Check this helmet out that I won.

[Huffa 2]

1989 Shoei never worn, still in box.

Got it a few months ago on ebay for 21 bucks never realizing it will be almost a perfect match for the next bike I buy!! ?

It's almost as if Honda took the colors right off that helmet for the 94 XRL! ?

Note the cool open/close scoop on visor that directs air to vent holes in hemet. That's a rarity I think ?

[06crf_er]

hot helmet. What a match. I've got $22 right here to start the bidding:thumbsup:

[martinfan30]

that is a SWEET match man!!!!!!!!!?

[philipstjohn]

Nice buy! The helmet's tight, and the XRL looks to be in good shape as well. Ride on Brother ?

[TDC71]

Keepimg it old school, I like it:thumbsup: What a match, Is that what they call "kizmit"??

Todd

[LeadDoggy]

Sharp!!!!

nice helmet, nice bike, what a match!

[tdamore]

Cool match. Now you just need some OP shorts and some Zinka for your nose and you'll be all set ? j/k man, thats an awesome lid

[ganshert]

don't mean to be a buzz kill but...

arguably, a helmets usefull lifespan is 5 years from manufacture date even if it sat in the box for those 5 years

the idea is that the core breaks down over time and becomes less effective at absorbing an impact

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/mx/rd_main.aspx

http://www.araiamericas.com/support.asp?page=support/warranty.asp

I'm not trying to start an argument about this. I just thought I would give you this information and you can do with it what you want.

80s helmets do look cool by the way ?

[HeadTrauma]

I'd still wear it, being NIB and all. Besides, there are *some* independent testers that would contend that Snell rated helmets are less likely to prevent a brain injury than the cheap DOT-only ones.

Since when does polystyrene break down, anyway? ?

[Huffa 2]

ganshert has a point there and I take it seriously too.

I have heard that all along and been thinking about it ever since I posted but only 5 years for a helmet ? Just wondering if that's a bit premature in replacing it and they tell you that for larger sales volume?

I mean if just 5% of consumers listen to that, that's a lot of helmets!!

I have seen padding broken down on NOS (new old stock) helmets but the shell it's self gets weaker that has not been exposed to the elements? Maybe, I don't know ? ?

The shell is fiberglass and polyester resin.

The safest thing to do would be to buy a brand new white helmet and have it painted to match this one . No clue who does that sort of thing though? Anyone know ?

I just bought that helmet to collect anyway but man, since the match is so nice, it sure is tempting to wear it now !

[MartinDKtm]

If new in a box. I would wear it no problem. If used I would not. As other said I think there's some marketing under all this. True if worn false if not.

[mcfly]

don't mean to be a buzz kill but...

arguably, a helmets usefull lifespan is 5 years from manufacture date even if it sat in the box for those 5 years

the idea is that the core breaks down over time and becomes less effective at absorbing an impact

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/mx/rd_main.aspx

http://www.araiamericas.com/support.asp?page=support/warranty.asp

I'm not trying to start an argument about this. I just thought I would give you this information and you can do with it what you want.

80s helmets do look cool by the way ?

I have 3 helmets, and while I could not tell you there exact age, a rough guess is about, 3 years old for newest one, maybe around 8 or 9 years for the next, and my oldest is likley around 13 or 14 years old...I still wear all 3, depends on the ride I have planned.

I guess I chose not to listen to the advice/rumours I hear, and figure a helmet that has not been dropped/crashed is still okay for me. ?

[HeadTrauma]

You also have to look at the liability for helmet manufacturers. Suppose they say helmets are good for 6 years, but it turns out the helmeted death/head injury rate increases dramatically after 5 years. What then? A truckload of personal injury attorneys get families to file wrongful death lawsuits and those helmet companies stand to lose tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars.

In the current scheme, their butts are covered if someone dies in a crash wearing a 5.01 year old helmet.