Buying Helmets from overseas

[Geezmoz]

Hi all,

Just wanna get some views on purchasing helmets from overseas and what do you think about it.

Well, I know that Aus helmets required the AS stickers but local retailers are selling them at a super dupa price. E.g. Shoei XR1100 $900ish where US I could get it for under US$450 excluding delivery, but still cheaper. XR1000 is even cheaper at US$299.

Some one from another forum had mentioned that insurance will null you if you get into an accident. Wondering if they will null you on your head or the entire claim. And how bout coppers? Is it actually illegal as they are practically the same helmet!?

Cheers

[mattyvas]

Hey Geezmoz,

     Yes they are illegal to wear here and if you get pulled over and check you will cop a fine if they feel like giving you one.
They sure are cheaper and it does sting to buy them at our inflated prices.
As to insurance I'd be pretty sure most insurance companies would take any chance at throwing a claim out.

[heatherp]

Geezmoz.
Last time I needed a new helmet I got the brand/size I wanted then went shopping on the internet. Places like Helmet warehouse are usually a fair bit cheaper than your local bike shop.  I'm also not to fussed about wearing last season's patterns so can usually pick up a bargain.

[suzyj]

The fine for not wearing a helmet (presumably what you cop if riding with a helmet that doesn't have an AS sticker) is $253, plus 3 points.

That's a fair bit less than the price difference for a lot of helmets...

It's not like you're knowingly putting your head in an inferior helmet - it's a helmet of the same model as tested for AS, just without the local markup.

It's a risk I'd be tempted to take, at any rate.

[monstermick58]

You must ask yourself this, when was the last time you got pulled over and had your helmet checked for the AS sticker. I've heard of 'one percenters' getting the once over for those skull caps, but in all the years that I have ridden not once have I had my helmet checked.

     On the other hand, if you go to a track day and there is no AS sticker, you wont be able to use that helmet, but if you can live with that then go right ahead





                                     Mmick

[heatherp]

it's a helmet of the same model as tested for AS, just without the local markup.

But are the testing requirements in other countries the same as ours? (or better?) Most companies will only do what they have to make their profits.

Then there's the insurance implications of wearing a non-AS helmet in the event of an accident.   

And if  does catch you, you then have go out and buy as AS one anyway cos Murphy will follow you around until you do.

[mattyvas]

I know a few track riders have bought O/S
It is cheaper and I believe it just needs to have relevant SNELL/FIA.
Totally agree with Heather buying last years colours is always cheaper.
I got my last helmet @ $800 with two visors instead of full price of $1250
Myself I still won't take the risk using an O/S helmet on the road here, I know they are the same thing that
we have on our market but get fined once and loose points sure but get done twice and you've matched the price you'd pay here.
That is of course taking into account the fact that you have to get caught first.

[ozzys4r]

I say go for it! Just be super sure of your size in the exact model of helmet you want... I did this and someone in the UK! managed to put the wrong helmet in the right box Bout 6 weeks later i expect my SIMPSON Speedway, any day now

[loony888]

the testing standards are different, but the only test that matters as far as the safety of your noggin goes is the snell test. yes, you could buy one, and never have an issue, yes, you may get pulled over for any reason and strike the one traffic cop that's switched on enough to notice that you don't have the AS sticker and get the subsequent fine.
   But think about this, some peabrain cleans you up on the way home from work, you hit the deck, hard, and unfortunately you survive, with brain damage or whatever. you're on a ventilator or in a vegetative state and whether you stay like that forever is beside the point, your family, not only burdened with the grief of your situation and what to do and how to get by find the international heartless insurance company proudly declaring that they have no obligation to pay the 3rd party claim to care for you because in the eyes of the law you shouldn't have been on the road without a helmet on!
just my .02c


paul
   

[Geezmoz]

All your views are very true... there's definitely positive and negatives in having a OS helmet. As for as I can see, the helmets are identical. There basically came out from the same factory, manufactured under the same international Snell standards. I can't see why the AS standards is a step above Snell standards.

I must admit on the part of insurance, as we all know they will try anything to avoid paying a claim. How bout I rip off the current helmet sticker and stick it on the OS one? Who will actually know it?

[Nickati]

the testing standards are different, but the only test that matters as far as the safety of your noggin goes is the snell test. yes, you could buy one, and never have an issue, yes, you may get pulled over for any reason and strike the one traffic cop that's switched on enough to notice that you don't have the AS sticker and get the subsequent fine.
   But think about this, some peabrain cleans you up on the way home from work, you hit the deck, hard, and unfortunately you survive, with brain damage or whatever. you're on a ventilator or in a vegetative state and whether you stay like that forever is beside the point, your family, not only burdened with the grief of your situation and what to do and how to get by find the international heartless insurance company proudly declaring that they have no obligation to pay the 3rd party claim to care for you because in the eyes of the law you shouldn't have been on the road without a helmet on!
just my .02c


paul
   

Copy that Paul, but hey you might have saved $200.......... Old saying if you have a $50 head buy a $50 helmet !!

[Jukie]

hhmmm i dont think my head cost me anything. ooooohhh well poor jukies head

[Geezmoz]

I reckon it would save me around $500 if I were to get last season helmet.

[Justo]

Everyone says its illegal. And yeah it is. But has anyone ever been done/busted (track racing aside). Is it like Jay walking is illegal too but who has ever been done. Granted probably an extreme but question warranted.

[suzyj]

It used to be illegal to use wireless internet gear in Australia unless it had AS clearance.  That made wireless internet stuff here quite expensive, until people just ignored the law and started importing gear in large numbers.  Eventually the govt gave up.  Much the same thing has happened with telephones (both fixed and mobile), etc.

I see helmets (both motorcycle and pushbike) as much the same thing - the AS compliance thing is mainly about protectionism.  If enough people ignore/flout the law, then the law will change to reflect reality.