no, no, no, not in the usual sense.
usual dry cleaning involves using a chemical that you would NEVER use on leather.
You need some leather soap or other leather cleaner.
1) What type of glue is used for the bottom rubber lining strip of the helmet?
2) What type of glue is used for the rubbing lining on my helmet that touches the visor?
3) What type of glue is safe for helmets? Silicone sealant? Silicone adhesive? Rubber cement? Super glue? Gorilla glue? I need the details about this stuff because man o’ man, I’m so scared of the glue that will damage the integrity of my helmet.
4) Helmets are supposed to skid. If i put a decal on the helmet to cover the ugly bite marks from my dog (see story below if you want) and then clear coat it, would that be fine? Ah, its 2:37 am. Someone help me!
Here’s the story: My cute little black & tan shiba inu LOVES rubber. He got a hold of my poor Arai Rx-7 helmet and bit some of the rubber lining. I asked the guys at the local motorcycle shop and they said that Arai uses a "super special industrial strength" glue for the rubbers. I don’t doubt it and I’m glad that they do. I don’t think Arai would fix it for me because I don’t think they cover dog damage. He also bit parts of the vents and grooves. Some of the clear coat looks like it was scratched or bit off.
I’m sad. It’s a damn $500 helmet. I got $5 in my paypal account waiting for someone who can give me the best help!!
-jireh
No doubt someone will come along and say I’m wrong but as far as I am aware, its the solvent in the adhesive that causes the damage to the polystyrene inner of the helmet. So you can use any glue you want as long as it contains no solvent.
On the occasions I have had to re-attach rubber trim around my helmets I’ve always used hot melt glue from a glue gun. Its strong and contains no solvent.
In fact when I had my Arai fitted with earpieces and microphone for my intercom system, the dealer fitted the socket and wiring inside with hot melt glue.
For a clear coat on the outside of your helmet you can use DecoArt Americana clear acrylic varnish. It contains no solvents and is used by my local custom helmet airbrushers. I know this cuz I asked them what it was when they airbrushed one of my helmets.
You will need to use dry heat to take the deep wrinkles out. Use an iron for the heat source and a sheet of thick brown paper to lay over the leather. It’s the brown paper used for shopping bags, packaging etc. You can take a shopping bag and cut it open to use if you do not have any packaging paper handy. Do not let the iron set on one spot too long and do not use steam. Keep the temperature around medium (below the steam range). Also, if the paper has any markings on it do not put that side down on the leather. The paper acts as a barrier to protect the leather from too much heat and allows you to apply pressure to remove the wrinkles.
I know a lot of guys wear the Arai helmet but I want to know if you have to have a certain one, before I go buy one myself
I believe that as long as it meets up with the standards any brand is okay. Just go for a full face one.
I’m looking for full face helmets. Would you recommend Arai or Suomy?
As one of the responders answered; buy the one that fits you (the best), snugly, not too tight. Wear it for about 5-10 minutes before you buy it, take it off, check in a mirror to see if there are any pressure points (red spots) on your face or fore head. These can translate to being very uncomfortable or even a head ache after and hour or so of riding.
I am partial to Arai but that’s just because of my head shape. Everyone is a bit different.
Just a note; the Arai fits ME the best but it IS the noisiest helmet I own. I own three other brands also.
