Ending weeks of speculation, Arai Helmet and LeMans Corporation have announced a new distribution deal. This partnership will provide Arai’s hand-crafted helmets and genuine parts and accessories to dealers across the country through Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties distribution operations.
“As I consider the long-term future of Arai, I believe we have found a strong partner in LeMans Corporation,” says Akihito Arai, Vice President, Arai Helmet, Ltd. and grandson of the founder of Arai Helmet, Ltd. “The strength of Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties, combined with their focus on dealer service, is what Arai needs to reach more consumers looking for the opportunity to experience the Arai difference firsthand.”
“We are very excited to announce this new partnership with LeMans for distribution in the U.S.,” adds Brian Weston, Managing Director for Arai Helmet, Inc. “This new partnership will allow Arai and LeMans to continue to grow the Arai business and provide Arai’s unique helmets to many more customers across the United States.”
“Our two companies share two very important attributes: family-owned and enthusiast driven,” claims Mike Collins, President of LeMans. “Combine this with Arai’s commitment to premium quality helmets and our commitment to premium quality service to our dealers, creates the perfect synergy for a great partnership.”
Arai is a small, family-owned company driven by the same mission through three generations—three generations of riders. The staff at Arai are motorcycle enthusiasts. They ride and build each Arai helmet as if they were creating it for themselves or one of their own family. Arai’s mission has always been the protection and comfort of every person who chooses an Arai helmet. “Our foundational principles of protection first, exceptional quality, and rider comfort have never been forgotten in over seven decades of helmet design and manufacturing,” explains Michio Arai, Owner and CEO, Arai Helmet, Ltd. and son of the founder of Arai Helmet, Ltd.
“In the early 1950s, there was a rider who made the first motorcycle helmet in Japan for his own protection. During this time, not only were there no helmet standards, but there were also no motorcycle helmets in the market yet. Over time, others recognized the value of this man’s creation and asked him to make helmets for them, and thus the ARAI company was founded. As it has been owned by the same family ever since, the protection still means more for Arai than the requirements by the standards.
“The helmets we make have many benefits and features riders can see and enjoy, but the true value of Arai is hidden in the complex internal construction invisible to the naked eye,” Arai concludes. “This requires ongoing education and support to convey the Arai difference. I believe that the focus Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties have on dealer service is what Arai dealers and customers need.”
Limited stock of Arai Helmet products will be arriving at LeMans warehouses in November, with more stock arriving in January and onward.