Old Arai lid - safe to use? - SV650.org

04-08-10, 08:00 PM

My dad's mate has been doing a bit of a clearout, and is getting rid of stuff he doesn't need, including a lot of bike gear, as he no longer rides. This stuff is getting given to me and my dad for free.

One thing that has been discovered is a 10-year-old Arai (unaware of the specific model) that's still in the box, totally un-used, the protective film still on the visor. I've heard before that you should replace a lid every 5 years, and that they have shelf lives, but if this thing has lived in a box for ten years should it be fine to ride with?

I ask because it's in my size and it's free, so is it worth having or fit only for the skip?

Biker Biggles · 04-08-10, 08:04 PM

Id use it.Firstly I think the five year rule applies to helmets in actual use,exposed to sunlight and road filth etc.I also think a lot of it is bull from the industry to make sure you keep buying new lids.

04-08-10, 08:05 PM

Yeah, I'd use it too.

rictus01 · 04-08-10, 08:06 PM

the "shelf life" thing dates back to the old polycarb helmets, and various reactions to paint and sunlight, todays lids are of different construction, check all the fittings are in good order and it fits you, it should be fine.

Cheers Mark.

widepants · 04-08-10, 08:07 PM

dont use it,give it to me to dispose of for you

04-08-10, 08:36 PM

isnt it more important that it fits you properly

04-08-10, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cringer

isnt it more important that it fits you properly

Well that's a matter we can come to when it gets to me, this was more a question of if it's even worth bringing home, which the consensus seems to be 'yes'.

Just been chatting to my dad and it might not be as old as believed, by his description it's a Quantum F, with two front vents and one large exhaust vent. Score.

Cheers all!

ethariel · 04-08-10, 09:12 PM

An original Arai Quantum, the most comfortable lid i ever owned....

Did well banging off the tarmac several times while decelerating from 50 and bouncing down the road (with me in it obviously)

04-08-10, 09:28 PM

arent the budget shoei and arai the same design going back 20 years or so.

Im sure i can remember my dads helmets in the 80s looking very similar.

Although in those days they were probably made of wood and horse hair

04-08-10, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cringer

Although in those days they were probably made of wood and horse hair

Horse hair? You were lucky! We got to wear half a crisp packet, and that's if we were good.

Please tell me someone gets this Monty Python reference...

04-08-10, 08:00 PM	#1
Jamesy D Guest Posts: n/a	Old Arai lid - safe to use? My dad's mate has been doing a bit of a clearout, and is getting rid of stuff he doesn't need, including a lot of bike gear, as he no longer rides. This stuff is getting given to me and my dad for free. One thing that has been discovered is a 10-year-old Arai (unaware of the specific model) that's still in the box, totally un-used, the protective film still on the visor. I've heard before that you should replace a lid every 5 years, and that they have shelf lives, but if this thing has lived in a box for ten years should it be fine to ride with? I ask because it's in my size and it's free, so is it worth having or fit only for the skip?

04-08-10, 08:04 PM	#2
Biker Biggles Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barnet Herts Posts: 5,071	Re: Old Arai lids Id use it.Firstly I think the five year rule applies to helmets in actual use,exposed to sunlight and road filth etc.I also think a lot of it is bull from the industry to make sure you keep buying new lids. __________________ On a clear day we stand there and look further than the ordinary eye can see.

04-08-10, 08:05 PM	#3
Stig Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Old Arai lids Yeah, I'd use it too.

04-08-10, 08:06 PM	#4
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: Old Arai lids the "shelf life" thing dates back to the old polycarb helmets, and various reactions to paint and sunlight, todays lids are of different construction, check all the fittings are in good order and it fits you, it should be fine. Cheers Mark. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

04-08-10, 08:07 PM	#5
widepants Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: somerset Posts: 480	Re: Old Arai lids dont use it,give it to me to dispose of for you __________________ http://forums.sv650.org/showpost.php...9&postcount=17 lol

04-08-10, 08:36 PM	#6
cringer Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Old Arai lids isnt it more important that it fits you properly

04-08-10, 09:12 PM	#8
ethariel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London (for my sins) Posts: 806	Re: Old Arai lids An original Arai Quantum, the most comfortable lid i ever owned.... Did well banging off the tarmac several times while decelerating from 50 and bouncing down the road (with me in it obviously)

04-08-10, 09:28 PM	#9
cringer Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Old Arai lids arent the budget shoei and arai the same design going back 20 years or so. Im sure i can remember my dads helmets in the 80s looking very similar. Although in those days they were probably made of wood and horse hair

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