| Dirt bike helmets, even the expensive ones, can only absorb a big impact once. Should they get one good hit, and the foam liner between the padding and the shell is compressed, and it doesn’t spring back, your helmet is a throw away. The outside shell of the dirt bike helmet may look ok,
but it probably sacrificed itself in the stack as well. It’s difficult to retire a new helmet when it still looks new, or may only be a few weeks old. Beleive it or not, some manufacturers can inspect your helmet to see if it’s still ok to use (however this is more typical for road bike helmets). Have a chat to your local dealer, he will determine if your helmet is worth sending away for inspection. In addition to safety inspections, some of the helmet manufacturers also sell most of the wearable, replaceable parts on their helmets. Most of the simple screw-on items you can quite simply replace yourself. This can keep your lid looking new. Most motorcycle helmets have replaceable inner liners. If can’t work out how your helmet’s liner comes out, ask your local dealer or contact the helmet manufacturer. A manual often comes with most helmets, this will have the disassembly and cleaning information you need for whatever model you have. Did you throw away the manual? Jump online, and serch for the manufactuer, you should be able to get another copy. Some off road helmets are retired simply because they smell bad (I think we all can relate to this), or the comfort inner padding has collapsed, giving the helmet a “hard” feel, especially when your wearing it for a long ride. Taking some time to do a good cleaning job using mild dishwashing soap (morning fresh) can help get rid of the smell by removing bacteria, dirt and skin oil that takes away the linings cushy feel. Use a towel to dry the inside, and let it air dry. Don’t put removable liners (or whole helmets) in the dryer! (not only will your missus kill you, but it destroys the foam). The main thing to take from this article is, if in doubt, don’t use. You helmet is the most important piece of safety gear, and you only get one chance. |