Some awesome period images of a 1979 TC2 A 1979 TC2 for sale - Prev Post | You’re probably familiar with the idea of checking the expiration date on that ricotta cheese that has been sitting in your fridge, but have you checked the expiration date on your motorcycle helmet recently? Yes, motorcycle helmets do have definite expiration dates and could become less effective in the event of an accident. Ask yourself these questions to determine whether or not it’s time for a replacement. If your helmet was involved in an accident, it probably absorbed some of the shock of impact. Sometimes you can see the damage—the shell can crack and break if it has taken a severe hit, but sometimes the damage is invisible. If it has absorbed impact shock resulting from a motorcycle accident, it may have lost quite a bit of protective value. This rule even applies to a helmet absorbing impact shock without a head inside. If you see any visible signs of damage, or if you’ve dropped it on the ground, seriously consider replacing it.

It’s important to look at when your helmet was made. All helmets made after 1974 have a production date stamp on them. If your helmet doesn’t have a stamp, it’s well past its expiration date. Aside from the fact that all helmets lose efficiency over time, older helmets were made with polycarbonate material on the inside. Recent studies have shown that ultraviolet light can reduce the effectiveness of this material, so many polycarbonate helmets are no longer in circulation. motorcycle road racing slangToday, you are more likely to find motorcycle helmets made out of UV-resistant fiber.bmw motorcycle dealers greensboro The inside of today’s helmets tend to consist primarily of polystyrene. motorcycle repair eureka ca

This is a great material to protect the head in the event of a motorcycle accident, but this material can also lose effectiveness. Research indicates that polystyrene loses 2% of efficiency per year simply due to evaporation. Therefore, five years down the road, your helmet is at least 10% less effective than it was when it was brand new. Keep in mind that five years is more of an estimated helmet shelf life. The exact amount of time that your helmet will be performing at its best depends substantially on how you care for it. motorcycle superstore in los angelesSome motorcyclists develop a habit of leaving their helmet in the sun or on top of their fuel tank; both are practices that can chemically react with the polystyrene material—causing it to deteriorate. Similarly, washing the inside of a helmet with water too often will substantially decrease the helmet’s effectiveness.

If you’re prone to sweating when you’re on your bike, consider a helmet with removable liners. They’re easier to clean, and dry quickly. It might be time for an inspection if you haven’t ridden the motorcycle in a while, or if a helmet has recently been packed for storage or a move. Some helmet manufacturers offer a service to inspect or repair a helmet for free. This is a great service to help you determine whether or not your helmet is going to be performing at its best during any accident you may have in the future.The most vital piece of safety gear for any motorcyclist is the helmet — in more ways than one. In a world where just about everything is adjustable, customizable, or able to be personalized in one way or another, the helmet remains relatively uncharted territory in those terms. But there are some things that can be done to not only enhance the appearance of your helmet, but to improve aspects. Here are Ultimate Motorcycling’s top 10 ideas for things you can add to your helmet.

If you are like me, you don’t like having to putz with the old fashioned double-D ring fasteners on a typical helmet’s retention system. As a result, nearly every helmet I have that didn’t come from the factory with quick release buckles has been upgraded to quick release buckles. In addition to being faster and easier to use the threading and unthreading the nylon retention strap though those D-rings, most quick release options can be opened and closed with gloves on. We took a look at one such system – check it out here. Some helmets arrive from the factory with pre-cut reflective stickers you can apply. This stickers increase visibility to other drivers in low light or hours of darkness when headlights are in use. Being that your head is the highest point on the bike when you’re under way, it can be seen above your top box tailbag and most windshields, so having some reflective material up there can make a big difference in your visibility. If your helmet didn’t come with such items, reflective tape is available in any hardware store in several colors and widths.

Back in the day street bike helmets often had short duck-bill sun visors available that could snap on and off the helmet — an option not generally available today except on adventure and off-road style helmets. Having to shade your eyes in the late afternoon sun can be dangerous if you have to do it with your hand. A simple sun visor can be made with tape or non-adhesive static adhering vinyl window sunshade sold for application to automotive windows. I’ve used both with very good results, although the static cling vinyl can come loose at freeway speeds if not anchored at the ends with tabs of transparent tape. If you add a face-shield sun visor, take care to not make it so wide it reduces the viewing area if using a tape—using tinted transparent cling vinyl window treatment works exceptionally well while not reducing the view area. Many helmets do arrive with retractable shields, and Arai offers the Pro Shade System. 4. Tinted, Photochromatic and Reflective Shield

Most full-face helmets arrive standard with a clear shield. This is an area where a little investment can lead to a big improvement. Reflective shields have a cool look and can have just enough tint to tame the sun, but they can’t adjust for changes in light levels as conditions change. Photochromatic shields that lighten their tint as light levels decrease are a great option, but cost considerably more than a tinted shield. 5. Eject Helmet Removal System: The Shock Doctor Eject Helmet Removal System is a relatively new solution to a problem as old as the helmet itself. Helmets when properly fitted are very snug and as a result can take a little effort to remove. That becomes critically important when a helmet must be removed by rescuers for a rider who has been in an accident. Applying the kind of forces that are required to pull a helmet off can pose the risk of worsening a neck injury, if one has occurred. The Eject system uses air pumped into a small airbag inside the crown of the helmet to reduce that potential by pushing the helmet off the head.

We took a look at the Eject system a while back—you can check it out here. Perhaps no option for helmet enhancement has gained popularity more rapidly than communications equipment. Of course, the helmet must be able to accommodate the equipment installation, but if it does, there are some great options. An example is the Cardo Scala Rider G9, reviewed here. Next to the helmet communications gear, helmet mounted cameras are probably the next biggest thing for helmet functionality. Saving the memories of the ride can be priceless, if a little pricey. For more on this option, visit GoPro. If you ride often in cooler temperatures that lead to face shield fogging and use a full-face helmet, it can be a great idea to use a breath deflector in the chin bar of your helmet. A number of helmets arrive with these as a removable option, and it’s a good thing to look for if you are in the market for a helmet. Most are held in place with hook and loop material and pop into place pretty easily.