ARAI’S RIDERS GET READY FOR PHILLIP ISLAND WSBK SEASON OPENER

A strong Arai line-up looks set to battle for WSBK title.......

The waiting is finally over and the World Superbike season roars into action this weekend with racing in Australia at the legendary Phillip Island 4.5km circuit.

Arai has an impressive line-up of riders in the 2012 series, including Leon Haslam, Jonathan Rea, Hiroshi Aoyama, John Hopkins, Jakub Smrz and Davide Giugliano all wearing Arai’s benchmark RX-7GP and all raring to go!

Leon Haslam 2012 design

BMW's Leon Haslam, supporting a brand new design on his Arai RX-7GP and celebrating 25 years of wearing Arai, concluded last week’s three day test at Phillip Island finishing third on the final day and reported the S1000RR to be the best it had felt in all his time with BMW.  Unfortunately on this week’s official test Leon crashed exiting the last corner and has been diagnosed with a fractured right tibia and this may affect his participation in the weekend’s WSBK opening round.

Jonathan Rea design

Two more Arai stars Jonathan Rea and Hiroshi Aoyama team up this year and lead the charge for the Honda World Superbike team. Rea starts his fourth season on the Fireblade and, following an injury-blighted 2011, the 24-year-old is looking forward to a consistent title challenge this year. Japanese ace Hiroshi Aoyama, the 2009 World 250cc champion, joins the team following two years as a Honda MotoGP rider. 

Hiroshi Aoyama design

Crescent Fixi Suzuki rider John Hopkins, who provided a thrilling finale to last year’s British Superbike series, will miss the first race due to a broken hand sustained in a high side crash last week. Drafted in for John is Australian rider Josh Brookes who has been racing in BSB for the last couple of years and has previously raced in both the World Superbike and Supersport championships.   
  
Czech rider Jakub Smrz, who had his fair share of bad luck in 2011, stays with Liberty Racing Team Effenbert for the 2012 season and making the move to WSBK is Davide Giugliano who partners the 2011 championship winner Carlos Checa in the Althea Racing team.

In World Supersport, Arai will support numerous riders including Broc Parkes who finished 4th last year and switches team and bikes to ride for Ten Kate Racing Products on the Honda CBR600RR.

All of Arai’s riders will once again be wearing the Arai RX-7GP, a helmet considered by many as the benchmark against which others are measured.  Featuring a peripherally belted Structural Net Compose (SNC) shell, with hyper ridge strengthening in its lower section, a wider aperture with larger visor for better vision and a five position Air Wing to reduce drag, turbulence and buffering, the RX-7GP is the most technologically advanced motorcycle helmet Arai has ever produced and easily surpasses ECE 22.05 and was the first helmet to meet the new Snell M2012 standard.

For more information on the Arai range telephone 01782 569800 or visit www.whyarai.co.uk

ARAI'S 'NITRO NORI' HAGA FIRED UP FOR MCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SWAN YAMAHA

We're delighted that Arai rider Nori Haga is coming to BSB. The OFFICIAL anouncement happened today, putting an end to the rumours...

The Swan Yamaha team has today (Monday) confirmed that World Superbike sensation Noriyuki Haga will be completing their line-up for the 2012 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship as he permanently replaces the injured Ian Hutchinson for the forthcoming season.

One of our Haga Replicas

Fans’ favourite Haga is famous for his flamboyant riding style with much of his World Championship success in the past powered by Yamaha. Japanese ace Haga joins the MCE BSB Championship with the Swan Yamaha team following a record of 43 race wins in the World Championship, finishing runner-up in the title race on three occasions (2009, 2007, 2000) and securing third in the overall standings in an additional four seasons (2008, 2006, 2005, 2004).

Haga has already celebrated success on MCE BSB Championship circuits at World level including podium finishes at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Silverstone and Assen as the Japanese contender prepares for his first full season in MCE BSB which gets underway at Brands Hatch on Easter weekend (6-9 April).

And another of our Haga replicas

Haga said: “It is a new challenge for me to race in BSB and I am now ready for the new season with Swan Yamaha. I feel that after many years in the same series this will be a kind of restart to my racing career. BSB has grown a lot and I have big support from the fans in the UK, so I liked the idea of racing in the Championship. It will also be a return to Yamaha, where I spent so many years taking many wins and now I feel like I am going back to my family. I have won races with Yamaha before in the World Championship and now I hope that we can do it again in BSB. I don't know several circuits in England and the BSB Championship but I will do my best to get results this year for the fans, myself and for Yamaha. We will start testing soon and I am very excited to get back on track as we have big ambitions for this season. Finally I hope that Ian Hutchinson can recover soon from his injury.”

Team Owner Shaun Muir concluded: “It was a difficult situation for the Swan Yamaha team when Ian (Hutchinson) was sidelined with just four weeks remaining before we begin our pre-season testing programme. We then had to set out to find a replacement rider and the result for us could not have been better. We are absolutely delighted that Noriyuki will be joining us and we are now looking forward to welcoming him into the team. Noriyuki has such vast experience of racing a Superbike and during his career has always had a strong partnership with Yamaha and we are happy that we can continue that relationship this year. The Swan Yamaha team won the title last season and Noriyuki is really ready for the challenge of BSB and is coming to race here to win.”

Swan Marketing Manager Mark Alldred concluded: “We are thrilled to confirm the full team line up for the 2012 season after Ian’s unfortunate injury. We are delighted to welcome Noriyuki Haga to the team at this late stage. He has a fantastic pedigree at the highest level and will be a real contender for the championship this year. We have a great rider line-up at Swan Yamaha having signed two of the top riders in the championship. We wish them both the best of luck for the forthcoming season.”

Good luck to Nori from all at Arai. For more information on Arai helmets in the UK and to find your nearest dealer please visit www.whyarai.co.uk 

NEW ARAI AXCES II NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK

Packed with Arai’s class-leading features...

The Arai Axces helmet arrived in 2010 and proved an instant, and consistent, hit offering as it did all the hallmarks of premium Arai quality, innovation and fit matched to a great retail price point. It opened the brand up to many riders who aspired to own an Arai, and was given the Value Award in the November 2011 RiDE Magazine Awards issue.

Axces II Classic Star

Debuted to the motorcycling public at Motorcycle Live back in November 2011, the new Arai Axces II builds firmly on the success of the original. Its features and benefits have evolved, and it remains attractively priced. It is now in stock and can be found in Arai Five Star dealers up and down the country.

The Axces II’s new Super Fibre Construction (SFC) outer shell has been re-designed with an enlarged aperture and SAI visor giving better peripheral vision. It uses Arai’s Hyper Ridge reinforcement around the helmet’s lower section, just as the MotoGP-spec RX-7 GP does, combined with a triple density inner shell.

Axces II Triubte

The sophisticated ventilation system has new-style front and rear Air Conductor vents, plus a three-position chin vent with larger intake holes, plus the usual brow vents in the visor. An extra top vent is available as an option. Arai’s lever release visor system ensures swift and tool-free visor removal and replacement in seconds, and its holders are aerodynamically recessed. The 2mm visor is Pinlock® ready and features a de-misting visor lock position.

Axces II Stage

The new luxury fixed inner liner features removable cheekpads, which are available in several thicknesses to create a custom fit. As used in all Arai helmets, the ‘Double D’ ring fastening system ensures correct strap tension at all times.

The Axces II is available in a wide range of designs and plain colours with sizes ranging from XS–XXL and an RRP of £349.99 for plain colours and £449.99 for designs.  For more information on the Axces II, or the rest of the Arai range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk 

The Arai Difference

Without exception all Arai helmets offer a peerless fit; the Japanese brand’s reputation for quality, comfort and safety has recently been further reinforced as, for the 13th consecutive year, Arai came out top of the JD Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study. 

Stan tests Arai at 100mph in the Dakar!

Following a crash at 100mph on Stage 8, as well as a contentious navigational ruling by the event organizers, Irish and British 2012 hopeful and Arai wearer Stan Watt is keeping his Crescent KTM 450 Factory Replica Rally machine in contention for a successful 2012 Dakar Rally finish.

Stan Watt - still going strong despite a 100mph 'off'

Hindered by some non-bike related technical issues in the early stages, Watt started Stage 7 in 46th place hopeful of making up valuable time over the following fast stages. Yet, as many Dakar riders would agree, good luck and a smooth run can be hard to come by.

Stage 7 saw the riders do a full loop from Copiapo, travelling along narrow tracks in the hills followed by a vast stretch of sand dunes. Rearing to go after a cancelled previous stage, Watt was quick to make up good time and finished the day in 42nd overall. After a rest day on Sunday, Stage 8 took participants from Copiapo to Antofagasta, which contains the rally’s longest special stage on very fast-paced, stone-covered tracks. Running in 21st place after a good start, Watt briefly lost visibility in another rider’s dust cloud and crashed at 100mph after hitting a boulder. Thankfully he walked away from the incident without too greater damage to himself or the bike, and managed to finish the remaining 350km without losing any places overall.

Stage 9, from Antofagasta to Iquique, had been branded as one of the more difficult routes to navigate due to its very limited landmarks. Watt, patched up with a fully working Crescent KTM 450, made tremendous headway, proving in particular his navigational prowess by being only one of five competitors to reach Waypoint 6. However, a controversial ruling by Dakar organizers to subsequently strike this waypoint from the stage has left Watt in 41st position overall. This ruling, which cost him 15th place on the stage and a big jump up the leader board, is being contested by Watt and his support team.

Stan Watt:

“It’s been an eventful last few days. I was making good progress on Stage 8, but then hit a big boulder at around 100mph after I briefly lost visibility in a plume of dust from another rider. This then bucked me off the bike, but thankfully myself and the bike didn’t have any serious damage. My helmet did its job, I lost a little bit of skin, and my wrists are slightly bruised – but nothing that is hindering my riding. The main damage on the bike was the handlebars, which looked like they were more suited to a custom low rider after the crash. Over the remaining 350km I tried to minimize the time loss, and managed to not drop any places. I was lucky to finish that day.

“On Stage 9 I was going really well, and was one of maybe five guys to hit Waypoint 6. But the organizers deemed it too tricky because so few people found it – and cancelled it. Me and the team are contesting this strongly, as this would have given me a great boost overall.

“Apart from the snags we keep hitting, everything is looking good for the next few stages. The bike is going really well, I’m feeling good, and if we can get this decision overturned, we should be able to make our way through the rankings.” 

With another 6 race days left to go, Watt currently holds an overall time of 36:28:27hrs with a variation of 7:43:10hrs.

Keep abreast with all the latest action from Stan and Crescent KTM’s Dakar adventure by following the official Twitter feed @crescentmoto.

For more information on Arai Helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk

Dakar Update - Tuesday 4th January 2012

Crescent KTM’s Stan Watt flying through the ranks at 2012 Dakar

In his third Dakar to date, Irish and British 2012 hopeful Stan Watt has been barging his way through the field these first three days of the rally on his Crescent KTM 450 Factory Replica Rally machine.

Stan's going well now!

With a starting position back in 60th place, Watt had anticipated a difficult start from the beginning with a lot of riders to pass on what can be a very busy and dusty track. Stage 1 took the riders from the festive start at Mar del Plata through a short warm-up special stage along the dunes on the seafront, after which a long and fast liaison section guided them to Santa Rosa de la Pampa. Watt’s plan to reach the top 30 early on where however hampered by some minor top end speed issues, seeing him end Stage 1 in 87th place.

With his support team in tow, the issue was rapidly resolved before Stage 2, which saw the competitors head further in-land towards San Rafael. The first part was once again very quick with big, fast bends on firm ground, after which progress was slowed down significantly with a stage through the grey-coloured sand dunes of Nihuil. With no issues to contend with and his sights firmly set on a successful rally, Watt did not hang around and charged through the field into 56th.

Stage 3 proved the first of the very though tests for the riders, heading into the Andes Cordillera to San Juan. Its breathtaking landscapes may be easy on the eye, but are a real challenge for the riders - placing many rivers, holes and rocks in their way – as well as providing some incredibly steep climbs. Watt however, was once again in a valiant mood and passed yet another five riders to improve his overall ranking to 51st.

Despite being off his desired top 30, Watt remains positive and feels that he is now firmly settling into the rally.

Stan Watt says:

“It may not have been the start I had hoped for, but I am now really getting into it. The first day unfortunately saw me have some top end speed issues, which hampered my progress on the first stage. Yet there was not an awful lot of time separating the top 100.

“The Crescent KTM is working really well now and I am very much starting to settle in to the rally. There are some very hard days ahead for all riders, and I’m extremely confident that I’ll be making up yet more places. I’m now firmly looking to head into the top 30.”

With another 12 race days left to go, Watt currently holds an overall time of 9:21:07hrs with a variation of 1:49:25hrs.

Keep abreast with all the latest action from Stan and Crescent KTM’s Dakar adventure by following our official Twitter feed @crescentmoto and by checking out our website www.crescent-motorcycles.com. 

Stan Watt and Crescent KTM would like to thank: KTM UK / Motorex Lubricants / Voltcom Group / Michelin UK / Talon / Adventure Spec / Proseal / Arai / Mototech / Proprinting

For more information on Arai Helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk

ARAI’S NEW HELMETS HIT THE MARK AT MOTORCYCLE LIVE

Plus riders, interviews, signing sessions and an Arai Entertainment Zone that never stopped!

Arai launched two brand new helmets at Motorcycle Live – the Tour-X4 and Axces II – and both went down a storm with press and public alike.

New Tour-X 4

The Tour-X4 in particular proved extremely popular, thanks to the continued interest in the Adventure Sport segment. Featuring a completely new outer shell, plus re-designed ventilation system with high-flow ventilation ducts, chin vent, diffuser system and visor brow vents, the Tour-X4’s interior features the Facial Contour System (FCS), and to tailor the fit also has a removable 5mm surface foam layer on the cheek and temple pads. What really makes the Tour-X 4 stand out, and why it was such a hit at the show, is its versatility: it can be worn with or without the peak, with or without the visor or anyway which way you like!

New Axces II

The Axces II, Arai’s entry level helmet, also proved to be a winner – featuring as it does all the usual Arai hallmarks of premium quality and fit. Its new Super Fibre Construction (SFC) outer shell has been re-designed with an enlarged aperture and visor giving better peripheral vision, while its ventilation system has new-style front and rear diffuser vents and a chin vent with larger intake holes. Its new luxury fixed inner liner features removable cheekpads, available in several thicknesses to create a custom fit.

Arai racer Dani Pedrosa at Motorcycle Live

The Arai Entertainment Zone, as well as the Arai stand, was the place to find famous racing faces. Repsol Honda’s MotoGP contender Dani Pedrosa – even though delayed a day due to fog – delighted the crowds with his easy-going nature and insight into the life of a factory racer, as did home-grown MotoGP rookie of the year Tech 3 Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow.

WSB stars Leon Haslam and Jonathan Rea put in regular appearances alongside BSB star Josh Brookes, and real-roads racers Michael Dunlop and Bruce Anstey rubbed shoulders with legends such as Steve Plater and Neil Hodgson.

On Sunday 20th November an incredible £4,000 was raised in just half an hour in the Riders for Health auction supported by Arai with fans bidding on helmets, pictures, caps, visors and other MotoGP memorabilia.  The money raised will help to get more health workers on the road reaching millions more people across Africa with regular health care.

Also very popular with the public was the trying-on feature of the Arai stand; every visitor could try the Arai of their choice – or all of them – and explore every possibility of fit and comfort prior to purchase, or just for future information. The Arai Race Service too was, as ever, working flat-out from the moment the show opened to the end of the final day fitting and servicing Arais.

For more information on the Arai range call 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk 

Auction Items for Motorcycle Live

Auction Items for Riders for Health Auction- Arai Entertainment Zone, Sunday 20th November, NEC Birmingham (Motorcycle Live Show)



Look at all these! All Arai items will come with a certificate to authenticate the signatures. There's some absolutely fabulous things here and all in aid of the Riders for Health Charity http://www.riders.org/


1. Yamaha R1 – ridden and signed by Jorge Lorenzo at the Isle of Man TT 2010 and ridden recently by MotoGP presenter Matt Roberts on the Viva Valencia! Trip. Fitted with Scottoiler, Yamaha Crash Protectors and Akrapovic carbon tail pipes and also a £500 insurance voucher courtesy of Carole Nash Insurance.




The Lorenzo R1- worth £12,000 without all bolt-ons, his signature and paint job!



2. Arai Astro Mick Doohan replica – signed at 2011 Isle of Man TT.

Doohan TT Replica- signed by the man himself

3. Arai Ian Hutchinson – one off picture of signed side pod from TT replica and photographs from his wins at 2010 Isle of Man TT.

Ian Hutchinson. The one-off side pod and pics - all signed

4. Silverstone Course Car Laps – bid to drive in the pace car at Silverstone Moto GP 2012 and experience the thrill of MotoGP action close up.


5. Behind the scenes day with Riders for Health – taking place at Silverstone Moto GP, working with the Riders for Health Charity and MotoGP stars at their Day of Champions event .


6. Arai Kevin Schwantz – one off pic with signed side pod and photograph.

You know you Schwantz it! Kevin Schwantz one-off pic n pod - signed

7. Signed canvas print of Cal Crutchlow taken at Misano MotoGP 2011 size 30” x 20” – original photograph taken by Peter Callister who has also very kindly donated the print.

MotoGP Print- signed by Cal Crutchlow

8. Arai Chaser Legend design signed by Leon Haslam, Cal Crutchlow, Jonathan Rea and Josh Brookes.


9. Racing Accessories – Noriyuki Haga and Jonathan Rea signed visors, actually used this year on track, Baseball cap signed by Hiroshi Aoyama and an Arai money box signed by Ian Hutchinson, Steve Plater, Steve Brogan, Leon Haslam, Jonathan Rea, Josh Brookes and Cal Crutchlow.

Fab selection of goodies

10. Ducati Cap Signed by Valentino Rossi

Just what The Doctor ordered. And signed.


Amazing amount of very collectable one-off gear. All for a brilliant cause too.

For more information on Arai Helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk

For more information on the NEC Motorcycle Live show please visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk