New helmet or just replace cheek pads?

[stuey2407]

I bought my Shoei GT Air just over 6 years ago when I passed my test. I mostly ride for pleasure when the weather is good but do ride all year round. I have also had a couple of long trips to Switzerland and around the UK.

I have noticed that the cheek pads are starting to crack on the underside which has prompted me to ask myself whether I should be thinking about replacing it. I know that guidelines say it should be replaced every 5 years although I also read comments suggesting this is not necessary.

There isn’t anything else wrong with the helmet that I can see and still smell fresh. I notice that Shoei sell replacement cheek pads so could just new pads just not sure if I should put the money towards a new one.

If I did get a replacement I would definitely consider another Shoei. When I bought the GT Air I tried everything on and the Shoei was by far the most comfortable. So maybe a new GT Air 2 or even the Neotec 2 as the flip might be useful.

How long do people generally keep their helmets for?

[Freddyfruitba...]

Shoei themselves recommend replacement after 5 years, and given that their cheekpads cost about £40 IIRC I think it would be a but mad to buy new ones for a 6-year-old helmet
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KC100->CB100N->CB250RS--------->DL650AL2->R1200RS->R1250RS

[Andy_Pagin]

^^This.
General rule of thumb for helmets is to replace them after about five years.
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the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[andys675]

replace

a full set of pads for a topline shoei or arai now top £100 for cheekpads and headliner
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Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.

[stuey2407]

Thanks for the responses. I think that’s answered my question.

Once the shops are open I will go try out the Gt Air 2 and Neotec 2. Still not sure if this time I should try a flip up. Also at the moment I have a GoPro mount on the chin of the helmet with sugru which is the perfect location. By the looks of the photos I don’t think this would be possible with the Neotec.

I have also noticed that sena do an comma unit that integrates nicely. Me and a mate have a interphone f5mc each which is great to keep in touch on longer trips. Might have to put mine on eBay and go for the sena unit.

[Confusion]

[Boxing]

[Kentol750]

There are many helmets than can be ridden 'flipped up'. I have a shoei neotec 2 which is based on gt air. Boxing, you obviously didn't listen on your CBT.

OP, I've not found many quieter than a gt air, I'd get it refurbed and enjoy the silence.
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Some bikes.