Arai helmets held its world premier launch of its all-new MX-V motocross helmet at the International Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh Park today.
The brand new MX-V evolved from the much-loved VX-3 mode and is designed to be the perfect choice for MX, enduro and off-road use. Without a visor this may only interest overlanders who are fans of goggles, but the basic shell shape is based on the R75 Shape concept and the absence of exaggerated edges or protrusions on the shell is not a lack of creativity, but a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the shell with real world impact performance apparently.
The outer shell is 40 per cent stronger than standard fibre glass in extension and bending resistance. It has two layers of super fibre and one middle layer of special fibre, which consists of a very strong and light chemical fibre exclusive to Arai. The ‘bumper’ is a reinforcement band that circles the bottom of the shell, adding strength and lowering the helmet’s centre of gravity. The helmet is designed to be easier to put on and take off, and the chin bar‘s ridges further enhance the structural integrity of the shell.
A removable three-piece rear exhaust creates a tremendous amount of venturi vacuum at the rear which can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. The efficient combined inlet/outlet centre top vent on the MX-V effortlessly extracts hot air out of the crown area. Side vent exhausts produce low pressure behind the rear vent for better hot air extraction. When wearing goggles, fresh air can still enter the forehead area.
Turning to the helmet’s interior; the new Arai’s cheek pads are offered in different thickness sizes, to make a more custom fit possible, with a 5mm thick removable foam layer on the ear cups/cheek pads and temple pads. The completely removable and washable dry-cool interior lining is developed for and tested in MotoGP. It uses micro water cells to improve moisture and heat transfer from the head to the airflow and dries much faster than conventional textiles. The removable interiors may be cleaned with mild soap and lukewarm water.
An emergency release system allows easier access to an injured rider. By pulling the orange tabs integrated in the pads, the cheek pads slide out. This offers extra room within the helmet, making helmet removal easier for trained medical personnel and rescuers and minimising the risk of additional injury.
Other features of the new Arai include a peak that scavenges and forces air into the forehead vent ports for cooling while at the same time using multiple relief-ports to reduce ‘lifting’ at higher speeds; a removable/flexible rubber breath guard to block as much incoming debris as possible and an easily removable Replaceable Neck roll; an outer-mounted mouth vent to further improve penetration resistance;
The Arai MX-V is on display on the Apico stand at the International Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh Park from today until Sunday, November the 3rd. It will be available in the UK from Spring 2014. The price has yet to be finalised, but it will be ‘competitive’.
For further information visit: www.araihelmet.eu