I read recently here that you need to purchase a new helmet every four years. I like my old ones, but do wear one for safety.

How old? Is this true? Best buys if necessary? Other thoughts?

Thanks

Spider yes it is a true statement . Hair oil skin oil ,dropping your helmet makes them less likely to protect your head in the event you have an accident. I personally do not replace my helment unless I see a nicer one than the one I have. I live in Pa where helmets are not Mandatory but still choose to protect what little brain matter I still have.

Same here, I live in PA also, but I wear a helmet. Its the other guy you have to watch out for :yikes

Yeah, I have a couple of different skid lids. Thinking about getting a full face Shoei . It's just that here in Texas it's just too damned hot for them most of the year.

Always rode with a brain bucket, always will.

the senate here in michigan has passed a bill repealing the helmet law...still needs to be approved by both houses. i'll probably still wear a helmet anyway. question though....for those in helmet optional states, what's your insurance rates like?

Even if the Michigan House passes the Helmet Law repeal, Princess Granholm will veto. It is all right by me since I wear will a helmet either way. I just do not think it is the governments job to protect me from myself.

With the insurance, the helmet law wasnt in question, but if I had a Motorcycle safety course. The MSF course lowered my insurance.

the senate here in michigan has passed a bill repealing the helmet law...still needs to be approved by both houses. i'll probably still wear a helmet anyway. question though....for those in helmet optional states, what's your insurance rates like?

$185.00 per year for insurance in S.C. for my '04 XL1200C

$185 per year for my 1200r 04 :clap

Ok, but what about my old ones? They look good, not crack or big dings, but I am curious if they are still functionally safe. How is a guy to know?
Spider10

Ok, but what about my old ones? They look good, not crack or big dings, but I am curious if they are still functionally safe. How is a guy to know?
Spider10

Spider, here's some info that may help with your concerns........I got it from here (http://www.cskk.ezoshosting.com/cs/moto/helmets/what-to-know.html)

Why replace a helmet every few years if it doesn't appear damaged? Its protective qualities may deteriorate over time. The interior padding compresses, offering less protection. The chin strap may fray or loosen at its attaching points. And the shell may be chipped or banged. Probably the best reason, however, is the constant improvements in design and protective qualities of helmets. Chances are the helmet you buy in a couple of years will be better than the one you have now - even if the cost is about the same.

Since 1974, all helmet manufacturers must stamp the month and date of production on the helmet's chin strap. If you can't remember when you bought your present helmet, just check the strap. If there's no date at all, you definitely should replace your helmet now.

Just replaced my skid lid after 34yrs have now got a full face and open face,cost a packet.

Grayfeather.

PS thanks Xena

I pay $143.00/yr in South Texas where helmets are not mandatory for those over 21, have MSF, and health insurance. I just moved here from Nevada, where helmets are mandatory. My insurance there was $118.00/yr, but I pay more for auto insurance here to, which leads me to believe that the helmet thing has little effect on my bike insurance going up.

Helmets are mandatory here, but you guys are on easy street with the insurance. My bike costs 700.00 :cry1 something for full coverage. (I paid it in full for the year so I forget the exact figure) We have pre-set rates here. Sucks big time so consider yourselves lucky as hell.
Oh yeah, and I"ve had the MC license since 1980 and have a crystal clear driving record and my ins. coverage still is a rip job.

Sorry to stray OT on you Spider.

Man, I dont feel so bad now, Mine is 300.00 a year, but I guess that depends on the coverage you have. I could go with less coverage, and it would drop the price.

Helmets are mandatory here, but you guys are on easy street with the insurance. My bike costs 700.00 :cry1 something for full coverage. (I paid it in full for the year so I forget the exact figure) We have pre-set rates here. Sucks big time so consider yourselves lucky as hell.
Oh yeah, and I"ve had the MC license since 1980 and have a crystal clear driving record and my ins. coverage still is a rip job.

Sorry to stray OT on you Spider.

Here's a little article a friend of mine did on helmet fitment and care...in the Other Notes, she addresses replacement time periods:

Guidelines for getting the best fit in a full-face helmet.
There is much to be said about going into a Motorcycle shop and physically trying on the helmet you are considering. Even if you plan on buying online, knowing what size you need will save much time and aggravation. Cheaper is not cheaper if you must exchange by mail repeatedly, or end up with a helmet that doesn't really fit well, or worse, hurts to wear after 30 minutes.

Correct fit is critical to getting optimum protection from your helmet.

NOTE: I did not devise this fit guide. I was taught it when I worked in the apparel department of an MC shop, by a lady who'd been fitting helmets for over 20 years. I have tweaked it in an effort to make it understandable in print.

1. Do NOT look at prices first. Fit is most important. If Arai (generally the most expensive) fits, then that will provide the BEST protection, if an HJC (generally a less expensive make) fits, then THAT will provide the best protection. For this â "fit test" do not buckle the helmet. If you wear glasses, or sunglasses while riding, don't forget to bring them along for the fit test. Note: At a helmet seminar offered by Arai, those in attendance learned that about 60% were wearing helmets too BIG for best protection. Recently, I learned that I've evidently been wearing a helmet TWO sizes too big, while shopping to replace my "crashed in" Arai helmet. For fit-trying helmets, a 'doo-rag' or Sliks helmet liner, etc. is VERY helpful, especially if you've got multiple piercings or thick hair, etc.

2. Choose a size that looks close (you gotta start somewhere). Pull it on over your head by holding the straps. It should go on with a bit of work, but NOT so tough it feels like your ears are being scraped off your skull. If it goes on with no effort, try the next size DOWN. Tilting your chin slightly down should ease neck strain in doing this. Overheard on "Two Wheel Tuesday" on the Speed Channel, the Arai rep said, "I know I've got it right when the first words out of someone's mouth after putting an Arai on for the first time are, "Damn, that's tight." "

3. Flip up the face shield. (If trying a helmet with flip up chin bar, ONLY flip up the face shield.) Now, move the helmet around on your head. Have someone watch your face or look in a mirror while you do this. Your scalp and eyebrows should move around with the helmet padding. If it doesn't, try the next size down OR a different make of helmet and repeat from #2. If your scalp does move, close your eyes and think about how the padding feels around the crown of your head. You should feel EVEN pressure all around, like a good firm handshake - no "hot points" at forehead or ears. Some helmets give a sort of "chipmunk cheek" feeling. Remember, the padding will compress with wear, so snugness is good in a new helmet rather than a "just right" fit, or it may become too loose with wear. Some helmet manufacturers offer thinner cheek padding if this is your main concern. (If you feel a hot point at forehead, you probably have an "oval profile" head and should try one of the Arai models.)

4. Now tilt your chin down to your chest (still unbuckled), then take one hand and push UP on the bottom of the back of the helmet. You should NOT be able to push the helmet off, or even nearly off. If you can, then try another make helmet - "flip face" helmets are more likely to fail this step, which should not be disregarded. (If the chin strap fails, or you forget to buckle... )

5. Once you've gotten to this point, wear the helmet around the shop for at LEAST 5 to 10 minutes. This is where using a full service shop is worth it. They should encourage you to wear the helmet for some time before buying. You don't want to find out after you plunk down $$, that the helmet you thought fit is agony to wear for more than 30 minutes. If you are indecisive about two different helmets, make sure you WEAR the 'most likely candidate' last, before purchase. If this is it. Buy it. with the box and enclosures if possible. THEN, take the new helmet home and wear it while watching TV or 'surfing the net' for an hour or two... it can be tough to really get used to the fit, when somebody is staring at you (don't think about pink elephants right now), so wearing it while distracted is probably the best way to make sure the fit is right. If you have fit "issues" after this last at home test, RETURN the helmet. A reputable shop should have no issues with this.

Other NOTES:
A) Helmets should be retired/replaced EVERY five years, or at a maximum of seven years from date of manufacture (month/year usually imprinted on chinstrap or on label inside). When buying a 'clearance' helmet, the low price is often because the helmet is already 2-3 years old. No way to tell how well or poorly a helmet has been stored. One reason ARAI no longer allows ANY retail helmet sales online, or by discounters. Arai now insists that their helmets be FIT to the wearer. This must be done in an authorized shop.
B) No matter how well taken care of, a helmet that has been dropped should be replaced. A helmet that has been in a crash MUST be replaced, for your safety (your insurer may cover replacement of your helmet and/or other safety gear).
C) Always make sure you have a clear face shield (visor) available for your helmet. Carry one in your tankbag, in case you get caught out later than expected or there's a weather change. It is dangerous to ride in low-light conditions with even the lightest tint visor.
D) NEVERNEVERNEVER use paper products like paper towels or tissues to clean your visor. The wood fibers will create microscratches. Use a soft flannel auto detailing rag instead. Rain X and Windex contain amonia which will yellow the plastic AND make it brittle over time DO NOT USE THEM.

so kath, I guess your telling me I sould stop using my dads half helmet that he wore in the 60s ;)

can I still use my old army helmet , its made of steel and hasn't been through any accidents


I know , your being serious here , and thats a good thing. but I still won't ware a helmet , go ahead if ya want to , I'll never tell ya not to

Well, that depends, darlin.....how did ya get your forum id name? ;)

Thanks Kath and Xena for the information. I had some of the same questions as Spider had about helmets. Along the similar lines, I had a couple of other questions as well. First, when I bought my helmet, they had to pull out a extra-small. They put it on my head and told me to shake my head side to side; if it moved, it was too big. It didn't, so they said it fit me. However, when I ride, the wind still catches up under it, and it feels like it's gonna rip right off my head. It's a half helmet (although with my small noggin, it comes way down). Is this typical? Also, when I first got it, after we'd ride about 30 minutes, I'd get the worst fricking headache along my temples and forehead. It would be unbearable. I ended up "altering" the helmet, which I know is a huge no-no, on a trip one time by literally shaving a little off the inside of the foam on the forhead and temples. It's much better, but I know it's not as safe. I'm currently shopping for a new one. Planning on looking at the CL-33 that you use Kath, or a Shoei that Xena has recommended, but I wanted to make sure I knew how it was supposed to fit (I don't want to trust the helmet shop again). So, with that said, how did yours feel when you first tried it, and do you ever get the pain on the forehead and temples that I'm talking about? Any suggestions for accommodating hair and do-rags?

Also, one more (sorry), here in Texas, in the summer, a helmet is virtually unbearable due to the heat, so that's why I like the half helmets. However, I am finding a hard Snell approved half helmet (I'm assuming they don't approve). Any ideas on where else to look for those? Alternatively, since I also like face shields, Kath, how does your helmet feel during the summer? I love the look of the CL-33, but I'm afraid my head will shrink even more if I wear that in this Texas heat. Does that helmet retain a lot of heat? Thanks in advance! I think I'm done now. :D

I don't have any trouble getting too hot in my CL-33. It has several vents...on the top and on the sides. I don't pull the visor down when its warm either....so I get lots of air on my face. I bought a small. It felt rather snug when I bought it but not to the point of giving me a headache at all. I'm glad I got a snugger one too because after a year it has apparently conformed to my head and isn't AS snug as it was in the beginnering. It fits me really well and is very comfortable.

I won't wear a half helmet...I feel like they make my head look like I have a mushroom on top LOL, but I've also heard about the wind thing with them....I don't think you can get a half helmet tight enough so that the wind doesn't catch it. To me, it just doesn't have enough surrounding your head to hold it in place right.

If your helmet is giving you a headache, than I think its too tight. Yeah, altering it is a no no, but then you already know that ;) Helmet sizes vary from brand to brand too, so try a different brand in an XS or S and see if you just find a better fitting brand for you!

Great info, Kath! Thanks for taking the time to fill me in!! :tour

You know the biggest help against getting too hot is drinking a lot...it will keep you feeling cooler. Get yourself one of these and keep a frozen bottle of water in it. As you ride, the ice will melt enough for you to drink whenever you stop at a light or something. I have one and LOVE it. Its the best $22 I've spent on my bike so far ;)

http://www.barefootwillies.com/beverage.html

Bon,

I wear a half-helmet and yes sometimes the wind does catch up under it and make it feel like it's pulling. It isn't actually going anywahere but I do feel the pull.

However, I have a HD helmet with a leather "collar" that zips arounf the back of the helmet for keeping your ears warm. When I have this on, the pulling feeling doesn't occur. I mention this just because it may confirm your thoughts that it is a "half helmet thing."

This is the one I have (got a $100 off with bike purchase): http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444207456 5&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302285955&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302285955&bmUID=1111437475659&bmLocale=en_US

On a side note, my buddy at work wears a full face Shoei with vents all over it and he says it works well.

Wow. Thanks for the info. I guess the helmet I have in the garage that I bought with my first bike (Honda 90 Scrambler) in 1966 is out of the question. Ouch. My full face is at least 8 and the regular helmet is 15. We used to get these things free with a new bike. With HD (hundreds of dollars) nothing is free. Still gotta love it!

Off topic answer from WI - Here is WI rates on full coverage with towing, Bodily Inj/Property -250000 and 500000, $100 ded Comp, $100 ded Collison, Uninsured MV 100000 each person and 300000 each accident, underinsured MV - same Price - Ouch $363 I can drop and add coverages throughout the year. With the winter we are having this year I might not activate till July! Look at the photo galleries, 15" on the ground, but going fast.

I believe I am probably overinsured with too low a deductable but at $30 a month I like the piece of mind with my local State Farm guy. I know who I am looking for when I have a problem. Experience.

Spider10

I've got the HD Eagle half-helmet. I fully intended to wear a helmet most of the time when I bought the bike and thought the half-helmet would be better than the full-face I have when it came to the S.C. heat. Not to mention I hate the enclosed feeling of a full-face helmet. I won't even wear the full-face when I'm riding in cold weather.

My problem with the half-helmet has not been the wind pulling the helmet up, as others here have mentioned. My problem is that the wind seems to push like crazy on the thing and after a few miles my neck starts to ache from fighting the push and then the headache comes on. After having this happen the first few times I wore the thing, I decided to just go without since the failure to find a happy middle ground took the fun out of riding.

the senate here in michigan has passed a bill repealing the helmet law...still needs to be approved by both houses. i'll probably still wear a helmet anyway. question though....for those in helmet optional states, what's your insurance rates like?

$400 a year...but i'm 25 with a harley...lots off spreeding tickets, drag racing tickets, couple off accidents... :roflblack