How often do you get new gear?

[Bend-it]

How often should you change helmets? I've just bought a new bike, so kinda feels like time to get a new helmet and gear as well! :2thumbsup

However, I can't just go off spending a grand willy nilly... there has to be some sort of justification to offer the wife (especially if you've seen the pic of her I put up ages ago)... :ar15:

So, how long can you ave a helmet before the foam's compressed enough so that you need a new one? And my Nortech cordura gear (budget, I know... it was my 1st ever set of gear) now lets water through like a sieve. Nothing wrong with it per se, just... errr... you know what I mean...

I've had this set since my 1st proper bike in early 2006. So, do you think I have a case to get new helmet, leather jacket and pants? :msn-wink:

[bert_is_evil]

I've been told by several bike shop employee's that 4 years is the expiry date of a helmet (which sucks if it's been on the shelf in the shop for 2...)

[Jantar]

I've been told by several bike shop employee's that 4 years is the expiry date of a helmet (which sucks if it's been on the shelf in the shop for 2...)

4 to 5 years normal use without being dropped. But if its been stored out of direct sunlight and kept clean and dry, then there is no shelf life. It can last forever.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

I originally bought a good Spidi jacket - it lasted 7 years! Leathers last forever providing you stay the same weight lol. When wet I just put overtrou on.
Just bought some cordura trou so will see how long they last!!

[awayatc]

Until you see something you need, or
until you see something you want

[AllanB]

Ha my leathers are around 25 years old - zips get replaced, leathers get adjusted (due for another). I oil them twice a year and they are in great condition.

Arai offers a 5 year warranty I understand - presumably they consider 5 years of ownership acceptable.

[aahsv]

Trade Me is your salvation - there's always someone selling something they bought new that somehow later doesnt fit (wtf?) - new stuff for half price - just gotta think like the wife :niceone:

[Bend-it]

But if its been stored out of direct sunlight and kept clean and dry, then there is no shelf life. It can last forever.

Shut up... that doesn't help my case at all!! :crybaby: ;)


I originally bought a good Spidi jacket - it lasted 7 years!

What do you mean by "last"? What has to fall off it or stop working before you consider it gone?


Until you see something you need, or
until you see something you want

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[sinfull]

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
But will your wife see that as justification ?

[Okey Dokey]

I replaced my helmet after maybe 10 years as the inner padding was shrinking and the fit was no longer correct.

As others have said, I expect my leathers to last my lifetime. Do need to get a new rain oversuit, however.

Hope that helps you.

[skidMark]

Now you see, if you didnt have a wife, you dont need permission, and you could afford to throw a grand around all willy nilly, mimbly bimbly, meow.:eek:

[Bend-it]

But will your wife see that as justification ?

Me turning into a yellow glob and dancing around... yeah, I think she'd buy a set of leathers just to see that! :) But you make a good point...

"Scientific data" anyone??


I replaced my helmet after maybe 10 years as the inner padding was shrinking and the fit was no longer correct.

As others have said, I expect my leathers to last my lifetime. Do need to get a new rain oversuit, however.

Hope that helps you.

10 years!?!?!? That's 7 more for me! :crybaby::crybaby:

Yes... maybe she could be sold on the face that good leathers will last a lifetime... and I already have an overcoat which my useless blardy :angry2: cordura "touring" jacket needs!!

[Okey Dokey]

I wouldn't recommend 10 years. The fact that the inner liner was shrinking noticably means that perhaps the actual protective stuff in the shell was also past it's use-by. I was just commenting on what I had personally done.

[Okey Dokey]

Also, helmets are getting better all the time. Lighter and with more/safer features...

[bull]

and I already have an overcoat which my useless blardy :angry2: cordura "touring" jacket needs!!

It could be time to treat your cordura with Nikwax TekWash, i do mine every 6 months and the pants and jacket still work like new. TSS in Lower Hutt have it in two piece pack, one washes the other is the weather proofing, cost me $40 last time i was there.

[Bend-it]

That is cheaper than new gear... but much less cool...

Ahhh.... decisions decisions...

[Nagash]

Well..

In 3 years of riding i've had 4 different helmets.. 2 of them thrown of due to bins. The other 2 were just cause I liked 'em..

I also have 4 pairs of gloves, 1 winter and 1 summer for me, 1 winter and one summer for a pillion.

I dunno.. I just like buying new gear.. there's always something out there that's eye catching.

[The Pastor]

I replace them after I bin, if i can afford it :D

[Bend-it]

The opnly problem with binning is that I quite like my bike and don't want to replace THAT...

Anyone has a bike I can borrow?? ;)

[Aa7]

tell her its the same as her shoes/make-up/hair-dos/shopping or whatever else she seems to always NEED to do or be replaced and then throw in the argument that the new gear is for your safety rather than for just looking good. i think you may have an issue with that as it seems you are wanting new gear to match your new bike which is a fashion choice not a safety choice. worth a try though, you might just catch her in a weak moment and she might even go shopping with you ;) - you buy a helmet and jacket, she buys a dress and new shoes.

[klingon]

tell her its the same as her shoes/make-up/hair-dos/shopping or whatever else she seems to always NEED to do or be replaced and then throw in the argument that the new gear is for your safety rather than for just looking good. i think you may have an issue with that as it seems you are wanting new gear to match your new bike which is a fashion choice not a safety choice. worth a try though, you might just catch her in a weak moment and she might even go shopping with you ;) - you buy a helmet and jacket, she buys a dress and new shoes.

This was pretty much what I was going to say (kind of...)

You get new gear when she gets new gear. For every $100 you spend, $100 goes into the kitty for her to spend on a new dress, shoes, handbag, etc..

I really can't imagine her objecting if you say, "honey, I'd like a new bike jacket. How about we go out and buy something new for you at the same time." In fact I bet you find yourself covered in smooches. :love:

[Bend-it]

you are all legends! See, KB is great for ALL THINGS motorcycling! :)

[manxkiwi]

Some good comments on justifying buying stuff there. Remember the old chestnut: '$10 head $10 helmet' when buying.

I believe it's the polystyrene inside that degrades. It deforms in a knock, much like a 'cage' seatbelt stretches. Once that's done it's time to change. Although 5 years is what I've heard also as the life of the 'styrene. If you want to gamble it's ability after 5 years you'll be testing it with your skull and perhaps not the polystyrene! If the liner's worn out that'd be a good indicator too. Although some lids you can renew and adjust liner sizes.

The shell will last for ages without a knock, and that's the hard bit: it looks fine but it might not protect you. If you never crash you'll never know but all riding gear is about protection first. It's ironic almost that you spend all that money on something you hope never to test.

As for the gear. Leather is really the only way (IMO). Ever seen cordura after a crash? It'll work up to a point, but if it's quick..... If you think putting leathers on is a hassle just think of your flesh smeared down the road. That normally does the trick! He he.

Happy spending..................

[MarkH]

Remember the old chestnut: '$10 head $10 helmet' when buying.

I believe it's the polystyrene inside that degrades. It deforms in a knock, much like a 'cage' seatbelt stretches. Once that's done it's time to change.

I got lost - are you talking about the head or the helmet? Cause I know some people that might have a problem with the polystyrene in their heads, maybe degraded a bit. :laugh:

[Zapf]

my last shoei was bought at end of 04. Just bought another one recently.

[Gremlin]

In 3.5 years of biking, I have 3 helmets, 3 pairs of gloves, 3 pairs of boots, 3 back protectors, 3 jackets, 2 pants, 1 1-piece, 3 pairs of draggins (and 1 more coming)

so on average, gear every year... yikes :doh:

I just buy something when I have the cash, its something I need, or really really want (or good pricing)

[alanzs]

I have a leather jacket that is about 30+ years old. I use mink oil on it every 6-10 months or so, when I remember. It is in great shape. I replaced the zippers about 10 years ago. I have a Spidi jacket that I have used for about 10 years. Still in great shape. An Aerostich suit that I've had for about 5. First Gear leather pants and jacket for about 10 years. Technic boots that are about 9 years old. A bunch of gloves, for every weather, summer MX gloves, winter wet weather gloves, etc. The Shoei helmet I have is about 6 years old and in perfect condition. I also have a couple of other cordura suits, but I don't wear them much, as the Aerostich is the best. I'll probably sell those on trademe soon.
Good stuff lasts. I try to keep them from hitting the ground, which greatly improves their, and my, shelf life.

[raftn]

Well..

In 3 years of riding i've had 4 different helmets.. 2 of them thrown of due to bins. The other 2 were just cause I liked 'em..

I also have 4 pairs of gloves, 1 winter and 1 summer for me, 1 winter and one summer for a pillion.

I dunno.. I just like buying new gear.. there's always something out there that's eye catching.

I am with you on this, always looking at stuff, doesnt mean i can afford it, i have just turned into a junkie when it comesto Motorbike gear.............

[JATZ]

Think out side the square my friend.
Stand in the rain,get really wet. Then put your gear on ond go home, complain to the wife/girlfriend how stuffed your gear is. Also mention you dropped your helmet on the corner of a step or something, so I probly needs replacing due to the safety implications or something.But I didn't say that
But I didn't say that, it's just dishonest;)

[maybe]

I just replaced my helmet of 3 years this year but only because I dropped it quite hard, also it was not up to the aussie standard and if you get caught with a helmet here that does not meet there standards it is confiscated, not good if you are 500ks from home on a Saturday arvo as no bike shops open till the Monday. Even worse if you are a bit out of a built up area.