Who regularly replaces their helmet?

[slofox]

...every five years as recommended by Arai (and others I suppose)?

[mossy1200]

...every five years as recommended by Arai (and others I suppose)?

I don't do high km and my helmets don't see as many hours in the sun. Does this mean they last longer?

I think one is older and I don't use it a lot its more for in case needed or passengers. Not replacing that yet.

[nzspokes]

Ive been getting 2 years out of cheaper helmets. I just got a Shoei which means I can replace internal parts which is what wears out. I commute every day.

[manxkiwi]

It's the polystyrene inner that loses its properties of impact absorption, that is the time limiting factor in a helmets life. Being out in the sun won't matter (talking fiberglass, not polycarb.). It pays to check the date of manufacture, as lids in shops can be/are up to and over 5 years old when you buy them 'new'.

I've discussed this at length with the Arai bods before. The shell will last almost indefinitely, without a serious knock.

Having said that, I and many others, go longer with their lids.

Hope this helps.

[Maha]

If I see one I like (or must have) I will buy it and sell the present one, even if I have only had it for a short while. So what is this five years you are talking about? the longest I have owned a bike is two years.

[BlackSheepLogic]

It's in the range of 7-8 years before I scrap a helmet. Once the inner liners start to crumble. I take very good care of my helmet and the shell looks almost as good as the day I got it.

On my Shoei helmets that equates to ~$100.00 per year. Well worth it in my opinion.

[swarfie]

Helmet's aren't allowed to pass scrutineering at race meetings in NZ if they're older than 10 years. By that time they're generally too loose on ya scone anyway. I replace my road helmet about every 5 to 6 years for the same reason. They just get too loose and the lining is generally getting tatty after a few washes anyway. The last two matching AGV's the missus and I had we couldn't replace the visors in unzud so had to get some from overseas (found they were cheaper too buying online). Just replaced them a couple of month's ago with HJC IS17's with the internal slide down sunshade and came with pin-lock anti-fog visors as standard. I've had all sorts of brands from FM's, Kiwi, Bell, Shoei's, to a knock-off Shoei I bought in Thailand, both dirt and road helmets. Been stoked with the HJC so far, quiet, light and comfortable. Went to use it a couple of days ago to find that the knob on the top used to slide the sunshade down had broken off so took it back to Boyd's here in the Tron and they replaced the WHOLE helmet, as the wholesaler said it was uneconomic to replace the broken bit. Now that's what I call service :2thumbsup

[Yow Ling]

I crash quite a bit so need to buy new helmets fairly often

[Murray]

I crash quite a bit so need to buy new helmets fairly often

Are you really Akzle logged on under another name????

[oneofsix]

Helmet's aren't allowed to pass scrutineering at race meetings in NZ if they're older than 10 years. By that time they're generally too loose on ya scone anyway. I replace my road helmet about every 5 to 6 years for the same reason. They just get too loose and the lining is generally getting tatty after a few washes anyway. The last two matching AGV's the missus and I had we couldn't replace the visors in unzud so had to get some from overseas (found they were cheaper too buying online). Just replaced them a couple of month's ago with HJC IS17's with the internal slide down sunshade and came with pin-lock anti-fog visors as standard. I've had all sorts of brands from FM's, Kiwi, Bell, Shoei's, to a knock-off Shoei I bought in Thailand, both dirt and road helmets. Been stoked with the HJC so far, quiet, light and comfortable. Went to use it a couple of days ago to find that the knob on the top used to slide the sunshade down had broken off so took it back to Boyd's here in the Tron and they replaced the WHOLE helmet, as the wholesaler said it was uneconomic to replace the broken bit. Now that's what I call service :2thumbsup

seriously?! Those knobs are designed to pop out, you will probably find it on the floor somewhere. They just clip in, pity they don't tell you this. First time I lost the one off mine i Lightly knocked it against a low beam in a parking building, oh no broken :cry: then a mate picks it up off the floor and it clips straight back in, lost count of the number of times I have knocked it out since with my sleeve etc. Oh well, at least you got a new helmet from the shop :clap:

[Yow Ling]

Are you really Akzle logged on under another name????

Thats a bit rough, anyway havnt crashed for 30 hours , with a bit of luck i may get through the rest of the year

[swbarnett]

...every five years as recommended by Arai (and others I suppose)?
I replaced my last helmet after only a year. Mind you I did hit the ground with my head in it.

Past helmets have lasted me a few more years usually replaced them at about 3 years because they started to stink royally and I couldn't replace the internal parts.

My current helmet is the first Shoei so I've yet to see how long it takes before the currently not so stinky parts need replacing.

[swarfie]

seriously?! Those knobs are designed to pop out, you will probably find it on the floor somewhere. They just clip in, pity they don't tell you this. First time I lost the one off mine i Lightly knocked it against a low beam in a parking building, oh no broken :cry: then a mate picks it up off the floor and it clips straight back in, lost count of the number of times I have knocked it out since with my sleeve etc. Oh well, at least you got a new helmet from the shop :clap:

Would have thought the wholesaler manager would have known that but it was his choice to replace it lock stock and barrel. I'm not arguing...a blokes got to have some luck sometimes I guess. Have to keep an eye out for the "broken" bit :msn-wink:

[quickbuck]

...every five years as recommended by Arai (and others I suppose)?

On my 3rd helmet in 5 years...... The Sheoi XR1100 and the Qwest are really good to land head first on the ground in case anybody wants to know.....

[nzspokes]

I replaced my last helmet after only a year. Mind you I did hit the ground with my head in it.

Past helmets have lasted me a few more years usually replaced them at about 3 years because they started to stink royally and I couldn't replace the internal parts.

My current helmet is the first Shoei so I've yet to see how long it takes before the currently not so stinky parts need replacing.

You can wash them you know. :sick:

[swbarnett]

You can wash them you know. :sick:
Good to know. I've had the cheek pads out and they didn't look like they'd take too well to a complete soaking.

[nzspokes]

Good to know. I've had the cheek pads out and they didn't look like they'd take too well to a complete soaking.
You really don't wash it? Wow that's nasty.

[MarkH]

...every five years as recommended by Arai (and others I suppose)?

Every 5 years?
Nope, not exactly at 5 years.

Maybe it is getting up around 5 years that a helmet is getting a bit sad and needing to be replaced, but if my current helmet is fine I'll happily stretch it to 6 or 7 years. I'll probably get the next one from overseas though, it was pretty expensive buying locally (Schuberth C3 Pro costing around $1,100) and even having to pay the GST on arrival it would still be more than a couple of hundred cheaper from someone like fcmoto.

[pete-blen]

So what I take from this tread is it maybe time to
toss out that old Max Cheshire helmet I bought
at the same day I bought my RD400E from
Tommy's Yamaha in 78...

[Monsterbishi]

Good to know. I've had the cheek pads out and they didn't look like they'd take too well to a complete soaking.

Chuck 'em in the wifes delicates bag when she's not looking, job done...

[Gremlin]

Wowza, I'm out of step with you lot then...

I'm on my 8th helmet in 9 years I think (although I run them concurrently, like a commuting helmet and country helmet). Currently using 3. Doubt I've had more than 3-4 years out of any helmet. Some worn out or felt they didn't fit properly, others from hitting the deck (crashing is expensive)...

[BlackSheepLogic]

Good to know. I've had the cheek pads out and they didn't look like they'd take too well to a complete soaking.

For a simple cheap way of cleaning out you helmet take a look at this link:
https://rideapart.com/articles/how-to-clean-your-motorcycle-helmet-like-a-pro

Soaking a helment and then letting it dry out won't cause any issues and is your only option if the sweat liners are non-removable.

[quickbuck]

You can wash them you know. :sick:

Actually, yes, before I got helmets with removable lining there used to be this awesome cleaner made by Wurth I think...
Worked really well... At least my helmet didn't stink...

Putting your gloves in there is bad too, as insects kill themselves on your gloves, then they decompose over time... Decomposition means stink.....
Something to consider.

That said, the sweet generated racing stinks after the bugs get in and eat it too.

[lukemc1878]

On my 3rd helmet in 5 years...... The Sheoi XR1100 and the Qwest are really good to land head first on the ground in case anybody wants to know.....

you just gave me the mental image of someone sliding down a road balanced on their helmet... Well done sir:laugh:

[quickbuck]

you just gave me the mental image of someone sliding down a road balanced on their helmet... Well done sir:laugh:
It was very much like that with the XR1100.... Balanced on the tip of my clavicle which I dislocated 20 years earlier..... Then proceeded to break! Doctor was well confused when she saw the x-ray.

With the Quest, it was more like hands free Cart-Wheels at 150k!

[nzspokes]

Actually, yes, before I got helmets with removable lining there used to be this awesome cleaner made by Wurth I think...
Worked really well... At least my helmet didn't stink...

Putting your gloves in there is bad too, as insects kill themselves on your gloves, then they decompose over time... Decomposition means stink.....
Something to consider.

That said, the sweet generated racing stinks after the bugs get in and eat it too.

I cant understand why you wouldnt clean the liner of your helmet. Its not like it hard.

Imagine what a helmet that not been washed is like after a year. :shit::sick:

Yes of course my gloves get done.

[lukemc1878]

It was very much like that with the XR1100.... Balanced on the tip of my clavicle which I dislocated 20 years earlier..... Then proceeded to break! Doctor was well confused when she saw the x-ray.

With the Quest, it was more like hands free Cart-Wheels at 150k!

damn!! what did you do to do that sort of damage?

[lukemc1878]

I cant understand why you wouldnt clean the liner of your helmet. Its not like it hard.

Imagine what a helmet that not been washed is like after a year. :shit::sick:

Yes of course my gloves get done.

I could imagine it smelling like pure old sweat and in the summer it would be NASTY

[quickbuck]

damn!! what did you do to do that sort of damage?
Well,
The initial damage to the AC Joint was as a result of high siding a bucket racer 22 years ago. Then when I went for a Skid on the Lid it was caused by a bike being too close as we all hit the braking point for Turn 7 at Taupo.... Another bikes lever was under my tail piece and as soon as I hit my brakes the tail of my bike actuated his front brake. The resulting Tee-Bone ment I got fired off my bike and onto the tarmac. We are doing about 120k at that point!!

The cart wheels were when I come into the Braking zone for Higgins corner at Manfeild... It was a little damp and I snatched the brake.
The front locked and I was on the deck before I could even say fcuk.....
Silly thing was I had seen my competition do exactly the same thing a few meetings before.....

All part of racing, except I knew a lot better when I crashed at Manfeild.

[lukemc1878]

Well,
The initial damage to the AC Joint was as a result of high siding a bucket racer 22 years ago. Then when I went for a Skid on the Lid it was caused by a bike being too close as we all hit the braking point for Turn 7 at Taupo.... Another bikes lever was under my tail piece and as soon as I hit my brakes the tail of my bike actuated his front brake. The resulting Tee-Bone ment I got fired off my bike and onto the tarmac. We are doing about 120k at that point!!

The cart wheels were when I come into the Braking zone for Higgins corner at Manfeild... It was a little damp and I snatched the brake.
The front locked and I was on the deck before I could even say fcuk.....
Silly thing was I had seen my competition do exactly the same thing a few meetings before.....

All part of racing, except I knew a lot better when I crashed at Manfeild.

ouch! well at least you alive and kicking thats the main thing eh?

[TheDemonLord]

I've only replaced my Shoei once, got another Shoei.

I road tested the old one (literally) and decided since I got up and walked away (albeit with a concussion and about 5 seconds of missing memory) that I would get another one.

I lubs mah Qwest

[Big Dog]

I used to clean my liners regularly. Then they started smelling like feet.

Post a bit of experimentation, washing liners too much is just as bad as not enough. If mine looks or smells funky, I wash it. If it smells fresh and looks clean, I leave it.

Things I have learned.
Cleanliness;
Sport wash works best, ordinary detergent leaves buildup. No sport wash? Sink of dish water with a cup or white vinegar, hand wash. Rinse thoroughly. Especially good if your liners don't come out. Just don't use hotter than body temp water or polystyrene can suffer. If dosing your whole helmet some silicone grease for the moving plastic parts like your visor mechanism is recommended.
Easiest way to make your helmet funky? Wear hair product.
Next easiest way, don't condition when you wash your hair.
Dyneema and other specific materials make a difference. Don't be cheap.
Aerosols are a bad idea inside a helmet, lynx or similar is worse. Need to get an odour out? Half an onion in a sealed bag with a tablespoon of baking soda in your helmet overnight.
People with naturally oily hair will need to wash their liners a lot more often than those with dry hair.

Old helmets:
Poly carb helmets may have no external markings while fully destroyed inside. I cut one open after a crash. No signs of impact beyond a mild headache, polystyrene near fully compressed in one spot.
Buying a good helmet for a head that is not s-l can take a while. Shop around before your helmet ages out.
Look after it and your helmet will serve you long beyond the expiry date but your head is worth more than the cost of a new helmet.
Any helmet is only as good as how it had been looked after / stored.
Some riders replace after even a drop from knee height, others store their helmet on the seat of a bike unsecured. Your call, but everyone should after a crash or visible damage.
Age is a good guideline, because it is based on how long it takes the oils in your hair to stiffen the seams in the joins between the polystyrene pieces. Resulting in places that the polystyrene no longer protects because it does not crush as easily.

Current helmet is 5-1/2 years old but because I look after it many people ask me if it is new. I have a replacement. I will swap it out as soon as my whooping cough goes. No point making a new helmet nasty.
Has done around 120-130,000 so it deserves a rest. I expect the next one to do 130-170,000 so 300-1000 is cheap. Certainly cheaper than my head injury as a minor.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[pritch]

I have several helmets of different ages and rotate them. The oldest is about seven years old and needs a wash but will probably get a trip to the dump instead.

The other four are in good nick, the two newest are Arai. They all have different visors fitted so helmet choice depends on the weather.

[Fastmark]

Cant resists any longer

So to summarize

Sliding down the road on your helmet is painful (no shit)

If you don't wash your helmet it will smell (hardly news, should be part of any blokes personnel hygiene routine)

Washing your helmet too much will damage it (similar to the more than three shakes then your wanking)

Multiple helmets, guy in the paper recently had that problem, didn't know it was so wide spread, I feel left out

Replace your helmet every 5 years, you lot are into some serious cosmetic surgery, hope the other half appreciates your sacrifice.



Ah, that's our my system, thanks

[PrincessBandit]

I have three currently, although one gets more use than the others. The only ones I no longer have are my very first, which went to a gf of my son, and my second, which got up close and personal with the motorway a few years back. Tbh, I hadn't given much thought to replacing a helmet short of it taking a knock.

p.s. none of mine smell bad either so that's also not been an issue for me (unlike someone I know whose cat pissed in his)

[swbarnett]

You really don't wash it? Wow that's nasty.
I've had my current helmet for 18 months and it genuinely hasn't needed it yet.

[GrayWolf]

I 'rotate' my helmets, so the oldest is relegated to 'commuting'... after 3yrs max of daily use, I bin it if a 'polycarb'. If fibreglass, when the internal liner foam starts to crumble.

on average 5 yrs would be the life of my helmets.

[nzspokes]

I've had my current helmet for 18 months and it genuinely hasn't needed it yet.

Wow, just wow. :facepalm:

Guess you dont bother to wash your undies or socks either.:sick:

[mrchips]

:baby:.......... Nope, never.

Had my sheoi qwest 2 yrs & wear everyday. If it's a bit pongy inside i just spray with a healthy dose of the wifes lavender perfume. The outside of the qwest gets a regular coating of pledge.

My work colleagues are always commenting on how lovely i smell :laugh:

[swbarnett]

Wow, just wow. :facepalm:

Guess you dont bother to wash your undies or socks either.:sick:
Mate, you need to accept that you don't know everything.

My wife has had hers for a lot longer and has never had the need to wash hers either.

How do you store your helmet? In a damp cupboard with the visor closed perhaps?

[bogan]

Had the same one for over 5 years now, not washed it once.

I tend to wash my head, seems to work...

Whys should we replace em, does the foam stuff not work well after a long time? I've replaced 2 helmets in my lifetime, one cos I got concussed in it, and one cos some fucker nicked it.

[caspernz]

Helmets with me tend to get to the 4 or 5 year mark and be done. The inner has been cleaned a couple of times a year, I use water and baby shampoo, and heck after 4 or 5 years the whole mechanism of the flip front has seen better days anyway. It's only a helmet isn't it? Hardly a huge expense...use it and replace it when it's done its dash :Punk:

[scracha]

5 years TOPS and mine are in the skip. Better a 3 year old $150 helmet than a 7 year old $1500 helmet.

[nzspokes]

Mate, you need to accept that you don't know everything.

My wife has had hers for a lot longer and has never had the need to wash hers either.

How do you store your helmet? In a damp cupboard with the visor closed perhaps?

My helmets sit on a shelf in the spare room which is well vented. Shelf is mesh. My everyday Shoei gets a pad wash regularly. My track HJC gets a pad wash after every second track day or every track day if its a hot day like the weekend was. My Carbon Fox offroad helmet gets washed after every use.

Tiz called hygiene.

[Ender EnZed]

My helmets sit on a shelf in the spare room which is well vented. Shelf is mesh. My everyday Shoei gets a pad wash regularly. My track HJC gets a pad wash after every second track day or every track day if its a hot day like the weekend was. My Carbon Fox offroad helmet gets washed after every use.

Tiz called hygiene.

FYI, you're an anal cunt.

[Reckless]

I wash My MX helmet liner every time I get back but haven't washed MY road bike helmet for a number of years??

I have two Shark RSR2's although the older one's lining is starting to get tatty and its up for replacement after about 8 years.
Getting really sick of the plastic bits on the Shark falling off so might go back to a Shoei or something???

Now I'm not riding a bike with a fairing the Shark is also quite noisy so in the market for recommendations for a good quiet if anyone has them??

[nzspokes]

Now I'm not riding a bike with a fairing the Shark is also quite noisy so in the market for recommendations for a good quiet if anyone has them??

Techmoto and Motomail will let you test ride helmets I think so Shoei and Arai, well if you crash it you own it kinda thing. Different helmets work differently for different people, so I would try a couple to see what works for you. Its one thing I wouldnt recommend to people as its such a personal thing.

[nzspokes]

FYI, you're an anal cunt.

Fair call, but at least Im a clean anal cunt. :niceone:

[Big Dog]

Techmoto and Motomail will let you test ride helmets I think so Shoei and Arai, well if you crash it you own it kinda thing. Different helmets work differently for different people, so I would try a couple to see what works for you. Its one thing I wouldnt recommend to people as its such a personal thing.

I won't buy where rest rides are allowed. You wash your helmet every ride and that is just your head. You don't know how greasy the other asshats have been. Or if they had lice. Also at what point do they deem them unsaleable?



Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[manxkiwi]

Whys should we replace em, does the foam stuff not work well after a long time? I've replaced 2 helmets in my lifetime, one cos I got concussed in it, and one cos some fucker nicked it.

See post #4.

[swbarnett]

My helmets sit on a shelf in the spare room which is well vented. Shelf is mesh. My everyday Shoei gets a pad wash regularly. My track HJC gets a pad wash after every second track day or every track day if its a hot day like the weekend was. My Carbon Fox offroad helmet gets washed after every use.
All good. Each to their own.

I stuck my nose in both mine and my wife's helmets this morning. No smell whatsoever - nada, zilch, nothing.


Tiz called hygiene.
And on the subject of hygiene - too much is a very bad thing. I have a friend that has psoriasis brought on by being raised in a spotless house (according to his doctors). A sterile environment hampers the body's ability to develop much needed immunities.

[swbarnett]

Fair call, but at least Im a clean anal cunt. :niceone:
I know of one guy that died from a skin infection. He used to wash 20 times a day and removed all the skin oil that stops bugs getting in. There is such a thing as too clean.

[nzspokes]

All good. Each to their own.

I stuck my nose in both mine and my wife's helmets this morning. No smell whatsoever - nada, zilch, nothing.


And on the subject of hygiene - too much is a very bad thing. I have a friend that has psoriasis brought on by being raised in a spotless house (according to his doctors). A sterile environment hampers the body's ability to develop much needed immunities.

Cleaning your helmet, undies, socks etc once every few weeks is not OCD. Its personal hygiene.

Washing your hands 50 times a day for no reason is.

[bogan]

Cleaning your helmet, undies, socks etc once every few weeks is not OCD. Its personal hygiene.

Washing your hands 50 times a day for no reason is.

Cleaning your undies once every few weeks isn't really hygienic dude. At that point they'd crackle when you move wouldn't they?

[nzspokes]

Cleaning your undies once every few weeks isn't really hygienic dude. At that point they'd crackle when you move wouldn't they?
Well yes you would think so.

[swbarnett]

Cleaning your helmet, undies, socks etc once every few weeks is not OCD. Its personal hygiene.
Believe me, I'm no Lister*. I do clean things when they need them and most times way sooner. I'm a bit OCD about most things. However, I have never felt the need to clean the inside of my helmets. Just like I've never washed a car seat unless something was spilt on it.






*Check out "Red Dwarf" if you have no idea who Lister is.

[TheDemonLord]

I haven't cleaned my helmet once.

It smells like my Shampoo

Therefore it smells like Glorious flowing locks of Viking hair

And someone said Anal Cunt


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykZWkyah3nk

[nzspokes]

Believe me, I'm no Lister*. I do clean things when they need them and most times way sooner. I'm a bit OCD about most things. However, I have never felt the need to clean the inside of my helmets. Just like I've never washed a car seat unless something was spilt on it.






*Check out "Red Dwarf" if you have no idea who Lister is.

Smeg it.

Car seat is a little different, your clothes go between you and the seat.

[bogan]

Smeg it.

Car seat is a little different, your clothes go between you and the seat.

When you think about it though, clothes are just woven hair which is regularly washed (one hopes); so it isn't really different at all.

[Reckless]

Smeg it.

Car seat is a little different, your clothes go between you and the seat.

I'd watch this one a little mate.
You ride dirt correct!
There aint no showers after a dirt ride and frequently getting into your car after frequent dirt ride days made my car seat start to pong.
I now strip off the top to dry off and fresh t shirt on for the ride home.

[nzspokes]

I'd watch this one a little mate.
You ride dirt correct!
There aint no showers after a dirt ride and frequently getting into your car after frequent dirt ride days made my car seat start to pong.
I now strip off the top to dry off and fresh t shirt on for the ride home.

I have a dedicated bike tower and child mover so a few extra pongs are ok, it leaks like a bastard and the carpet in the boot is a bit wiffy. :sick:

I tend to sit on a towel on the way home anyway.

[swbarnett]

Smeg it.

Car seat is a little different, your clothes go between you and the seat.
Agreed. Good point. I was thinking the head rest would be different but that doesn't actually get touched other that in an emergency (or shouldn't anyway).

Just out of curiosity, how often do you wash your gloves?

[Berries]

You can wash them?

Nah, seriously? I have enough problems when towels are in the washing machine, a helmet is going to fuck it completely.



washing liners too much is just as bad as not enough. If mine looks or smells funky, I wash it. If it smells fresh and looks clean, I leave it.
Working it out I probably do get a new helmet every five or six years but that is more to do with general wear and tear, scratches, broken bits, familiarity and how much money I have when I am in a bike shop. Have never washed anything but dead bugs off the visor. The rear spoiler (some type of Shoei) is now held on with clear packing tape but it still works. Will change it when I change the bike or the wife fucks off.

[nzspokes]

Agreed. Good point. I was thinking the head rest would be different but that doesn't actually get touched other that in an emergency (or shouldn't anyway).

Just out of curiosity, how often do you wash your gloves?

Gloves get chucked in the sport wash with the helmet liners or what ever is being washed at the time.

[swbarnett]

Gloves get chucked in the sport wash with the helmet liners or what ever is being washed at the time.
At least you're consistent. Can't say I've ever washed a pair of gloves either (except for wiping of the odd bug graveyard).

[Mike.Gayner]

Some people obviously just stink more than others. I've never washed a helmet and never had smell problems. I store my helmets in the open with the visor up. I wash my face and hair regularly, perhaps that's the missing link here?

[Waihou Thumper]

It arrived by courier this morning. Well, one of them did.
I now have a Blauer Loft Helmet, it is great! :)
It comes with pinlock visor, two bags and it is very well made. Bloody good price too from fc-moto
$271 NZD! on sale..
Delivery was only 6 days! :wings:

The second helmet is the Caberg Tourmax Sonic. It is on the way and should be here Monday.
Great deal and I couldn't justify the $599 here when fc-moto has it for less than $324....

Both my Arai and Airoh are old now...they were overdue for replacement.

308045 308046 308047 308048

[yevjenko]

It arrived by courier this morning. Well, one of them did.
I now have a Blauer Loft Helmet, it is great! :)
It comes with pinlock visor, two bags and it is very well made. Bloody good price too from fc-moto
$271 NZD! on sale..
Delivery was only 6 days! :wings:

[I]The second helmet is the Caberg Tourmax Sonic. It is on the way and should be here Monday.
Great deal and I couldn't justify the $599 here when fc-moto has it for less than $324....

Both my Arai and Airoh are old now...they were overdue for replacement.



That's a nice helmet. Let us know how it fairs on the road (comfort, noise wise, misting, etc)

[zooter]

Some people obviously just stink more than others. I've never washed a helmet and never had smell problems. I store my helmets in the open with the visor up. I wash my face and hair regularly, perhaps that's the missing link here?
Descendent of Sherlock Holmes perchance?

Anyone know what brands have similar fitting to the Nolan with the flipout chin? N100 if memory serves.

[MarkH]

Descendent of Sherlock Holmes perchance?

Anyone know what brands have similar fitting to the Nolan with the flipout chin? N100 if memory serves.

My Nolan N103 fits the same as my Schuberth C3Pro & Caberg Tourmax - all are flip front.

[AllanB]

I change mine within 5 years - new one at Christmas.

[bigdog]

Technically you are meant to replace your helmet every 5 years from the date of the helmets manufacture according to helmet manufacturers and some riding instructors and most helmets actually have an expiry date on it somewhere, usually inside and often hard to find (under the cloth and fabric linings). Over time the integrity of materiel inside the protective shell degrades. You are also meant to replace it if it sustains an impact including dropping on the ground from a certain height. However I doubt most people replace their helmets as often as recommended.

So when you buy a helmet it often pays to check the expiry date. Often you find the more expensive helmets like Shoei, Arai etc sit on the shelves in stores and don't sell as much so some people buy a helmet without realizing it has been sitting on a shelf for three years. Ironically the cheaper helmets sell quicker and spend less time on shelves in stores so tend to have a longer period of time they are ''approved'' for use and are likely to have a later expiry date when you buy them.

See if you can find the expiry date for your helmet if you a curious

[nzspokes]

Technically you are meant to replace your helmet every 5 years from the date of the helmets manufacture according to helmet manufacturers and some riding instructors and most helmets actually have an expiry date on it somewhere, usually inside and often hard to find (under the cloth and fabric linings). Over time the integrity of materiel inside the protective shell degrades. You are also meant to replace it if it sustains an impact including dropping on the ground from a certain height. However I doubt most people replace their helmets as often as recommended.

So when you buy a helmet it often pays to check the expiry date. Often you find the more expensive helmets like Shoei, Arai etc sit on the shelves in stores and don't sell as much so some people buy a helmet without realizing it has been sitting on a shelf for three years. Ironically the cheaper helmets sell quicker and spend less time on shelves in stores so tend to have a longer period of time they are ''approved'' for use and are likely to have a later expiry date when you buy them.

See if you can find the expiry date for your helmet if you a curious

Wow

2 Bigdogs. Thats gunna be confusing.

[Maha]

Mate, you need to accept that you don't know everything.

My wife has had hers for a lot longer and has never had the need to wash hers either.

How do you store your helmet? In a damp cupboard with the visor closed perhaps?

Never washed any of mine either, I like the smell of head. I do however, change my with every new bike purchase. In saying that, I bought my current lid when I had the FZ8, after I sold the white that I bought to match the bike.

[slofox]

Technically you are meant to replace your helmet every 5 years from the date of the helmets manufacture according to helmet manufacturers and some riding instructors

Arai suggest 5 years of use or 7 years from DOM.

Oh and I have never washed a helmet either. None of them have ever got stinky.

[nzspokes]

Arai suggest 5 years of use or 7 years from DOM.

Oh and I have never washed a helmet either. None of them have ever got stinky.

Do you find everybody wants you to be Tec on group rides? :laugh:

[Big Dog]

DOM is a valid point though. Because it is impractical to actually test a helmet, scrutineering involves checking this date with a lot of organisations.
When I was selling gear as a part time job we got a lot of people in who said their barely used helmet had been rejected at various events. Especially cart events.

Mind you I have heard of racers buffing out or putting stickers over scratches from an off.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Night Falcon]

I have 5 helmets, 2 of which I wont wear again but cant bring myself to chuck them out. :no:

[yevjenko]

most helmets actually have an expiry date on it somewhere, usually inside and often hard to find (under the cloth and fabric linings).

Most I have seen have a date of manufacture, not an expiry date

[vifferman]

Iffen I handn'ta read this thread, I wouldn't have got around to washing my helmet interior. :D
Being an XR1100, all the internal padding readily removes (handy for installing the Sena), so I unclipped it all, filled the sink with warm water and Softly wool wash, and away I went. I was going to wipe out the inside too while the lining was out, but id didn't smell once the lining was out.
After some rinsing and a day-and-a-half of air drying, back in it went, and I was pleased that only only did it now smell OK (very faint trace of the smell of Softly), the padding was slightly plumper.
Job well done!

[Mom]

I replaced my last helmet after only a year. Mind you I did hit the ground with my head in it.

Past helmets have lasted me a few more years usually replaced them at about 3 years because they started to stink royally and I couldn't replace the internal parts.

My current helmet is the first Shoei so I've yet to see how long it takes before the currently not so stinky parts need replacing.

I have had to replace a very expensive Shoei helmet after I have bowling balled it across a carpark (cold morning in Taupo and the chin part was wet with condensation from breathing) and it slipped out of my hand. Lesson learned, don't carry my helmet that way. I also replaced one that hit the ground hard enough to break the outside coating and expose the innards after a stationary drop of the bike, on a real off camber slope. Over she went! Head down on the road, on top of a poxy rock of some sort :shit:

Be good to hold onto the one I currently have long enough to replace the cheek pads etc. Having said that, I actually threw away a helmet when we sold our house last year. It was circa late '70's. Spray painted matt bleck ( as you do). All the foam was dust inside, and the polystyrene was dehydrated somehow, very thin anyway. It was MINE though, one of the things I kept when my first marriage failed so a bit sad to part with it. Still cut the straps off it for safety :lol:

It has been far too, far too since we saw you guys. We should plan a catch up.

[Arctic Wolfe]

Being an XR1100,
Job well done!

Excellent Helmet ........ have same .... can't remember the model though.

[Mom]

Iffen I handn'ta read this thread, I wouldn't have got around to washing my helmet interior. :D
Being an XR1100, all the internal padding readily removes (handy for installing the Sena), so I unclipped it all, filled the sink with warm water and Softly wool wash, and away I went. I was going to wipe out the inside too while the lining was out, but id didn't smell once the lining was out.
After some rinsing and a day-and-a-half of air drying, back in it went, and I was pleased that only only did it now smell OK (very faint trace of the smell of Softly), the padding was slightly plumper.
Job well done!

Beats the smell of head though eh?

[Arctic Wolfe]

I have found that wearing a balaclava goes a long way in keeping my helmets fresh. I wear a balaclava all year round every time I ride.
When I used to have long hair, the balaclava made the on and off of the helmet so much smoother .....

I do however look for the thinnest lightest balaclava's ..............

[Big Dog]

Beats the smell of head though eh?

Nothing beats head. If she swallows there is no smell.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[slofox]

I didn't intend for this to happen just yet but I have bought a new helmet anyway.

Tried Scorpion helmets but couldn't find one that fitted my weird head shape. So I went back to Arai. This time to a Quantum 2. Much more secure than the old Chaser. Maybe the bit about five years is right after all.

I thought I might get away with using the old visors on the new lid. Same shapes and slots etc but turns out the Chaser visors are a little smaller than the Quantum and just won't quite fit. Bugger.

Recently, Arai helmets, previously distributed by Dold's, have gone to Northern. This does not seem to be too popular a change amongst the trade people I have talked to. However, Scuttlebut at the precinct has it that the owner of Northern is also the owner of Cycletreads. So I contacted CT to check their prices on Arai lids. The quantum, that is priced between $750 and $799 at most retail outlets I have checked, was quoted to me at $585 - including freight. Which was an offer I couldn't refuse - even without a horse's head in my bed. So I got it. Arrived yesterday, spent last night transferring all the bits and pieces (interphone, RD receiver, camera mount) from old to new. Test ride this morning was fine.

So if you want an Arai, check CT for prices.

[pritch]

So I contacted CT to check their prices on Arai lids. The quantum, that is priced between $750 and $799 at most retail outlets I have checked, was quoted to me at $585 - including freight.

That's good news 'cause both of my Arai helmets were well north of a grand, and being retired now that's a bit steep. Six hundred odd might cause me to gulp but that's almost normal, Shoie money. Still, I'm hoping I don't need to replace any helmets any time soon.

[vifferman]

Excellent Helmet ........ have same .... can't remember the model though.
Yeah, it's great, but not the one I wanted (a 'Skeet'), as they had none in stock in my size, and Cycletreads wasn't sure the one on order wasn't already spoken for). So, I've got a Bradley Smith replica. My wife hates it, because the middle part of the stylised Union Jack looks coffin-shaped, complete with a cross.:wacko:

I have found that wearing a balaclava goes a long way in keeping my helmets fresh. I wear a balaclava all year round every time I ride.
When I used to have long hair, the balaclava made the on and off of the helmet so much smoother
I do however look for the thinnest lightest balaclava's ..............
The silk balaclavas are pretty thin, and before I got the XR1100 I used to wear one a lot. However, because I'm bald, even the thin seam up the middle used to leave lines on my head, making it look like I'd had cranial surgery. I haven't needed to wear a balaclava with the XR1100 because it has excellent ventilation but isn't at all cold in winter.

[Moi]

I have found that wearing a balaclava goes a long way in keeping my helmets fresh. I wear a balaclava all year round every time I ride.
When I used to have long hair, the balaclava made the on and off of the helmet so much smoother .....

I do however look for the thinnest lightest balaclava's ..............

Have been looking for a 'thin' balaclava but have found lots that are thick and 'it'll keep your head warm' which I don't want... so what are you using as a thin balaclava?

Cheers.

[Erelyes]

5 years TOPS and mine are in the skip. Better a 3 year old $150 helmet than a 7 year old $1500 helmet.

Absolutely. I have nothing against people buying $1500 helmets, but you buy one cos they have awesome graphics / less noise / bells and whistles, not because the polystyrene inside them is somehow more durable than a reasonably-priced offering.


Nothing beats head. If she swallows there is no smell.

"You must spread some reputation around......"


Have been looking for a 'thin' balaclava but have found lots that are thick and 'it'll keep your head warm' which I don't want... so what are you using as a thin balaclava?

Cheers.

Icebreaker (http://nz.icebreaker.com/en/mens-hats-neckwear/oasis-balaclava/100959.html). There is no competition. Make sure you get the 200gm one, not the 260gm.

Personally I prefer a neck tube (http://nz.icebreaker.com/en/mens-hats-neckwear/flexi-chute/100962.html) and have been wearing one for the last couple years, nearly every day. Tend to find it gets a bit finky after 1-2 weeks, so I wash it about that often.

They come in black as well as super bright colours; mine is grey.

Had my helmet for a couple years and never once washed it. No smell at all. Did take all the liners out once for a bit of a general check-over of the helmet though. Estimate I'll probably replace it in a couple years, it's already slightly looser than when I got it. The snugness of fit deteriorates as well, mainly with use, somewhat also with time.

[Moi]

Icebreaker (http://nz.icebreaker.com/en/mens-hats-neckwear/oasis-balaclava/100959.html). There is no competition. Make sure you get the 200gm one, not the 260gm.

Thanks for that heads-up... will investigate... cheers