Why You Shouldn't Buy a Used Motorcycle Helmet

Friday, February 6, 2009 ·

By Frank Medley

If you're buying a motorcycle helmet, you may be worried about how expensive they can be. A high quality new motorcycle helmet can cost as much as 400 dollars. So why not buy a used motorcycle helmet?

It is never a good idea to buy a used motorcycle helmet. The helmet is one of your best protections against injury when riding a motorcycle. That is the reason for all of the laws requiring a helmet be worn.

If you buy a used motorcycle helmet, you are taking a huge risk with your health in the event of an accident. There are several different reasons why you should never purchase a used motorcycle helmet.

The major reason to never buy a used motorcycle helmet is that you have no idea if the helmet has been involved in a crash, or been dropped. Helmets are designed to withstand only one impact, and will not protect you effectively after that.

You may be thinking that you would be able to tell if the helmet had been dropped or in a crash, but this isn't true. Many helmets are scratch and dent resistant. Just because a helmet looks safe doesn't mean it is.

A separate issue is the age of the helmet. Even if it has never been dropped or damaged, its shock absorbing layer, made of expanded polystyrene, will break down over time. This means you will not be adequately protected.

You can also never know if a used motorcycle helmet has been left in the sun, or too close to a gas tank. These can both lead to breakdowns of the helmets lining, which you cannot see.

It is a bad idea to buy a used motorcycle helmet. Even if you're buying from someone completely honest, age and wear can create serious safety issues with any helmet, leaving you unsafe as you ride.

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