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Fake Shoei Helmets?

30K views 18 replies 13 participants last post by  Jhuntscrambler 
#1 ·
Hey guys, I was looking to get a Shoei helmet online and found a store on eBay that sold one for a relatively cheaper price. It doesn't state the model however, and the price is kind of shady. It's going for about $200. Does anyone know what model this helmet is and if it's authentic or fake? Any help appreciated.
 

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#4 ·
Well, the first red flag would be that there is no certification label (DOT, Snell, or ECE) on the back of the helmet. By law, they have to have one of these labels on the rear of the helmet.
 
#7 ·
I did some 'googling' for fake Shoei helmets and found a discussion about that very thing. One poster said the stickers are often removed but that there is a permanent marking on the inside which can be seen be pulling back on the lining just a bit. Of course, you wouldn't think a sticker would be removed by a merchant.

Other than that, nothing popped up about fakes out there but it wouldn't be the first time on high dollar items.
 
#8 ·
I've got some leftover ARAI stickers if you'd rather have an Arai

Forgers are invariably sloppy. Do you have a higher rez image of the peel-away over the visor? I'd compare that to an actual, see what word they misspelled or left out.

I'm sure a real Shoei comes with at least 10 pages of paperwork, warranty, registration, Federal warnings, etc that give their ACTUAL address/phone #.
 
#10 ·
Of course, you wouldn't think a sticker would be removed by a merchant.
You're right, neither the manufacturer or the retailer can legally remove the Snell/DOT/ECE rating from the exterior of the helmet.
This thread made me curious, so I checked mine. I currently have 6 helmets from 3 different manufacturers, all are less than 5 years old. Interestingly, none would be easy to remove. On my Lazer Monaco Carbon Fiber modular, its actually laminated into the carbon fiber and clear coat finish, that one is definitely not coming off. On my two Scorpion Exo modular helmets, the ECE stamp is part of the helmet shell and the DOT below that is part of the actual plastic collar, no stickers. Unless the plastic collar is cut off, its not coming off. On my Bell Rogue helmet, the DOT is a metal plate that is held in place by four rivets, it could be removed (not easily), but it would leave four holes in the helmet. On my Bell Retro 3/4 helmet, its smooth and also part of the finish like on my Lazer Monaco helmet. On my cheap Bilt brand modular helmet from Cycle Gear, its actually laser painted on. So, I don't know when these manufacturers stopped using stickers, but it appears that stickers are a thing of the past based on these six helmets. Either way, that helmet is missing the rating that by federal law should be there. That would make it very suspect in my books, especially from an Ebay seller. I've never seen a Shoei helmet in that style either.
 
#11 ·
The first red flag is no model designation from the seller.
A good helmet is cheap insurance. I'd say don't risk it.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Don't pay $200 for that helmet. I found a seller that has the same one for only $84.59! https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-motorcycle-helmet-full-helmet-SHOEI-helmet-Motorcycle-Full-Face-Helmet-DOT/32678221821.html?spm=2114.40010308.4.9.feQC7j

Better yet, get an Arai for only $87.39!

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-shipping-motorcycle-helmet-ARAI-helmet-DVS-Dual-Visor-System-Motorcycle-Full-Face-Helmet-DOT/919058_32678137001.html


So, to answer the OP's question. Yes, the helmet is definitely fake. Luckily you had the good sense to question the authenticity.
 
#15 ·
WOW, all those helmets must be fakes, that's very scary. I'll make sure I buy helmets from a reputable source and nowhere else, that's for sure!

To the OP, I think I'd try contacting Shoei about it, see what they have to say, you never know, they might be so grateful that you ratted out the person selling the fakes on Ebay and tarnishing their bad name that they give you a big discount on a new one or something similar, it's worth a try, what do you have to lose? You can't trust and use that helmet, and you can't sell it in good conscience.
 
#16 ·
Unfortunately, eBay talks a good talk and has reasonably goodvrefund policies, but they don't give a rats azz about counterfeits or fakes goods - except to refund if the buyer files a dispute in time. But as far as pulling the fake goods off eBay to protect future buyers - not gonna happen - they make millions on fees on fake goods. By refunding those who complain in time, they get away with it.

sent from my HTC 10 smartphone
 
#17 ·
Found this info (source is a DOT pamphlet) when googling info on counterfeit helmets. (Interesting that protrusions over 2/10th of an inch are not legal, which would disallow all the helmet cams out there.)

Here is What to Check For:

Thick Inner Liner

Helmets meeting the minimum Federal safety standard have an inner liner usually about one-inch thick of firm polystyrene foam. Sometimes the inner liner will not be visible, but you should still be able to feel its thickness. Unsafe helmets normally contain only soft foam padding or a bare plastic shell with no padding at all.


Sturdy Chin Strap and Rivets

Helmets meeting the DOT safety standard have sturdy chinstraps with solid rivets.


Weight of Helmet

Depending on design, unsafe helmets weigh only one pound or less. Helmets meeting FMVSS 218 generally weigh about three pounds. Become familiar with the weight of helmets that comply with the Federal safety standard. These helmets provide a more substantial feel.


Design/Style of Helmet

The DOT safety standard does not allow anything to extend further than two-tenths of an inch from the surface of a helmet. For example, while visor fasteners are allowed, a spike or other protruding decorations indicate an unsafe helmet.


DOT Sticker

Helmets that meet FMVSS 218 must have a sticker on the outside back of the helmet with the letters “DOT,” which certifies that the helmet meets or exceeds FMVSS 218. It is important to note that some novelty helmet sellers provide DOT stickers separately for motorcyclists to place on non-complying helmets. In this case, the DOT sticker is invalid and does not certify compliance.


Snell or ANSI Label

In addition to the DOT sticker, labels located inside the helmet showing that a helmet meets the standards of private, non-profit organizations such as Snell or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are good indicators that the helmet also meets the Federal safety standard. To date, we have never seen a novelty helmet that has a phony DOT sticker in addition to a phony Snell or ANSI label.


Manufacturer’s Labeling

Manufacturers are required under FMVSS 218 to place a label on or inside the helmet stating the manufacturer’s name, model, size, month and year of manufacture, construction materials, and owner’s information.
 
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