How often to change helmets?
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Back in the early 70's late 60's, they had a DOT tag. At least the ones in NYS
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Helmets, believe it or not, helmets actually have a life-cycle because the protective material breaks down. In most cases it's ~5-yrs, but no-brainer if it was damaged by accident...
Of course, some riders swap helmets as often as bikes...can't be caught riding w/o matching lid. Need to make a good fashion statement...
Of course, some riders swap helmets as often as bikes...can't be caught riding w/o matching lid. Need to make a good fashion statement...
Last edited by Iceman24; Feb 24, 2012 at 05:22 AM. Reason: add
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 40
From: New York
If it hits the ground hard enough to seperate the insides then its time for a new one. I have a camo helmet (four wheeler) thats 16 years old, I really don't mind the flies because I think they're lucky. I wear it only when I ride with a bunch of Marines. I have a H-D half helmet, I wear it when I take half a ride. I have a 3/4 helmet..yep you guessed it. And then there is my wifes pink helmet......
The strap will weaken with sun light for certain -unless like me, you mostly ride at night.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
I have also read five years. It makes sense to someone like me who wears my helmet all the time and rides consistently. The amount of weathering that my helmet gets exposed to here in FL on the outside and the wear from sweat time on the inside can really take a toll. Padding gets worn down which affects both fit and comfort. Probably why some of the more expensive full face helmets let you swap out the liners and inside padding. My head is worth $100-150 every five years or so.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
While the comfort liner (padding) does break down over time, it is the foam liner that is of concern, although it may look ok, over time it loses its ability to absorb impact and you won't know until you need it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Got a different color for every day. Is that often enough?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
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From: Potsdam, NY
The crush foam in a helmet will degrade over time whether it is worn or not. Most manufacturers say 5 years. I would say ~7 years at the very most. Most quality manufacturers (Arai, Shoei, etc.) sell replacement liners. My Arai cost $500 so I want to get the most use I can out of it before I replace it. If you crash in a helmet it's toast, the crush foam does not spring back.
