How often do you replace your helmet?

[Kradmelder]

Both my helmets close to 3 years old now. Common wisdom here is to replace at 5 years due our strong UV rays which destroys the liners in the helmet and hot dry climate, it dries them out. Im not referring to dropping, just normal liefspan.

But I ride everyday and if I work out the km, the helmets must have 70 000 km on them, so the average of 5 years for weekend warriors may be a bit long. I ride far more now than I ever used to, with the kids getting bigger and all. Far more of those km are on the off road peaked helmet than on the full face sports helmet, which I only use on long road trips without gravel (business mostly). The difference is the sports full face is much quieter at high speed.

Both starting to look a bit ratty.
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2011 KTM 990 Dakar
2009 BMW 1200 GS

[anthony_r6]

Whenever I drop it or have an off that results in me hitting the floor with my head. So every couple of months
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Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[Kradmelder]

[reed]

No where near as often as I should
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Generic XOR 50, Gilera SMT 50, GSXR 400 GK73A, Ducati Monster 600, Honda Hornet 600.
Sold. Stolen. Written off. Sold. Current.

[P.addy]

I just buy them when I think my old one is too battered.

[Walloper]

If not out of style/fashion I replace mine every 15 years or so.


Had an Arai for five years still good but hardly worn. If used day in day out then budget for 5 years if not too ratty looking/pongy.

For helmet pong wash it in the shower using hair shampoo dry it using a towel to soak up most of the water then let it air dry (near) a heat source. Not directly above a radiator as it can harm the polystyrene which is the most important part of the impact protection.

Helmets are designed to cover clatty heads which produce water vapour and oils so the liner will not be harmed by a bit of water or shampoo.

If just for a quick freshner then a light skoot of Febreez works a treat too. A light, quick spray (Flavour of your choice or whateva your mum has in the cupboard) let it dry off then enjoy.
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair

[t121anf]

when i break it by hitting it off the road with my head it in.

will be buying my third next year

[Kradmelder]

[Walloper]

[Joncrete Cungle]

Had my current lid since 2005. It doesn't look that tatty and while I have had it the lid has not impacted the floor with my heed in it nor fallen on the floor from any great height. So it will be fine for at least a couple more years imho.

[andyscooter]

whenever i decide i wants another

new one arrived today

bought the last in january this year

older one to that is in the loft

i have a full face an open face and a coptor type lid all the time to use

and three spares in the loft
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gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
if its spelt wrong its my fat fingers and daft auto correct on my tablet

[Vracktal]

I buy a new one every 4 years or so, unless I damage it noticeably (which hasn't happened yet, touch wood) Then I keep the old ones and if I have to carry a passenger they get the newest helmet and I wear one of my oldies.

When my current helmet expires though I might cut my current oldie in half and drop it a few times just to answer once and for all whether dropping them actually damages the poly cushioning layer....

[Ja7]

I normally have two lids, one for summer which has a tint screen, one for the winter, nose guard and fairly liquided visor to help with vision from rain and hot breath, probably change my winter one every two years, and summer one every four years

[Dazbo666]

Only been riding for ~7 years, and only on my 2nd lid.

First one was replaced when an up-and-over garage door fell on me
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[Kradmelder]

so it seems from what the rest of you say, it is almost lid replacement time and keep this one as a spare. Only my helmet is XL 62/63 size. Not many pillions have that size head. if they do, I dont want them on my bike

I also have a small helmet for pillions that my son or women can fit into it.
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2011 KTM 990 Dakar
2009 BMW 1200 GS

[Wave2k]

Ive had my Arai for about 7 years now.

Looks pretty good to me still, they probably just tell you these lies so you continue to buy more expensive overpriced helmets.

That being said, ive not dropped it or crashed in it.
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Ducati 1299 Panigale
2009 Corvette C6 z51
RS125->CBR400->RXS100->GSXR750K2->Ducati749S->CBR600RR5->TL1000R->DRz400->RSVR1000->Honda VTR SP1->CBR400->GSXR1000K6->Honda H100->CBR600RR3->Ducati1299

[TheSmiler]

[Kradmelder]

[pepperami]

I`m a week-end warrior and part time wannabe rider so my bash-hats last a very long time
As my bash-hat spends soooo much time in the garage out of the sun, uv-rays are not a problem.

Thank God I`m only a week-end warrior
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[haroman666]

Had an MX lid when I was on a ped (Don't tar me with that brush!!! I chose an MX lid because I use a similar style for mountain biking, so that's what I liked) and then when I changed to the CBR125, bought a proper visor lid. Had that lid now for 2 years and I don't intend to change it until it hits the floor.
Or i'll buy another one if I have some disposable money at any point.
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The mistresses: 2000 Honda CBR600f, 2000 Honda VTR1000

[TheSmiler]

[P.addy]

I care not for price or condition.

My £230 AGV cracked in half when I had a near fatal accident. At 30mph.

My £10 RZ helmet is still in service after sliding down the road with me at ~60mph.

[i.p.phrealy]

i'll replace mine when it's buggered, or when I have an off where I nut the ground.
especially as my lid is a 3xl, and nowhere locally even keeps one that size in stock.
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it is impossible to lick your own elbow...
and if you just tried you need professional help.
Finally allowed a big bike 19/03/14!

[Derivative]

There's a lot of talk about helmets wearing out due to age, however:

[Ariel Badger]

When my sponser tells me to.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.