I took the day off today and did a 315 mile round trip to visit the guys at Sportsbikeshop! A couple of weeks ago I bought a new Arai from them but it was too big so they arranged to take that one back and send me a smaller one. That one was too small so after discussing it with them a bit they suggested that, if it wasn't too inconvenient, I might visit them so that they could tune the fit of it. In the end we realised we couldn't make it work and I've ended up with a Shoei I had to give a nod to the guys there, though. They literally couldn't have been more helpful. Really nice to see this kind of customer service in the UK.
Top people, great prices & availability and only 15 miles up the road from me! Mind you it can get expensive being soooo local!
My Mrs, Yes i said Mrs, she's used sportsbikeshop quite a bit, got me my Arai lid boots leathers gloves from them last year Very competitive and as said, a great service, & also very discreet, I didn't even know I was getting them.
Have used them before and they have always been great. Was considering popping down there to try some jackets on. Are they normally open to the public or is it appointment only?
Can't fault them at all, I live bout 20 mins away, purchased new arai and back protector from them a few months ago, mentioned the forum and got a genuine black visor chucked in for free! Top guys!!
Quite a small showroom but that's cos its an industrial estate and rates etc - massive warehouse, always worth checking the website to see whats in stock before you travel. Very helpful and will bring loads out for you to try. Open til 5pm on a Saturday - no I don't get commission!
They've got a pretty huge unit but there is a small(ish) shop. No need for an appointment, as far as I know. I just let them know I was coming because I was coming all the way from Middlesbrough.
I'm more impressed that you'd travel 315 miles for a Lid! Surely there is somewhere closer you could have gone? Your time and fuel etc must have outweighed any discounts compared to a more local supplier? There's a J&S in Newcastle and Leeds, aint they closer?
Which Shoei did you get Rich? I am going to try the NXR & X-Spirit 2 at weekend locally, but will get it from sportsbikeshop because of the free race visor & holdall.
I've had a bugger of a time getting one to fit right, mate. I've had a Medium Arai for years and it's the most comfy lid I've had. The dealers that are very local are borderline disinterested whenever you go in. I've not been to Newcastle or York but figured that an Arai medium would be an Arai medium. Sportsbikeshop offered finance (muhahahaha!!) so I figured why not. I didn't bargain on it not fitting right as I figured I'd be safe with Arai. I didn't mind the drive to be honest. It was a lovely day for a run out.
I got the NXR, mate. I've not ridden in it yet but it's very very light and captures my noggin well. I'm looking forward to getting out to see what it's like.
I originally had my heart set on an Arai lid but they just didn't for my face. Shoei's fit really well and I've currently got an XR-1000 which has my GoPro mount and Scala connected to it for commuting and stuff and I have an X-Spirit II which feels very plus in comparison. Only paid £140 brand new at a liquidation auction too. I'd buy another in a heart beat.
Remember to check out the rating on here before you get a lid I was amazed at how poorly some lids came up.. SHARP Helmets - THE HELMET SAFETY SCHEME Ozz
