Frequently Asked Questions
May I clean my helmet using petrol?
Thermoplastics outer shells and, in particular, the protective polystyrene inner shells must never be put in contact with such solvents, who severely influence the chemical links. This influence affects the mechanical characteristics of the materials causing inability to protect the head in the event of a shock.
Can I paint my helmet?
Many paints contain aggressive solvents that might weaken the molecular links of the thermoplastic materials making it brittle and almost unable for the use it has been designed for. The helmets manufacturers use paints that contain non aggressive solvents: these are carefully tested during production and application. The shells undergo preliminary preparation to guarantee the grip of the paint.
Is the production date visible on the helmet?
Researches have shown no evidence of degradation of the materials (used in the helmets manufacture) due to the mere effect of the times passing by. Nevertheless the exposure to the atmosphere agents (extreme hot and extreme cold), and the contacts with the vapors of the lubricants and gasoline normally used in the motor bikers environment may influence the molecular links of the materials used. Moreover, because of its own nature, the helmet often undergo to shocks of different amplitude that could limit its performances. For all these reasons and for the abuse to the comfort padding and for the technical evolution that make more modern and protective lids available, it is suggested to replace the helmet after 5 years of use. In case of intensive use this delay should be shortened accordingly. If a helmet supports a severe blow, even if there is no evidence of damage, it should be replaced.
A date of expiry applies to a helmet? Understanding the homologation mark
The Regulation ECE 22 requires every helmet bears a label sewn on the retention system (i.e. on the chinstrap). This label bears the homologation mark, the homologation number and the production serial number.The homologation mark is an upper case E followed by a number, inscribed in a circle. The number following the upper case E represents the country who has granted the homologation. For instance E3 marks the helmets approved in Italy, E4 in Belgium, E1 in Germany, E6 in the Netherlands, etc. Below the E-mark there are two numbers: the left one is the homologation number assigned by the National Administrations, where the first two digits represent the series of amendments under which the model has been approved (04 represents the fourth, 05 the fifth, and so on); the right one is the production serial number. On the visor it is enough to see embossed the E-mark and the homologation number only.
How can I clean my helmet?
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Why I should not apply stickers on my helmet?
Many promotional stickers are equipped with glue containing aggressive chemicals that may weaken the molecular links of the thermoplastic materials. The decorative stickers used by the helmets manufacturers uses glue that contain non aggressive solvents: these are carefully tested during pro-duction and application. Unqualified people should apply stickers on shells made of composite materials only.
What is an approval?
To be freely marketed the helmets must comply with the standard enforced in the different countries. These standards include both technical and bureaucratic requirements. Thus, the approval is the certification that the helmet complies with the standard enforced by a Country in order to permit the sale.
How can I see whether a helmet is approved?
In all the European countries the technical standard accepted by the government is the Regulation 22 of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) of the United Nations, in the most updated version (called the amendment), which currently is the fifth. This is the standard commonly referred as ECE 22-05. This standard requires that the visor mounted on the helmets is approved too. All other approvals, even valid or accepted somewhere else (such as DOT, Snell, JIS, …) are not accepted for public roads use within Europe.
HOW DO I STORE MY HELMET?
After each use, allow the helmet to air dry and then store it in a cool, dry place where it won’t get damaged.
Note: Excessive heat can damage your helmet. For example, in direct sunlight a dark gear bag, the interior of a car, or an automobile trunk can get hot enough to cause heat damage (damaged helmets will appear to have uneven or bubbly surfaces). Therefore, when not being used for a period of time we recommend that the helmet be placed back into its box or case and stored in a cool, dry place.