After five years of usage, a Motorcycle Helmet expires. You need to replace the helmet with a new one that will properly shield your head from harm during unfortunate events.

Want to know what can shorten this already short life span of your helmet?

Not storing it properly! You might end up quickening the damage caused to the inner lining, outer shell, and chinstraps by not taking necessary storing measures.

Wondering about how to store a motorcycle helmet?

We promise to introduce you to some ways through which you can store a Motorcycle Helmet safely. Just take a few seconds to give the article a thorough read!

Why you need proper motorcycle helmet storage

When you are riding, the motorcycle helmet helps a great deal in reducing risk. Chances of getting a severe head injury and traumatic brain injuries are gravely reduced. Thus, it is better to properly store your motorcycle helmet and keep its protectability intact.

If your helmet is stored in poor conditions, mold can destroy the inner linings and eat away the shockproofing characteristic. Storing in sunny places causes the outer shell to deteriorate, decreasing impact resistance. In short, neglecting the motorcycle helmet’s storage means compromising your head’s safety on the road.

Besides that, motorcycle helmets are on the costly side meaning constantly switching them out will leave a hole in your pocket.

What to consider when storing your motorcycle helmet

As you know the importance of storing helmets, we can now focus on the factors we need to consider.

Firstly, you need to make sure the helmet is kept in a well-ventilated place. When your helmet is unable to receive air, mold builds up causing decay of the inner lining. However, leaving the helmet completely exposed will cause dust to settle in and cause damage. You also need to ensure that the helmet doesn’t become home to nasty insects and mice.

Secondly, your motorcycle helmet should not be exposed to UV rays. When in presence of the sun, UV rays react with the compounds on the outer shell causing the impact resistance to diminish. The color of the helmet also fades and becomes an ugly shade of yellowish black.

Lastly, the motorcycle helmet needs to be kept away from places of high humidity. When exposed to high temperatures, the helmet can rust, leading to a quick decline.

How to store motorcycle helmet

Now as you are acquainted with some of the dos and don’ts, we can look into some ways of storing a motorcycle helmet.

Padded Helmet Bag

A padded helmet bag is an item that provides its users with great convenience. You can simply stash your helmet in and have it hung in your closet. Some noteworthy factors include the fact that is it lightweight and thus, portable. Small structure makes it take up very little space.

Besides your helmet, you can use this bag to fit in some other things. Glasses, gloves, handkerchiefs, etc. can be shoved within and carried around after a ride with no inconvenience.

When purchasing, look for a bag that has a durable build and it will likely last you longer than the helmet itself. A bag that is well cushioned is less likely to heat up even in presence of the sun.

Motorcycle Helmet Storage Rack and Helmet Hooks

This is an option for those who have multiple motorcycle helmets. A helmet storage rack will help you put your helmet on it after a ride while exposing it to air. This drives out all the sweaty smell and helps in preserving your helmet’s original feel.

The downside of buying a helmet storage rack is the fact that it takes up way too much space. You can use this extra space to hang up other jackets, backpacks, gloves, and other motorcycle gear.

Helmet hooks on the other hand offer a simpler choice. All you need to do is drill it into the wall and then, you are free to hang the helmet on it anytime. Before purchasing though, make sure you have a place on the wall where you can drill in a nail.

Disadvantages of a helmet hook include the fact that it damages your helmet’s inner padding. However, nowadays some helmets offer a smooth surface that will prevent this from happening.

As the helmets are exposed to dust and insects, many will try to combine helmet bags with racks or hooks. Simply stuff the helmet in breathable bags and then hang them up on hooks.

Motorcycle Helmet Shelf or Helmet Bay

A worthy competitor of a helmet storage rack is the helmet shelf or helmet bay. Helmet shelves can be used to put motorcycle helmets on display. They allow proper ventilation preventing the growth of molds. All you need to do is position it in a manner that prevents the sunlight from falling on your helmet.

Helmet bays are similar to helmet shelves except that they come with an extra protective feature. Sides and edges are present which will stop the helmet from falling off and becoming damaged.

Both motorcycle helmet shelves and helmet bays end up taking a lot of space. However, you can dedicate leftover sections to other motorcycle gear.

They are strong and durable while taking up little time to assemble. You can also choose to have them fitted onto your garage wall so that they do not topple over by any chance.

Motorcycle Helmet Storage Cabinet

Unlike helmet shelves, bays, or racks, the motorcycle helmet storage cabinet keeps your helmet covered and out of sight. This prevents dust from depositing onto it and causes the lining to become dirty.

Although a sturdy cabinet can take up some space, you can utilize it to store other items like glasses or gloves, all of which will be dust-free. As everything is out of sight, and overall clean look is maintained in the room where it is kept.

Panniers and Top box

If your motorcycle has panniers or top boxes, they can act as potential storage spots for your helmet. You can carry the helmet around without having to worry about causing any UV ray damage. Gloves, jackets, or glasses can also be stored in them.

As the lid is sealed shut, you do not worry about insects or animals creating any damage.

Helmet Locker

Helmet lockers are similar to storage cabinets. They have a better locking system and you can use them to store other equipment and motorcycle gear. Helmet lockers can be installed within garages to give them a classy vibe.

A notable problem is ventilation; helmet lockers do not let air in. Users are forced to leave the helmet outside after usage as putting them directly in will leave the stuffy smell of sweat.

Portable Helmet Storage Box or Storage Case

If you are looking to store an extra helmet on your motorcycle, a portable storage box or case is what you are looking for. Once these are installed on a motorcycle, they will act as a small storage compartment where you can store your helmet, a bottle of water, gloves, etc.

Motorcycle helmet storage boxes or cases have a rigid exterior that will keep your helmet safe and prevent them from bouncing around during a ride. As their mouths are closed shut, you can be guaranteed that your items will remain free from insects. Many come with locks to prevent theft.

Mannequin Head

If you are really into the idea of displaying your motorcycle helmet, you can choose to put them on a small mannequin head.

Despite being a unique storage method, it comes with several drawbacks. Extra care needs to be taken to ensure that the mannequin head is small so that the helmet doesn’t shape around it. Even then, there are chances of it pressuring certain points and altering your helmet’s fit. Besides that, compressing the inner lining constantly will cause it to be damaged. Your helmet’s safety characteristics might become damaged.

Motorcycle Helmet Storage On Bike

Sometimes, riders will carry an extra helmet on their bike for passengers to wear. There are several ways to store this spare helmet.

• Cargo nets or modified cargo nets made of elastic cords are used by many. You can simply wrap one around the helmet, spread out the webbing, and then tightly hook the ends together.
• Oxford Lidlash Helmet Bags are extremely popular in terms of carrying helmets. They are small and helmets can be easily stuffed within. You can then strap it onto the rear seat.
• Elastic Helmet Straps consist of four pieces of elastics with ends joined together by hooks. You can spread the elastic out so that they hold the helmet in position and then attach the hooks to the tail.
• Hooking the helmet under the rear seat is a common method. However, not all helmets have this facility. Besides that, you will be risking scratching of paint from both, your helmet and motorcycle.
• Saddles bags can be used to stash away motorcycle helmets as long as they are the right size. Remember to tightly fasten any straps to prevent the helmet from slipping out.
• Backpacks are also suitable for carrying a second helmet. You can stuff the helmet in and properly zip the mouth shut. However, they can end up causing your shoulders to ache after a long ride.
• Helmet Carrier Straps work like elastic helmet straps. However, there are only two straps present which makes it easy for the helmet to slip out.

The Don’ts of Storing a Motorcycle Helmet

1. Do not expose your motorcycle helmet to sunlight. UV rays cause photo-oxidate degradation which decreases the toughness of the helmet’s outer shell.
2. Do not keep your helmet next to places that have paint stored. Chemical fumes will react with the outer shell and inner lining and cause a decline in quality.
3. Do not keep your helmet overexposed as dirt can get into the inner lining and cause damage. The helmet can also get infected by insects.
4. Do not keep your helmet next to heaters or furnaces as they will slowly melt the helmet interiors. The glues and rubber will start deteriorating and you will need to replace your helmet sooner than you expected.
5. Do not hang your helmets on things that have pointy surfaces. They can end up destroying the paddings and inner linings.
6. Do not keep your helmet in a place that has no airflow. The helmet will end up feeling stuffy and the sweat will remain causing the growth of mold.

Benefits of storing your motorcycle helmet indoors

Most people end up storing their helmets indoors. The method serves motorcycle helmets well by keeping them cleaner. No matter how much you clean your garage is, your house is most definitely going to be more hygienic. It will also decrease your helmet’s exposure to insects or rats.

Storing your helmet inside the house also slows down its degradation process. Weather conditions do not affect it and thus, the outer shell is less prone to losing strength. The helmet’s shelf life is increased. As the room’s temperature is perfectly maintained at homes, mildew or moisture is unable to cause harm.

FAQs

Do motorcycle helmets have a shelf life?

Yes, motorcycle helmets have a shelf life and expire after a few years of usage. Dropping it or causing sudden blows will decrease the lifetime.

What do you do with old motorcycle helmets?

Some organizations collect motorcycle helmets; you can donate them to them. Old motorcycle helmets can also be recycled.

Should I replace my motorcycle helmet after a crash?

Yes, motorcycle helmets need to be replaced after a crash. This is because the protective lining decompresses, decreasing the helmet’s ability to shield your head in another crash.

Are motorcycle helmets safe after 5 years?

According to the Snell foundation which researches helmets, after 3 to 5 years will not protect your head anymore.

Conclusion

With our article on storing a motorcycle helmet coming to an end, we hope you are aware of everything you need to know. Remember to take good care of your helmet and store it properly when not in use. Protect your helmet properly and it will look after your head on the road. Have a safe ride!