CMM TESTED
We try stuff out.
ARAI RX-7V
Over the last 30 years I’ve worn a lot of helmets from budget to wallet-busting and this clearly sits in the latter camp. Having worn all of Arai’s RX-7 family for the last 20 years, this does indeed represent the pinnacle of their helmet design. What makes it special? Well, there’s no denying the cachet of wearing an Arai (like many race stars have) but it’s the overall quality. It’s perhaps only rivalled by one other Japanese manufacturer in my experience. When you put this helmet on, it’s the quality of the (removable) lining, the slickness of the visor system, the brilliance of the ventilation system (eyebrow and chin vents work brilliantly) and the knowledge that Arai has improved the integrity of the outer shell as well as widened the visor for better peripheral vision over time, too. In the past, the RX-7 was a loud lid to wear – thanks to the lumps and bumps – but either I’m getting deaf or things have improved with this ‘smoother’ shell-shape. Having worn this since 2015 and for a good 20,000 miles, it still feels as good as new: which is a shame, as guidelines say it’s due to be replaced. Price? Yup, it’s very pricey… mainly due to exchange rates and the like. So I’d plump for a plain, rather than pricier (by £120) replica. The only down point on this helmet is the updated visor change system. The old one was a simple affair, but they’ve made this one fussier. The side-pods are now tethered to the lid and it is harder to change – and no amount of experts changing them in seconds will make me change my mind. Sorry… backward step. Now, you’ll spot that this Arai has a non-standard paint scheme? Well, this is a ‘Bertie Simmonds’ replica that I designed back in 1994 and have had on my lids since 1997. Yes, it’s the only treat I give myself. Lovely, colourful and striking, it’s by the genius Richard Stevens of Rich-art, who paints many a British Superbike rider’s helmet. I won’t go into costs here (it ain’t cheap) but he’s the best around and the quality is second to none. Also, the cost depends on the complexity of design, so go to: www.richartconcepts.co.uk