Shoei helmets from Japan on eBay?

[the_undecider_imp]

I am finding some good deals on Shoei helmets that ship from Japan sold via eBay. Has anybody bought one this way? Are they going to have DOT stickers? Is it a legit product? Someone at the local motorcycle shop said that Shoei helmets differ in design from market to market (North America vs. Asia for instance). Not sure I can take her word for it since she wants to sell a $600 helmet.

[Cormanus]

You may find they don't have DOT stickers even if they comply. Not sure how you'd check.

[DGShannon_imp]

You may find they don't have DOT stickers even if they comply. Not sure how you'd check.

Knock on wood, I have never been stopped on a bike. Anyone ever had the stickers on their helmet checked for compliance? I would imagine that it would never be an issue if what you were wearing looked anything like a real helmet.

[the_undecider_imp]

You may find they don't have DOT stickers even if they comply. Not sure how you'd check.

Knock on wood, I have never been stopped on a bike. Anyone ever had the stickers on their helmet checked for compliance? I would imagine that it would never be an issue if what you were wearing looked anything like a real helmet.

Knock on wood, I have never been stopped on a bike. Anyone ever had the stickers on their helmet checked for compliance? I would imagine that it would never be an issue if what you were wearing looked anything like a real helmet.
I agree. The LEO would have to be looking specifically for that. Here in Texas, I meet the criteria for not wearing a helmet, so it really is a non-issue.

After more thinking, I am about 99% certain that purchasing a Helmet from overseas would leave me on my own for any warranty issues. So, I have to decide if the savings are worth that slight risk.

[NightRider_imp]

Lot's of fake merchandise on Ebay.

[the_undecider_imp]

I posted this same thread on another board. Someone over there confirmed what I was told about there being different helmets in different markets. Apparently, the predominate head shape in Asia is more round, so this is likely what this helmet is. I suppose if your head is more round than oval, it may fit closer to an Arai helmet.

I found another seller, out of Tennessee, Who appears to be a legitimate powers ports dealer. The normal discount on Shoei helmets, excluding closeouts, is 10%. This seller is discounting an additional 5%.

[gossman_imp]

Police in Washington state will look for non compliant helmets and do pull riders ver for tickets. I have a friend who loves his plastic skid lid and wears it hear in Oregon but before we cross over into Washington state he always stops and puts on a true DOT helmet.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I bought an Arai helmet on eBay from Japan. Everything arrived as expected (new) and it is my better helmet. It has the required Snell certification, which typically exceeds local DOT standards. I was quite pleased with the transaction.

[the_undecider_imp]

I ended up buying my helmet locally. The shop gave me a good deal. I paid $7 more than ordering online and that included having to pay sales tax. I kept my money local, got instant gratification, and peace if mind that I got exactly what I expected.

[Henrik_imp]

I am not sure about Shoei helmets, but I know for sure that the Arai helmets do not have the same shapes in Asia as in Europe. As I go quite often to Japan, I went to buy an Arai there since they have some really nice graphics that are not exported here. Thinking the shape would be the same, I tried them on but they do not fit me the same.

Personally I would never buy a helmet without being able to try it on properly first, and so buying online is not an option, especially since the shapes do indeed vary.