New VS Used

[Reh]

As a learner, we all got told never to:

a) use someone else's helmet
b) never to buy a used helmet.

Has anyone ever bought one 2nd hand? ie from ebay?

would anyone ever recommend it?

Or is there a general consensus that bikers wouldn't lie? would they tell the truth and say it has never been dropped/it has been dropped? :?:

Feedback from you all experienced guys/gals would be appreciated.

[Scoobs]

If there is cash to be had, people will lie.....simple as. I know someone who chucked their bike down the road. They did it all back up with bits from ebay and sold it as perfect. He is a complete **** head.

[wyrdness]

I haven't and I wouldn't, as you have no guarantee that it hasn't been damaged in some way. Buy a decent quality new helmet from a reputable dealer. After all, how much is your head worth to you?

[Reh]

Taking on board what you've said guys - it is exactly the reason why we shouldn't try to skimp and save when it comes to protecting the head.. but say you come accross a helmet (on ebay) right size, right colour, guy selling it cos he bought a different colour bike.

He has a 100% feedback, and you contemplate buying it since you 'trust' him?

isn't that a typical scenario any one has come accross?

Also, is it true that the likes of Shoei and Arai will check your helmet for free for damage? maybe at roadshows?

[SoulKiss]

Taking on board what you've said guys - it is exactly the reason why we shouldn't try to skimp and save when it comes to protecting the head.. but say you come accross a helmet (on ebay) right size, right colour, guy selling it cos he bought a different colour bike.

He has a 100% feedback, and you contemplate buying it since you 'trust' him?

isn't that a typical scenario any one has come accross?

Also, is it true that the likes of Shoei and Arai will check your helmet for free for damage? maybe at roadshows?

Got an ebay head, get an ebay helmet.

Honestly - just dont do it

My 2p's worth

David

[Stu]

Only Arai test, not Shoei.

Yes I would be tempted by your description, only you can answer for yourself though.

I always used to use 2nd hand lids on my peds (they didn't even fit well :roll: )

[rictus01]

well as a rule I'd agree, however I've got two secondhand helmets, one from a pillion rider who used it twice (and I've known her a long time) who didn't like the bike thing, and the other was a display one (not a "try it on job" either), but I'll grant you these are exceptions, I won't buy a helmet on ebay even if it was said to be new, or for that matter from anywhere not reputable.

Cheers Mark.

[Reh]

Does anyone know when and where the testing of Arai's is/can be done? Also is it true that Arai do this for free for Arai lid owners?

[fizzwheel]

I think Arai's have to go back to Arai themselves for testing. It might take a few days. If theres a dealer near you thats an Arai stockist, pop in there and ask them about it.

Personally I would'nt buy a 2nd hand lid. I agree with the others about not being 100% sure of its history the only way IMHO you can do that is to buy a new lid, even then you cant be 100% it hasnt been dropped in the shop etc. Which is the other reason I wouldnt buy a lid from an on-line dealer and have it delivered either.

But at the end of the day its up to you isnt it.

[ArtyLady]

I always buy them new and always take great care to make sure they fit properly, (mind you Im especially paranoid about protecting my bonce) - but then we all should be - weve only got the one and it cant be replaced #-o

Ive just replaced a 7 year old helmet that I couldnt actually see anything particularly wrong with but they are supposed to start disintegrating inside (I was told after 5 years) and losing their protection against concussion.

I remember years ago me and hubby had open face helmets :? 8) (ah those were the days) and for a few years he didnt have bike and the helmets sat in a cupboard which was a little bit damp. When he got another bike we got them out a shower of disintegrated white stuff fell out :shock: so it definately does happen. Anyway going back to your question - personally I wouldnt touch it with a bargepole :|

[kwak zzr]

buy new matey, decent protection doesnt cost the earth a bike mag survery once did a helmet test and my HJC AC-11 came second best out of lots of more expencive lids, infinaty motorcycles were selling them reduced from £199 to £99, ive had it for about 18months now and am still happy with it.

[DoubleD]

Buy new, you just can't be sure whats happened to it.

I've seen the way boxes get carefully put in the back of post vans, do you really trust a ebayer packaging??

I got a (new) cheap one to start off with while learning to ride and in case I dropped it or binned the bike, then after a bit I got myself a nice shiny new one.

[SVeeedy Gonzales]

I've repeatedly worn the same helmet after it's been dropped, minor offs, etc. but I wouldn't have a used one - for the hygiene though, rather than the protection aspect. Have worn a mates helmet when test riding his bike, and of course used the battered old DAS helmets and the like.

If you want a cheap one you can pick up a Takachi or something for £50 and they're a lot better than you'd expect.

[northwind]

I think Arai's have to go back to Arai themselves for testing. It might take a few days. If theres a dealer near you thats an Arai stockist, pop in there and ask them about it.


I just took mine to my dealer, handed it over, got it back about 2 weeks later. I've no idea what was actually involved ;)

[instigator]

If there is cash to be had, people will lie.....simple as. I know someone who chucked their bike down the road. They did it all back up with bits from ebay and sold it as perfect. He is a complete d*ck head.

I don't see that being a problem if all the parts were replaced and it was as if it wasn't crashed.

Not that I would do it myself.