Julz
Well-known member
Do they have a different standard with helmets or can I purchase one and wear it here? Probably a dumb question but just making sure. I'm buying an Arai...I'm pretty sure they're all the same snell, dot.......
Purchasing Helmet in the states
- Thread starter Julz
- Start date
suzuki2000
Well-known member
no difference. Caution is buying mail order carries risk of it never being on your head, not all helmets same style, manufacturer, etc fit alike
Julz
Well-known member
I've already tried on the helmet I wanted
for sure it fits 
. The savings I'll get online is bigger than any deals I've seen here.
RedDogDarren
Well-known member
I've already tried on the helmet I wanted
Check with any bike shop you may have a relationship with, they may match your savings or be close to it after shipping. Give them a chance.
Not likely, when the arai corsair v came out i went to local stores and no one would even give me a penny discount. riders choice wanted 1199+ tax, gp a couple bucks lower. Ended up getting it in the states for 750 taxes in, with a tinted shield.
Forget supporting local business if it costs you almost double for no reason.
Also if the shipper drops the box with the helmet in it, and the helmet is not packed properly, the helmet is compromised without you actually knowing it.
and the exact same thing can happen while it gets delivered to any store in canada/usa
starboy869
Well-known member
I ended up going to the states for my helmet. Local store was $600+tax. Helmet city was $508 taxes/duties/shipping vs $678Cdn. so almost two hundred dollars difference and the local store wouldn't move on price. sorry.. I took my business to the USA.
Yep, sad but true. I bought a Corsair V with a tinted shield and a padded bag for about $350 less than anyone up here would let it go. You may have to call though (vs. internet). I understand that Arai & Shoei do not allow US retailers to ship here. They wil, but often their web-sites are set up to reject orders automatically. I had to call. All in, I had my helmet in 5 business days.
rib
Well-known member
And dropping a helmet with no head in it will not ruin the helmet. Arai even says so.
Google it.. They have a YouTube video saying it... I think an Arai rep is explaining helmet stuff to jay Leno.
silverbullet132
Well-known member
Scored a qwest at the show for $314+tx, great deal 
Some stores might still offer show pricing if you are lucky.
Some stores might still offer show pricing if you are lucky.
I ordered a helmet from the US with no issues whatsoever.
Before you buy id try some local shops first and see if they will price match.
Before you buy id try some local shops first and see if they will price match.
Julz
Well-known member
What a load of crap. I got an email saying "I'm sorry, but due to manufacturer restrictions, we are unable to ship ARAI products internationally."
Although they did recommend 2 services "We do accept orders with an International billing address that are shipped within the US if you have someone who can receive your package for you. Additionally, there are third party shipping services which can provide you with a US address we can ship to. This service will then forward the package to you abroad. Two companies our customers have had success with in the past are MyUS.com and Aramex."
Anyone have used the 2 services above or familiar with such services? I'm all fo supporting local business myself but I don't think they can match the prices across the boarder. I just don't understand the big markup here especially since the Canadian dollar is worth more than US....
Although they did recommend 2 services "We do accept orders with an International billing address that are shipped within the US if you have someone who can receive your package for you. Additionally, there are third party shipping services which can provide you with a US address we can ship to. This service will then forward the package to you abroad. Two companies our customers have had success with in the past are MyUS.com and Aramex."
Anyone have used the 2 services above or familiar with such services? I'm all fo supporting local business myself but I don't think they can match the prices across the boarder. I just don't understand the big markup here especially since the Canadian dollar is worth more than US....
You can blame our middlemen for the large discrepancy. Motovan and Parts Canada seem to have a virtual lock on distribution rights here. I acknowledge that it might be difficult to match prices with US retailers due to volume and tax/duty inequities, but when the difference is 30%+, something doesn't smell very good.
Fenrir Fox
Well-known member
or CBI usa or US address inc too
suzuki2000
Well-known member
a friend recently started this company, http://parceldonkeyusa.com/ . I have never had a need to use his service yet, but I beleive he is competitive and offers some service others don't can't. He is located just outside of the Queenston crossing
Check closely as in some cases you get hit with 6% NY state tax and then 13% at the border on top of that and CC fees, shipping and lousy exchange rate can add another 5%. Do your math.
I like Revzilla as there is no questions asked return policy and they are fast and friendly and the more you buy the more you save as you get a decent percentage off the next order. On an expensive helmet that might be a decent chunk of change.
I like Revzilla as there is no questions asked return policy and they are fast and friendly and the more you buy the more you save as you get a decent percentage off the next order. On an expensive helmet that might be a decent chunk of change.
I've got a very good relationship with my local dealer, but understand that they have to operate in a different environment than many of the online and even brick and mortar shops in the US. Smaller volumes, Parts Can and Motavan, taxes etc. I
'll go to my dealer first and if it is within budget, i.e. reasonable, they get my business. Something like 50% on Arai, I will buy through the States.
What I won't do is go into a dealer and use them for a fitting room and then shop in the US for a deal.
'll go to my dealer first and if it is within budget, i.e. reasonable, they get my business. Something like 50% on Arai, I will buy through the States.
What I won't do is go into a dealer and use them for a fitting room and then shop in the US for a deal.
lator-illa
Well-known member
I'm actually planning to purchase my next helmet from Europe. When all said and done, it's still waaaaaaaay cheaper than buying locally.
I can pick up a Schuberth Sr1 for around $750 shipped. Here, it's sold for $1000 plus tax. Anyway my next helmet will either be an XLite X802r or possibly a Schuberth Sr1
I can pick up a Schuberth Sr1 for around $750 shipped. Here, it's sold for $1000 plus tax. Anyway my next helmet will either be an XLite X802r or possibly a Schuberth Sr1
