do Helmets have an "expiry" date? | GTAMotorcycle.com

do Helmets have an "expiry" date?

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socially distorted

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I picked up an dual-purpose bike and have a MX style helmet from back in the day. Apart from being of that time period when manufacturers thought neon pink was a cool colour to splash onto bikes and helmets, the helmet is in excellent condition. Its made by FOX and is DOT and Snell. I look inside indicated that it was made in 1992!! I bought it used way back when i had a dual purpose before and I have never dropped or crashed it but i dont know about previous owner. Is it OK to wear [i will be using the bike for both on and off road] or should i invest in a new one. I have 2 newer Joe Rocket full face helmets for my street bike and could wear one of those, but i have a feeling I'll look like a tool with a full face with wild graphics ripping around on a dual purpose that sounds like a lawn mower..... any thoughts?:confused:
 
I don't think there is a law but if the appropriate stickers are in place it should meet the legal criteria. HOWEVER plastics age and most of the helmet is plastic so it will not protect your head like a newer one.
You might look like a fool with your newer helmet but your chances of becoming one are way less.
 
Shoei helmets have a shelf life of five years. I dont know if this number is manufacturer specific but its a good guide to go by. If you want an good looking helmet for the street or dual purpose check out the new Icon Variant. Dont worry about looking like a tool, this is the T Dot, tool capital of the universe, besides a tool would never ask a helmet safety question, a tool would be riding around with half a watermelon shell on his head without a care in the world, lol :)
 
New helmet time... You can get lots of MX helmets with no graphics at all.
Not only is this helmet 20 years old, but you don't even know the use of the helmet before you had it and that's a big no no. NEVER buy a used helmet.
 
The widely accepted lifespan of a helmet is 5 years. After that, you gotta worry about material degradation
 
technology changes a lot in 20 years. time for a new helmet.
 
socially distorted said:
Thanks for the advice ... I've ordered a new one and am chucking the old one ...
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and when you get it, open the user manual( yes,there's one!) It'll say ,you gotta replace it every 5 years..
 
rmemedic said:
NEVER buy a used helmet.
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I thought that worth repeating!

I commute to work daily from April to November, plus all the other rides I get in. After about two years, even with regular cleanings, my helmets get a bit icky. I don't want to think about wearing other peoples "ick".

As per my schedule above, I'm due for a new helmet this year!!!
 
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