Helmets after a wreck
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
Helmets after a wreck
I've told you all about my Sept 5th incident in Oklahoma City. Things are coming along well, both my healing and the MC repairs. Thank goodness for Progressive Insurance!
I'm a little embarassed as this may be common knowledge, but I sure didn't know. A friend of mine told me the helmet's got to be replaced, that it had done its job. ??? He said the (I'm guessing) air-cells were now compressed; another wreck wouldn't give us the protection we want.
Progressive confirmed this saying it would in fact be replaced. I had no idea! He said child-seats are the same... if one's been through a wreck it's time to replace even if it's not all mangled up. Learned something new!
How 'bout dem apples
I'm a little embarassed as this may be common knowledge, but I sure didn't know. A friend of mine told me the helmet's got to be replaced, that it had done its job. ??? He said the (I'm guessing) air-cells were now compressed; another wreck wouldn't give us the protection we want.
Progressive confirmed this saying it would in fact be replaced. I had no idea! He said child-seats are the same... if one's been through a wreck it's time to replace even if it's not all mangled up. Learned something new!
How 'bout dem apples
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
Yes, and I have read somewhere that if helmets are dropped at a height higher than your waist it has to be replaced. The different layers and materials are sacrificial, meaning that they begin failing at set rates to absorb shock.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
Helmet replacement's a slam dunk.Insurance companies will replace 'em if they's sustained impact in an accident.The insurance co. of the guy who hit us last year replaced both of ours no problem.Some HD dealers have a you drop it you buy it policy on their helmets due to the fact that they're not considered safe after any real impact.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 179
From: N.E. OHIO
Manufacturers not only recommend a helmet should be replaced when dropped but also with age, like every 3-5 yrs.. As usual, everyone has their own opinion on what your helmet has been subject to and when it's time for a new one. Insurance company not only replaced my helmet but also my jacket, all I had to do was ask. Sent them my receipt and they put a check in the mail. Wearing gear is good for the insurance companies too.
Glad your doing better.
Glad your doing better.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 2
From: Cocoa Beach, Florida
You're all correct. Back in the late '60s and through the '70s I was relatively successful (sponsored) with several scoots for NHRA and Bonneville events and indeed, helmets were sometimes physically inspected - especially by the AMA at Bonny and for sure if you were in the 200 MPH club.
Surface paint scratches were OK with the equipment cops but if the gel-coat (all were F/G back then) was even close to getting exposed, burn it. You couldn't race with it anymore.
Yep... helmets are designed to be broken instead of your skull. They're surprisingly easy to damage and, like Chuck pointed out, even a drop can accidentally compress some of the outer layers (designed to be somewhat compressible) and then they won't work right anymore.
Surface paint scratches were OK with the equipment cops but if the gel-coat (all were F/G back then) was even close to getting exposed, burn it. You couldn't race with it anymore.
Yep... helmets are designed to be broken instead of your skull. They're surprisingly easy to damage and, like Chuck pointed out, even a drop can accidentally compress some of the outer layers (designed to be somewhat compressible) and then they won't work right anymore.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,535
Likes: 15
From: Salem, Va.
A helmet saved my life last year. I put it up as a reminder. Will never wear it again. Replaced it with the same brand.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 179
From: N.E. OHIO
Ditto here. Not sure how long I'll keep the old battered helmet hanging in the garage though, I may trash it some day.
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