Arai a major presence at Motorcycle Live
Arai has a stellar line-up at this year’s Carole Nash Motorcycle Live event, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from the 27th November to 5th December.
On display for the first time in the UK, at stand R320, will be three brand new models from Arai; the highly-evolved Chaser-V which, like the Chaser looks set to be one of the most popular helmets Arai has ever produced, the X-TEND open face and X-TEND RAM range topper, which will once again set the benchmark in the class that the original SZ RAM created. Also on show will be the incredible £2099 carbon fibre Arai RX-7 RC, right next to the new Axces, a full-featured Arai that makes the iconic Japanese brand a little more attainable.
Anyone choosing to buy an Arai at the show will receive a free Shift It sample kit which includes visor and helmet cleaner, helmet sanitiser, visor wipe and polishing cloth.
As well as Arai’s 2011 range of helmets the racers that wear them will also be in regular attendance, including WSB stars Leon Haslam and Jonathan Rea, and 2011’s MotoGP rookie Cal Crutchlow. The trio of young British superstars will be found on the Arai stand together with Randy Mamola, who will also be a regular visitor along with his 125GP racer son Dakota.
Alastair Seeley, BSB-EVO champ Steve Brogan, Steve Plater and various other Arai riders will be present on the Black Horse stage in the Arai Entertainment Zone along with Isle of Man TT stars Bruce Anstey, Keith Amor and William and Michael Dunlop so together with celebrity appearances, lots of signing sessions are guaranteed!
On Sunday 28th November the Robert Dunlop Trophy will be awarded to the highest point scorer at the 2010 North West 200; this year’s recipient is Alastair Seeley and the award, a replica of the helmet Robert wore, will be presented by William Dunlop on the Black Horse stage in the Arai Entertainment Zone.
Friday 3rd December will see Leon Haslam present one lucky winner with the one-off duck-egg blue Royal Air Forces Association Wings Appeal Arai RX-7GP; the helmet, which commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, was worn by Leon at the Silverstone WSB round. Friday through to Sunday Leon will also be signing and presenting his special limited edition World Cup replica (as worn at Kyalami, South Africa) to the few that got their names down for one as soon as it was announced.
On the Black Horse stage there’ll be some great Arai games and competitions, with a host of Arai-themed prizes up for grabs. Also one truly lucky show goer will have the chance to walk away with a brand new Kawasaki ZX-6R and Arai Chaser-V, courtesy of a competition run by Black Horse Finance blackhorsebikecomp.co.uk
For the duration of Motorcycle Live the main Arai stand will be staffed by the same factory trained technicians that service the Arai helmets in the BSB paddock; they’ll be ready to service, adjust and offer advice to all and any Arai customers at the show.
The Test Ride Zone will also be in full operation, and with 32 manufacturers at the show there’ll be plenty of bikes for people to try in the NEC’s vicinity. The safety equipment provided to all taking part is top notch; naturally, this means that Arai helmets will be properly fitted to each individual rider – ensuring a great experience, especially for those unfamiliar to the brand – while REV’IT clothing completes a superb riding outfit.
A bike that’s sure to make an impression is the Icon Sheene, which will be on Arai’s stand. A stunning, hand-built tribute to Barry Sheene, its 1400cc turbocharged engine started out life as a Suzuki unit, but now produces 250bhp. Only 52 will be made, and the bike retails at a cool £107,000 making it the most expensive production bike in the world.
Saturday 4th November will see the Craig Jones award given to young Jimmy Storra; the Arai Sponsorship Award, which comprises helmets and race support for a full season, is now in its third year and is dedicated to the memory of Craig, one the UK’s finest and most talented racers of the last decade. Inaugurated by Craig’s parents Steve and Yvonne, the award is given annually to a deserving young rider of their choice in order to offer support and give a foot on the rung of the sponsorship ladder. 2010’s recipient, Deane Brown, has done the award proud by securing the ACU Cup and finishing third overall in the 125GP championship.
For more information on the Arai range, visit whyarai.co.uk.
