Helmet Help

That is a beauty of a helmet, Jacob. But, yes, I'd strongly recommend that you bite the bullet and toss it out and invest in a new one. The material that makes the helmets protective degrades over time and it's just not worth chancing your noggin with an old helmet.

I know it'll pain you to throw it away--I've been there myself--but you could always make a little farewell ceremony out of it. I have a friend with whom I ride on occasion and she had an old helmet that was starting to fall apart. When I asked her how old it was she hemmed and hawed a bit and said, well, at least 10 years old. We all know what that means! I actually insisted on giving her a helmet (she's a good friend!) so that she would part with that one and not ride around with a hunk of junk on her head. The thing is, she had a sentimental attachment to it since she'd worn it on a big motorcycle trip with her ex-husband and had many good memories. So I acknowledged the importance of that, led her out to our trash bin, pulled out my iPhone and took a photo of the helmet and then one with her holding the helmet, and convinced her that she could relive her memories through pictures. And then she tossed that expensive but well-past-its-prime Arai in the trash.

 

You only really need a helmet once and by that stage, you'll be hoping that it's doing it's job.
Throw it and get another asap sir!

 

Good looking pot plant holder Joseph, max 10 years, less if you leave in the sun when not riding

 

Treat yourself with a new helmet and keep that one on a shelf.
I'm also a user of Shark helmets. Tried others but always end buying another Shark.

 

@ Joseph Limnios: As Sandi T posted, you should invest in a new helmet as soon as possible. It is for your own safety!!! I myself change my helmets every 3 - 5 years due to the subsiding of the helmet-structure.

 

To a certain extent I disagree with the above. However, I prefer to be driven by evidence rather that possibly’s, maybe’s and potentially fake science wrapped up with a “Safety” label. Overall though, the advice from helmet manufacturers is that you should replace them every three to five years but in the word’s of Mandy Rice-Davies: “Well, they would say that wouldn’t they?” And scientific papers back this up. However, no specific time limit or maximum UV exposure limit is stated in this research, only that there is a direct correlation between UV exposure and degradation on the helmets they tested (in Vietnam). Not surprisingly, helmet manufacturers have been aware of this for decades. So they have been compelled to build products that are not harmed by exposure to the sun, rain, dust, vibration, sweat, or producers applied to the skin or hair. The outer shell will contain stabilisers and UV blockers to mitigate against UV damage. So how long will a helmet last? I really can’t tell you. But I can tell you UV damage will be seen by discolouration of the outer layers. So what it your helmet’s history? Also bear in mind that helmet technology has moved on a fair bit over recent years. Overall it’s NOT a definite “replace” from me but more of a “maybe” or “probably”.

I’ll suggest the black stuff is the liner edges breaking down. Spare liners might be available. Failing that you could try using leather repair gel to fix it, but I’m not that hopeful but it’s cheap enough to give it a try.

 

I wouldn't change a helmet after 5 years unless i'd bashed it. I would however change it after 20 years. Bought a new arai last year and the visor fit, noise reduction and ventilation has come on leaps and bounds. My old helmet sits on a shelf in the garage giving me a knowing smile of cadwell park, oulton, donnington and a few mad sundays.....

whats the saying?.......'if you have a £50 head buy a £50 helmet'!

 

Shark Spartan Carbon
Around £230-£330 depending on style

Has the two visors, very light, comfortable and has the pinlock screen for anti misting

 

Definitely replace it, whilst there may not be any evidence of UV discolouration on the outside the inner foam will have degraded, as you have found with the base and part inside the helmet in front of your mouth.

Rather than simply throwing the old helmet away when I have an old helmet that is in need of replacement I take it to my local fire station where they are pleased to have it and use it for first aid/road accident training.

 

Definitely replace it, whilst there may not be any evidence of UV discolouration on the outside the inner foam will have degraded, as you have found with the base and part inside the helmet in front of your mouth.

Rather than simply throwing the old helmet away when I have an old helmet that is in need of replacement I take it to my local fire station where they are pleased to have it and use it for first aid/road accident training.

 

My understanding of inner foam cores is that they do not deteriorate with time. They also do not “de-gas”. The products used in their construction are very stable and chosen for their durability. The outer shell, liner and strap/faster are the parts that will deteriorate over time. The non-replaceable component is the outer shell that is bonded to the inner foam core. The other parts may not replaceable due to the amount of time elapsed since this particular helmet was manufactured.

 

These are my helmets:




Two mid-range helmets. I use the Shark helmet for shorter, local trips and the AGV for longer trips and poorer weather. If I had to have one I’d have the AGV because it’s more comfortable, lighter, quieter and more aerodynamic. Both live in their bags/covers and neither are not exposed to excessive UV if for no other reason than I live near Newcastle. A summer’s day is when the temperature gets into double figures.

 

Helmets keep improving, aerodynamics, noise, ventilation and SAFETY. Stronger, lighter, better. My latest has the MIPS system which reduces the chance of neck injury. I don't find the thought of being paralyzed for life particularly appealing. The price was knocked down 60% since the tasteful graphics didn't include skulls, ghouls and other crap that appeals to younger riders.

 

motorcycling is inherently dangerous. What we do therefore is whatever we can to mitigate risk.

Will you wear an old helmet but brand new protective clothing?

Will you have top of the range gear but never check your tyre pressures or brake fluid?

We all mitigate the risks however we feel comfortable.

Personally I mitigate the ones I can.

 

Great idea to donate old helmets to use for training, @Samsgrandad Thanks for sharing that idea.

 

I've had primarily Bell, Schuberth, and Shoei helmets. This new(er) Shoei model is my favorite and is not cheap but neither is it expensive at $400. It is similar to Shoei's RF-1200 but with a few less bells & whistles and designed for a more upright riding position (cruisers, touring bikes, standards).

 

I would say that a visit to the local shops and try some on.