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Author Topic: Helmet longevity opinions...  (Read 3656 times)

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Offline Stripes

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Helmet longevity opinions...
« on: March 15, 2014, 05:33:28 PM »
After spending the last couple of weekends shopping & trying on helmets for my fiance, the life expectancy of a non-crashed in helmet raised some questions. I was always told & under the assumption that the life of a helmet is 5 years. After 5 years you should replace a helmet even if it has been dropped, crashed with or after receiving a hard impact because not only does the insides start to break down but certain shells(depending on what they're made of) lose their strength as well.

After speaking w/ a Shoei & a HJC rep at one of my local Triumph dealers, they said that a helmet should last or be okay for 10 years. Even if you drop it on the ground from say the height of the motorcycle handlebars. They also said that most helmet manufacturers come w/ a 5 year warranty & when asked why only 5 years, they said that the helmet manufacturers are hoping that you'll replace your helmet w/in a 5 year period.

What are your thoughts or opinions on this matter? How long do most of you keep a non-impacted helmet? I've always replaced a helmet after 5 years or after I've crashed in them. Is that just silliness?

Thanks in advance for any input! I apologize if I'm bringing up a subject that's been played out before. Cheers
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Offline st2sam

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2014, 07:57:37 PM »
IMO ten years is OK, if you store it indoors in a cool dry place.  The reps you talked to, IMO, were very honest and truthful. (amazing?)

Having said that I usually buy a new helmet every 4 or 5 yrs., mostly just because it's time for a change...
I still have most of my older helmets, and for shorter day rides I switch which one I'll use once and a while.
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Online Skee

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2014, 08:01:02 PM »
My helmet is 6 years old. It doesn't small too bad.  I guess it's OK for another 4 years.

When it gets so bad that I can't stand to wear it; it need replacing.
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Offline Scratch

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2014, 08:12:41 PM »
10 years is good if you don't leave it laying on the floor where your cat can pee on it.
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Offline PatM

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #4 on: March 15, 2014, 09:00:15 PM »
The oil from your skin affects the foam in the liner. It might be good for ten years if you don't use it much.
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Online Papa Lazarou

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2014, 03:53:37 AM »
My Shoei is in need of replacement. The liner is contracting-getting smaller anyway-and it doesn't fit my head as well as it used to. Is it 10 years old? No way-probably about 5.
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Online Skee

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #6 on: March 16, 2014, 04:39:40 AM »
The liner in this Shoei is removable and replaceable, and maybe washable, though I haven't tried that yet.
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Offline Cablebandit

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2014, 07:45:16 AM »
Yup.  It's washable.
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Offline kneescrubber

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #8 on: March 18, 2014, 06:49:07 AM »
I never replace a helmet sooner than 10 years.
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Online Black Hills

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #9 on: March 18, 2014, 08:19:33 AM »
I don't think I've had one last 10 years? the usually get worn out on the inside and get uncomfortable. I think 5-6 is about normal for me. except for dirt bike helmets but the liners on them get washed after every weekend so they wear out faster.
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Offline bomber

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #10 on: March 18, 2014, 08:45:57 AM »
After 5 years or so, my primary helmet has worn (shield mounting hardware - modular pivot mechanism) and the interior has packed down to the point it no longer fits as it did when new . . . . I replaqce it at that point, rather than following a calendar based routine.

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Offline Cablebandit

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #11 on: March 18, 2014, 08:47:57 AM »
The way some people swap bikes I figured they just change helmets as well so the colors match.  ;D
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Offline mxvet57

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Re: Helmet longevity opinions...
« Reply #12 on: March 18, 2014, 09:16:48 AM »
Quote from: Skee on March 16, 2014, 04:39:40 AM
The liner in this Shoei is removable and replaceable, and maybe washable, though I haven't tried that yet.


Did mine last year. Fits and smells like a new helmet.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,78698.msg1856692.html#msg1856692
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