helmet question
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
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helmet question
I currently wear a modular helmet that is 12 years old. At a recent seminar at a local Harley dealer, I was told that helmets need to be replaced every 2-4 years. Another dealer said 5 years or so. Someone else said as long as it doesn't hit the pavement, it is fine until the inside begins to fall apart. What is correct? Is the Harley dealer trying to sell more helmets? What are the best brands?
Thanks,
Larry
Thanks,
Larry
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I have a HJC and personally, I won't replace it, until the padding falls out. Some helmets have removable/washable liners. So I guess you could replace them too. And I think the dealers want to sell you a new helmet...it's their job.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
I have always followed the five year rule. This is supported by the Snell foundation.
http://www.smf.org/helmetfaq#aWhyReplace
As far as what is the best brand? That is very subjective and you will receive recommendations for all major brands; Bell, Shoei, Arai and HJC. IMO, it is more about what helmet fits YOUR head the best. What works well for someone else may not work well for you. It is more important to look for a DOT approved helmet, or even better, a SNELL approved helmet.
http://www.smf.org/helmetfaq#aWhyReplace
As far as what is the best brand? That is very subjective and you will receive recommendations for all major brands; Bell, Shoei, Arai and HJC. IMO, it is more about what helmet fits YOUR head the best. What works well for someone else may not work well for you. It is more important to look for a DOT approved helmet, or even better, a SNELL approved helmet.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 15
I always wondered about five year rule ,unless you drop or have accident what happens to helmet after 5 years. Both my helmets over 5 years and still look good .Strap has little wear. Thinking of replacing because of the "rule".
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,983
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From: Ohio
Well, for all you guys that want to replace your helmets every 5 years, I'll be happy to take your old ones!! 
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
Well let's see.... the inner styrofoam or expanded polystyrene foam takes about a million years to decompose. As far as the outer shell, most helmets are made of injected molded plastics. This material does not decompose naturally....it needs to be treated. It won't decompose just sitting in a garage or if it's tossed into a landfill. Based on this, I'd day the 5 year rule is BS.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 553
Likes: 46
From: Canton, GA
It's only your head, so why argue with chemistry? The fact is that Styrofoam degrades with time. Known fact.
If you wear a novelty helmet, then you probably don't care about the five year rule of thumb because your are not really wearing a protective helmet anyway.
I would think If you chose to wear a DOT helmet in the first place, you would care about safety enough to replace a helmet every five years.
We are all riding pretty expensive bikes. It's funny to read about the penny pinching over something as important as your brain when you consider the relative cost of even a $700 helmet spread over five years. If you have a $100 helmet, what is the excuse?
I'm just sayin'....
If you wear a novelty helmet, then you probably don't care about the five year rule of thumb because your are not really wearing a protective helmet anyway.
I would think If you chose to wear a DOT helmet in the first place, you would care about safety enough to replace a helmet every five years.
We are all riding pretty expensive bikes. It's funny to read about the penny pinching over something as important as your brain when you consider the relative cost of even a $700 helmet spread over five years. If you have a $100 helmet, what is the excuse?
I'm just sayin'....