Buying kit fron the U.S
 

Im taking the missus to new york for her fortieth birthday in july and was thinking of taking advantage of the exchange rate. I was thinking of treating myself to a new lid, I know there was a thread a while back talking about this very thing but it didnt seem to offer any suggestions in the end. Does anyone know if a u.s. lid is legal in the uk ?
ta.
stew

Re: Buying kit fron the U.S
 

I'm not 100% sure but I *think* the law requires that helmets sold in the UK meet standard X or Y, not helmets used in the UK. Unlikely that you'll find a lid in the states that's got an ECE 22-05 mark (even if it'll meet it).

Track days (and definitely racing) might want to see BSI / EC marks though.

US DOT (FMVSS 218 ) is manufacturer policed - ie. they just have to say it meets the standard, they don't need to submit any for testing. Snell M2000 & M2005 are probably your closest bet.

My favourite link of late: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html - suggesting (biased of course, but backs it up quite well) that the Snell standard is forcing designs too stiff, protecting against extreme high energy impacts but found lacking in real world offs.

Re: Buying kit fron the U.S
 

Theres also Import duty and VAT when imported to consider.

Re: Buying kit fron the U.S
 

Hmm, may not be legal after all (but to be fair - are you ever going to get pulled by a plod for wearing a US spec Arai?)

Road Traffic Act 1988, sections 16 & 17:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1988...n_2.htm#mdiv16
and supplementary provisions:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1988...en_9.htm#sdiv1

Most of it is indeed about legalities of selling a lid, but it does suggest to my (non-lawyer) mind that use is covered as well as sale.

Re: Buying kit fron the U.S
 

Might be a bit of a non starter then, oh well, Im sure the wife will find some way to spend my dosh ! thanks for the advice anyway.

Re: Buying kit fron the U.S
 

That nice lady Miss LynW be coming along to wave big customs finger at you if you not be watch!:)

Re: Buying kit fron the U.S
 

Re: Buying kit fron the U.S
 

Leathers could well be a hell of a lot cheaper mind, and you could always squeeze them in your suitcase. If they ask on arrival tell them you bought your old leathers along for the trip as you wanted to hire a bike over there.

That would be lieing though. And a bit naughty. And HM Customs are scary people. :p

Re: Buying kit fron the U.S
 

Have you ever met U.S. customes and immigration ? now they are scary !:smt107

Re: Buying kit fron the U.S
 

Chuckle, last time I went over (pre 9/11 mind) I had to borrow a pen off one of the customs guys to fill in some form. His question to me "you're honest right?", "I gave you your pen back didn't I?", I responded, "fair enough, in you go". That was that :)