Custom Paint (got a deal)

[lragan]

The Snell site suggests every 5 years or accident.

I am sure it will depend on the amount of time you have it on your head.  Casual riders' helmets should go further between replacement (barring dropping, accidents, etc.) than commuters' helmets.

Materials technology advances are coming rapidly these days.  Five years on, a better helmet may be available that will tempt me, even if mine is still in good shape.

As for paint, you just need to make sure what you use does not chemically degrade the plastic shell.  If your paint does not soften or attack the polymers in your fenders and side panels, it probably won't attach your helmet plastic either.

It would be nice to know how much of the "education" we receive from helmet manufacturers is based on hard data, what is intended to protect them from lawsuits, and what is intended to sell new helmets.  This whole area is a minefield of misinformation, in my view.

Note -- I did not intend to post this twice, and can't figure out how to delete a post "ex poste facto"

[roboto65]

Well my high dollar ARAI which I did not buy LOL says 5 years but I have found after 2 years I cannot stand the smell  because some parts are not washable

[L J VFR]

I read somewhere on this site or somewhere else, that if you put your used dryer sheets in your helmet while it is not being ridden, it helps with the smell!!!   It helped with mine....LOL...   Lance

[Greg Cothern]

The Snell site suggests every 5 years or accident.

I am sure it will depend on the amount of time you have it on your head.  Casual riders' helmets should go further between replacement (barring dropping, accidents, etc.) than commuters' helmets.

It would be nice to know how much of the "education" we receive from helmet manufacturers is based on hard data, what is intended to protect them from lawsuits, and what is intended to sell new helmets. 

This is why I pointed out Snell Foundation, they don't sell helmets.  I TRUST their word implicitly. 

Their suggestion for replacement every 5 years is they feel at 5 years they are still fully protective (the adhesives and polymers binding things together) but beyond that some may start to degradate and thus with safety in mind recommend replacement.

[Magnum Magna]

One of the biggest bonuses went to the person that added on shampoo bottles the directions of rinse and repeat.  Another person I am sure that got a big bonus said replace the helmet ever 2 years.

[Jamtndll]

ok all you guys who need something painted i need your help.  If I can get 10 of you to have something painted at dreamworks.  I can get my paint job free.  See website above to view work.  He can do anytying you want.  You just bring the picture or scene you want.  He uses splash of color paints and usually the clear coat is around 5 to 6 coats.  He also said if you did not like what he did that he would redo it till he got it right.  It is warrantied for as long as you own the bike if something goes wrong bring it back and he will fix it.  He has 3 motorcycles he is working on at this time.
Jim