Fake Arai motorcycle helmet tested with shocking results

A fake copy of an Arai open-faced helmet has been put to the test, going a long way to proving why you should always opt for the genuine article.

The lid was purchased in Spain by Valerio Staffelli of BER Racing Europe, one of Italy’s biggest official Arai distributors. The lid is a copy of the firms Arai SZ-Ram III open-faced lid – a picture of the genuine product can be seen below. Staffelli states that the helmet was purchased from a ‘well-known Chinese online store’.

Genuine Arai SZ-Ram III helmet pictured here...

After receiving the lid, he subjected it to a series of tests, inline with those carried out on genuine helmets prior to being put on the market. Details of the exact tests are sparse, although he does confirm they were carried out at 27.7kph. We’re assuming the helmet was struck at the stated speed against either a flat surface, anvil or spike.

As you can see from the images below, the damage sustained by the helmet is shocking, with the entire shell of the lid splitting open to reveal the expanded polystyrene inner shell. With the outer shell of the helmet compromised in this way, it’s almost inevitable that the helmet would have provided a sub-standard level of protection, had it been worn by a person at the time of a crash.

How to avoid buying a fake motorcycle helmet

While the lure of a cheap lid might seem like a golden opportunity to get some kit at a cut down price, as you can see from the images – the reality if you need some protection is not worth the saving.

Here are some top tips to avoid buying a fake or counterfeit motorcycle helmet.

If the price is too good to be true – it’s probably fake…

When you find a motorcycle helmet on one website that is being sold for a fraction of the price of every other retailer on the web, it’s probably a scam. You’ll either not receive your lid but still be charged or receive a product that’s sub-standard in one way or another.

Avoid non-authorised sellers

Only buy from a genuine motorcycle parts retailer with a reputation for selling genuine kit. Sites like Wish, Bangggood and other foreign selling sites should be treated with extreme caution.

Look for obvious signs

Arai for instance don’t currently make a flip-front (modular) helmet. They also don’t make helmets with drop-down sun visors as they feel they both designs affect the integrity and strength of the helmet. If you see either of these badged as an Arai – it’s fake.

Also, an Arai will have a proper branded box, with blue stripes and branding on it. Inside there will be a helmet bag, a bottle of lube for the visor and a warning tag, and a user’s manual attached to the chinstrap in a small sealable bag. If any of these are missing, back out of the purchase of the new lid.