I have a KBC VR2 that I bought just before I bought my bike (so, summer 07) and it's pretty beat up. I haven't wrecked, but the back has nicks and scratches in the finish, it's fallen down and I've dropped it, and I've gone through about 4 visors ( unfortunately I'm not very gentle with my helmet ). I was wondering when it's time to get a new helmet. The cheek cushions are still pretty firm, but the helmet is starting to move around a bit on my head. Any advice?

 

You can freshen up your inner pads by hand washing and might gain some size back, or buy a new set. Typical lifespan of a helmet is about 5 years. The outer foam starts to shrink and harden and lose it's ability to absorb impacts. Drops from short distance won't affect this much (2ft drop while holding or fall from bike seat etc) unless there is something inside the helmet to affect this such as you head or something of substance.

 

I have hand-washed the cheek-pads (they smell all nice and flowery), but I guess it's almost time for a new set.

Thanks