Arai shows off new RX-7 RC full-carbon F1-tech helmet
December 2, 2009 - Alan Dowds
Japanese helmet firm launching new bike lid based on Formula One full-carbon technology shell ... Scroll down for the full story
If you happen upon the Arai stand at the NEC, try and get a look at this fancy beast. Dubbed the RX-7 RC, it's an all-new bike lid, with the shell shape of the new RX-7GP, and the construction technology from the firm's Formula One-spec car race helmet, the GP-6 RC
There are no official words on the RX-7 RC (racing carbon) as yet, but insiders say it takes 22 man hours to make. The carbon, therefore most of the outer shell, is made exactly the same way as Arai's F1 helmet, the commercially available GP-6 RC. That costs £2590 + vat, but features a fireproof Nomex lining and strap. There's no VAT on bike helmets of course, so that's not a factor.
We predict a £2,000-£2,500 price tag, and if it makes it to production, a seriously limited production run. The firm says that, "to get these helmets perfect/to Arai's very high standards, the rate of rejects will be high (and expensive)."
Form an orderly queue...
More info: www.whyarai.co.uk
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