Over time, the material ages even with the best care, so the general recommendation is to replace the motorcycle helmet approximately every five to seven years.
How can you tell if you need new head protection?
With the new season just around the corner, it's time to put your motorcycle through its paces and get it ready for the rides ahead. It is just as important to check your protective clothing. Particular attention should be paid to the helmet. If it has served you well for many years, it may be time to change your helmet.
With good care and careful handling, a motorcycle helmet can look immaculate on the outside even after many years of use. A look inside often reveals significant wear and tear. Common signs of this include
This ageing not only affects the appearance. It can also have negative consequences for ventilation and therefore for wearing comfort.
Have you crashed your motorcycle and the helmet has served you well? That's a reason to be happy. So that you can continue to ride safely, you should send your old model into well-earned retirement and replace it with a new one.
The same applies if it has simply fallen to the ground. In many cases, damage occurs on the inside that remains undetected from the outside. In the event of an accident, this can mean that the helmet no longer protects your head or only protects it inadequately.
external scratches, on the other hand, are more of a cosmetic nature and less of a problem. If the visor is scratched, you can replace it with a new one. This should also be done promptly, as the scratches can impair your vision.
The condition of the motorcycle helmet is an important replacement criterion. The actual age is just as relevant. After ten years at the latest, the material of the helmets becomes tired. To ensure optimum protection at all times, manufacturers usually recommend replacing the motorcycle helmet every five to seven years.
Have you decided to buy a new helmet? Then we recommend that you don't skimp on quality. The ECE test mark should be a minimum criterion. Ideally, the motorcycle helmet should be marked "ECE-R 22.6". This means that your new "cap" meets the latest test criteria.
Until June 2023, helmets that comply with the "ECE-R 22.5" standard may still be manufactured and sold until the beginning of 2024. To get a helmet of decent quality, it is advisable to budget around EUR 400 to 500 for the purchase of a helmet.
The lowest possible weight contributes to greater comfort and reduces neck strain in the event of an accident. Lightweights between 1,000 and 1,300 grams are ideal.
A stable outer shell is just as important as sufficient padding/lining. Compared to thermoplastics, duroplast plastics score points with longer durability and lower UV sensitivity. The thicker the inner shell, the better it can protect your head.
Important: Motorsport helmets for car racing are not suitable for motorcycles. Their field of vision is too small. We have briefly summarized other important criteria for you below.