Buying helmets from Europe

[cpettifer]

Anyone know if any helmet bought anywhere in the EU is legal in the UK?

What are the rules for a legal helmet in the UK?

Pound to Euro exchange rate is OK at the moment, which means there might be some cheaper deals across the channel...

e.g. http://www.automotoracing.com/schuberth-motorcycle-helmet-c3-white.html works out at £375ish (probably a bit more realistically).

[Kevin]

I can't answer your question but in the spirit of forums everywhere I'll pick something else up from your post and talk about that! 


If you haven't had a C3 before make sure you try one on before you buy it. I've had a Schuberth S1 and and S1 Pro which were both the same size and fitted perfectly. I recently bought a C3 which is the same size from a web site and it's tight. I probably should have sent it back straight away but I was sure it would give a bit. It hasn't given at all in the couple of thousand miles I've done in it which mirrors what other people are saying (and I'd usually consider 'a good thing'!). I really wish I'd bought the next size up.


Kevin

[cpettifer]

I can't answer your question but in the spirit of forums everywhere I'll pick something else up from your post and talk about that! 


If you haven't had a C3 before make sure you try one on before you buy it. I've had a Schuberth S1 and and S1 Pro which were both the same size and fitted perfectly. I recently bought a C3 which is the same size from a web site and it's tight. I probably should have sent it back straight away but I was sure it would give a bit. It hasn't given at all in the couple of thousand miles I've done in it which mirrors what other people are saying (and I'd usually consider 'a good thing'!). I really wish I'd bought the next size up.


Kevin

Thanks - I've tried many C3s on at shows and in shops and the XL fits me really well with no real movement and no pressure points that I've noticed. I keep trying them again just to check I haven't got it all wrong, even tried a L last time, but that didn't go on. Ideally I want to find a mate with an XL to test ride...!

[Dive1082]

You may find the info you are looking for here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_helmet#Laws_and_standards

I believe that if it has the European safety pass then all is well in the UK.  BS and ACU standards are slightly highter but CE ones are the minimum.

If in doubt, don't buy!  A head is a once in a lifetime crumple zone!

[Winston Smith]

You can buy what you want from where you want!

Helmets are EU compliant so reach the standard wherever in the EU they come from.

[O.C.]

I can't answer your question but in the spirit of forums everywhere I'll pick something else up from your post and talk about that! 


If you haven't had a C3 before make sure you try one on before you buy it. I've had a Schuberth S1 and and S1 Pro which were both the same size and fitted perfectly. I recently bought a C3 which is the same size from a web site and it's tight. I probably should have sent it back straight away but I was sure it would give a bit. It hasn't given at all in the couple of thousand miles I've done in it which mirrors what other people are saying (and I'd usually consider 'a good thing'!). I really wish I'd bought the next size up.


Kevin






Last year I changed from a Shoei Multitech to a C3 (XL) and it is a closer fitteng helmet, and I love the dark visor

There's anew Multitech out now but its pricey...info here

http://www.shoei-europe.com/uk/products/MULTITEC

and prices here

http://lidsdirect.co.uk/epages/eshop193014.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop193014/Categories/Shoei_Helmets/Shoei_Multitec

My advice is buy the best you can a££ord.. you'll only ever have one head

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[kwarrgtr]

You can buy what you want from where you want!

err not strictly true, I got an Arai when I was in the states a coupla years ago, saved about half.
At last years brummie bike show I took it there for one of there show services, the guy said, great helment and absolutley fine - but NOT certified for Euro use!! Of course buying /using anywhere in eurodisney is fine tho

[cpettifer]

THanks. I thought EU was probably what was required. I think I knew about the USA having different standards and as a result you can't buy here and use there and the other way round too...

I'm really after a C3, if you hadn't gathered. Actually found some at a decent price in the UK, so might go for that. Found some very reasonably priced grey ones, but I really wanted a white one.

[Andy]

I've got an Arai shaped head but make sure it's a Europe spec / shaped shell rather than Asia / USA http://www.araihelmet-europe.com/2010/our-support/f-a-q-s/

[Lonewolf]

I bought my C3 from Hein Gericke, (got a black one). I cant remember what it was on sale for but I told them what I was prepared to pay and they droppped the price, simple as that. Give it  ago, you've nothing to lose.

[Kwikasfuki]

C3. The best helmet I've ever had.

[Dive1082]

Hein Gerike Lonewolf?  They do pannier bags too apparantly!   

[mecki]

Hein Gerike Lonewolf?  They do pannier bags too apparantly!   

I am seriously contemplating to swap my old helmet for a C3 since they offer up to 30% off if you bring in your old gear. 
I still got an old Takei lying around - see what they'll give me for that. 

[Kwikasfuki]

I am seriously contemplating to swap my old helmet for a C3 since they offer up to 30% off if you bring in your old gear. 
I still got an old Takei lying around - see what they'll give me for that. 

Mmmm, if they did give 30% off I would be tempted to get one. Comes to ~£330

[Winston Smith]

Sorry, but there is some bollox being talked on here.

You can buy and wear what you want from where you want.  The crunch comes for those selling.

If you couldn't wear a UK helmet in Europe you'd have to buy a new lid every border crossing!

US helmets can't be supplied as they pass different tests, but you can buy one and wear it legally.

It is the supply that isn't alllowed - not the purchase and wearing.

The other aspect is if buying outside EU then import tax and duty is to be paid.