Helmets expire?

[limp ninja]

I have a shoei rf900 i have from 8 years ago I bought with my first bike. No drops and just sits there. Is it still safe for the road?

[GIXXERKELLY]

I was told they do break down over time and UV rays tend to speed up the process. I'd contact SHOEI and see what their thoughts are.

[Scorpio]

I think helmet shelf life is generally around 4-5 years before the shell starts to loose its integrity.
Do a google search.
There are things that will affect the shelf life like enviornment, usage, etc..

[BigComfy]

5 year shelf life.

[spartandude]

I have heard 2 years and the helmet should be replaced, but that is hearsay. Here is what Shoei says:
http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Safety_SizingHandlingCare.aspx

WHEN SHOULD A HELMET BE REPLACED?
helmet replacement

The life of a helmet depends on how it is used. A helmet should be replaced if one or more of the following points apply:

1. There was a fall that resulted in an impact on the helmet.

2. The helmet fits looser than when it was purchased due to frequent use.

3. The EPS liner has come away from the helmet shell.

4. The EPS liner shows signs of wear and is beginning to break up, or if it has been exposed to heat or a solvent and has melted.

SERVICE: SHOEI helmets are covered by a five-year, limited warranty, and SHOEI will repair or replace the helmet if it is found to suffer from flaws in materials or workmanship.

Shoei offers a free impact and safety inspection service for any SHOEI helmet.*

To have your helmet inspected, please send it to:
Shoei Helmets
3002 Dow Ave, Suite 128
Tustin, CA 92780
Attn: Inspections

Be sure to include a letter with a brief description of the issue with the helmet, as well as a daytime phone number and return address. Once we receive the helmet, it will take 1-3 business days to complete the inspection. Upon completion, the helmet is returned to you with a letter stating the findings of our inspection. Your helmet is returned to you whether it passes the inspection or not. There is no charge for the inspection, and the UPS Ground return shipping is free.

[Hooligan]

I have 1 from 04 that I just went down on. It did it's job and I'm fine (I was already slightly retarded to begin with)


People say to replace them every 5 years... I'll wear it till it falls apart

[RACER X]

i replace mine every 5 yrs, even if it never hit the ground.

[MudBug]

I repace mine every two years. Cut the old one in half and toss it.

[Chris24]

I'd contact SHOEI and see what their thoughts are.


nothing against shoei, i like them, but i doubt they have ever told someone, no...its ok to keep using what you have. im guessing 100% of the time their answer is, no you need to go out buy another (shoei)helmet. that is just business.

personally, i dont think you need to contact anyone. get a new lid. its kind of like that tuna salad sitting in the tupperware in the back of your fridge...your not sure how long its been in there...but when in doubt throw it out. especially if your stomach is starting to do your thinking and justify how it couldnt be that old. :keke:

ummm...knock, knock...earth to OP. this is the safety and protection of your brain we are talking about. hello! even if its a one in a million chance that using a lid older than some 3rd graders is going to cause brain damage or death in an accident....do you want to take that chance?

its up to you....but dont worry...if you turn into a drooling retard we'll put that rf-900 sticker on your nerf helmet and tell you the wheelchair has a yoshimura exhaust on it...you wont know the difference! :thumb:

[limp ninja]

It hasnt been worn in 7 years and been sitting on the shelf.

[Chris24]

It hasnt been worn in 7 years and been sitting on the shelf.

...and?

just because something is not used for a long time, doesnt mean its going to be as good as the day you last used it. pretty much all things degrade or decay in some way...

choice is yours. just let us know your favorite flavors of baby food, so we can tell the folks at the tard farm what to feed you. that is if you live.

oh and...

:msf?:

[limp ninja]

good point chris. There still alot of stuff in my fridge that are very questionable. I have a newer one tho. Just wonderin if it can be used as a back up or variety. thanks for the insight. :thumb:

[MudBug]

I got this rubber that has been wrapped up for 7 years....think it will still work?

Kinda the same thing. I dont want anymore kids so I use new rubbers, I dont want any more brain damage so i use a new lid.

[RACER X]

its closer to styrofoam.........so imagine 8yrs w/o use, 1 yr on the store shelf......so now it's really 9 yrs old.........

[TeleRomeo]

I repace mine every two years. Cut the old one in half and toss it.

Thats a pretty good idea... I have to do that before a fool takes it from a dump!! :thumb:

[RACER X]

i just keep mine.

[GIXXERKELLY]

It hasnt been worn in 7 years and been sitting on the shelf.

I wouldn't wear it. lots of good deals on new ones if your in the market for one.

[spartandude]

nothing against shoei, i like them, but i doubt they have ever told someone, no...its ok to keep using what you have. im guessing 100% of the time their answer is, no you need to go out buy another (shoei)helmet. that is just business.
They said mine was fine after I low sided at 10mph in a corner and chipped the paint on the chin bar.:shrug:

[pester]

I got this rubber that has been wrapped up for 7 years....think it will still work?

Kinda the same thing. I dont want anymore kids so I use new rubbers, I dont want any more brain damage so i use a new lid.
is it possible for you to get any more brain damage?

[rkl56119]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/091016arai.htm

[TheMagicMan]

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Oct/091016arai.htm

:thumb: