I've spotted a helmet for sale that's basically a different version of the Arai I've already got. It's new but I know that it's a discontinued model so I asked the seller what the manufacturing date was and he's told me that it was actually manufactured in May of 2006. Would that put you off???
Depends how it's been stored I suppose... if out on a shelf on display then I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole... it would worry me that there is no way of knowing what it's been doing for all those years!
Wouldn't bother me, I'd buy it. I think it's a selling thing saying every 5 years, I could be wrong though.
I think that 5 year rule is for 5 years of warring the helmet (stretching, sweating, etc) I can't see it making a difference if the helmet is new. I also believe if you look after it well it will last you forever
Having been and I still remain a consultant to a few helmet manufacturers, there are a lot of myths out there which are often taken as gospel. If a helmet has been stored in a moderate temperature, then even 10 years after date of manufacture it will be fine. What kills a helmet is use. Every time the helmet is put on it compresses the liner thereby reducing the shock absorbancy, and body heat also reduces the life span of a helmet. So a high mileage user who sweats profusely may need to change his/her helmet several times a year, whereas a Sunday morning only rider might get a good several years use without compromising their safety. In the days when I was a 100,000 mile a year rider, I would go through 4 or 5 helmets a year because I am someone who feels the heat and my helmet got extensive use which + wear and tear. These days, I only change once a year (handy as I get supplied a free helmet every year ) because I only do a fraction of the miles I used to. My wife has an Eddie Lawson replica Shoei GRV (for those who remember back that far) and she has probably only worn it a dozen times in the last 10 years. I got it out and checked it the other day and it is still absolutely fine as the liner is still compliant and the shell unmarked. So, if the helmet in the shop is an older model withj a manufacturing date that is several years old, then it should not be a problem, the 5 year rule really comes into force from the date it is first used on a regular basis.
The only other thing I would check is if it is as safe as your current helmet, I mean has the technology advanced the last 6 years or is it the same quality as a current model
The technology and therefore the level of protection has not changed significantly enough to worry about it, particularly since we changed form BS6658-85 to EC22/05 accreditation. What does tend to change are features, for example venting and visors and obviously the colour schemes, but otherwise, there is only so much that can be done.
For How Long Is A Motorcycle Helmet Okay? « Motorcycle Blog from JAFRUM SHARP Helmets - THE HELMET SAFETY SCHEME Snell Foundation - Helmet FAQ
