Bought Ben Attard's helmet :D

lolibater · May 18th, 2013, 04:04 PM

I just bought this off of BARF a few days ago. Just finished washing, cleaning, and detailing the living hell out of this thing. Ordered a new dark smoke shield, and another set of mounting hardware, as it looks as if Ben Attard snapped off both of the shield removal levers. Took me a good hour or so to figure out how to work all the Arai hardware

Now I just have to live up to the Superbike Champion standards, right?

lolibater · May 18th, 2013, 04:06 PM

I also got this 707 helmet as a free warranty replacement for my old one. I'll be keeping this one around for a spare once the parts come in for the Arai. The 707 is over 2x as heavy, and my neck can definitely feel it. Still looks great though:

rojoracing53 · May 18th, 2013, 04:10 PM

Haha me And Ben have rubbed elbows a few times during our AMA days

Alex · May 18th, 2013, 04:16 PM

Is that a euphemism?

cerberusrex25 · May 18th, 2013, 04:25 PM

As an accessories and safety equipment sales rep , I would not recommend wearing that helmet to ride as it is more than 5 years old, it is unsafe and not suitable for street use. Nice piece of memorabilia though.

lolibater · May 18th, 2013, 06:32 PM

I'll be wearing it

Ordered new liners, pads, shield, mounting hardware, vents, etc.

Reswob · May 18th, 2013, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolibater

I'll be wearing it

Ordered new liners, pads, shield, mounting hardware, vents, etc.

What does any of that stuff have to do with the EPS (you know, the stuff that actually keeps your head safe and starts to break down after 4-5 years)? Oh, that's right, nothing.

xSean13 · May 18th, 2013, 09:27 PM

Who?

lolibater · May 20th, 2013, 08:54 AM

Thank you all for your concern. Seriously, I'll be fine.

cerberusrex25 · May 22nd, 2013, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reswob

What does any of that stuff have to do with the EPS (you know, the stuff that actually keeps your head safe and starts to break down after 4-5 years)? Oh, that's right, nothing.

Same thoughts over here, If there is something I learned when I first started selling helmets and safety equipment for a living, is how the shell degradation does not matter as much( although after 5 or so years the fiber glass also dries out and becomes brittle) is the EPS inside of it that degrades with time and becomes really unsafe, it does not protect as well as it did when it was new, also if your insurance finds out the age of the helmet and you've been seriously injured, they won't pay. Just saying, dude.

alex.s · May 22nd, 2013, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Is that a euphemism?

*golf clap*

lolibater · May 22nd, 2013, 04:15 PM

I brought it down to cycle gear since the guy that I wanted to get a replacement shield from there said he could inspect it and let me know if it's safe or not. I'll bring it by there later today and let you know what they say

I talked to the seller of the helmet, as well as a few other local riders who know the seller, all of whom said the helmet should be good for another few years based on the date stamp, but after that should probably be retired.

As the seller was also AMA, I'm inclined to believe him.

Panda · May 22nd, 2013, 06:53 PM

Contact Arai directly if you are curious.

lolibater · May 23rd, 2013, 08:59 AM

Yeah I can't seem to find the date stamp anywhere on or in the helmet

rojoracing53 · May 23rd, 2013, 09:31 AM

I was racing against Ben in 2003-2004 I believe he's stopped just after that so your helmet is at least 8 years old.

lolibater · May 23rd, 2013, 09:36 AM

Was he using this exact helmet then? The guy who sold it to me (a supposed close friend of his?) told me it should be good for a total of 7 years, and that it had "1 or 2 years" left on it.

Idk if it matters, but i pressed in on the inside of the helmet, and the foam or whatever is still flexible.

lolibater · May 23rd, 2013, 09:37 AM

I hope the $75 of new parts I got for this aren't going to go to waste

lolibater · May 23rd, 2013, 09:41 AM

found the date stamp! 07/09

rojoracing53 · May 23rd, 2013, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolibater

found the date stamp! 07/09

That's the 7th week of 2009

lolibater · May 23rd, 2013, 11:01 AM

So it should be good until at least 3/14 yeah?

Panda · May 23rd, 2013, 11:14 AM

If I were you I'd just contact Arai and send them the helmet. IIRC they'll check it out.

It could be me but I'm not a huge fan of buying helmets b/c there could be internal damage to the EPS that is not visible externally.

My brains and peace of mind are worth having it checked by the mfg.

lolibater · May 23rd, 2013, 11:44 AM

I think sending it back to Arai is a little much....

I've already confirmed that it in the usable date range.

Jiggles · May 23rd, 2013, 11:48 AM

So if its in the usable date range then that means its not his helmet?

lolibater · May 23rd, 2013, 11:55 AM

I should just DNA swab the cheekpad so we know for sure, right?

cerberusrex25 · May 23rd, 2013, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolibater

I brought it down to cycle gear since the guy that I wanted to get a replacement shield from there said he could inspect it and let me know if it's safe or not. I'll bring it by there later today and let you know what they say

I talked to the seller of the helmet, as well as a few other local riders who know the seller, all of whom said the helmet should be good for another few years based on the date stamp, but after that should probably be retired.

As the seller was also AMA, I'm inclined to believe him.

Good job, glad you did your due diligence, now enjoy your gear at the fullest. I'm realy happy you get to use it and it's safe.

lolibater · May 24th, 2013, 01:58 PM

Yeah I'm stoked! It's so comfy! THanks

May 18th, 2013, 04:04 PM	#1
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	Bought Ben Attard's helmet :D I just bought this off of BARF a few days ago. Just finished washing, cleaning, and detailing the living hell out of this thing. Ordered a new dark smoke shield, and another set of mounting hardware, as it looks as if Ben Attard snapped off both of the shield removal levers. Took me a good hour or so to figure out how to work all the Arai hardware Now I just have to live up to the Superbike Champion standards, right? __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 18th, 2013, 04:06 PM	#2
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	I also got this 707 helmet as a free warranty replacement for my old one. I'll be keeping this one around for a spare once the parts come in for the Arai. The 707 is over 2x as heavy, and my neck can definitely feel it. Still looks great though: __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 18th, 2013, 04:16 PM	#4
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	Is that a euphemism? __________________________________________________ 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)
	3 out of 3 members found this post helpful.

May 18th, 2013, 06:32 PM	#6
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	I'll be wearing it Ordered new liners, pads, shield, mounting hardware, vents, etc. __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 20th, 2013, 08:54 AM	#9
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	Thank you all for your concern. Seriously, I'll be fine. __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 18th, 2013, 04:10 PM	#3
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	Haha me And Ben have rubbed elbows a few times during our AMA days

May 18th, 2013, 04:25 PM	#5
cerberusrex25 Accesories Guru Name: Dave Location: Centreville, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): '99 EX250(Cafe/fighter project) Posts: 537	As an accessories and safety equipment sales rep , I would not recommend wearing that helmet to ride as it is more than 5 years old, it is unsafe and not suitable for street use. Nice piece of memorabilia though.

May 18th, 2013, 09:27 PM	#8
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.	Who?

May 22nd, 2013, 04:15 PM	#12
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	I brought it down to cycle gear since the guy that I wanted to get a replacement shield from there said he could inspect it and let me know if it's safe or not. I'll bring it by there later today and let you know what they say I talked to the seller of the helmet, as well as a few other local riders who know the seller, all of whom said the helmet should be good for another few years based on the date stamp, but after that should probably be retired. As the seller was also AMA, I'm inclined to believe him. __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 22nd, 2013, 06:53 PM	#13
Panda not an actual panda Name: dan Location: philadelphia Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.	Contact Arai directly if you are curious.

May 23rd, 2013, 08:59 AM	#14
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	Yeah I can't seem to find the date stamp anywhere on or in the helmet __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 23rd, 2013, 09:31 AM	#15
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	I was racing against Ben in 2003-2004 I believe he's stopped just after that so your helmet is at least 8 years old.

May 23rd, 2013, 09:36 AM	#16
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	Was he using this exact helmet then? The guy who sold it to me (a supposed close friend of his?) told me it should be good for a total of 7 years, and that it had "1 or 2 years" left on it. Idk if it matters, but i pressed in on the inside of the helmet, and the foam or whatever is still flexible. __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 23rd, 2013, 09:37 AM	#17
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	I hope the $75 of new parts I got for this aren't going to go to waste __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 23rd, 2013, 09:41 AM	#18
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	found the date stamp! 07/09 __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 23rd, 2013, 11:01 AM	#20
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	So it should be good until at least 3/14 yeah? __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 23rd, 2013, 11:14 AM	#21
Panda not an actual panda Name: dan Location: philadelphia Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.	If I were you I'd just contact Arai and send them the helmet. IIRC they'll check it out. It could be me but I'm not a huge fan of buying helmets b/c there could be internal damage to the EPS that is not visible externally. My brains and peace of mind are worth having it checked by the mfg.

May 23rd, 2013, 11:44 AM	#22
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	I think sending it back to Arai is a little much.... I've already confirmed that it in the usable date range. __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 23rd, 2013, 11:48 AM	#23
Jiggles Jigglin' your Jiglets Name: Sean Location: San Jose, Ca Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Apr '13	So if its in the usable date range then that means its not his helmet? __________________________________________________ If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs

May 23rd, 2013, 11:55 AM	#24
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	I should just DNA swab the cheekpad so we know for sure, right? __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

May 24th, 2013, 01:58 PM	#26
lolibater ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Napa, CA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R, 2011 Sprint GT Posts: A lot.	Yeah I'm stoked! It's so comfy! THanks __________________________________________________ "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is fear." - Gandhi

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