[Windingroads]

I too am thinking of buying motocross boots from FC-Moto, when you receive your order kindly do share all total amount (including Mrp, shipping and import duties) only if you are comfortable with

Thanks

[pedrolourenco]

Sorry for the back to back posts. My wife really liked the helmet and wants to keep it for herself (She is also size S). That means I need to order another one.
The Targo Pro is available in 4 Varints:
- Joker
- Frog
- Kraken
- Viper

Not sure if I should go for another Frog as I really like the graphics. Next best are the Kraken and Viper. Didn't like the joker at all. Kraken is not available in S and Viper seems like a compromise and I'll probably regret it. So it looks like I will be ordering another Frog.

Another option is the Axxis line from MT. Nice graphics but being the budget brand of MT, not so sure if the quality will be as good as the MT. Anyone using Axxis please comment.

[RedPhobos]

So, I got my Arai Quantic Dark Citizen helmet on Thursday. I am over the moon about finally getting my hands on an Arai helmet. I bought the helmet from FC-Moto, Germany and paid ₹ 52,314.66 for it after a ₹ 3,119.26 discount (under Final Summer Sale at FC-Moto). The helmet was delivered to my residence by UPS and I was very relieved to find the helmet packaging in perfect condition. I would not be lying if I told you that I was very worried all along about the condition I would receive this very expensive helmet in and kudos to UPS for how they handled and delivered the package. Once the helmet landed in New Delhi, I got a call from UPS to do my KYC through an email that they sent me. The helmet was delivered to me the very next day. I had to pay an additional ₹ 22,727 as customs duty and a further ₹ 929.84 as GST on top, both of which I paid through UPI. So the total damage came to ₹ 75,971.5, which was still less than the ridiculous ₹ 1,10,000 that the Superbike Store is charging for this particular helmet in India. Plus for some strange reason when I enquired about the helmet they told me that it was out of production, whereas it is easily available on FC-Moto and other websites. Every Arai helmet they have is double the price that FC-Moto charges and in my case even after you factor in the additional customs duty and GST I managed to save roughly ₹34,000.

Now I can’t wait to test ride the new helmet! Leaving you all with some pictures of my purchase.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by RedPhobos

So, I got my Arai Quantic Dark Citizen helmet on Thursday.

Now I can’t wait to test ride the new helmet! Leaving you all with some pictures of my purchase.

Superb looking helmet RedPhobos, it reeks of quality even in photographs. As it is said “an Arai is an Arai”. Since an internal sun visor is non negotiable for me after using one in my Scorpion, Arai is off my shopping list.

Please share your feedback on this helmet after reasonable usage.

Cheers

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by Axe77

On a recent trip to Singapore, I finally managed to squeeze out the time to buy the same model (Asian edition so RX 7X).

While the Euro version of the Small size RX7V had fit me decently well (perhaps partly also because it was heavily used when I bought it), over a period of time I realised the Japanese fit RX 7V felt uncomfortably tight and was creating a few pressure points. I had bought a Shoei Medium adventure sports helmet just a few months ago which was very comfortable so the net result is that the Arai was barely used for the last 18 months with my preference heavily biased towards the Shoei or my older Schuberth.

I finally decided to pop the Arai off to someone and cash out on it at least before it simply devalues by passage of time. Got sold within a few hours of my posting it on a group at a pretty decent price - a palatable discount to my purchase price given the age and sparing use of the lid.

My primary idea was actually to move to a Shoei Neotec 3 modular since my Shuberth really is running on fumes at the moment with its snatchy clasps. I was in Sg again last week and managed to visit some stores. While the idea was to buy a modular, I simply could not get a piece I liked. At the same time, I happened to set my eyes on an absolutely delightful Asia spec Shoei Z8 (NXR2 in EU and RF 1400 in US) full face lid. They had a very good discount going on the model and combined with VAT refund I spent about 42k INR, well under what I got for my resold Arai as well. It’s fitting really nicely, much like my Asia spec Medium adventure touring Shoei.

Leaving a few pics of the lid below.

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by Axe77

I was in Sg again last week and managed to visit some stores.

How are SG rates compared to BKK? I'm guessing higher but any idea by how much?

Any specific large stores to look at for gear or just search for brand outlets ?

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

How are SG rates compared to BKK? I'm guessing higher but any idea by how much?

Any specific large stores to look at for gear or just search for brand outlets ?

1. Chong Aik (desker road): For shoei and other brands.
2. Powerstar Motor Pte (Jln Besar Road): For Shoei
3. Regina Specialties (Kelantan Ln): Klim, some Shoei, Kreiga and many other brands.
4. Chiap Lee: Arai and Schuberth among others.

Last 3 are all next to each other and over the years I have purchased something from each of the above (for myself or for close pals). First one is 5 mins away but I’ve never been there myself.

Regina does not import Shoei officially which is why they have Europe stuff also sometimes. Like Shoei Neotec 3 is not actually sold in Singapore so official chaps weren’t selling it. These guys were. So you should categorically check whether you’re buying Asian version or EU one.

EDIT: Sorry missed the first question. I don’t know BKK rates - have not been there for a very long time, so can’t say how they compare. Singapore is competitive enough in general but of course getting discounts in EU or stuff like Japanese helmets straight from Japan will invariably work out cheaper. For instance my Shoei adventure tourer bought from Japan in Dec 2022 was much cheaper than the Arai bought from Singapore in March 2023.

[TheDarkKnight]

After always dreaming of getting a Shoei or Arai, I finally managed to purchase a Shoei X-15 in Marquez Motegi 4 livery. Got it from Chong Aik in Singapore where I currently am and the helmet fits me perfectly and the quality is leaps better than my erstwhile Bell.

Some pics that I managed to click in the hotel room.

Originally Posted by Axe77

I was in Sg again last week and managed to visit some stores.

Did you hand carry it back after getting the VAT refund? Vistara advised me to pack it in the check-in bags which I’m not comfortable looking at the way they handle things.

Cheers,
TheDarkKnight

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by TheDarkKnight

Did you hand carry it back after getting the VAT refund? Vistara advised me to pack it in the check-in bags which I’m not comfortable looking at the way they handle things.

It looks lovely - this is their top of line race spec model I guess. Can you confirm whether this is the Asia spec or the Euro spec one? I can't recall off hand which nomenclature is for which region.

Checking it in is out of the question. I’ve always hand carried my helmets back. I flew back Vistara as well when I traveled last week and I hand carried it (sans the box) in the Shoei cloth bag - no questions asked. If you have a cabin suitcase maybe just check it in so you’re not going in with too much into the cabin for them to complain.

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

I too have bought from FC Moto 2 days back and the shipment is enroute.

Originally Posted by RedPhobos

I had to pay an additional ₹ 22,727 as customs duty and a further ₹ 929.84 as GST on top, both of which I paid through UPI. .

My package is enroute today and the UPS person called and shared the customs bill befoerehand.

Key Observations are as follows:

• The total price of the products bought was Euro 237.75 and shipping was Euro 28.95 bringing the total value to Euro 266.7
• Items bought are 1 Helmet + 1 Scott MotoX Vest
• For duty adjudication purposes, the customs has taken the total bill value including shipping and not just the product invoice value.
• The duty levied is Rs 10,753 with exchange rate calculated at INR 94.75 against the rate of 93.25 ( today's rate) or 93.75 mentioned in the invoice. At 94.75, the customs duty works out to be 42.55%
• The Rs929.84 is the facilitation fees charged by UPS for customs clearance (Rs 788+ GST).
• No IGST has been levied on the item.
• I realised that even the vest which is an apparel has been subject to 43% duty whereas apparels fall under Basic Custom Duty of 20%. May a big enough apparel order to warrant paying INR 3K as shipping may be a better way to go.

[TheDarkKnight]

Originally Posted by Axe77

Can you confirm whether this is the Asia spec or the Euro spec one? I can't recall off hand which nomenclature is for which region.

This is the Asia spec, it’s called the X-15 in Asia and American markets, and is known as the X-SPR Pro in the Euro markets.

Checking it in is out of the question. I’ve always hand carried my helmets back. I flew back Vistara as well when I traveled last week and I hand carried it (sans the box) in the Shoei cloth bag - no questions asked. If you have a cabin suitcase maybe just check it in so you’re not going in with too much into the cabin for them to complain.

Thanks, I’ll just hand carry it in the Shoei bag while returning.

Cheers

[MileCruncher]

Finally my goodie bag came.

First impressions - Nice snug fit but not as jaw crushing as the LS2 MX436 Dual Sport Helmet. The internal fabric is plusher.


However at 28.5K landed for a polycarbonate shell helmet , is it better than the MX701 Carbon which is around 32k? I feel the modular is worth. Its 3-in-1 Helmet and that is what I like about it.

Let pictures do the talking

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by RedPhobos

The helmet was delivered to me the very next day. I had to pay an additional ₹ 22,727 as customs duty and a further ₹ 929.84 as GST on top, both of which I paid through UPI. So the total damage came to ₹ 75,971.5, which was still less than the ridiculous ₹ 1,10,000 that the Superbike Store is charging for this particular helmet in India.

Arai helmet is available at Lanesplit in Noida, it makes more sense to go there, try it out and buy instead of ordering online as you will likely get it cheaper and also no risk of sizing issue or customs. I purchased my Arai from them and very happy with the service. They also import non stocked ones with a 2-3 week leadtime. Also BHPian owned business so you can rest assured to get best service.

Superbikestore is a dropshipping front end, they do not have any stock and just mark up products by 2x, when someone orders they just order the item themselves and pay customs/forward to local address. It is a fake website and not a real dealer. You will not get any support if there is any issue with your order. There are a few good stores in Delhi where you can buy riding gear.

Lanesplit
Dainese Store
High Note Performance
Pathpavers

I would advise anyone to always try the local dealers/importers rather than ordering online, you got lucky. But non ISI helmets are banned in India and there could have been a high chance that your helmet was impounded by Customs and you would not have been able to do anything about it.

[abtyagi]

I use mostly an adventure helmet for my rides, but buying an Arai RX-7V EVO was always in the back of my mind. A friend happened to be in Bangkok, to asked him to pick one for me. Among all the options, I liked the JR65 Red theme. It looked understated and elegant. Hence asked him to buy it. Cost: 29500 Thai Baht: 70000 INR. did not get the VAT refund.

But I have been able to do only 1 longish ride with it so far, And a few city errand rides.

Nice:

The safety rating for the Arai RX series is legendary, and plenty of details can be found online. I will mention it as a new helmet from user perspective.
- It’s more comfortable than I expected (It's a race helmet).
- Double D ring, once you get used to it.
- Weight management. Despite the weight, it feels much lighter post-wearing.

Still learning:

- Vent system: too complicated for now. Haven’t got used to it till now.
- Visor operation: not the smoothest.

Could have been better:

- Noise isolation: it's much better compared to MX helmet. But there is no skipping the earplugs.

Along with this, also got the Leatt Z Frame knee brace. Standard knee protection is grossly insufficient if you ride trails. A friend's knee was hurt badly, despite wearing a Klim Badlands Pro Jacket/Pant.

Some photos with different angles









Visor with de facto wrap



Small ride within Bengaluru


newly acquired Leatt Z frame brace

[abtyagi]

Originally Posted by abtyagi

newly acquired Leatt Z frame brace

Mod request: Merge with the previous post.

Clarification:
The brace is worn inside the riding pants, replacing armours. As seen in this photo



It does take some getting used to. It is not as comfortable in warm/hot conditions as regular armour.