Helmet Issue
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 81
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From: Orange Co. NY
Helmet Issue
I saw an Harley ad for "April is check your helmet month" Two statements got my attention. (1) "Helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years." & (2)
" If a helmet is dropped it should be replaced immediately" My helmet is about 4yrs. old and I was not considering a new one. I understand that you probably would not want to drop your helmet off your roof, but mine has taken a few drops from my work bench to my garage floor. Never thought to much about it ,dusted it off and forgot about it. Any experts out there? or is this just the Mo.Co. trying to make a sale? Thanks.
" If a helmet is dropped it should be replaced immediately" My helmet is about 4yrs. old and I was not considering a new one. I understand that you probably would not want to drop your helmet off your roof, but mine has taken a few drops from my work bench to my garage floor. Never thought to much about it ,dusted it off and forgot about it. Any experts out there? or is this just the Mo.Co. trying to make a sale? Thanks.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Mississauga, Ontario
I know it is the sales policy of several manufacturers (including Harley I believe) that stipulates that if a helmet is dropped on the floor that it is supposed to be removed from the inventory and returned.
I hear the reason is that there could be small cracks underneath the paint layer which may effect the strength of the helmet.
True or not, that is supposed to be the deal.
1HarleyGuy1
I hear the reason is that there could be small cracks underneath the paint layer which may effect the strength of the helmet.
True or not, that is supposed to be the deal.
1HarleyGuy1
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 800
Likes: 75
From:
Its because when the helmet is dropped the material in the helmet absorbs the impact. Like styrofoam if you pinch it or hit it the little ***** that make up the styrofoam flatten. same thing in a helmet so when you drop it those little ***** flatten out to absorb the impact. So now if you fall your helmet will not have as much protection for your head since it has already compacted. so if you drop your helmet you are supposed to get another one. Ive dropped mine several times and haven't bought a new one.
Well it is definitely a safety concern. However if you look at the rated impact protection of a helmet and think about it reasonably it's throwing your money away to replace it.
I don't normally wear a helmet other than when required by law so I'm not about to go buy a new one every time it drops or every three years if one would ever go that long without being dropped.
My favorite helmet is beat up badly but it is the best fitting helmet I have. It says August 2002 inside.
I don't normally wear a helmet other than when required by law so I'm not about to go buy a new one every time it drops or every three years if one would ever go that long without being dropped.
My favorite helmet is beat up badly but it is the best fitting helmet I have. It says August 2002 inside.
Last edited by ironheaddave; Apr 10, 2012 at 04:55 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Its because when the helmet is dropped the material in the helmet absorbs the impact. Like styrofoam if you pinch it or hit it the little ***** that make up the styrofoam flatten. same thing in a helmet so when you drop it those little ***** flatten out to absorb the impact. So now if you fall your helmet will not have as much protection for your head since it has already compacted. so if you drop your helmet you are supposed to get another one. Ive dropped mine several times and haven't bought a new one.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 155
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I was told in a Motorcycle Safety Course that a drop from even knee/waist height on cement can compromise the helmet's integrity. It may not look like it, but something like microscopic damage is done because they're made to take damage well ONCE.
PS: That's also a reason to not hang your helmet on your handlebars or set it on your seat.
PS: That's also a reason to not hang your helmet on your handlebars or set it on your seat.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 800
Likes: 75
From:
found this from SNELL
"I dropped my helmet! Do I have to go buy a new one?"
Generally the answer is probably not. Helmets are one-use items, but are quite durable otherwise, at least the ones we certify. Frequent dropping or spiking a helmet on the ground, or other hard surfaces may eventually degrade the helmet's performance. Similarly if the helmet falls to the ground at highway speeds unoccupied, the owner must be aware that some degradation may have occurred. In general, the real damage comes when the helmet contacts an object with a head inside. The Foundation recommends that if you are participating in an activity that requires that you wear a helmet, you avoid hitting stuff with your head. It can be difficult to readily determine if a helmet has been damaged, and the protective capabilities compromised without a thorough inspection by a trained professional. Some manufacturers may provide this service or direct you to these others that can perform these inspections. The Foundation recommends that if you suspect your helmet may be compromised, then replace it. If the helmet has been involved in an impact while in use, replace it.
"I dropped my helmet! Do I have to go buy a new one?"
Generally the answer is probably not. Helmets are one-use items, but are quite durable otherwise, at least the ones we certify. Frequent dropping or spiking a helmet on the ground, or other hard surfaces may eventually degrade the helmet's performance. Similarly if the helmet falls to the ground at highway speeds unoccupied, the owner must be aware that some degradation may have occurred. In general, the real damage comes when the helmet contacts an object with a head inside. The Foundation recommends that if you are participating in an activity that requires that you wear a helmet, you avoid hitting stuff with your head. It can be difficult to readily determine if a helmet has been damaged, and the protective capabilities compromised without a thorough inspection by a trained professional. Some manufacturers may provide this service or direct you to these others that can perform these inspections. The Foundation recommends that if you suspect your helmet may be compromised, then replace it. If the helmet has been involved in an impact while in use, replace it.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 800
Likes: 75
From:
Sorry, but you're somewhat mistaken. Yes the material absorbs the impact, but from the inside out. If there isn't something inside the helmet (such as your head) the material won't crush. The outer shell protects your head from major impacts and the inner shell/liner absorbs the impact in a linerar fashion so your brain isn't bruised from the impact. The small crack theory, however, is feasable.
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