Is it possible to economically reline a motorcycle helmet or would I be better off to buy a new one?

Question

I have a Bell GT2 full face helmet that I bought in 1987 for $225. There is nothing wrong with it except that the interior lining has dried out. All of the rubber, plastic and straps are in excellent condition. It has air vents and most of the features available in the newest helmets. It has never been in any sort of accident or impact. The paint is even in pretty good condition. I'm not cheap. I just hate to throw away something that can be used. I have additional newer helmets that match my bikes. This helmet doesn't match so I stopped wearing it. One of my friends has asked for it to use for off road (quad) riding. I don't want to give it to them if it's unsafe.

Answer 1

Bell (and other helmet companies) will usually not sell 'foam kits' because of the safety issues of someone besides the manufacturer messing with something that could affect the operation of the helmet.

There are padding kits that add a bit of extra to already-good padding, but not complete re-foam kits.

It may be possible to create your own inner foam, or purchase an insert kit from a newer helmet that has removeable inserts and attach them to the helmet some way (no glue - it can eat the styrofoam).

Another thing to think about is if the foam is degraded, the inner styrofoam that does most of the protecting in a crash may also be compromised.

Since your friend wants to use it off-road for ATV riding, I'd be slightly less worried than I would with a road rider, however, I'd still tell him a new helmet would be more comfortable and probably safer.

I know it was a bunch of cash to pay at the time, but some things just aren't made to last forever.

Answer 2

I think you should replace it. One important factor not considered is that the helmet shell will still be twenty years old even if you re-lined it with Styrofoam interior. Fiberglass and plastics degrade by a process called out-gassing. The material gets old and brittle. Twenty years is way old, and the helmet would probably shatter if impacted with moderate force during an accidental spill. 225 dollars is a modest cost by today's standards, but 20 years ago was huge. Go spend 225 again and you'll thank all of us who suggested it. Good luck and keep the shiny side up!

Answer 3

Seeing as how you havent taken the rider course, and are unfamiliar with helmet brands ill take it that you are a beginner with little experience. I gotta say...a 600rr is going to be a lot for a first bike, and im positive Jon would agree. So I want you to pay attention during your rider course. Every time you accidentally rev the throttle too much, or drop the clutch and maybe give it a little gas take note. because that'd be you dropping your precious 600rr. I guess that's another story though. To answer your question though. I had a CS-R1 for my first helmet and I can tell you it was loud, and there is very little padding inside the helmet. So it's not too comfortable. Youd be much better off looking at closeout helmets. Look for something that costs $150 that you can get for $70

Answer 4

GT2s are fibreglass and fibreglass deteriorates over time. It becomes more brittle and less abrasion resistant. The foam liner kit from Bell was probably available for 2 or 3 years after that model went out of production for people who needed one. At this point, I'd reccomend replacing it altogether.
Most helmet companies say to replace helmets every 2 - 4 years. I'd stick with a fibreglass model since polycarbonates are a much harder, less impact absorbant shell.

Answer 5

Its recommended that you replace a helmet every four years. Your 20 yr old helmet is better than no helmet, but the material may have become brittle with age. I'd use it for a doorstop and tell your friend to buy a new one..

Answer 6

Buy a new helmet. From a safety point of view, a 20 year old helmet should have been retired a long time ago, even if it looks okay.

Answer 7

No need to throw it away; it's just too costly to reline. If it's just cosmetic/comfort lining that is going then it's still unsafe for someone needing a helmet for some quad use. Let go of it. You can do it. :)

Answer 8

you should replace your helmet every 2 years,my last helmet cost me $700.the shell deteriorates and would be very unsafe. put it on the shelf as a trophy, best place for it. remember if you have a $10 head buy a $10 helmet

Answer 9

Helmets changed a lot since your helmet. New helmets may be half the weight of yours but cost a bit more too.

Answer 10

Now, the lining - is that FOAM lining? The helmet will be useless IF the lining is to absorb the impact - if that's what you're talking about, I wouldn't risk it.

Now, if it's something else, go for it.