuted to the motorcycling public at Motorcycle Live back in November 2011, the new Arai Axces II builds firmly on the success of the original. Its features and benefits have evolved, and it remains attractively priced. It is now in stock and can be found in Arai Five Star dealers up and down the country.

The Axces II’s new Super Fibre Construction (SFC) outer shell has been re-designed with an enlarged aperture and SAI visor giving better peripheral vision. It uses Arai’s Hyper Ridge reinforcement around the helmet’s lower section, just as the MotoGP-spec RX-7 GP does, combined with a triple density inner shell.

The sophisticated ventilation system has new-style front and rear Air Conductor vents, plus a three-position chin vent with larger intake holes, plus the usual brow vents in the visor. An extra top vent is available as an option. Arai’s lever release visor system ensures swift and tool-free visor removal and replacement in seconds, and its holders are aerodynamically recessed. The 2mm visor is Pinlock® ready and features a de-misting visor lock position.

The new luxury fixed inner liner features removable cheekpads, which are available in several thicknesses to create a custom fit. As used in all Arai helmets, the ‘Double D’ ring fastening system ensures correct strap tension at all times.

The Axces II is available in a wide range of designs and plain colours with sizes ranging from XS–XXL and an RRP of £349.99 for plain colours and £449.99 for designs.  For more information on the Axces II, or the rest of the Arai range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk

Arai launched two brand new helmets at Motorcycle Live – the Tour-X4 and Axces II – and both went down a storm with press and public alike.

The Tour-X4 in particular proved extremely popular, thanks to the continued interest in the Adventure Sport segment. Featuring a completely new outer shell, plus re-designed ventilation system with high-flow ventilation ducts, chin vent, diffuser system and visor brow vents, the Tour-X4’s interior features the Facial Contour System (FCS), and to tailor the fit also has a removable 5mm surface foam layer on the cheek and temple pads. What really makes the Tour-X 4 stand out, and why it was such a hit at the show, is its versatility: it can be worn with or without the peak, with or without the visor or anyway which way you like!

The Axces II, Arai’s entry level helmet, also proved to be a winner – featuring as it does all the usual Arai hallmarks of premium quality and fit. Its new Super Fibre Construction (SFC) outer shell has been re-designed with an enlarged aperture and visor giving better peripheral vision, while its ventilation system has new-style front and rear diffuser vents and a chin vent with larger intake holes. Its new luxury fixed inner liner features removable cheekpads, available in several thicknesses to create a custom fit.

The Arai Entertainment Zone, as well as the Arai stand, was the place to find famous racing faces. Repsol Honda’s MotoGP contender Dani Pedrosa – even though delayed a day due to fog – delighted the crowds with his easy-going nature and insight into the life of a factory racer, as did home-grown MotoGP rookie of the year Tech 3 Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow.

WSB stars Leon Haslam and Jonathan Rea put in regular appearances alongside BSB star Josh Brookes, and real-roads racers Michael Dunlop and Bruce Anstey rubbed shoulders with legends such as Steve Plater and Neil Hodgson.

On Sunday 20^th November an incredible £4,000 was raised in just half an hour in the Riders for Health auction supported by Arai with fans bidding on helmets, pictures, caps, visors and other MotoGP memorabilia.  The money raised will help to get more health workers on the road reaching millions more people across Africa with regular health care.

Also very popular with the public was the trying-on feature of the Arai stand; every visitor could try the Arai of their choice – or all of them – and explore every possibility of fit and comfort prior to purchase, or just for future information. The Arai Race Service too was, as ever, working flat-out from the moment the show opened to the end of the final day fitting and servicing Arais.

Arai has a superb line-up of racing heroes, new helmets, top activities and great service at this year’s Motorcycle Live event, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from the 19^th - 27^th November, 2011.

Repsol Honda MotoGP superstar Dani Pedrosa will be in attendance on Monday 21^st November and will be signing autographs and giving interviews on Arai’s stand B320, Hall 2. Opening the entire Motorcycle Live show will be Dani’s fellow MotoGP racer Cal Crutchlow, who’ll also be firing up his Yamaha M1 racebike on the main stage!

Cal will be spending time on the Arai stand, along with WSB racers Leon Haslam and Jonathan Rea, and all will be available for signing sessions and interviews at various times. The Arai Entertainment Zone, in Hall 3 will provide everybody with an interactive, live experience plus the opportunity for riders to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take part in the programme of activity.

On the Arai stand itself there will of course be the 2012 Arai range, including two new models. The Arai Axces II features a completely new shell and interior with a wider aperture and visor, giving better peripheral vision and provides a fantastic entry point into the Arai brand. Also on display will be the brand new Arai Tour X-4. The Tour-X has long been the benchmark helmet for adventure sports riding and the Tour X-4 is a superb evolution, featuring a re-designed, new shape shell with reinforced hyper ridge around the base. The revised, bigger chin vent gives better airflow and there are now brow vents added to the visor; the rear exhaust vents are also a sharper, more aggressive design.

Castrol Honda rider Jonathan Rea’s new RX-7 GP replica will also be making its UK debut, along with fresh designs and colour choices across the hugely popular Quantum and Chaser V ranges.

On Sunday 20^th November, the Arai-supported Riders for Health auction offers up the chance to bag some great Arai items and associated lots, plus the opportunity to bid on the Yamaha R1 that Jorge Lorenzo rode on his parade lap at the 2010 Isle of Man TT. The bike is currently being ridden by BBC MotoGP presenter Matt Roberts to this weekend’s Valencia MotoGP on the Viva Valencia! road trip to raise money for Riders for Health – see www.motoventures.co.uk.  All three R1s used on the trip will be on display on the Arai stand, with the unique Lorenzo R1 making its way to auction on the first Sunday of the show.

As a special one-off for Motorcycle Live anyone buying a Chaser or Axces from an Arai Five Star dealer at the event can upgrade their new helmet’s visor to a Max Vision visor, with clear lens included, for just £10. Made by Pinlock®, Max Vision has a normal RRP of £79.99 and is an official replacement Arai clear visor, featuring a large recess in the shield designed to fit any of four different anti-fog lenses; clear, light smoke, dark smoke and yellow.

For the entire length of Motorcycle Live the Arai stand will be staffed by the same factory-trained technicians that service the Arai helmets in the BSB paddock; they’ll be ready to service, adjust and offer advice to all and any Arai customers at the show.

For more information on the Arai range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk

Motorcycle Live runs from 19^th-27^th November 2011. Tickets are £16 in advance for adults, £10 for Senior and £6 for children aged 6-16.  Go to www.motorcyclelive.co.uk for details.

Viva Valencia! is the name given to the charity motorcycle ride being undertaken by Danny John-Jules (Red Dwarf’s The Cat), Matt Roberts (BBC MotoGP presenter) and Steve Keys (owner of the first Yamaha dealership in the UK) in order to raise money for Riders for Health, the organisation that provides and maintains reliable motorcycles so health workers in remote parts of Africa can reach people with regular health care.

The trio of riders are set to leave from the Ace Cafe, London, on 30^th October and, making them a lot easier to spot, Danny and Steve will be clad in pink Arai helmets and leathers, matching their pink Yamaha R1s, while the Yamaha R1 Jorge Lorenzo rode on his parade lap at the 2010 Isle of Man TT, will be ridden by Matt. The ride (to be filmed by KMBA productions) follows a route taking in the Champagne region, Beaujolais, Montpellier and Barcelona giving them plenty of time to take in local culture.

On arrival in Valencia they will be meeting up with local supporters of Riders for Health and leading them into the circuit for Día de los Campeones, the Spanish version of Day of Champions. It is hoped that the team will gather some exclusive items on route that will be auctioned for Riders for Health at the event.

In addition the Lorenzo R1, featuring a one-off paint scheme and signed by the MotoGP world champion, will be auctioned at the Arai-supported Riders for Health auction taking place at Motorcycle Live on Sunday 20th November.  All three R1s will be on display for the duration of the show on the Arai stand, B320 in Hall 2.

Arai and their UK importer, Phoenix, are long-time supporters of Riders for Health and have also donated a range of Arai items – both new and used by a variety of famous racers – for the auction.  A list of these items will be available to view shortly on www.riders.org or www.whyarai.co.uk

For more details about Viva Valencia! visit www.motoventures.co.uk, for more information on Motorcycle Live visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

The Arai Axces helmet has been given the Value Award in the November 2011 RiDE Awards issue of the magazine. Designed specifically by Arai to act as an affordable entry point to the iconic Japanese brand’s array of desirable helmets, the Axces has proved an extremely popular addition to the range and enjoyed great sales success.

The Axces maybe the most affordable Arai ever, but nothing has been spared in its construction – to quote from the RiDE Awards article itself:

“When it comes to safety and quality, no corners have been cut.”

The shell is made with Arai’s Super Fibre Construction (SFC) and features the same ring shaped strengthening in its lower section as found on the benchmark race-specification RX-7 GP. Built into the outer shell are an air conductor rear vent, ducting for an optional top vent, plus side exhaust vents. A powerful chin vent features enlarged duct access for improved efficiency.

The triple density inner shell and fully washable interior add to the Axces’s comfort and safety, as does the Arai-standard double ‘D’ ring strap fastening. The 2mm polycarbonate Pinlock® ready visor features twin brow vents, de-mist visor lock, Lever Release System (LRS) and mounts via Arai’s aerodynamic recessed visor holder system.

John Wakefield, Managing Director of Arai’s UK importer Phoenix was delighted to receive news of the RiDE Award; “Arai has long been, and always will be, a premium product but the Axces has given the opportunity to a whole segment of motorcyclists who may have always wanted an Arai, but with the recent economic situation were finding it difficult to actually own one. And as RiDE so succinctly points out, it’s still very much an Arai with the attention to detail and quality you’d expect.”

The Arai Axces is available in Plain Black or White, sizes XS–XXL with an RRP of £259.99 or Black Frost with an RRP of £269.99.

The Arai Difference

Without exception all Arai helmets offer a peerless fit; the Japanese brand’s reputation for quality, comfort and safety has recently been further reinforced as, for the 13^th consecutive year, Arai came out top of the JD Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study. Also, Arai placed three of its helmets in the overall top ten – including the number one spot – of RiDE Magazine’s 2009 RiDER Power Survey, an exhaustive poll taken from 5000 readers, reported in the November 2009 issue.

The children’s charity close to BMW World Superbike racer’s heart…

World Superbike racer Leon Haslam is once again supporting children’s charity SPARKS (Sports Aiding medical Research for KidS) and during 2011 is making a contribution to the charity that is directly linked to his racing performance; the BMW factory rider gives SPARKS £10 for every World Championship point he scores in 2011.

On Sunday 31^st July, at his home WSBK round at Silverstone, Leon will be wearing a one-off Arai RX-7 GP to promote the charity. The stunning design features a blue base with yellow stars – the colours and theme of SPARKS itself – and wrapping around the lower portion is an infant’s hand reaching out and holding an adult’s finger. A large yellow star on the back has a young eye peering out, watching out for the chasing pack…

Haslam is happy to be involved with the charity, and is very pleased with his one-off Arai: “I first played golf in a SPARKS event in 2003 and it’s a great organisation. The work they do through medical research really has made a difference for thousands of children and families and continues to do so. I scored 376 points in 2010 but I’d rather score what Max Biaggi scored with 451, win the Championship and hand over a bigger cheque to SPARKS! I love the unique paintwork on my Arai RX-7 GP for Silverstone, too. Of course it looks superb, but at the same time underlines the mission of help and support that SPARKS gives to kids beautifully.”

Recently, combining one of Leon’s passions – golf – with a desire to further aid SPARKS, the Leon Haslam Classic was held at Wellingborough Golf Club, Northants, and raised £8,700 for the charity. More than 120 golfers took part in the celebrity-packed day at the 18th century Harrowden Hall home of Wellingborough Golf Club.

SPARKS

SPARKS has existed since 1960 and has a simple mission; to help all babies be born healthy and stay healthy. The charity contributes to this by funding high quality medical research into childhood diseases and has donated more than £15m since 1991 to tackle a wide range of conditions diagnosed in babies and young children. The charity is supported by many sporting celebrities including England rugby coach Martin Johnson CBE, Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave, golfer and Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie OBE and 1966 England football legend Sir Geoff Hurst MBE. For more information on SPARKS visit www.sparks.org.uk

Arai and the Isle of Man TT have a long history together; the Arai Race Service has been a presence in the TT paddock, serving both racers and Arai-wearing TT fans, since 1984 and an illustrious list of TT winners including Joey Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson, Steve Plater and Bruce Anstey all wore Arai to victory. Arai also supports the TT with sponsorship – which includes signage around the course, suits for the marshalls and helmets for the travelling marshalls – and Arai remains the helmet chosen by the majority of TT riders to deliver comfort, dependability and sheer quality in extreme conditions.

The 37.73 mile Mountain Circuit, first used in 1911 celebrates its centenary this year and as part of a TT helmet trilogy, started in 2010, Arai have now released the second in the series. As with the first edition Italian designer Aldo Drudi has designed the 2011 Isle of Man TT RX-7 GP; his inspiration was, naturally ‘100 years of the Mountain Course’ with the distance and all the names of the famous bends prominently present on both sides of the helmet. Orange, white and blue are the dominant colours, together with the official TT logo and the world famous three-legged triskelion (Three Legs of Man) symbol.  The RX-7 GP 2011 TT Series will be available from Arai Five Star dealer Crossan Motorcycles on the Isle of Man during TT fortnight and a commission on each helmet sold will go to the TT organisers – visit www.thevisorshop.com for details on how to pre-order. Also, visit www.araihelmet-europe.com where the 2011 series TT RX-7 GP has its own mini-website.

Every year a very special guest comes to the Isle of Man TT to ride a lap of the course and for 2011 Mick Doohan will be on the island for four days, taking part in various events as well as riding the Arai Lap of Honour. Doohan is best known around the world as five times MotoGP World Champion riding for Honda (1994-1998) and during his outstanding career he always wore and trusted Arai.

Aldo Drudi has also crafted a stunning Arai RX-7 GP Doohan/TT helmet to mark this special occasion in white, black and red incorporating the TT logo, plus triskelion details and the essence of Doohan’s original paintwork – the famous red, blue and white striped design which has become so iconic. The Arai Doohan/TT RX-7 GP will be available on an order-only basis directly from any Arai Five Star dealer.

Doohan will be on the Isle of Man the evening of Tuesday 7^th June through to Friday 10^th, and taking part in signing sessions as and when time allows, plus an interview/Q&A session on the Arai Race Service on the Thursday afternoon; he’ll also be starting the Poker Stars Senior race on Friday.

Nicky Hayden will also be on the Island together with fellow MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow, and these two current racing stars will be joined by Mick and TT master Ian Hutchinson for signing sessions and all four will ride in the Arai parade lap on Wednesday, 8^th June at 4.45pm.

Also on Wednesday at 12.30pm there will be a short Arai press conference with Cal, Nicky, Mick and Ian in the TT VIP Hospitality Suite; this event will also mark the launch of Mick’s RX-7 GP Doohan/TT helmet.

Ian Hutchinson made history in 2010 by winning five TTs in a week but this year will have to console himself with spectating as he still recuperates from injury. On Wednesday 1st June Ian will open the new Arai suite of the Joey Dunlop Foundation at Bradden Bridge House, which consists of three self-contained disabled accessible apartments, each offering luxury self-catering accommodation for anyone with special needs. At the request of Mrs Dunlop, the Charity makes a special welcome to children and young adults.

As for the racing itself? Following the family tradition Michael and William Dunlop will be looking for TT victories in Arai while top TT competitors Keith Amor and Garry Johnson will fittingly be racing in the 2011 Arai TT series RX-7 GP. Bruce Anstey will be wearing the exotic and state of the art carbon fibre Arai RX-7 RC. The £2099 RX-7 RC is based on the technology used for the GP-6 RC Formula 1 car-racing helmet and consists of an extremely stiff and light carbon fibre outer shell, reinforced with Arai’s Peripherally Belted construction. It takes Arai’s most experienced and skilled craftsmen a whole working day to produce each shell, working only by hand; only 300 can be made a year.

British Supersport team Centurion racing will be making its debut on Mona’s isle in 2011, with Dan Cooper riding a Triumph 675 Daytona in the Supersport class and a Honda Fireblade in the Superstock and Senior TT races. Racing in support of Help For Heroes Dan’s RX-7 GP has been supplied by Arai and will feature a one-off design by RichArt showing both the H4H and IOM TT logos. Team Principal Paul Rees, who spent 20 years in Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Commandos, was given permission to have the bikes carry the H4H logos in order to encourage the public to be more aware of this charity that supports the UK’s Armed Forces.

So the 2011 TT looks to be a fantastic edition of this unique motorcycle race. Arai has long played a part in the TT’s history and is joining in the centenary celebrations of the Mountain Circuit with racing superstars, very special helmets and, as ever, a deep appreciation of the event itself. Come join the party!

The Thundersprint track is laid out in Northwich’s main car park and although tiny, at just 447 yards, is a superb little race circuit. The individually timed sprints take place on Sunday and racers taking part this year will include Arai’s MotoGP superstar Cal Crutchlow, who has always had a hankering to ride at the Thundersprint. He’s suitably pleased; “I have heard so many good things about the Thundersprint that for 2011 I was determined to be there. I enjoy racing in world championship events but they are serious work in every way. I’m coming to the Thundersprint to do what I love best in life: be with bikes, meet fans – and have a play about on the track too. I’m also looking forward to being with some of the famous riders of the past and seeing some fabulous historic Grand Prix bikes.”

There will be print programmes available throughout the Thundersprint on both Saturday and Sunday; these will be completely free of charge as is admission, parking and grandstand seating.

2724UK, the UK importer of Arai helmets, based very close to the Thundersprint in Newcastle under Lyme has been a long term supporter of the event – and accordingly the Arai Race Service Vehicle and Technicians will be in attendance, assisting any member of the public with an Arai that needs advice, service or attention. In addition, Arai is providing the trophies for winners for the following Thundersprint Races; Sidecar, Golden Age, Pre War, Classic 250, 350 and 500, Lightweight and Modern Classics.

Thundersprint Organiser, Frank Melling said; “As ever, we are delighted to have Arai involved in our event. It so pleasing to have one of motorcycling’s most iconic brands being so closely involved with the Thundersprint: truly, the world’s greatest (and only)  ‘Grand Prix in a Car Park’.”

John Wakefield, Managing Director of 2724UK, is equally as happy to be involved; “It’s great being part of this event with our Arai sponsorship and Race Service. It’s a day out the whole family can enjoy and showcases all the positive things about motorcycling – it’s certainly a unique occasion that just seems to get bigger and better every year.”

For more information on Arai helmets or the Thundersprint please visit www.whyarai.co.uk www.thundersprint.com