Letter From Japan
LETTER FROM Japan
KOICHI HIROSE
Arai custom helmet computer
In the past several years, many Japanese riders have begun to look for a way to express their individual styles and tastes of motorcycling with their riding apparel. Their tastes are turning out to be complicated and segmented, for they are searching for accessories that appear to be custom-ordered. Because the trend is growing. the accessory manufacturers are becoming obliged to offer a great variety of styles.
Arai, one of the major helmet producers. has started its special "POMS~' (Personalized Order Management System) service. With this computerized system, Arai can sell a custom-color helmet to each rider who wants a one-off.
POMS Consists of a video display, a computer, a keyboard and a printer. The customer chooses a helmet from one of the five Arai models, which is displayed on the screen, then he selects one of nu merous design patterns. After the helmet and design are selected and displayed on the screen, the buyer gets to choose a color combination (a maximum of three colors is permitted) choosing from 16 colors. Each design has a three-color area like on the Freddie Spencer Replica model, and the customer can use the colors in any combination he wishes. The side piece that attaches the faceshield can be ordered in one of seven colors, but the selection is limited on some models. The cus tomer can then choose a side or front Arai decal, and he can even have his name on the helmet.
POMS is important from two points of view. The first is that the purchaser can get an easy-to-order, custom-colored helmet that looks as if it came from a custom paint shop. The second is that the buyer can simulate his design and color on a computerized display before spend ing a penny. Because custom paint ing is not easy for the ordinary rider to visualize, the finished design dis played on the video screen gives the buyer confidence in his choices.
The Black Buffalo
A very interesting motorcycle was seen at the recent Suzuka 8-Hour endurance race in Japan. It was a bike built by DOME, the famous racing car manufacturer. DOME has been competing in Le Mans 24Hour endurance racing for several years, but this motorcycle was made especially for the Suzuki 8-Hour. The DOME DCF1 Black Buffalo has a semi-monocoque frame made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, which is stronger and lighter than aluminum.
Powering the DCFI is a Honda CBX75OR engine that also acts as part of the frame. The body covering is a large, single piece of molded material that lends an air of other worldliness to the bike. The com plete motorcycle weighs about 330 pounds.
