Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Helment Life

I read earlier on someone's post, that helments only have a 5 year lifetime. Is that true? Why?

I've read that ozone depletion reduces the impact absorbing qualities of the plasti-foam liner in the ol' bucket. Don't know if that's really true, but, I drop mine sooner than that and always replace them after a big bonk on the tarmac.

That is what I have heard too. The styrofoam looses its integrity after time.

Soren

Beside that they get pretty ripe after a few years of Texas heat-no matter how often you clean them.

My last HJC symax lasted three years. Thats when my other half started yapping at me an I slung it across the yard. I have a KBC flip up now. So 3 years ....

I suppose the manufacturers can attempt to cut their liability exposure and perhaps insurance premiums by partially opting out on helmets aged 5+ plus years, so as not to be 'married' to their products forever. Note too the date of mfg. stamps common on modern helmets.

Probably the same reasons that child car seats "expire" after 5-years. What are those reasons, who knows, but I'm sure liability has a lot to do with it. Plus, things deteriorate and weaken over time with regular use.

I'm beginning to wonder about the lifespan of my HJC CL-Max. On the way to the Kootenay Raid I had to replace the face shield hinges, and this morning the chin bar release tab broke off. The heck with the padding, this thing is falling apart.

Apparently a replacement chinbar is $50. The open face helmet I want is around $80 (Vega NT200). Hmmmmmm...

I don't wear it, but I still have a 30 year old Bell that's crumbling away pretty good inside.

I found this link:
http://www.motorcycle.com/buyers-guide/buyers-guide-to-motorcycle-helmets-33366.html

partial quote:

"Did you know?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every 5 years, whether it bounces off the pavement or not! (And if it does ever bounce on the road, it should automatically be traded in.)

Shell Construction

A helmet’s shell is generally made from either a molded polycarbonate plastic or a fiber composite that can consist of fiberglass, Kevlar and/or carbon fiber. A polycarb shell is cheaper to produce, so this construction is usually found at the lower end of the price spectrum. A fiberglass/Kevlar/carbon shell results in lighter weight and is usually found in pricier name brands.

Inner Liner

The stuff that actually absorbs the hit to a crashed rider’s flying head is the expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner. Yes, it’s the same kind of stuff as in your well-used beer cooler. This part crushes as it absorbs energy from a hit and it doesn’t bounce back, so this is a big reason why you should always replace your lid after a crash." end quote

Really though, whether you're talking about a helmet or a child seat, no corner should be cut. If you have an older helmet, replace it...$500 for a new helmet (and some piece of mind) is much cheaper than a failure. Funeral costs are MUCH higher for you or your child.