Vintage Helmet and Boots

[MattyQ]

I am in need of a vintage motorcycle helmet (white or silver) and boots size 11.  Are the helmets and boots still considered safe given thier age.  As opposed to buying new ones , any pros and cons ?

Matthew Quinlan

[socalmx]

You would be compromising your safety using an old helmet. It was explained to me that the styrofoam interior (which absorbs the bulk of the impact) deteriorates with time. I enjoy racing in vintage gear and did race once with an old helmet (open face with the duckbill visor and football facemask)in order to get a neat action photo. Now when I race, I still will wear old gear but use a modern helmet. I finally found a pair of Bill Walters leathers so now I have an extra pair of British made green motocross leathers (sized 34 but will fit 36 inch waist. They were new-oldstock when I got them and worn twice so in great shape if you are looking for a pair.

[Steve Minor]

This topic came up before....

Do an "exact search" for $5 head and read what pops up.

Steve Minor
Wilmington, NC

[Ernie Phillips]

While on the subject of vintage helmets, does anyone know of a source to restore old helmets (interior padding).  I have a couple of old Bell's and would like to fix up for "parade lap."

"If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet.  If you have more wear a ...

Ernie P.
Chattanooga, TN

[OUCWBOY]

Try the Bell website. I bought an old Bellhelmet about 3 or 4 years ago and it needed new pads and liner. I was able to buy replacement parts from thier website.

Donny Smith
Paragould, AR

[MattyQ]

I did the search , well said I will be buying a good helmet.  I have heard before the boots are way stiff now .  I guess any boots are better than the tennis shoes I always trail rode in !

Matthew Quinlan

[jay cohen]

Matty, Bell has some great new vintage style open face helmets, Snell approved on their website.  I bought a full face helmet from HJC that is Snell approved and have used it once trail riding and will wear it to race in.  I hate the full coverage helmet.  I know it's safer and I'm going to give it a shot, but I can't get used to it for now.

[Dwight Rudder]

There are several makes of 3/4 shell helmets out there.  Z1R, M2R, AFX, and others.
Sidi makes a Full Bore replica boot.  Called the Joel Robert Replica. Available from Vintage Iron.
Dwight

Dwight Rudder
7 time ISDT / E medalist
8 time National Enduro Class Champion.

[MattyQ]

Dwight , thanks for the great info!  Those boots are awesome , I'll put them on my Happy B-Day (40th) wish list coming in June .

Q

Matthew Quinlan