Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be replaced
- Polokid69
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Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be replaced
Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be replaced
Current Bike:
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
- dufremle
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
Is that a question or did you forget to include a link?
Jim
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
- Polokid69
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
question ? Google has articles going both ways on issue
Current Bike:
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
- DarcShadow
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
I would say yes, it's needs to be replaced every so often. Is that magic number 5 years, probably not. I would guess you could likely use a helmet for several years more, but 5 years probably is a reasonable time with a sizable margin of safety.
I Refuse to Tiptoe Through Life...Only to Arrive Safely at Death.
Attack Life! It's gonna kill you anyway.
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Attack Life! It's gonna kill you anyway.
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- Polokid69
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
I saw some articles that said that was BS and that unless the helment has some sort of impact, it will not break down and that the helmet manufacturers are the ones pushing us to replace so I'd like to see something from someone that a study has been done independently.
Current Bike:
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
- stoney812
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
I've gotta agree with DarcShadow... they wear out eventually, and i'd say it'd be more of how many miles you have worn it rather than the age itself, especially if you are going to go 5 years from the manufacturer date. My helmet was manufactured nearly a year before I purchased it brand new, so I'm not going to base it's life off that date, nor would I say a helmet that has been worn 3 times a year should be replaced in the same amount of time that a helmet that gets worn on a daily basic should be replaced.
Jason
2017 Yamaha FZ-09, 2018 Honda CRF250L, 1997 Kawasaki KX125
2017 Yamaha FZ-09, 2018 Honda CRF250L, 1997 Kawasaki KX125
Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
My guess is the bulk of the push is helmet manufactures.
But yes, they do wear out. I replace mine based on fit, as they wear the fit starts to become loser, a lose helmet is bad juju. The materials also degrade (at what rate, I don't know but they do)
Also, how many years do you keep putting on the same sweaty sock before you decide enough is enough and get a new sock.
But yes, they do wear out. I replace mine based on fit, as they wear the fit starts to become loser, a lose helmet is bad juju. The materials also degrade (at what rate, I don't know but they do)
Also, how many years do you keep putting on the same sweaty sock before you decide enough is enough and get a new sock.
K1600
- DarcShadow
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
Until the hole is big enough the sock doesn't stay on my foot.fixxervi6 wrote:how many years do you keep putting on the same sweaty sock before you decide enough is enough and get a new sock.
I Refuse to Tiptoe Through Life...Only to Arrive Safely at Death.
Attack Life! It's gonna kill you anyway.
http://www.facebook.com/DSDecals
Attack Life! It's gonna kill you anyway.
http://www.facebook.com/DSDecals
- LonestarCBR
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
Wow, I agree 100% with every single post...all good points. Most importantly, as fixxer noted, if it starts to become loose, do something...replace the padding if your helmet allows for it, replace the helmet if it doesn't. If nothing else for riding enjoyment if not safety.
~ Terry
'12 Speed Triple 1050 ABS, '07 GSX-R750 (track)
Happiness isn't around the corner, it IS the corner.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it. EK
'12 Speed Triple 1050 ABS, '07 GSX-R750 (track)
Happiness isn't around the corner, it IS the corner.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it. EK
- LonestarCBR
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
Yep, and same for tighty whities.DarcShadow wrote:Until the hole is big enough the sock doesn't stay on my foot.fixxervi6 wrote:how many years do you keep putting on the same sweaty sock before you decide enough is enough and get a new sock.
~ Terry
'12 Speed Triple 1050 ABS, '07 GSX-R750 (track)
Happiness isn't around the corner, it IS the corner.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it. EK
'12 Speed Triple 1050 ABS, '07 GSX-R750 (track)
Happiness isn't around the corner, it IS the corner.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it. EK
- JTChiTown
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
Lol Terry.
Don't forget, plastics and styrofoams do degrade when exposed to chemicals and UV light. At some point, that will limit the impact absorption ability of a helmet. I think that the term limit is a factor of the Schnell rating. Honestly, am I gonna toss a helmet right at 5 years, no, but by then I'll probably be ready to upgrade anyways.
Don't forget, plastics and styrofoams do degrade when exposed to chemicals and UV light. At some point, that will limit the impact absorption ability of a helmet. I think that the term limit is a factor of the Schnell rating. Honestly, am I gonna toss a helmet right at 5 years, no, but by then I'll probably be ready to upgrade anyways.
Jeff
"Drive fast, attract Cops; Drive faster, attract Sponsors"
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- LonestarCBR
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
Agreed.
~ Terry
'12 Speed Triple 1050 ABS, '07 GSX-R750 (track)
Happiness isn't around the corner, it IS the corner.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it. EK
'12 Speed Triple 1050 ABS, '07 GSX-R750 (track)
Happiness isn't around the corner, it IS the corner.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it. EK
- Polokid69
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
it would be interesting to do some impact testing of a 5 year old helmet and say a 10 year old helmet to see what the results are.
Of course the testing would not involve human impacts, lol
Of course the testing would not involve human impacts, lol
Current Bike:
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
- shilka99
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
I have a 20 yr old Arai RX7 we could test. We need to find someone who can x-ray it after an impact.
Shaun in McKinney
RGV250|520SX/SMR|RSV4 Factory
RGV250|520SX/SMR|RSV4 Factory
Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
I dont' have an xray machine, and I don't know the stress limits for a DOT helmet
K1600
- DemonDuck
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
The thing for me is this. I usually buy at least one helmet a year just because I like the design or want to try a new one or whatever. I still wear all my old ones (other than the one that I wrecked in) and ones that don't fit well anymore. I guess what I am saying is that I don't know many people that go 5 years without buying a new helmet anyway.
~Jeremiah~ AKA DemonDuck
Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
2012 BMW S1000RR Red/White
2000 SV650 Track bike
2008 Kawasaki ZX-14 - Sold
1982 Honda CB750K - Sold
Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
2012 BMW S1000RR Red/White
2000 SV650 Track bike
2008 Kawasaki ZX-14 - Sold
1982 Honda CB750K - Sold
- Polokid69
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
I've never owned a bike or a helmet for 5 years or more so moot point for me and I'm thinking helmet tech has advanced greatly in last 5 years, kevlar and all so not sure testing an old one would be fair. I do think that the helmet industry has little or no data on their claims that helmets break down over time. I could see the old helmets maybe breaking down but not the new ones.
Current Bike:
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
KTM RC390
Previous Bikes:
2007 Kawasaki ZZR600
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6
2000 Kawasaki Ninja EX250
1983 Kawasaki GPZ550
1980 Yamaha RD400
1978 Yamaha DT 125
1978 Yamaha YZ 125
1975 Yamaha DT 100
- DemonDuck
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
I am sure snell or dot has info on this type of stuff.
~Jeremiah~ AKA DemonDuck
Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
2012 BMW S1000RR Red/White
2000 SV650 Track bike
2008 Kawasaki ZX-14 - Sold
1982 Honda CB750K - Sold
Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
2012 BMW S1000RR Red/White
2000 SV650 Track bike
2008 Kawasaki ZX-14 - Sold
1982 Honda CB750K - Sold
- LonestarCBR
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
Hi, my name is Terry and I have a helmet buying problem.
~ Terry
'12 Speed Triple 1050 ABS, '07 GSX-R750 (track)
Happiness isn't around the corner, it IS the corner.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it. EK
'12 Speed Triple 1050 ABS, '07 GSX-R750 (track)
Happiness isn't around the corner, it IS the corner.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it. EK
- DemonDuck
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
I also have a helmet buying problem .... but I still use all of mine even the ones past 5 years old. But seeing as I cycle so many helmets none of them have a huge amount of use.
~Jeremiah~ AKA DemonDuck
Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
2012 BMW S1000RR Red/White
2000 SV650 Track bike
2008 Kawasaki ZX-14 - Sold
1982 Honda CB750K - Sold
Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
2012 BMW S1000RR Red/White
2000 SV650 Track bike
2008 Kawasaki ZX-14 - Sold
1982 Honda CB750K - Sold
- DarcShadow
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
*raises hand* I typically buy a new helmet when I buy a new bike, granted if I could get past the totaling a bike and helmet at the same time I might go longer between helmet purchases.DemonDuck wrote:I don't know many people that go 5 years without buying a new helmet anyway.
I Refuse to Tiptoe Through Life...Only to Arrive Safely at Death.
Attack Life! It's gonna kill you anyway.
http://www.facebook.com/DSDecals
Attack Life! It's gonna kill you anyway.
http://www.facebook.com/DSDecals
- DemonDuck
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
Yes but that is usually every 5 years right DS?
~Jeremiah~ AKA DemonDuck
Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
2012 BMW S1000RR Red/White
2000 SV650 Track bike
2008 Kawasaki ZX-14 - Sold
1982 Honda CB750K - Sold
Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
2012 BMW S1000RR Red/White
2000 SV650 Track bike
2008 Kawasaki ZX-14 - Sold
1982 Honda CB750K - Sold
- DarcShadow
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Re: Helmet Longevity : Myth or fact does it have to be repla
If I'm lucky.
I Refuse to Tiptoe Through Life...Only to Arrive Safely at Death.
Attack Life! It's gonna kill you anyway.
http://www.facebook.com/DSDecals
Attack Life! It's gonna kill you anyway.
http://www.facebook.com/DSDecals
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