err on the side of caution you only get one head and there aint no transplants
When to replace helmets?
- Thread starter t'other dave
- Start date
t'other dave
Registered user
Cheers for replys guys, the fit on my old lid is still spot on but £70 off offer at J & S I couldn't resist I've treated myself to a new one.
I have just had a new helmet delivered and the date stamp is 12/22
So it’s 18 months old already and I have just purchased it ?
Is that important?
So it’s 18 months old already and I have just purchased it ?
Is that important?
Some experts say it is, some say it isn't.
my new Shoei is stamped as May 23 made but the paperwork gives warranty etc from purchase date
Myke Rocks
Registered user
Many years ago, many many years ago, Motorcycle Screws Did Destructive tests on a range of helmets from all manufacturers, both new and used. Some over 20 years old. They also did the same tests on helmets that had already been in major accidents. All passed the current standards then in force.
Result: Helmet manufacturers withdrew all advertising from the Screws for best part of a year.
Alternatively:
40 years ago a young lad in a company I was sub contracting to cam in with his newly painted helmet. It was made out of Polycarbonate.
(Helmets are generally no longer made out of this material- because of degradation problems)
I told him that the helmet was no longer safe because the polycarbonate was degraded by the paint. He told me I was talking out of my arse. A fortnight later, helmet rolled off a shelf and split open like a banana.
Result: Helmet manufacturers withdrew all advertising from the Screws for best part of a year.
Alternatively:
40 years ago a young lad in a company I was sub contracting to cam in with his newly painted helmet. It was made out of Polycarbonate.
(Helmets are generally no longer made out of this material- because of degradation problems)
I told him that the helmet was no longer safe because the polycarbonate was degraded by the paint. He told me I was talking out of my arse. A fortnight later, helmet rolled off a shelf and split open like a banana.
Kind of
I was surprised that it was 18 months old and delivered new from a major uk retailer
Being honest
With an Arair or Shoei i would be surprised if it left the factory wharehouse within 6 months of being made - then it has to get here from Japan then get to a retailer, who are probably contracted to stock quite alot, and sit around (as people only swap their helmets every 5 years or so
) and £500 helmets dont necessarily fly off the shelves so 18 months old since made is not unreasonable IMO and as said i think the clock starts running once its boughtManufactures will always give a time limit. One to ensure there are new sales, and their own get out of jail card. Not our fault, its over 5 years old !
I get thatBeing honest
With an Arair or Shoei i would be surprised if it left the factory wharehouse within 6 months of being made - then it has to get here from Japan then get to a retailer, who are probably contracted to stock quite alot, and sit around (as people only swap their helmets every 5 years or so
But if ordered something from Japan today, it would be here by next Monday
However I do get the supply chain variants
And i daresay with japanese efficiency at the Arai factory they would take the oldest helmet they had on the shelf and post it to you for monday - 6 months old
I change my Arai every five years, it’s pretty knackered by then, the plastics get brittle and despite removing and washing the liners they get manky too. Personal choice.
Not unless it was on display in a south facing shop window for 18 months before it was delivered to you in a nice new shiny box;
It’s not just UV. The plastics/foams/liners will suffer oxidative damage too. Unless you’re planning to seal it in a bag of inert gas when you’re not using it, it’s ageing, just sitting on the shelf.
And some pollutants may have an effect too.
And this will be quicker when it’s warm, so Barnsley & Dunfermline are likely less bad than Nice or Delhi.
(Though the pollution in Delhi…)
And some pollutants may have an effect too.
And this will be quicker when it’s warm, so Barnsley & Dunfermline are likely less bad than Nice or Delhi.
(Though the pollution in Delhi…)
Pootler
Registered user
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When it doesn't fit anymore. I have kept lids going for 8 years but eventually the foam compacted and they became a loose fit so its time to go. One of the other limiting factors is the availability of spares, I had a Shoei that needed 3 top vents and 2 visors and eventually they were not available so speeded the decision to change. There may be a case for buying some spare fittings early just to ensure a longer lid life.
You sound just like my missus, she asks my advice then does what she wants to anyway
Always nice to have a new lid, especially if it's at a decent price. Look at it this way, you'd probably change it in the next couple of years anyway and doing it now saves you money so a win win. (This is a variant of man maths)
I generally do the same and buy a new helmet when they're on offer usually at the end of the season when the online stores are looking to get rid of this years stock ready for the new designs and colours etc.
18 months old? That’s nothing.
Last week I took delivery of a ‘new’ Shoei GTAir 2 with a manufactured date of August 2019, so coming up to 5 years old.
Needless to say I returned it.
Last week I took delivery of a ‘new’ Shoei GTAir 2 with a manufactured date of August 2019, so coming up to 5 years old.
Needless to say I returned it.
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