If you’ve been riding a motorcycle for years, it’s likely that you’ve been riding with an older helmet. You may be wondering just how safe your helmet is, and when it should be replaced with a new motorcycle helmet.
You may need to replace your helmet immediately because of many reasons. If your helmet falls from a high shelf, or has fallen repeatedly from your handlebars, it is likely weakened internally, and should be replaced with a new motorcycle helmet.
If you are involved in any sort of crash that involves impact for your helmet, you should also get a new motorcycle helmet before your next ride. Any impact can make your helmet worthless for protection.
If you’ve had your helmet for more than five years, it should be replaced. Most helmets will have some breakdown in materials after the five year mark, and won’t be as structurally sound as they once were.
You must also be wary of damage to the liner of your helmet. Your own skin and hair oils will cause break down over time, as will glues and resins found in your helmet, as they age and deteriorate.
If your helmet looks as if it’s been dropped or damaged, even if you haven’t done so, go get a new helmet. Someone else may have dropped it, and not realized that this can lead it to become unsafe.
An important safety tip to keep in mind is that a helmet is only good for one impact. After one impact, of any kind, the helmet will be less able to protect you, and it’s time to get a new motorcycle helmet.
So it’s likely that you’ve decided it’s time to get a new motorcycle helmet. Don’t despair. There are many great and safe motorcycle helmets out there to fit any budget, and any style.
