I dropped my helmet...

SSR · June 3rd, 2011, 07:53 PM

First, let me get this out of the way. Stupid me. I know better.

Ok, so I was parked in a parking lot talking to a friend and I stuck my helmet on the right handle bar (noting uncommon there). I was sitting on my bike and I shifted weight or something, and the helmet fell off, landing smack dab on the pavement. So it fell about...3 feet? Now, it landed directly on the very top of the helmet. I know this because of the scratches.

Now, I know all helmets have a foam liner that "crushes" which is how it absorbs the energy. Seeing as how it was on the very top of my helmet, I wonder, just far did this "crushing" go. There's not gonna be too many accidents where the rider gets thrown into the air and lands directly 90 degrees to the ground. You'd always land on your back/front or side.

So, since the back/front/side of my helmet are "untouched" I wonder if it's still good to use.

Had the helmet landed on the side, the answer is easy enough, the helmet would be no good. But I wonder about directly vertical.

Thoughts? Opinions?

k-os · June 3rd, 2011, 08:09 PM

I feel like if you have to question if it's good or not, you should replace it.

whiteboy · June 3rd, 2011, 08:16 PM

What's the price of a new head and the price of a new helmet? Thats the way I look at it plus I like getting new gear

Boom King · June 3rd, 2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSR

There's not gonna be too many accidents where the rider gets thrown into the air and lands directly 90 degrees to the ground. You'd always land on your back/front or side.

So, since the back/front/side of my helmet are "untouched" I wonder if it's still good to use.

Had the helmet landed on the side, the answer is easy enough, the helmet would be no good. But I wonder about directly vertical.

Thoughts? Opinions?

There are stages of protection so to speak in terms of how a helmet protects your noggin in the event of impact. The first part is served by the hard outer shell to help disperse the kinetic energy over the area of the helmet so that the transmission of energy is not so focused on a smaller area. So even though the back and sides of your helmet were not damaged, if the top part of the shell is, then the protection of the helmet may already be compromised.

Second part is served by the inner liner to absorb the remaining force as well as cushion the kinetic energy caused when the helmet stops moving but your head inside is not. Other parts are for comfort and proper retention. At least this is how I remember it when they played a video in my MSF class. Again, all these stages/components rely on the other to make the entire helmet effective. If one is compromised, the ability of the helmet to do its job should be questioned.

It is impossible to predict with 100% certainty how your head will impact in an accident. My other post may give you some additional food for thought on what you choose to do: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...13&postcount=7

LazinCajun · June 3rd, 2011, 08:27 PM

IIRC, some manufacturer's will do a free scan (xray? not sure what imaging technique they use) to determine if your EPS liner is still intact.

Mad-B-Man · June 3rd, 2011, 08:31 PM

Actually, the EPS liner probably won't be compromised at just 3 feet without a head in it. If anything, the out shell would be compromised (which is also a problem, but more visible). If you can pull the comfort liner out, you can inspect for any cracks or webbing. This isn't a full inspection though. If you are not comfortable riding with a dropped helmet, then get a replacement.

Depending on the helmet brand, you might be able to send it in and have it x-rayed (Shoei does it for free+postage, Arai charges you 10 bucks+postage). Don't know about other companies, but they might also offer it. Email your helmet manufacturer. If you know anyone with access to an x-ray machine you might be able to ask them to do it for you. A couple of people claimed to have done this.

SSR · June 3rd, 2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boom King

send it in for safety inspection

Where would one do this? Send it back to the manufacture? (I'm also in Ontario as well). *EDIT* Thanks for the clarification LazinCajun & Mad-B-Man. You posted while I was still writing this post.

What have you guys heard about the HJC CL-16? DOT and Snell 2010 approved and it's pretty cheap ($140 CDN). Probably be a decent enough helmet while I send my current one (FS-15 Carbon) in to get checked out.

kkim · June 3rd, 2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSR

First, let me get this out of the way. Stupid me. I know better.

guess you don't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSR

There's not gonna be too many accidents where the rider gets thrown into the air and lands directly 90 degrees to the ground. You'd always land on your back/front or side.

Had the helmet landed on the side, the answer is easy enough, the helmet would be no good. But I wonder about directly vertical.

Cuongism · June 3rd, 2011, 09:37 PM

I had a pretty good experience with Shoei. They X-ray for free and their office is in Tustin, CA (about an hour away) so the whole process took less than a week. They do offer their service to Canada as well if you have a Shoei.

I also suggest having two helmets at a time for scenarios like this (or when washing your main helmet or if it gets stolen etc). I had my helmet stolen one night so every store is closed. Luckily since I have a cheap backup, my friend drove me home to pick it up and I was able to get my bike home (helmet law here). Good luck!

Alex · June 4th, 2011, 10:47 AM

If the outside shell isn't cracked at all, it's almost certainly fine. Check out the second post in this thread, and click on the video link. One of the top guys at Arai goes through helmet 101 with Jay Leno, and that is one of the questions he answers very clearly.

Link to original page on YouTube.

SSR · June 4th, 2011, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

If the outside shell isn't cracked at all, it's almost certainly fine. Check out the second post in this thread, and click on the video link. One of the top guys at Arai goes through helmet 101 with Jay Leno, and that is one of the questions he answers very clearly.

A VERY good video. You should probably sticky that video link, I'm sure there are a lot of people on here who would find that very helpful.

Given what that Arai guy said, I think I'll be ok. I've also inspected the inside, no cracks and my maths say only about 15 joules were transfered in the impact.

F=ma
=(1.514kg)(9.81m/s^2)
=14.85N

Joules = Fd
= (14.85N)(1m) (1 meter = 3 feet, a rough estimate of how high my handle bars are)
= 15J

Boom King · June 4th, 2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

If the outside shell isn't cracked at all, it's almost certainly fine.

There's an article somewhere I remember reading where they visit a SNELL certification/testing centre and they asked the guy the question about dropped helmets. He basically said the same thing about the helmet most likely being fine as long as the shell is not cracked and since there is no weight inside to push up against the liner.

iplante · July 30th, 2012, 04:39 PM

I was getting my gear off to go pick up food, and I had my helmet hanging on the handlebar while I took off my jacket. It slid off the handle and fell on the ground, which was parking lot asphalt.

Here's my question: would you still trust the helmet and ride with it, or has it been compromised?

It's an HJC CL-16, Snell & DOT approved.

Monkeytofu · July 30th, 2012, 04:45 PM

Yes, it's fine. Needing to replace a helmet after a small drop is just one of those motorcycle myths (like needing to remove release agent from tires) that will always passed around.

iplante · July 30th, 2012, 04:46 PM

Thanks man

Better safe than sorry, right?

lgk · July 30th, 2012, 04:50 PM

depends on how it landed...

iplante · July 30th, 2012, 04:52 PM

lgk, i think it landed on the top of the helmet, and then rolled and the visor came off on one side.

xSean13 · July 30th, 2012, 04:54 PM

Did the same thing with my helmet. It just cracked one of the vent sliders & scuffed the awesome graphics

iplante · July 30th, 2012, 04:57 PM

I was already thinking of getting a Bell Revolver modular helmet on sale for $119.00 at a local shop.. but I don't really have $$ unless I really NEED to buy a new one.

Being a poor student sucks

lgk · July 30th, 2012, 04:57 PM

probably is ok, just check the visor for cracks and scratches replace if necessary.

the helmet is most likely ok as long as there are no cracks in the shell and the foam underneath is intact.

iplante · July 30th, 2012, 05:00 PM

The visor is fine. There are scratches only on the shell.. Any way to check the foam?

lgk · July 30th, 2012, 05:08 PM

not really,
you can remove the inner lining and take a quick look but that about it.

the helmet is probably fine, i just like to go into detail about things, lol.

best thing to do from now on is set the helmet on the ground if you need to use your hands or install a helmet hook on the bike.

iplante · July 30th, 2012, 05:18 PM

Yeah I was just being lazy! Definitely learned my lesson.

Thanks though

I'll see if I can take a look under the liners.

Lychee · July 30th, 2012, 05:19 PM

I read somewhere that unless there is a head inside for the foam to smoosh against, the foam will survive a drop. The plastic is a different story.

Jiggles · July 30th, 2012, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iplante

I was already thinking of getting a Bell Revolver modular helmet on sale for $119.00 at a local shop.. but I don't really have $$ unless I really NEED to buy a new one.

Being a poor student sucks

If you get a modular helmet you also have to get a RAM cup holder, they run $25 on amazon

Alex · July 30th, 2012, 05:34 PM

/merged with another "i dropped my helmet" thread with some good info in it

aShifty · July 30th, 2012, 05:42 PM

happened to me today :/ i was rushing and it slipped out of my hands. fall was maybe 2 feet and i caught it as it hit the ground. only some small scratches though. :/

June 3rd, 2011, 07:53 PM	#1
SSR ninjette.org guru Name: Jonathan Location: Ottawa, Ontario Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 398	I dropped my helmet... First, let me get this out of the way. Stupid me. I know better. Ok, so I was parked in a parking lot talking to a friend and I stuck my helmet on the right handle bar (noting uncommon there). I was sitting on my bike and I shifted weight or something, and the helmet fell off, landing smack dab on the pavement. So it fell about...3 feet? Now, it landed directly on the very top of the helmet. I know this because of the scratches. Now, I know all helmets have a foam liner that "crushes" which is how it absorbs the energy. Seeing as how it was on the very top of my helmet, I wonder, just far did this "crushing" go. There's not gonna be too many accidents where the rider gets thrown into the air and lands directly 90 degrees to the ground. You'd always land on your back/front or side. So, since the back/front/side of my helmet are "untouched" I wonder if it's still good to use. Had the helmet landed on the side, the answer is easy enough, the helmet would be no good. But I wonder about directly vertical. Thoughts? Opinions? __________________________________________________ From here...to everywhere!

June 3rd, 2011, 08:16 PM	#3
whiteboy ninjette.org member Name: justin Location: Odessa Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250r Posts: 223	What's the price of a new head and the price of a new helmet? Thats the way I look at it plus I like getting new gear __________________________________________________ If you’re going to lead, then lead. If you’re going to follow, get the hell out of my way!

June 4th, 2011, 10:47 AM	#10
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	If the outside shell isn't cracked at all, it's almost certainly fine. Check out the second post in this thread, and click on the video link. One of the top guys at Arai goes through helmet 101 with Jay Leno, and that is one of the questions he answers very clearly. Link to original page on YouTube. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

July 30th, 2012, 04:39 PM	#13
iplante I ride like a granny Name: Isabelle Location: Minneapolis Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250R - EX250F Posts: 521 Blog Entries: 1	Dropped my helmet I was getting my gear off to go pick up food, and I had my helmet hanging on the handlebar while I took off my jacket. It slid off the handle and fell on the ground, which was parking lot asphalt. Here's my question: would you still trust the helmet and ride with it, or has it been compromised? It's an HJC CL-16, Snell & DOT approved.

July 30th, 2012, 05:34 PM	#26
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	/merged with another "i dropped my helmet" thread with some good info in it __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

June 3rd, 2011, 08:09 PM	#2
k-os ninjette.org sage Name: Andy Location: Sheboygan, WI Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 1988 Honda Hawk NT650, 1989 Honda Hawk NT650, 1997 GSXR750 Track Bike Posts: 890	I feel like if you have to question if it's good or not, you should replace it.

June 3rd, 2011, 08:27 PM	#5
LazinCajun ninjette.org guru Name: Anon Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488	IIRC, some manufacturer's will do a free scan (xray? not sure what imaging technique they use) to determine if your EPS liner is still intact.

June 3rd, 2011, 08:31 PM	#6
Mad-B-Man ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: Daly Cty, CA Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 07 EX250F, Honda NCZ50 Motocompo Posts: 18	Actually, the EPS liner probably won't be compromised at just 3 feet without a head in it. If anything, the out shell would be compromised (which is also a problem, but more visible). If you can pull the comfort liner out, you can inspect for any cracks or webbing. This isn't a full inspection though. If you are not comfortable riding with a dropped helmet, then get a replacement. Depending on the helmet brand, you might be able to send it in and have it x-rayed (Shoei does it for free+postage, Arai charges you 10 bucks+postage). Don't know about other companies, but they might also offer it. Email your helmet manufacturer. If you know anyone with access to an x-ray machine you might be able to ask them to do it for you. A couple of people claimed to have done this.

June 3rd, 2011, 09:37 PM	#9
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	I had a pretty good experience with Shoei. They X-ray for free and their office is in Tustin, CA (about an hour away) so the whole process took less than a week. They do offer their service to Canada as well if you have a Shoei. I also suggest having two helmets at a time for scenarios like this (or when washing your main helmet or if it gets stolen etc). I had my helmet stolen one night so every store is closed. Luckily since I have a cheap backup, my friend drove me home to pick it up and I was able to get my bike home (helmet law here). Good luck!

July 30th, 2012, 04:45 PM	#14
Monkeytofu I told you bro Name: Noor Location: Austin, Texas Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1996 Ninja 250r Posts: 680	Yes, it's fine. Needing to replace a helmet after a small drop is just one of those motorcycle myths (like needing to remove release agent from tires) that will always passed around.

July 30th, 2012, 04:46 PM	#15
iplante I ride like a granny Name: Isabelle Location: Minneapolis Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250R - EX250F Posts: 521 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks man Better safe than sorry, right?

July 30th, 2012, 04:50 PM	#16
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	depends on how it landed...

July 30th, 2012, 04:52 PM	#17
iplante I ride like a granny Name: Isabelle Location: Minneapolis Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250R - EX250F Posts: 521 Blog Entries: 1	lgk, i think it landed on the top of the helmet, and then rolled and the visor came off on one side.

July 30th, 2012, 04:54 PM	#18
xSean13 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Middle TN Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (sold) / '03 CBR 600RR Posts: A lot.	Did the same thing with my helmet. It just cracked one of the vent sliders & scuffed the awesome graphics

July 30th, 2012, 04:57 PM	#19
iplante I ride like a granny Name: Isabelle Location: Minneapolis Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250R - EX250F Posts: 521 Blog Entries: 1	I was already thinking of getting a Bell Revolver modular helmet on sale for $119.00 at a local shop.. but I don't really have $$ unless I really NEED to buy a new one. Being a poor student sucks

July 30th, 2012, 05:00 PM	#21
iplante I ride like a granny Name: Isabelle Location: Minneapolis Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250R - EX250F Posts: 521 Blog Entries: 1	The visor is fine. There are scratches only on the shell.. Any way to check the foam?

July 30th, 2012, 05:08 PM	#22
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	not really, you can remove the inner lining and take a quick look but that about it. the helmet is probably fine, i just like to go into detail about things, lol. best thing to do from now on is set the helmet on the ground if you need to use your hands or install a helmet hook on the bike.

July 30th, 2012, 05:18 PM	#23
iplante I ride like a granny Name: Isabelle Location: Minneapolis Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250R - EX250F Posts: 521 Blog Entries: 1	Yeah I was just being lazy! Definitely learned my lesson. Thanks though I'll see if I can take a look under the liners.

July 30th, 2012, 05:19 PM	#24
Lychee sail away Name: Jon Location: San Jose Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): gixxer (sold), ninjette (upgrade!) Posts: 964 Blog Entries: 8	I read somewhere that unless there is a head inside for the foam to smoosh against, the foam will survive a drop. The plastic is a different story.

July 30th, 2012, 05:42 PM	#27
aShifty ninjette.org member Name: Armin Location: St. Louis Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R Posts: 82	happened to me today :/ i was rushing and it slipped out of my hands. fall was maybe 2 feet and i caught it as it hit the ground. only some small scratches though. :/

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