Helmet Help

Discussion in 'Clothing & Gadgets' started by Joseph Limnios, Mar 2, 2021.

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  1. Joseph Limnios

    Joseph Limnios New Member

    Feb 27, 2021
    16
    3
    Quebec
    I’ll try to keep it short. I haven’t owned a bike in 16 years, in two days I’m awaiting delivery of a 2014 Triumph Street Triple. I have a Shark helmet that I still like and is comfortable with two visors and in mint condition. It is almost 20 years old. I’m not one for “safety concerns “, where they say helmets should be replaced every 5 years or so.
    However, the black lining on the bottom of the helmet and the lining that would be right in front of my mouth is very dry and every time I touch it , it leaves a black residue on my hand or any surface it touches. I cleaned it with rubbing Alcohol and Vaseline, feels better but still leaves residue. What can I or should I do ? Should I just invest in a new helmet and toss this beauty out ?
    F4CD6B8A-5FE5-4AAD-B693-431FDCA9E461.jpeg 620B9D96-0D34-4BA0-8679-832574FE5563.jpeg
     
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  2. Sandi T

    Sandi T It's ride o'clock somewhere!
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    Dec 3, 2018
    21,606
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    Tucson Arizona
    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. ;):joy: 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. :p
     
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  3. Ducatitotriumph

    Ducatitotriumph Crème de la Crème

    Apr 25, 2019
    2,181
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    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!
     
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  4. Dartplayer

    Dartplayer Crème de la Crème

    Aug 8, 2018
    6,912
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    Good looking pot plant holder Joseph, max 10 years, :poop: less if you leave in the sun when not riding:sun:
     
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  5. Hubaxe

    Hubaxe Good moaning! aka Mr Wordsalad :)

    Mar 25, 2020
    1,692
    800
    Aix Les bains - French Alps
    #5 Hubaxe, Mar 2, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2021
    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.
     
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  6. Markus

    Markus Crème de la Crème
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    Oct 28, 2020
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    @ 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.
     
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  7. Trevor Austin

    Trevor Austin Well-Known Member

    Aug 29, 2020
    162
    83
    Northumberland
    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.
     
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  8. pistonbroke

    pistonbroke Senior Member

    Aug 10, 2020
    592
    243
    Lancashire
    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'! :cool:
     
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  9. Joseph Limnios

    Joseph Limnios New Member

    Feb 27, 2021
    16
    3
    Quebec
    When I was younger I never had a helmet that was under $500-600. Now, being slightly older and with more responsibilities and bills to pay.............I’ve found good new helmets in the $150-200 range. What are people riding with nowadays ? I ride 5 months of the year and usually around town, not a long distance rider.
     
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  10. Red Thunder

    Red Thunder Crème de la Crème

    Dec 2, 2014
    2,035
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    High Wycombe
    Shark Spartan Carbon
    Around £230-£330 depending on style

    Has the two visors, very light, comfortable and has the pinlock screen for anti misting
    [​IMG]
     
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  11. Samsgrandad

    Samsgrandad Senior Member

    Dec 15, 2019
    496
    213
    Somerset
    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.
     
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  12. Samsgrandad

    Samsgrandad Senior Member

    Dec 15, 2019
    496
    213
    Somerset
    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.
     
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  13. Trevor Austin

    Trevor Austin Well-Known Member

    Aug 29, 2020
    162
    83
    Northumberland
    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.
     
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  14. Trevor Austin

    Trevor Austin Well-Known Member

    Aug 29, 2020
    162
    83
    Northumberland
    These are my helmets:
    upload_2021-3-2_13-14-42.jpg
    upload_2021-3-2_13-17-26.jpg


    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.
     
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  15. Old dumb arse

    Old dumb arse Noble Member

    Mar 28, 2020
    909
    443
    KS
    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.
     
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  16. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    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.
     
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  17. Sandi T

    Sandi T It's ride o'clock somewhere!
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    Dec 3, 2018
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    Great idea to donate old helmets to use for training, @Samsgrandad Thanks for sharing that idea. :)
     
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  18. Sandi T

    Sandi T It's ride o'clock somewhere!
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    Dec 3, 2018
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    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).

    Screen Shot 2021-03-02 at 8.24.17 AM.png
     
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  19. Joseph Limnios

    Joseph Limnios New Member

    Feb 27, 2021
    16
    3
    Quebec
    For example a Bell Qualifier is $150, then there’s the Qualifier MIPS $350 and some Race model at $950. I’m obviously leaning towards the $150 helmet because of priorities in life and because 2-3 grams of weight won’t make a difference on my large head. Do I really need to approach the $400 mark to get a decent helmet ?
     
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  20. darkman

    darkman Crème de la Crème

    Oct 26, 2015
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    I would say that a visit to the local shops and try some on.
     
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