How Long Does A Motorcycle Helmet Last – Helmet Repairing Guide 2022

Are you an avid motorcyclist? If yes, then it must be hard for you to change your helmet every so often. Before discussing how long does a motorcycle helmet lasts and how to replace its components.

Wanna know why we need to wear a motorcycle helmet?

Here’s why:

Well, it is important to protect your head as you head outside. Studies have found that wearing a helmet during an accident can decrease the risk of traumatic brain damage and death.

But how?

It happens because much of the impact energy is absorbed by the helmet rather than by the head and brain. Now the question is, do motorcycle helmets expire?

The answer is Yes! But you can prolong your motorcycle helmet if you store it properly.

Life-Span Of Motorcycle Helmet

Wondering how long does a motorcycle helmet lasts?

Both manufacturers and designers recommend replacing helmets every three to five years if they have not experienced any accidents. 

In case you may be asking yourself when to replace a motorcycle helmet, here are a few signs to help you find out:

Sign # 1: How old is your helmet?

It might be the right time to change your helmet if you’ve been wearing it for over five years.

But why do you have your helmet replaced every five years?

Your helmet is more likely to have weakened after five years of continuous wear and tear. It might look like it is in perfect condition, but you should consider its age and its effect on the helmet parts.

If you consistently wear your helmet, it becomes exposed to weather, dirt, UV rays, and other factors, which affect your helmet’s credibility.

In the end, these components weaken the resins and glues that hold it together.

While there is no conclusive report on how long does a motorcycle helmet lasts, most manufacturers enforce the expiry date of 5 years.

Other considerations can play into the helmet’s lifespan. So, while the recommended age limit for a replacement is five years, it could be a few years less or more. Another valid reason to replace is the advancements in helmet technology.

A new helmet will provide better protection than an old one!

Sign # 2: Helmet Usage

You are exposed to continued wear and tear as you wear your helmet every day. It might not be clear, but repeated usage weakens the helmet’s credibility.

You may compare it to riding your bike every day or driving your car. You need to perform more maintenance or buy a new one as the miles start stacking up.

Sign # 3: Have you been in an accident?

It might be the time for a new helmet if you’ve had an accident.

Sounds obvious, right?

But it is essential to inspect the helmet thoroughly and possibly have it x-rayed for any damage. Wearing a broken helmet is not going to provide you with any protection.

It’s better not to wear a helmet that has been in an accident. Trying to save a few dollars is not worth your life!

Sign # 4: Wearing a Loose Helmet

No wonder your new helmet fits you perfectly. It remains stuck like glue as you turn or shake your head.

Try this test to decide if your helmet has loosened. Shake it side-to-side with your head. Does it slide around or remain stuck to your head?

It means that your padding has been compacted, and it might be time for a replacement. The foam lining can also be tested for indentations. The helmet should tightly hug your head.

You don’t want to be wearing a loose helmet during an accident. Traumatic brain injury has been connected to loose-fitting helmets, so make sure your helmet fits tightly.

Sign # 5: Interior and Exterior Start Deteriorating:

Typically, it’s not the outer shell that deteriorates first. It’s usually the lining and foam inside the helmet.

If the lining of your helmet is flaking in your hair or on your shoulders, it’s a good sign that you need a helmet replacement.

Since the EPS lining is usually painted black, search for tiny white cracks inside your helmet. If this occurs, the helmet’s integrity will be compromised and will not withstand the impact adequately.

Be vigilant if you use a hair gel that will make the insides of your helmet deteriorate.

To find out how long does a motorcycle helmet lasts, you need to see if your helmet shell becomes brittle, breaks, or begins to fall apart.

 If so, you need to replace your helmet!

The shell is the first contact point in an accident. This part should also be substantial and robust. Any cracks in the helmet will immediately expose your head to injury if you’re in an accident.

Motorcycle Helmet Strap Replacement

Did the straps stop working on your helmet properly?

Yes, then you will find that the strap lock has been eroded by wind and soil for those of you who carry your helmets regularly.

The main factor for holding your helmet on your head is your helmet chin strap. It could be the time to purchase a new helmet or find a motorcycle helmet strap replacement if this item does not fit properly.

How to repair or replace a motorcycle helmet strap?

Repairing or replacing a motorcycle strap can be done in less than 10 minutes. Virtually anybody can replace a strap, requiring no special skill.

• Buy a new strap suitable for your helmet size, make, and model; not all straps fit all helmets.
• Locate the screw or button that is connecting the strap to the helmet—it will be on one side of the helmet.
• Unscrew the old strap or unbutton it and discard it.
• Button on a new strap where the old strap has been buttoned or screwed. If necessary, tighten the screw.

Motorcycle Helmet Foam Replacement

Are you an enthusiastic motorcyclist who rides daily?

If so, then you’ve probably found the interior of your helmet getting worn and loose-fitting. It might leave you wondering if the helmet could be relined.

To bring you the answer to this vital question, we did the research.

Many modern motorcycle helmets have replaceable liners that can be quickly removed to clean or attach to a new one. From full-face helmets to open-face helmets, each motorcycle helmet foam replacement can be done in just a few minutes.

Do you want to get the lining and padding of your helmet back in tip-top condition?

Keep reading and follow the instructions.

To reline and clean your motorcycle helmet, you will need:

•  The New Liner
• Adhesive Remover
• Baby Shampoo
• Cloth Rag

Replacing a helmet liner is surprisingly simple. Just follow the easy steps.

1. Purchase a new helmet liner
2. Remove the padding
3. Remove the internal helmet liner
4. Putting in the new helmet liner.

Broken Helmet Visor – Repair and Replacement

It is crucial to check if the helmet visor has suffered any damage when the helmet has fallen due to only a slight hit to the head.

It is good to repair it immediately if there is any defective part whatsoever.

 The damaged part can become worse when there is a delay, to the point that repairing it can no longer ensure maximum protection for you. It is how a broken motorcycle helmet can be fixed.

1. Firstly, you need to arrange all the broken pieces of the visor. (You have to do it in an open area)

• Then, you need to remove a visor from your helmet after you have lined up the pieces that have been broken. (You might need to do this carefully to avoid further break that could happen)

• Tape the unbroken pieces to keep the glue from sprinkling through that part.

• As the helmet visors break, some parts are cracked shortly, and the super glue will need to join them.

• Remember that it can become too fragile when you add super glue to large cracks. Usually, the cracked pieces are held together, and a small dot of glue is used.

• Apply epoxy inside and outside the visor to the broken parts.

• When the adhesive has dried up, cut the tape that was protecting the unbroken portion carefully and softly.

• Then dip a clean cloth in water containing detergent. With this clean rag, gently disinfect the visor.

• As the visor dries, put it back to the helmet as it was there before, and continue with your ride.

Motorcycle Helmet Padding Replacement

Do you know what a motorcycle helmet is made of?

Here’s the answer:

Many helmets are composed of an outer shell made of strong and durable plastic, fiberglass, or carbon. These compounds are some of the most durable materials present on earth. They are incredibly resilient and provide evidence of the highest durability.

Now the question is:  how long does a motorcycle helmet last?

If the helmet is made from one of the compounds mentioned above, then a simple drop of your helmet onto the ground does not cause it to become damaged.

Usually, the interior of the helmet consists of thick foam to help absorb impact. You may need to inspect the padding for deformation if you have dropped your helmet with something heavy inside it.

But why do we need padding in a helmet?

The padding does a better job of absorbing and dispersing effects, but lowering your helmet should not have a drastic impact on your helmet’s integrity.

Within your helmet, you will find a type of moisture-wicking lining as well. This lining can help absorb sweat and other moisture to protect the integrity of the helmet.

What To Do With Old Motorcycle Helmets?

Selling old motorcycle helmets or giving them away isn’t a good idea, as their safety cannot be guaranteed.

So, what to do with old motorcycle helmets then?

There are many possible ways to deal with old motorcycle helmets. A few of them are mentioned below:

·        Donate it to emergency services:

Since we know now how long does a motorcycle helmet lasts, perhaps the safest way to get rid of an old motorcycle helmet is to find a department of emergency services that may be interested in using intact training helmets.

They will use them to show first responders how to properly remove a helmet from an accident victim who could be injured.

·        Recycling:

Each part of the helmet should be recyclable. Although you’re never going to see the helmet again, at least you’ll know that it doesn’t gather dust in your garage and that it’s being made and used for anything else.

·        Use it as decoration:

Some artistic types have come up with creative ways to use helmets as decorations. You may set up a decorative display of your old helmets on a wall.

Others took motorcycle helmets and turned them into flower pots and garden planters.

You may also purchase a lamp kit to convert your old helmet into an exciting desk lamp or outdoor lantern.

Frequesntly Asked Questions

Bottom Line

A helmet is not a display item purchased alongside a motorcycle.

However, it is an integral part of a motorcycle. The protection provided to the rider and their passengers is essential. It is therefore essential, as a motorcycle owner, to invest in a quality helmet.

Your brain is the number one priority when it comes to riding a motorcycle. Hence, it would be best if you had a helmet that works.

Figuring out how long does a motorcycle helmet last depends on its’ maintenance and adequate handling.

The advances in helmet technologies are another reason for purchasing a new helmet, beyond the usual wear and tear.

It seems like every year; manufacturers come up with new head safety prototypes that are better than previous models.

Another key that you should remember is never to wear a used helmet. It may appear perfect on the outside, but it may have concealed cracks in the helmet that a human eye cannot detect.