How often should you replace your helmet? - Page 2 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

The Teach · 12-13-2006, 01:17 PM

You guys are talking about years and crashes, but I vaguely remember somewhere that if you drop it from a height of >3' (mirror height for those mirror helmet holders) that you'll develop "micro cracks". Supposedly, if impacted again in a crash they can spread and fracture the helmet leavin' your noggin' exposed.

Anyone know if this is true or not?

automogul · 12-13-2006, 02:32 PM

In my MSF class the instructor said that a fall from seat level or even from the height of you holding it at your side could damage it. If the helmet drops at all you should have it tested or replace it.

I also recall reading something (I think it was on my safety information attached to my Fulmer modular helmet) that said you should replace it every X number of riding seasons. How many was it? I can't remember off the top of my head, but it was something like 2 or 3. I'll have to double check. At most, I'd say you should keep it 3-5 years if you're out riding for each of those years.

Gixxerman · 12-15-2006, 02:53 AM

It's a big difference between plastic and fiberhelmets, nut.

And the difference between them is that plastic helmets can withstand several crashes, but sure it depends on how great the impact is. The plastic helmet makes your head bounce off the asphalt by the way, which isn't really good for the neck, nor the brain. The fiber helmets will crack at impact, and that's the whole point. You will absorb the impact - NOT just withstand it. That's why fiberhelmets should be replaced after just a minor fall, and that's why I never ever hang my helmet on the mirror, but put it safely on the ground.... like this.

Pooker · 12-15-2006, 08:10 AM

What type of helmet are we talking about?
Full face, three quarter, bennie???

I wear a full face helmet and I replace it every two years. I had one fall off my seat one day and replaced it, why take the chance.
Anything other that a full face "Never" needs to be replaced as it will not help you much if there is a crash.
These little bennie helmets are only an imitation of a real helmet so you can get away without wearing a real helmet. Why,......who knows, but you know who you are and soon so will everyone if your involved in a crash.

**Clint** · 12-15-2006, 11:50 AM

Good point. Replace those once, with a real helmet.

**87gsxrnut** · 12-15-2006, 04:11 PM

Quote:

It's a big difference between plastic and fiberhelmets, nut.

Really?? WOW! I never knew that!

- Nut

Gixxerman · 12-15-2006, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87gsxrnut

Really?? WOW! I never knew that!

- Nut

Crikey

Allrighty then =)

CruisingRam · 12-16-2006, 08:02 PM

No sanctioned racing venue in the US will allow a DOT sticker older than 5 years.

S83 · 12-16-2006, 09:48 PM

DOT stickers are dated?

**Clint** · 12-16-2006, 11:12 PM

I think it's SNELL.

Gixxerman · 12-17-2006, 11:11 AM

Schnell jah

jalaan1 · 12-18-2006, 09:41 PM

wow, good to know.

12-13-2006, 01:17 PM	#21 (permalink)
The Teach U.B's LoveChild Join Date: Aug 2005 Bike: Marble Blue and Black M50ZD; Copper '03 SV650S Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,270	You guys are talking about years and crashes, but I vaguely remember somewhere that if you drop it from a height of >3' (mirror height for those mirror helmet holders) that you'll develop "micro cracks". Supposedly, if impacted again in a crash they can spread and fracture the helmet leavin' your noggin' exposed. Anyone know if this is true or not? __________________ My Babies... uhh... err... bikes "When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." ~ Henny Youngman "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." ~ Benjamin Franklin

12-13-2006, 02:32 PM	#22 (permalink)
automogul In Training Join Date: Nov 2005 Bike: k6 C50 & K5 M50 Location: Holly Hill, SC Posts: 141	In my MSF class the instructor said that a fall from seat level or even from the height of you holding it at your side could damage it. If the helmet drops at all you should have it tested or replace it. I also recall reading something (I think it was on my safety information attached to my Fulmer modular helmet) that said you should replace it every X number of riding seasons. How many was it? I can't remember off the top of my head, but it was something like 2 or 3. I'll have to double check. At most, I'd say you should keep it 3-5 years if you're out riding for each of those years. __________________ My Bike - Black 2006 C50 - C50 & M50 Pictures Wife's Bike - Black 2005 M50 - C50 & M50 Pictures ------------------------------------------------ Teal 1966 Coupe Deluxe w/ Modified 302 - 1966 Pictures

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12-15-2006, 08:10 AM	#24 (permalink)
Pooker Newbie Join Date: Dec 2006 Bike: 06/Vulcan 900 Classic Location: Langton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 22	What type of helmet are we talking about? Full face, three quarter, bennie??? I wear a full face helmet and I replace it every two years. I had one fall off my seat one day and replaced it, why take the chance. Anything other that a full face "Never" needs to be replaced as it will not help you much if there is a crash. These little bennie helmets are only an imitation of a real helmet so you can get away without wearing a real helmet. Why,......who knows, but you know who you are and soon so will everyone if your involved in a crash.

12-16-2006, 08:02 PM	#28 (permalink)
CruisingRam Fender Buffer Join Date: Aug 2005 Bike: Several Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 411	No sanctioned racing venue in the US will allow a DOT sticker older than 5 years.

12-16-2006, 09:48 PM	#29 (permalink)
S83 Handlebar Consultant Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 613	DOT stickers are dated?

12-18-2006, 09:41 PM	#32 (permalink)
jalaan1 Where Am I ? Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: LI, NY Posts: 38	wow, good to know.

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