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[Hugh Janis]

I just happened to check my shelves about an hour ago, and realized that I have two 1/2 helmets, two 3/4 helmets, and the full face that I just got.  Three of these are less than a year old.  The two 3/4 helmets I forgot that I even had. One is probably about 18 to 20 years old and the other is probably about 11 years old.  Even though these helmets had very little use, were never in an accident, and never dropped, I'm thinking that the advice I've seen in the past would aim me in the direction of tossing those 2 helmets.  Do they become brittle or something...or did I imagine hearing this somewhere?

A high impact resin like polycarbonate can become brittle with exposure to UV over many years but I've got to think that carbon fiber is forever.  I'm too cheap to throw out a helmet that hasn't offered itself as sacrifice to my cranium.  If it breaks on impact it's helping to disappate the energy of the impact and preventing head trauma.  It only has to work once.

[spydglide]

Bought 1 of these for my lovely BSR to match the 1 that was given to me:



Very lightweight, very comfortable, and the headsets fit easily.  Made by HJC for HD.  Much better than my older, heavier 3/4 helmet. Easily removable face shield - also comes with a visor.






Best to remove the face shield sticker before riding.

How much does it weigh?  My full-coverage is 1125 gms.  Dot approved, but not sure where it was made.  Wish all helmets could be that lightweight.  So much more comfortable for all day wear.    spyder

[iski]

How much does it weigh?  My full-coverage is 1125 gms.  Dot approved, but not sure where it was made.  Wish all helmets could be that lightweight.  So much more comfortable for all day wear.    spyder

 2lbs. 4 oz. is the weight  & it's a DOT helmet.  Wife's neck hurt after wearing the older style heavier helmet.  Plus they were almost 7 years old, had been dropped more than a few times, and it was time to replace them.  Got 30% off - not a bad deal, considering.

Yours weighs about 2 lb. 7 oz. Very lightweight for a fullface.  What brand?

[spydglide]

2lbs. 4 oz. is the weight  & it's a DOT helmet.  Wife's neck hurt after wearing the older style heavier helmet.  Plus they were almost 7 years old, had been dropped more than a few times, and it was time to replace them.  Got 30% off - not a bad deal, considering.

Yours weighs about 2 lb. 7 oz. Very lightweight for a fullface.  What brand?

It's a KTB.  I bought it on Ebay and I like it so much, I've been trying to find another with zero success.  DOT approved and all, but must have been a import that is no longer  being imported.  spyder

[RedDevil]

I know that the polycarbonate shells will become brittle over age, but not sure about Kevlar, no reports on that, but of more concern is the foam interior, that will, over age become less absorbant and break down.  The recommended lifespan is 5 years, but I think that's a little more sales hype than truth...but I would check the helmet periodically after 5 years of wear even if it's never been dropped or abused.  JMO.

 

[REGGAB]

This time of year, either 3/4 or full face.

[OILCAN1]

I happen to live in Illinois were we don't have a helmet law(there are still some states that believe in the freedom of choice) so If I wear a helmet it is a full face to keep warm when the temperature drops. I have a 3/4 for when my wife and I go out of state(so we can use the intercom) but now she is riding her own ultra so I will be investing in a dot approved skid lid and using my trusty hand mike for the CB communication.

[Admiral]

I like the half shell from seers.  Looks like a cop helmet.  Because it is.
They asked me what agency I worked for when I ordered it, and I said I was not in law enforcement is that a problem.  They said no and sold it to me anyway.

Could not count the number of people that when they see me buckle their seat belts.

 

[Admiral]

Also forgot to mention, lots of people think twice before pulling out in front of me because I look so much like a cop I get a lot more respect from cages because of it.

[MontyB]

When riding alone I prefer to wear my 1/2 helmet.  But most of the time I'm 2 up with my DW and she likes to talk (shocking, huh?) so we have 3/4 helmets with the HD plug in intercomms.

I never ride w/o a helmet of some kind regardless of local laws.  Too hard to get the funny stickers out of my hair after the ride.

cheers!

[theweelad]

Helmets area weird beast. 

Helmets were mandatory in Nova Scotia, Canada.  In Texas you can have pay for an exemption provided you meet some minimum training and/or insurance requirements.  I have done all 3, no helmet, shorty and now a full face.  I loved the feeling of no helmet, but it never felt quite right.  I have taught msf/riders edge for 3 years now, in Texas if your gonna teach, you must ride in helmet, eye protection, full fingered gloved, over the ankle boots with long pants and long sleeves at minimum any place a student may see you.......translation....everywhere!  I went back to a full face helmet (Shoei X-11) about 2 years ago now and have fallen in love with it.  So much so, that I think the only place I wear my shorty is on the range when I teach, beause we never get enough speed on the range to keep a full face cool.  I always preach: "buy all the helmet you can afford, and wear all the gear you can stand!"

Kevin
"The Wee Lad"

[spydglide]

How do you stand the full face in the summer?  spyder

[LRebel]

I have a full-face helmet that I wear for only one reason... to stay warm when it is freezing outside.  For me, a full-face is uncomfortable - they push my fat cheeks up against my nose (I know, a proper fitting full-face helmet will not distort my face, but I ain't spending the $$$ to replace the one I already have)

So far, here in Oklahoma we don't have to wear a helmet (over 18) and I don't except to stay warm.  We also have half helmets that we wear when we travel to helmet states.  I don't like them either.... they make me feel like a mushroom.

[spydglide]

I have a full-face helmet that I wear for only one reason... to stay warm when it is freezing outside.  For me, a full-face is uncomfortable - they push my fat cheeks up against my nose (I know, a proper fitting full-face helmet will not distort my face, but I ain't spending the $$$ to replace the one I already have)

So far, here in Oklahoma we don't have to wear a helmet (over 18) and I don't except to stay warm.  We also have half helmets that we wear when we travel to helmet states.  I don't like them either.... they make me feel like a mushroom.

mmmmmm  spyder

[sirbells]

Nolan N102 Flip up with blue tooth. Best Helmet I have ever had.

I just picked up the nolan n103 ($330) and i think its probably the most comfortable helmet i've ever had.. using it for the cold months now... nolan has a new n43 super modular (Full face, 3/4 with shield and internal sun shield or open 3/4) looks interesting and includes n-com