05-16-2018, 03:22 AM
Yup, they are pricey, but these days top of the line helmets are all pricey and there is usually an extra premium for modular. I had not checked pricing on Arai in a while, and when I did, it was sticker shock as well. Doing the conversion from $930 Canadian to U.S. dollars came out to $719.21 U.S. before U.S. sales tax, which averages about 8%, depending on the city the buyer lives in.
The MSRP on the Neotec II is $699 U.S., as listed by Shoei. I was able to negotiate a discount off MSRP with my local shop fortunately, so that might be worth a try ( the worst that can happen is the dealer will say no ).
My owners manual lists a warranty of 5 years to the original owner, or 7 years from the date of manufacture to the original owner, whichever comes first. Originally, I had thought to buy an original Neotec on close out. I found a NIB Neotec on EBay at a big discount. That was until I asked the seller what the date of manufacture sticker applied to the Styrofoam lining inside the outer shell, and under the soft removable liner said. The reply was 06-13! Consequently the helmet was 5 years old with only a couple of years left on the 7 year shelf life warranty. I also discovered something interesting that had never occurred to me. Shoei will only honor the warranty if the helmet is purchased from a dealer in the same country where the buyer resides. The explanation was that government required helmet standards very from country to country.
I do have a preference for the added use flexibility of a modular, and have been a fan of Shoei quality and design for a long time. As always though, regardless of brand, the best helmet that can be afforded that fits correctly and suits the wearers needs in terms of features, is the one to go with.
The MSRP on the Neotec II is $699 U.S., as listed by Shoei. I was able to negotiate a discount off MSRP with my local shop fortunately, so that might be worth a try ( the worst that can happen is the dealer will say no ).
My owners manual lists a warranty of 5 years to the original owner, or 7 years from the date of manufacture to the original owner, whichever comes first. Originally, I had thought to buy an original Neotec on close out. I found a NIB Neotec on EBay at a big discount. That was until I asked the seller what the date of manufacture sticker applied to the Styrofoam lining inside the outer shell, and under the soft removable liner said. The reply was 06-13! Consequently the helmet was 5 years old with only a couple of years left on the 7 year shelf life warranty. I also discovered something interesting that had never occurred to me. Shoei will only honor the warranty if the helmet is purchased from a dealer in the same country where the buyer resides. The explanation was that government required helmet standards very from country to country.
I do have a preference for the added use flexibility of a modular, and have been a fan of Shoei quality and design for a long time. As always though, regardless of brand, the best helmet that can be afforded that fits correctly and suits the wearers needs in terms of features, is the one to go with.