How Long Should Helmets Last?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 158
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From: Los Angeles
How Long Should Helmets Last?
I've had my Shoei X11 for around a year. I had a fall of my bike last December that grazed the side of the helmet and scraped the face shield (which I replaced). Another time it fell off the saddle while parked. It cost me almost $500 so I don't want to replace it unless I need to but I don't want to jeapordize my safety either. I know some riders replace their helmets every year whether they need to or not. What are your thoughts? Should I replace my Shoei?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
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From: St George, UT
RE: How Long Should Helmets Last?
Somebody said five years is the life of a helmet. And if it drops to the ground from the height of the wearer, the shell could be done in. I need to replace mine, it's five years old.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
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From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: How Long Should Helmets Last?
I had 3 accidents in my last $500 arai helmet. I was told that after the firzt accident I needed to get a new one, but didnt. I think I wore that helmet for about 3 years no problem until the insurance comopany paid me for it and wnated it back. So I gave it to them and bought another of the same. My head has never been injured in any of my accidents, none of which by the way were my fault. I'd say give it a bit longer. But....it is your head.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 158
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From: Los Angeles
RE: How Long Should Helmets Last?
Thanks for the input, Anubisss. I see from your profile that you're based in Santa Monica. I'm in Beverly Hills. I do the run up PCH all the time. Maybe we can meet up sometime.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville TN
RE: How Long Should Helmets Last?
I dont worry about it. 3 of my helmets are 30 or more years old. I wear em all the time. I do have a new helmet @ 2 years old, course I drilled about 6 5/8" holes in it for air. [8D]
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
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From: Concord, CA
RE: How Long Should Helmets Last?
If you are wearing your helmet because you want the protection, then replace it. You should have replaced it after your crash.
The fall from the seat is up for debate, but when your head is in it, you have compromised the ptrotective liner. The protection is only partially from the hard shell, the foam liner crushes to protect you.
If it was my head, I'd replace it.
The fall from the seat is up for debate, but when your head is in it, you have compromised the ptrotective liner. The protection is only partially from the hard shell, the foam liner crushes to protect you.
If it was my head, I'd replace it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From:
RE: How Long Should Helmets Last?
I drop my bike about every three years and ain't replaced it yet. Fortunately, I was not wearing my helmet any of those times so it's still good to go. Unless age really is a factor. The problem is that I don't remember when I bought it.
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: How Long Should Helmets Last?
Pm me and we can hit the rock store adamzapple. I go most sundays.
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Heard 4 years unless dropped. Tim
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: How Long Should Helmets Last?
I have a lid thats 12 yrs old...dropped it twice, but went down wearing it once - not too bad though...shell isn't cracked, nothing more than some scuffs....I still use it.
They say they wear out after 5 yrs. I'd bet tho that if it does, it wasn't much of a lid to begin with. AND if you crack up wearing it, the damage you'd do wouldn't make a difference with that or a new lid...just my .02.
They say they wear out after 5 yrs. I'd bet tho that if it does, it wasn't much of a lid to begin with. AND if you crack up wearing it, the damage you'd do wouldn't make a difference with that or a new lid...just my .02.