Helmet lifespan?

[HEsch]

How long would you anticipate a helmet to last, sans crashes or impact?

Do you replace on a time schedule (ie, every 5 years), or kms travelled (I don't know, but, maybe 25 or 50,000kms?). Or use some other form of measurement to determine a new one is needed?

[mulletman]

When its not snug anymore, if you find that your tightning the chin strap more than you used to and it feels still a bit slack around the brain bucket its time, also wind noise picks up.

[george formby]

IMHE the glue holding the polystyrene in place becomes brittle and the padding / polystyrene starts to break down.

If a helmet is not in daily use and kept somewhere ambient they seem to last a few years without degrading.

Regular use, a sweaty scone and UV break them down quicker.

Carefully check strap mounting points, buckles etc for any sign of corrosion.

As said, if the fit is getting a little sloppy then safety is being compromised.

[slofox]

I swapped pads on one helmet. That fixed it pretty well. For a while.

I tend to get chary at about 5 years meself - although I have that number on no authority at all.

[HenryDorsetCase]

LOL I had a couple of Shoei Raid 2's and one of them when I checked it was from 2005. The "good" replacement (which I was still wearing up to last week) was dated 2006. Yeah, I've been shopping. I really wanted a Bell but they don't fit me for shit.

I may go for an Arai if I can find the right one at the right price but the current front runner is a Shoei .... errr.... RPHA I think its called.

Most of the time I wear my faux German WW2 helmet though, with one of those protective bandanas. Because badass.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I swapped pads on one helmet. That fixed it pretty well. For a while.

I tend to get chary at about 5 years meself - although I have that number on no authority at all.

Yeah - everyone "knows" you should replace your helmet at 5 years, but no one can give a definitive answer.

[malcy25]

but the current front runner is a Shoei .... errr.... RPHA I think its called.



HDC

Lol, RPHA is a version of HJC helmets.....I'm on my second RPHA11, Love it. First one only lasted part way through it's second race meeting....oops!

Love the fit, venting the dark visor that comes OEM as well as the clear one fitted.

[caspernz]

As others have already posted, anywhere from 3-5 years is a guide. Strictly speaking that's from date of manufacture, small sticker on inside back of helmet will usually reveal that.

If in daily use, you'll be lucky to get 5 years. If in all day daily use, 18-24 months and it gets biffed.

The full speech is available upon attendance at a Ride Forever course near you...:2thumbsup...ask that Blackbird fella for recommendations on instructors haha :cool::eek:

[Blackbird]

The full speech is available upon attendance at a Ride Forever course near you...:2thumbsup...ask that Blackbird fella for recommendations on instructors haha :cool::eek:

Sigh........ :facepalm:

[AllanB]

It's a interesting question as for years it has been a unsupported 5 years. Then I noticed a while back Arai advertising in magazines a five year warranty. Which implies they think the helmet will outlast the warranty?

[caspernz]

Sigh........ :facepalm:

OK then sir, you can tell her who to avoid perhaps? :devil2::bleh::laugh::confused::wings:

[Blackbird]

OK then sir, you can tell her who to avoid perhaps? :devil2::bleh::laugh::confused::wings:
Me? :eek5:

[FJRider]

It's a interesting question as for years it has been a unsupported 5 years. Then I noticed a while back Arai advertising in magazines a five year warranty. Which implies they think the helmet will outlast the warranty?

No doubt conditions will apply ... :devil2:

[SaferRides]

It's a interesting question as for years it has been a unsupported 5 years. Then I noticed a while back Arai advertising in magazines a five year warranty. Which implies they think the helmet will outlast the warranty?

Arai and Shoei both give either a 5 year warranty from purchase or 7 years from manufacture, whichever is shorter. The lifetime of a helmet will be quite different, depending on all sorts of factors.

I bought a NOS Shoei X Spirit a few years ago that was about 5 years old. It had been in a warehouse all of that time, and still had a new helmet smell. I'm sure it would have lasted nearly as long as a brand new one but was damaged in a crash after a year.

[nerrrd]

Arai and Shoei both give either a 5 year warranty from purchase or 7 years from manufacture, whichever is shorter. The lifetime of a helmet will be quite different, depending on all sorts of factors.

I bought a NOS Shoei X Spirit a few years ago that was about 5 years old. It had been in a warehouse all of that time, and still had a new helmet smell. I'm sure it would have lasted nearly as long as a brand new one but was damaged in a crash after a year.

Bell also offer a five year warranty. I bought a 'new' 2014 Bell RS-1 recently online at a generous discount that must have been sitting on a shelf all that time, was in 'as new' condition and I'd be happy to wear it for several years. I wonder how many people check the age of the helmets they buy 'new' from a store.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I just phoned a local bike shop to see if they carry Arai. Answer no - they said they found it difficult to deal with the NZ agent because they would only drop ship i.e. not carry stock. And with something that you absolutely must try on before buying, thats a problem. That retailer had probably 50 Shoei helmets in stock plus other brands.

I won't reiterate here the sorry tale of why I own the worlds most expensive Freddie Spencer replica Arai*, but it does sound as if the agent has some issues.

*worn once! I am going to take it out of its box and see when it was built.

[HEsch]

As others have already posted, anywhere from 3-5 years is a guide. Strictly speaking that's from date of manufacture, small sticker on inside back of helmet will usually reveal that.

If in daily use, you'll be lucky to get 5 years. If in all day daily use, 18-24 months and it gets biffed.

The full speech is available upon attendance at a Ride Forever course near you...:2thumbsup...ask that Blackbird fella for recommendations on instructors haha :cool::eek:

I come from equine, where 5 years is also some sort of arbitrary guideline, if you haven't fallen off and hit your noggin, in which case, 'NOW' applies. Of course, you can find the mushroom shaped, once-white-now-piss-yellow oversized buckets still in use at your local RDA or riding school (protecting heads since ages ago) - very 80s/90s.

However, as I have ticked up 15,000kms in the past 12 months on my bike, and am likely to continue at a similar pace, I wondered if there was any other "suggestions" as to replacement timeframe.
I can't remember it being covered at any of the RF courses I've been on, but that might have been me tuning the fact out as my helmet was always less than 12 months old and thus a fair way off "5 years."

[SaferRides]

I just phoned a local bike shop to see if they carry Arai. Answer no - they said they found it difficult to deal with the NZ agent because they would only drop ship i.e. not carry stock. And with something that you absolutely must try on before buying, thats a problem. That retailer had probably 50 Shoei helmets in stock plus other brands.

I won't reiterate here the sorry tale of why I own the worlds most expensive Freddie Spencer replica Arai*, but it does sound as if the agent has some issues.

*worn once! I am going to take it out of its box and see when it was built.Last time I looked, Motomail had good stock of Arai helmets. That was a few months ago though.

[caspernz]

However, as I have ticked up 15,000kms in the past 12 months on my bike, and am likely to continue at a similar pace, I wondered if there was any other "suggestions" as to replacement timeframe.
I can't remember it being covered at any of the RF courses I've been on, but that might have been me tuning the fact out as my helmet was always less than 12 months old and thus a fair way off "5 years."

Apart from the 5 year suggestion, see how loose your lid ends up getting over time. How frayed is the strap is another thing to consider. Is the inner lining falling to bits? Personal experience of daily commuting suggests my helmet won't get to 5 years before replacement.
Oh and this topic should get good airtime on R4E courses, helmet type, sizing, age, care, fastenings, visor care, test ratings, more $$ typically buys more comfort, etc.

Read as much as you wish for yourself on the SHARP website
https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/

[pritch]

None of my helmets are under five years old currently. The Shoei will be the first to be binned, a pity, it has a nice pinlock half dark visor, but it probably hasn't even been worn in five years. Maybe in the bin next week?

The Arai helmets are both 'good as new'. The AGV is still tight but the trim is starting to look a bit tatty.

I'm working on the assumption that fibreglass helmets maintain their structural integrity longer than some plastic ones.
At this late stage of my motorcycle career dropping $1100 or so on a new Arai doesn't seem a sensible investment, nor does buying a new cheap plastic hat.

[malcy25]

None of my helmets are under five years old currently. The Shoei will be the first to be binned, a pity, it has a nice pinlock half dark visor, but it probably hasn't even been worn in five years. Maybe in the bin next week?

The Arai helmets are both 'good as new'. The AGV is still tight but the trim is starting to look a bit tatty.

I'm working on the assumption that fibreglass helmets maintain their structural integrity longer than some plastic ones.
At this late stage of my motorcycle career dropping $1100 or so on a new Arai doesn't seem a sensible investment, nor does buying a new cheap plastic hat.

Depends on your model / colour preference I guess. Motomail showing $749 then $849 models https://www.motomail.co.nz/estore/style/arheaxces3b.aspx. Surprisingly, I'm not that familiar with the mid range Arai models.

MNZ talk 10 years from date of production in rule 8.2b. I've previously seen Arai quote 5 years and further into the MNZ rule book it says MNZ strongly recommends on advice from the manufacturers that you do not use a helmet for more than 3 years. SO I guess that creates a manufacture vs use date allowance which could be the helmets in a warehouse for a couple of years. I myself being a tight arse road racer scour end of run specials etc of the models I prefer, to pick them up cheap when I need a new helmet....and they may be 2-3 years old already (and not always a colour that I'd pick ).

The MNZ 10 year rule in some respects is a handy thing : some time back I used to see some helmets presented (and accepted) at certain old bikes events that I would not use for holding a pot plant they were that old AND Polycarbonate.....which as I understand it more susceptible to light. Very obviously very old. So were the riders and the rest of the gear. The specific group of riders while less likely to fall off, are more likely to need better the better protection if they do..... and even a $150 cheapy would have been a far preferable helmet

Generally, my helmets rarely make it to 10 years.....slip off once or twice in a 5 year period can noble a helmet or two easily. It also means I balance helmet brand, construction, fit, venting, vision colour scheme and price. Extra money for the "flash paint job" nah....that could pay for pistons or tyres!! Though I'd love an Edwards Arai RX7 Yamaha anniversary to go with my big Yamaha.......but I'll make do with a yellow/black/white HJC !!

Same goes for the rest of my gear. I have specific brands that I have developed a preference for and I watch to see when there are specials and I rotate gear and pension off the older stuff to "spare" (but still very useable) status , usually one significant item a year. Leathers, boots, gloves body armour etc to ensure my main riding gear is recent spec and my spare kit is perfectly acceptable and still very safe to use.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Fuck think how much faster my VFR would be* if I was wearing an HRC helmet!!!

https://www.motomail.co.nz/estore/style/arherx7vhrc.aspx


*it isnt currently running at all so presumably it would have the full 25hp if I had this helmet.

[pritch]

Arai are tricky to buy, coming as they do in three different head shapes. You need to know which shapes are which, and which one you need.

I bought one by mail from the US but knew that model was the right shape. It's a racer replica paint job, Simon Crafar. Being based on the New Zealand flag the design wasn't selling like hot cakes in the US, so it was on sale at half price.

The other Arai, while not a racer replica, is an Aldo Drudi design, so was still $1150.

If I was going to buy another I think I'd either have to do some research or buy one from a qualified dealer.

[Aaronkeller]

I have Shoei's Helmet which has been my riding companion since 2 years, and 4-5 years more!

According to the manufacturers it is suggested that helmets should be replaced five years after the purchase date, or seven years after the production date.

Why Compromise Safety:niceone:

[GazzaH]

One could argue that the WOF should include checks on the rider's safety gear, given that it's every bit as critical as the other stuff they check.

But they dont. They leave it to us. And if we get it wrong, we're the ones most directly affected, so fair enough.

Lots of bikey bit degrade over time, and many of them are safety-critical: tyres, brake pads, brake fluid, riders ...

FWIW I change my helmet when the visor is starting to annoy me too much. I take care of my visor, gently washing it with soap and water and never with a gritty dry rag. I could probably just replace the visor ... but generally by then I feel the helmet doesn't owe me anything, so it's off to the shop with a fistful of wonga.

[skippa1]

I think they last forever. I have some old ones on the shelf, some very old. They just sit there. Nothings happened to them.

[Owl]

One could argue that the WOF should include checks on the rider's safety gear, given that it's every bit as critical as the other stuff they check.

But that would make One a dickhead!

[Navy Boy]

One could argue that the WOF should include checks on the rider's safety gear, given that it's every bit as critical as the other stuff they check.

But they dont. They leave it to us. And if we get it wrong, we're the ones most directly affected, so fair enough.

Lots of bikey bit degrade over time, and many of them are safety-critical: tyres, brake pads, brake fluid, riders ...

FWIW I change my helmet when the visor is starting to annoy me too much. I take care of my visor, gently washing it with soap and water and never with a gritty dry rag. I could probably just replace the visor ... but generally by then I feel the helmet doesn't owe me anything, so it's off to the shop with a fistful of wonga.

I'm with you Gazza. I've just replaced my Shoei Neotec which is around 3 years old for this very reason. Well that and the fact that the liner was starting to fall apart (I've washed it a fair few times) so it felt as though someone was trying to tell me something. Sticking to the 5 years rule is no bad thing but sometimes helmets can last less time if they are used regularly and often.:cool:

[pritch]

In the past I've tossed some for little reason. I've currently got four helmets two of which must be approaching seven years, two others close behind. Three were above average price, not all of which is due to the paint job, and all are in good nick with no stickers or anything else to degrade the surface. At this late stage of my riding career I'm not planning on replacing them.

[Nerylanw]

When its not snug anymore, if you find that your tightning the chin strap more than you used to and it feels still a bit slack around the brain bucket its time, also wind noise picks up.

Will take note of that. Thanks!

[lexer]

I've never thought about it before...I've been using my helmet for 4 years now. It fits perfectly, and I worry I won't find a better one so easy.

[rastuscat]

I guess there's a big difference between someone who keeps their helmet in the bag it came in, and looks after it fastidiously, and someone who lets it fall off the seat of the bike time and again.

[HEsch]

Found a goodie in the rafters recently. My uncle moved to Australia some 15+ years ago and left us with a few boxes of bits and pieces to store. Why, I don't know, maybe they thought they'd be back. We unearthed it when we moved house... Opened the boxes and asked him if he wanted anything. His old race helmet from goodness knows when was determined to be "too old to be of any use". Just as well, as the lining foam disintegrated in my hands. It went to a good cause though: the volunteer firefighters use them in training (practice removing helmets from dummies).

[The Pastor]

I replace mine when the look ratty. Its really all about the look, and while having a few bin trophies does increase your street cred, after a while a new shiney helmet just looks cooler.

[Mich]

I just checked my HTC CLX3 and the date on the inside rear is FEB 2002. I FREAKED. Once this Covid-19 is over a helmet is my first purchase!:woohoo: My full face helmet is a Oxford and I really really like that. It's very comfortable and stable at high winds and also seals really well with the visor down. I'll probably get another one of those.:laugh:

[Owl]

I just checked my HTC CLX3 and the date on the inside rear is FEB 2002.

You mean HJC?

[george formby]

Summit that has popped up on a Youtube channel I watch is the strap mounting points of dirt oriented helmets corroding. Quite a few have snapped.

I checked a few of my helmets, road and dirt, they all have varying degrees of corrosion. I must have a reactive scone.

Definitely something I will be keeping an eye on as time goes by.

[pete376403]

I guess there's a big difference between someone who keeps their helmet in the bag it came in, and looks after it fastidiously, and someone who lets it fall off the seat of the bike time and again.

good reason (in my mind) not to spend a small fortune on a helmet with (insert racer name here) replica graphics. If it costs $1200 then there is going to be a natural disinclination to replace it when needed. The graphics will do nothing to save your head, but a plain colour may save you hundreds of dollars.

Also, to a car driver, a plain white helmet suggests "cop" and they start paying a bit more attention.

[caspernz]

good reason (in my mind) not to spend a small fortune on a helmet with (insert racer name here) replica graphics. If it costs $1200 then there is going to be a natural disinclination to replace it when needed. The graphics will do nothing to save your head, but a plain colour may save you hundreds of dollars.

Also, to a car driver, a plain white helmet suggests "cop" and they start paying a bit more attention.

Fair enough on the fancy graphics thing. Another angle is some of these fancy graphic helmets take a while to sell, so if you see one on special have a look at the label showing date of manufacture. I've looked at a few around the country, record so far is a helmet on special for 55% of RRP with date of manufacture almost 4 years ago. Argue that any which way you want.

Plain colours white and yellow, yep you will get a second glance. Keep in mind also that those colours will also stand out against most backgrounds, so being figured for a LEO would also require a bike to match :innocent:

[FJRider]

Fair enough on the fancy graphics thing. Another angle is some of these fancy graphic helmets take a while to sell, so if you see one on special have a look at the label showing date of manufacture. I've looked at a few around the country, record so far is a helmet on special for 55% of RRP with date of manufacture almost 4 years ago. Argue that any which way you want.

Plain colours white and yellow, yep you will get a second glance. Keep in mind also that those colours will also stand out against most backgrounds, so being figured for a LEO would also require a bike to match :innocent:

If they're close enough to see (and notice) the colour of your helmet ... they can SEE YOU. Please tell me why they still run into you ... ???

[caspernz]

If they're close enough to see (and notice) the colour of your helmet ... they can SEE YOU. Please why they still run into you ... ???

Hate to break it to you, but nobody has run into me in the last 3 decades, when I've been on my motorcycle.

But I've had plenty of conversations with riders who claim car drivers are idiots, when it's actually the rider whose skill and attitude needed a reality check. Different conversation though aye :facepalm:

[FJRider]

Hate to break it to you, but nobody has run into me in the last 3 decades.

Nor me. And may it long continue.


But I've had plenty of conversations with riders who claim car drivers are idiots, when it's actually the rider whose skill and attitude needed a reality check. Different conversation though aye :facepalm:

Reality is a hard taskmaster ... but it's NOT always ... somebody else's fault ...

[caspernz]

Reality is a hard taskmaster ... but it's NOT always ... somebody else's fault ...

Ah yes, when I've been asked to partake in incident or accident investigations, the obvious comes to the fore. Vast majority of accidents are human error, and in a good portion of those accidents the so-called victim could have helped themselves. But that would require sound situational awareness and getting the basics right. As for unavoidable accidents, yeah they do exist, but in small numbers.

[FJRider]

Ah yes, when I've been asked to partake in incident or accident investigations, the obvious comes to the fore. Vast majority of accidents are human error, and in a good portion of those accidents the so-called victim could have helped themselves. But that would require sound situational awareness and getting the basics right. As for unavoidable accidents, yeah they do exist, but in small numbers.

A thought to ponder ... How many times (in those accident investigations) did you the words ... It was an accident .. It wasn't MY fault ... :shifty:

[caspernz]

A thought to ponder ... How many times (in those accident investigations) did you hear the words ... It was an accident .. It wasn't MY fault ... :shifty:

Quite a common response. At a guess, no less than two thirds :shit: Yeah I know you're surprised :rolleyes:

[FJRider]

... As for unavoidable accidents, yeah they do exist, but in small numbers.

Accidents are caused by factors ... (of any name) ONE factor alone seldom causes an accident. Two factors may ... and depending on the factors ... not usually serious.

The greater the number of factors involved ... the greater chance an accident WILL happen.

If one factor is removed from the scenario ... the accident may not happen.


20 km/hr over the posted limit may not be a big deal to some ... but it might get you to that accident sooner.


Speed gives you less time to react to things you have NO control over. Like other people on the road you didn't know were there. In places you didn't expect them to be.

One common factor is you were there at that place at the time of the accident. Not a cause or at fault ... but involved.

Wrong place at the wrong time. But if your wof or rego had expired ... it will cost YOU.

Such is life ... eh ...

[FJRider]

Quite a common response. At a guess, no less than two thirds :shit: Yeah I know you're surprised :rolleyes:

About what I thought it might be ... :shifty:

[nzspokes]

In answer to the OPs question.

Having been involved in helmet manufacture many years back, I can tell you the biggest enemy of lids is sweat.

I leaches into the lining and saturates it. It breaks the lining down over time and removes the ability to absorb impact. Its can also cause the strap hold plates to corrode and fail. Apparently many brands are having this issue currently. It destroys the glue between the liner and the shell.

For the most part, the better the lid the longer it will last. Remember the padding is just the part you can see, it doesnt hurt to pull the pads from time to time and look inside.

And give the pads etc a clean. More than once at a cafe I have wondered what the smell is only to see a helmet under the table.

[eldog]

A thought to ponder ... How many times (in those accident investigations) did you the words ... It was an accident .. It wasn't MY fault ... :shifty:

The blame game is very prevalent in NZ society.:facepalm:
Got to find a scapegoat.
I can't be the one at fault.

Consequences.

[FJRider]

The blame game is very prevalent in NZ society.:facepalm:
Got to find a scapegoat.
It can't be the one at fault.

Admitting blame ... usually reduces the penalty.

Go figure ...

[george formby]

More than once at a cafe I have wondered what the smell is only to see a helmet under the table.

Always check your fly when you dismount.:innocent:

[pritch]

A thought to ponder ... How many times (in those accident investigations) did you the words ... It was an accident .. It wasn't MY fault ... :shifty:

It is because "accidents" tend to be considered synonymous with acts of God, that H&S training has for years referred to them simply as injuries.

[cowpoos]

Same as a condom....nail it once and throw it....otherwise it can lead to a lifelong splitting headache.