Motorcycle Helmet FAQ’s
We’ve taken all of your questions regarding motorcycle helmets and compiled them in a list for you!
Why does a motorcycle helmet expire?
Despite the fact you may look after your motorcycle helmet with the utmost care and precision in terms of cleaning, storage and more – it doesn’t change the fact that inevitably the materials used to make the shell/EPS liner will at some point start to deteriorate. When this happens, the materials are not then as absorbent/strong as they once were. Which in turn, means the helmet may not be as safe for impact as it once was. This is why it’s recommended that helmets are changed every 5 years, to prevent this from happening if you’re a regular motorcycle commuter.
Which motorcycle helmets are legal in the UK?
There are a few things to look out for when purchasing a motorcycle helmet. Firstly, the latest safety standard for helmets in Europe. This means that a helmet with the 22.06 mark has been tested to the highest European standard and is able to be sold. They don’t change this very often, ECE 22.05 was in play since the early 2000’s. So it isn’t something that is changed very often but when it is – more testing is never a negative!
Secondly, if you’re looking at some point to do a track day or you’re a club racer you’ll need to look for a helmet that has the ACU Gold Sticker on it. This is the standard level entry for any helmet to pass for track use. It means the helmet has been certified by the Auto Cycle Union (ACU) as meeting the highest safety standards required for high-speed motorcycle racing events like road racing, sprints, drag racing and more. This means it’s suitable for use on tarmac or hard surfaces in the UK to compete.
Are motorcycle helmets VAT exempt?
Yes, motorcycle helmets are a safety item so they’re exempt from VAT.
Can motorcycle helmets be recycled?
There’s plenty of ways you can recycle your old motorcycle helmet. People have been known to strip the EPS liner, drill holes and use them as plant pots! But if you have no room for them, they can be taken to the local waste site. You must always make sure you have cut the strap before binning to ensure any further un-safe use.
Are dark visors road legal?
It’s worth checking the specification for your visor when you purchase it. A dark smoke visor tends to be for racing or track use only. However there is such thing as a daylight use only visor. This you’re legally allowed to ride with during daylight hours but it’s ideal to be prepared with a clear one. Either in a rucksack or top box, to swap over/prove you’re able to swap over if you are stopped in low light.
The daylight use only visors tend to be iridium, chrome or even a light smoke. With the addition of internal sun visors to many helmets, a lot of people are choosing against a tinted visor down to ease of not having to change a physical visor.
What happens if I get pulled over with a dark visor?
Hopefully you have enough common sense to understand going out at night in the dark, with a dark smoke visor on isn’t the smartest idea! Police in the UK have been cracking down on RTC’s and single vehicle traffic collisions due to lack of visibility amongst motorcyclists. Most police forces carry a tool which allows them to test the percentage of visibility through a surface. I.e visor or tinted window. Failure to ensure your visor is visible enough to be deemed safe for dark conditions could result in a penalty.
Brands such as Shark Helmets, offer a huge variety of visors from daylight use only to racing, to clear. They amongst most other popular brands also offer an internal sun visor for motorcycle helmets.
We’ll update this page regularly as we receive more FAQ’s regarding motorcycle helmets. Looking for the best cheap motorcycle helmet of 2024? Check out our article where we break down some of the most popular ones on the market here: What is the best cheap motorcycle helmet?
What is the most quiet motorcycle helmet?
As someone who sold motorcycle helmets for years, I would usually respond to this question with how long is a piece of string? Because the answer is, it’s different for everyone!
I’ve sold nearly every brand of motorcycle helmet and in those years, have had people say “Arai are the most quiet”. This would be followed by John Doe an hour later saying “My Arai was the most noisy helmet I’ve had”. It’s really hard to tell and it’s the same with asking which pair of shoes is the comfiest.
We all have different sensitivities. Mine will differ from yours and vice versa. My best advice would be to not only try on every brand of motorcycle helmet, but to go with which fits the best. Getting a good fitting motorcycle helmet is the more important thing. If you’re travelling 70+ mph on a motorcycle, you’re going to experience some form of wind noise due to the nature of the beast. The Auritech Hearing Protectors are fantastic and still allow you to hear really well. If you’re worried with the comfort of ear plugs, get yourself a pair of custom made ones. They range from £15-£40 and are really worth it.