Crash Helmet Maintenance

I have an AGV COMPACT ST flip-face helmet and the latch has seemed a bit stiff and awkward to lift up, even without gloves on.

I had a look inside and here's what I found. This is the opening mechanism shown as if you were looking at the helmet face on. I imagine that most helmets work in this way:



Naturally, the cables will create a groove in the plastic runners:



I applied silicon grease in all the plastic friction areas and now the face lifts up nice and smoothly. I can't do much about the grooves but I hope the grease will slow down the 'sawing' motion.

It's not the discovery of the century but I thought it was worth a mention. I suppose helmets in the upper price range don't suffer from such ailments.

I would be tempted to try to Araldite a piece of cut up soup tin as an L shape where the cable is biting into the plastic cable run, certainly worth the effort.
Also AGV can supply replacement parts for some of their helmets range, again worth a phone call.

Hope this helps you.

Be safe, be seen!

Thanks for that. I like the helmet and it would be a shame if it became unserviceable because of a bit of worn plastic. I suppose there's some life left in it yet.

Seems to me that the motor cycle clothing industry is as guilty of throw away fashion, just like the normal clothing market, expensive Richa removeable lining all weather jacket...... all the various zipper tags broke off @ 13 months old and the velcro is also bald. same with the ankle straps on the trousers.
Do they even realise we use their items daily? seems to me they treat bikers as it's just a hobby, like sports wear is used once a week usually weekends. Gortex is no better, just twice the price loss when it breaks.

ok rant over.


Be safe, be seen!

Well supposedly helmets have a "useful" life. Most manufacturers state 5 years. a few 7 years. After that throw them away I guess. In blissful ignorance I was given (by my wife) a 3/4 helmet in 1978. Metal flake red!!! I used it until the early 2010's. Oops! The strap finally worn to the point it was dangerous! I am not sure of the 5-7 years but whatever.

Riding a lot---I buy 2 $40 new helmets a year-----for the 6 months they are in use, I use Windex to lightly clean inside---maybe pledge on shell to get bugs, etc off. Current like GMAX---they work with various visor combos. GMAX 3/4 lite weight, good for sore/fussy necks, too....and no ear hurt.

I guess you use an open face helmet so you can keep that pipe going? I hope your using a Zippo!

It might be worth contacting AGV and asking for their opinion. If the helmet is relatively new with little use AGV might well be interested, you might even get the parts replaced.

I'm guessing that the helmet is about 4 years old, but with below-average use. I'll contact them to see what they think.

If UK members are considering throwing old crash-helmets away, please be aware that groups like St. John Ambulance - especially one with cadet members - often accept them so they can practise dealing with motorcycling 'casualties'.