Old helmet questions...

[M38A1]

I purchased my Shoei RF800 helmet in July of '99 and have used it since then. I've noticed over the past few months the fit is 'sloppy' to say the least, ie: I believe the padding has finally given up the farm. Accepting that fact, I recognize a replacement helmet is in my immediate future.

I have another Shoei RF800 which I bought for the wife about 2000 and it's been worn, maybe four times, and all at the time of purchase. It's date of manufacture is 08/98 and other than the four times it's been worn, has sat on a shelf in her closet untouched, unworn, not dropped etc. If I had the box, it'd be NIB. I tried it on and it's snug, snug, snug, unlike mine. The new Shoei 11 series is $539 locally, but if the wifes is considered acceptable for a few years, I'll use it.

Does a helmet degrade just sitting on the shelf and out of the elements?

What is the general thought on using the wifes helmet as my replacement?

Should I just pony up and get the 11 series and not look back?

Thoughts?

[DancesWithCurves]

You sure they're the same size? ;)

I'd personally have complete faith in the one that's been in a closet. On the other hand, an Arai XD would complement the GS nicely.

[Hotboot]

That lid was probably made 10 years ago, it probably smells like at least 7 summers of riding. The foam, rubber and expansive elements under there oxidize and degrade over time, time for a new one.

[wonder91178]

That lid was probably made 10 years ago, it probably smells like at least 7 summers of riding. The foam, rubber and expansive elements under there oxidize and degrade over time, time for a new one.
+1

Wow, those are old in the world of helmets! Mine get 5 years (if they make it that long), then I move on.

[hetkind]

we are getting two seasons out of a snell approved full face, right now we are using the Scorpion EX0-400 and plan to replace them as soon as we find the right deal.

we only have one head, so we protect it...in the past, I found that by 50k miles of use the helmets were generally in poor shape anyhow.

Howard

[dukey33]

Does a helmet degrade just sitting on the shelf and out of the elements?

What is the general thought on using the wifes helmet as my replacement?

Should I just pony up and get the 11 series and not look back?

Thoughts?

Not so much. Sitting in a dark closet is about the best way to preserve it other than freeze-drying. The absence of UV light and ozone (unless you have an electric motor running in there) in a climate-controlled environment will have kept that lid like new.

I'd use it without hesitation.

The manufacturer might recommend otherwise, but that's a CYA answer more than anything else.

[Manfred]

I just bought a brand new Shoei HR full face helmet that was manufactured in 1998. Looks and smells brand new.

[M38A1]

Thx for all the replies so far......

I think I'll ask the wifey if I can have her helmet since she has no interest in riding and use it a few years. Seems like being in a closet and unused is an "OK" thing, and yes, it still looks and smells brand new. Had I known that I would have asked her a few years ago!

[Greasemonkey]

This is kinda bogus but they say the life of a helmet is 2yrs.
I have a real nice shoei and wanted new interior and was vetoed
by shoei,would not sell it to me.Like to find something newer to order
the foam from ,if it will work.

[hetkind]

I agree with a two year helmet life, if one is using it to commute every day, ride on the weekend, and do motorcycle vacations.

I think a 50,000 mile figure for helmet life is also about right.

Howard

[Calgary-Yogi]

What is the general thought on using the wifes helmet as my replacement?

Thoughts?

Go for it, unless its girly pink and/or flowery