Winter Project: Getting my motorcycle operational again

[SeaRun1]

Your gear may fit but you are going to want to purchase at the minimum a new helmet.  Shoei or Arai.

SR1

[Rob]

Your gear may fit but you are going to want to purchase at the minimum a new helmet.  Shoei or Arai.

SR1

It is typically UV that causes long term damage to a helmet, correct?  Since this has spent 15 years in a closet and was only a couple years old before it went into the closet I would think it would still be OK for a year or so.  But perhaps I am incorrect?

[Boss .300 winmag]

Hers your answer.

https://www.chromeburner.com/blog/how-long-does-a-motorcycle-helmet-last#:~:text=Although%20there%20is%20no%20%22best,it%20needs%20to%20be%20replaced.

[CP]

Hers your answer.

https://www.chromeburner.com/blog/how-long-does-a-motorcycle-helmet-last#:~:text=Although%20there%20is%20no%20%22best,it%20needs%20to%20be%20replaced.

Wow, who knew?  My favorite helmet is older than many people on this forum. 

But then, the author of that piece sells helmets.

[Rob]

Hers your answer.

https://www.chromeburner.com/blog/how-long-does-a-motorcycle-helmet-last#:~:text=Although%20there%20is%20no%20%22best,it%20needs%20to%20be%20replaced.

I read the article, and I agree that things like rain, sweat, and especially sun impact lifespan and 5-7 years is a typical lifespan one can expect.

But what I did not see is a situation where the helmet was purchased, worn for 2 years, then put away in a closet (So no UV, sweat, beating rain, etc) would have on that expected lifespan. 

So if my helmet had a 5 year life, I used it for 2, then let it sit out of UV light for 15 years, would it be safe for another 3 years?  Perhaps only 1-2 more years?  Completely expired and has no use left?

Safe route would be to replace it and I may do that.  But inquiring minds want to know.

[luvmystang67]

I personally would wear the same helmet.  If you end up riding a ton,  maybe spend money on something more.  Its mostly synthetic materials and styrofoam anyway.  I can see getting a new one if you drop it or something, but practically speaking its a bunch of styrofoam around your head, which biodegrades in like 5000 years.

A lot of people in a lot of states that allow it ride with no helmet at all.  However old your helmet, its about 10,000x better than that option.

[Rob]

That was kinda my thinking.  Then again the argument of "is your brain worth a 500 dollar helmet" (or whatever they run these days) crosses my mind.  Many would argue mine is not worth 500 bucks and are probably correct