helmet life

[Vic]

My Bell Moto 6 owners manual says that a helmet's useful service life is five years, after which it should be replaced. The shell of a helmet is essentially the same composition as the hull of a fiberglass boat. Boats last a lot longer than five years and are faced with a more hostile environment than a helmet(assuming no major head thumpings). Is Bell just trying to sell me new helmet?:think

 

[Okiewan]

pretty sure it has more to do with the internal padding breaking down.

 

[Vic]

I've heard that they can be refurbished after a crash. I assume that means replacing the foam. Has anyone had this done? How much does it cost?

 

[KawieKX125]

You are dealing with THE most important part of your protection and your body. I would take no compromises. After only 2 hard crashes and one year of use, the shell of my Shoei VFX-R is fracturing and the foam is compressed. I have stopped using it.
Just don't comprimise your head, get a good helmet and replace it when it is even questionable.
Just my opinion though.

 

[Farmer John]

Originally posted by Okiewan
pretty sure it has more to do with the internal padding breaking down.

That is what it is all about.

I once asked Bruce Porter of Arai about replacing the styrofoam & liner in a helmet where the shell is still good. His response was why bother, until you get the right internals you have probably spent as much as a new helmet.

The glass of a boat and the glass of a helmet are not the same. The glass for a boat is designed to be rigid, while the glass for a helmet is designed to absorb an impact. Different matting, different resins, and in many cases (Bieffe built Bell moto 6 ieg) there is layer of kevlar as well.

Your Moto 6 has done it's job. It has treated you well. Retire it with honor. If you feel that you must continue to use it, make it into a lamp. :)

 

[KDX220rm]

Vic,

I know that's a hard choice to make, but the choice between being a vegatable the rest of your life or depending upon your helmet saving you would make me want to get new one.

In those years you have had it, how many times has it been dropped on the ground or saved your head in a fall?

 

[Vic]

I have no problem getting a new one, I was really just wondering if it was really necessary.

It's taken two moderate impacts and never been dropped on the ground.

So, is it a time thing, a use thing, an impact thing or all of the above? If I had a helmet that was made five years ago, but has never been used, would it be junk?

I'm not trying to be a PITA (really), I'm just curious.:)

 

[Farmer John]

Originally posted by Vic
So, is it a time thing, a use thing, an impact thing or all of the above? If I had a helmet that was made five years ago, but has never been used, would it be junk?

I'm not trying to be a PITA (really), I'm just curious.:)

It's a combination of all 3. I you had a brand new 5 year old helmet, never been worn, setting in your closet, go ahead & wear it.
On of the things that wears a helmet out is bacteria from the human body. The bacteria breaks down the styrofoam's ability to absorb the energy of an impact.

Your not being a PITA, Vic. I have spent 15 years working in 4 different motorcycle shops, I spent 2 years working for Bieffe (when they were located in San Jose) & I worked at the Snell foundation in Sacramento for about 18 months I have heard all kinds of misinformation about helmet use & care.

If you have more questions, Vic, send me a PM.

 

[Vic]

Thanks.:)

 

[JTT]

Farmer John, I would have loved to have heard your input on a recent thread exclaiming the virtues of football helmets over motorcycle helmets :p

 

[KDX220rm]

No problem Vic. As you probably remember from this summer, Cobrakid obtained a serious head injury (coma 2 weeks) while practicing on a mx track. He had a HJC CLX-2 helmet. The helmet saved his life and even though someone said the helmet was still safe, I would not be caught wearing it. His helmet and head took a direct blow to the ground.

I really like my HJC ACX-1 helmet. Its light weight (kevlar and fiberglass) and you can get one for around $190.00.