Outdated, Dangerous and Dead : When to Replace Motorcycle Gear

Still using Grandpa’s old riding jacket? How about that special-edition helmet from Stoner’s last championship? Maybe you shouldn’t be. Or maybe you should. Here’s our take on how long motorcycle gear can last.
0:34 - New Motorcycle Helmet (5 years): frt9.co/lf64i8
2:36 - Scott No Sweat Helmet Beanie [Replaced by EVS]: frt9.co/3ecs7w
4:03 - New Motorcycle Gloves (20,000 km): frt9.co/3dqgkz
4:45 - New Reflective Jacket (7 years): frt9.co/j4qz98
5:22 - New D3O Armor (4 years): frt9.co/y7dnfh
6:29 - Motul Leather Cleaner and Protector: frt9.co/4jcs55
Support us by shopping motorcycle gear with this link:
frt9.co/aeu0mn
Or anything with this Amazon link:
frt9.co/30l4bi
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[@THEjaketheace]

It's shocking how well F9's videos age. I watching this for the first time 3 yrs after it was released and it still feels fresh and well produced.

[@oklahomahank2378]

Agreed. I was just watching itchy boots gear up for season 6. Her old boots took an amazing pounding in six months (!) of off road in Africa. They still looked fine, though I noticed her sponsor gave her some new ones.

[@IIARROWS]

Including the joke about orange things retiring.

[@Voltaic_Fire]

The F9 team really puts the hard work and passion into everything they do, including the editing. It's that love of your craft that made Top Gear great in the past, and makes F9 great now.

[@bobahler4635]

The trump joke aged like fine wine

[@emraef]

the only reason these look old to me is because f9s style has changed over the years

[@EXATTIC]

Snell: “Don’t hit things with your head.” Well there goes my weekend plans out the window.

[@swirl3116]

actually you shouldnt go out the window you could hit something

[@cccpkingu]

Only a recommendation mind, and only for activities that require wearing a helmet at that.

[@DavidWitkowski]

When I was in ninth grade my idiot friend and I would put on his older brother's motorcycle helmet and run screaming into the drywall around his garage. I'm not sure Snell existed back then. They might have created that specifically for us.

[@alexanderbranson9578]

Instablaster

[@johnmccrossan9376]

You could always headbutt stuff without a helmet

[@Bunnunoox]

Major props for making the thumbnail contain all the info for a quick reminder later.

[@GreatEgret]

Bunnunoox I was thinking the same thing!

[@DexMaster881]

If you are too lazy to moisturize your boots,fret not my fellow Biker there's a way. Ride an Oil cooled Suzuki. :)

[@karlwalker1771]

As ever your videos are informative and dare I say it scientific, I used to run a motorcycle school in the 90`s and I would have loved to show them your videos back then and I believe your channel is saving lives and informing the motorcycling community and will SAVE LIVES, fantastic work sir.:) My son is just moving into motorcycling on his CB125F and of course he does not listen to me, but I have showed him your channel and he loves it:) Thank you Ryan and god bless you.

[@tokuchaan4693]

The greatest thing living in Japan is you can send your Arai/Shoei helmet to their factory and replace EPS foam liner for $60!

[@jasonjayalap]

Wow. Consumers should demand this.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Sure beats buying another $650 Signet-X, huh?

[@christoszo4007]

damn mate, that sounds nice

[@Dankyjrthethird]

fuk I'm mad salty

[@sl600rt]

And there are just more and better motorcycle shops and gear shops compared to north America.

[@EssensOrAccidens]

Continue to make videos as often as possible. That is all.

[@Foche_T._Schitt]

Quality > Quantity

[@PersonManManManMan]

Milk, refreshing

[@flycademy]

that hemet drop was uncomfortable

[@LexGrossmansDog]

Titanium I agree, think you can hear pieces break as it hits, time to get a new helmet Ryan.

[@RideWithRen]

Did you actually see it hit the ground?

[@k.-flynn]

Titanium have you never dropped a helmet?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The uncomfortable part is when the thing rolls about 15 yards across a gritty floor and tears up that expensive lens that you intend to see through.

[@joelchong7336]

@Palm Coast Adventures my particular helmet from nolan doesn't have the rubber lining at the bottom, so i can't put in on any bike surface without slipping. i've dropped it twice

[@DRChevalier]

I really appreciate the no BS guidance and the user first perspective. Unique in the moto gear sales space.

[@riveraluciano]

Love the fact that you've started placing the same emphasis on these videos as your reviews. Now these are as educational as they are eye poppers, congratulations.

[@grosbeakmc]

Thanks for once again calling BS on the marketing and giving us straightforward and well-explained reasons for why we should do stuff.

[@Cyberdyne_research]

As an aspiring rider I feel like your channel is the only information resource I need. I brought a toolkit to pick up my $1000 cbr and talked it down to $800, I'm gonna spend about $900 on gear, and I'm super confident going into my MST. I even took apart my bike and laid it out the same way. From the heart bro.. thank you.

[@eriksilva4690]

I am hosting a Motorcycle Safety Day Event at my job. We are discussing 3 topics and then going to ride afterwards in a group. One of the topics is rider gear. You sir, have been included as references for gear and safety because your videos are great. The DOT truth video was great and the tests you do are great. Thank you for your videos! If you ever come to CA I'd love to have you come to one of our events as a speaker. Keep up the good work.

[@Radioactive_Slime]

Thanks Ryan. I was trying to formulate an argument to convince the Missus that my Shoei needs replacing. I just have show her this ...finally I win. You’re the best.

[@theenzoferrari458]

Bro. I might be 3 years late but if ur wifey don't want you to replace it she wants that life insurance money.

[@Radioactive_Slime]

@@theenzoferrari458 thanks for reply. Update: got the new helmet, still alive, next year working on getting a new helmet again, lol.

[@crudkick]

Just start dropping it on the garage floor like the video

[@anthonyyoung925]

Just a quick thank you for your coverage of so many facets of riding. It's obvious that you put time and effort into content and presentation, with a great sense of humor that doesn't overshadow your message. Please, keep it up!

[@the_binarymuse]

Your videos are so great! Not too long, interesting, funny without being cheesy, and vfx and the like that add to the video rather than distract from it. Keep up the awesome work!

[@kacowboy]

Ryan, I have been saying for years that mileage should be a factor on helmet life. So glad you also agree and are putting it out.

[@peterweller8583]

UV

[@orlandoberry4031]

My shoei is 28 years old - I only used it for the first 2 years. But I tested it today - foam is good, lining is good and the fit is good.

[@wcroot]

Love the reviews. More information than I can possibly contain in my head. Good thing you’re entertaining so it doesn’t suck to watch them again. 😬

[@sidheart19]

Another precise and informative video from FortNine! Top stuff!!

[@orangelion03]

Great advice as usual! Velcro (or the generic "hood & loop) wears out...how long it lasts depends on quality of the material, and usually the "loop" goes first. I've had to replace the wrist velcro on a couple jackets, and the velcro has worn out on glove wrists long before the rest of the materials.

[@peterweller8583]

A brass brush on the hook part will bring it back.

[@awfulwarlock91]

I don't even ride anymore, and I find your channel fascinating. It has real quality advice and actually teaches people real skills and important facts. A lot of motorcycle channels have turned into real life "twitch streams" of people doing excessively dangerous stuff on bikes. Great content!

[@oso_nomada]

Dude...you’re my new favorite channel on the Tube! My wife just bought me a 2019 ScramblerXE for my 40th...so off to the gear search! I’ve been riding for almost two decades, but I am coming out of a 5 year hiatus, and I can’t believe how the tech has changed since then. Anyhow, love your videos.

[@tylerdurden8728]

I'm constantly amazed at how interesting you make an otherwise boring subject. You'll probably save my life one day dispersing knowledge no-one really cares to know, but is nonetheless important. Please stay on youtube forever.

[@jazztom86]

Your video lasted 50 minutes for me. As soon as you said "jellyfish" live forever I had to start a Google research that lasted about 45 minutes. Don't ever do that again! ;)

[@edisonareis]

jazztom86 Lmao !

[@ririemarilyn]

LOL i was about to that also. but then again, i know turtles loves their jelly snack

[@viper71dk]

So........what did you find out?

[@Radioactive_Slime]

DK Rider I was going to ask the same thing but then I see your comment is four hours old with no reply. So I guess it’s off to good old Google I go.

[@bepishepus3506]

It’s a loop, one type lives and turns back into an egg

[@SuperNeion]

I like the "I love Bayern" sticker in the back. Greetings from Germany

[@brianhoward9217]

EXCELLENT Vid - thanks, from Australia! Your presentation and production skills are legend. Highly informative and impressive!

[@Boomer_Dual_Sport]

When do I replace my flip-flops and shorts ?

[@WWIIDDSS]

L. G. Yesterday

[@MonkeyFreeZone]

You don't need to wear flip-flops and shorts, what are you, some kind of safety freak?

[@AtlasJotun]

Never. Stay golden, Ponyboy.

[@cgmoog]

Only after each crash

[@cowboycofey]

I'm not sure it's much of a limb to go out on here, but this guy is the best there is on KZbin @ doing what he does

[@javacofe]

What about my underwear? Lasts about 3 years give or each time I overestimate my braking capability 😂

[@khriszty2000]

After 3 years you can use it 1-2 more years if you start wearing it with brown in front amd yellow in the back.

[@joemann7971]

Depends on how much you exhaust. Replace any time you do a brown out. You don't want any skid marks.

[@swheeler6848]

For greater mileage, turn it inside out...

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

One thing to keep in mind is that you can increase the life span of your helmet, boots and gloves by using a drier on them to get the moisture out of them in an efficient fashion. Not sure how much it really matters for lifespan in general, but it'll definitely cut down on any mold caused damage or nastiness.

[@sergioberettademenezes5291]

Bro I love your channel. At first I saw a video of yours and I was like nah its just a kid. Now I watch your videos every day when I wake up and go to bed 🤣😂. It's a good channel and I hope to see more in the future. Good quality videos too!

[@seanbax2622]

I have glued up the holes on my riding boots to keep out water. so they will last for yrs

[@CelticRider84]

This video LITERALLY makes me laugh out loud at my sister's boyfriend stealing my dad's old Simpson helmet from the late 70's early 80's; which was the only connection I had left to his old bike life. I TOLD them it wasn't safe to use, but hey, turns out stealing sentimental objects from me also greatly diminishes my care for your safety.

[@AngryPrawn]

Interesting position on the boots. In only three and a half years of riding I've gone through two pairs already. I had a pair of Alpinestars SMX 6 that wore so thin at the toe from shifting that it became painful to change gear. Then had a pair of Richa Slicks that just kinda fell apart over time (lasted a lot longer than the Alpinestars though, despite being a third of the price).

[@strengthbuild]

dude you have mad knowledge, where did you learn all this stuff?

[@Coaja20]

bfchang Experience is the mother of all teachers.

[@PhantomRides]

he's an alien

[@STho205]

bfchang From his sponsors that sell all that disposable junk online.

[@nelsonariza4075]

bfchang it's his job and hobby.

[@bartek221111]

internet, hehe

[@ericarntson6957]

You should really focus all your time to content creation. Amazing quality, entertaining, and professional. Create LLC and expense every part of your show’s creation/life. You’re edging up to that 1 million!! Keep going dude!

[@jasone9185]

Although not all your videos are applicable for down here in Australia, we have much in common with our Canadian cousins and I always enjoy your no-nonsense assessments. Thanks for a great video.

[@schiez6886]

You have probably heard that already, but man, that's some quality content. And I rather mean the way you perform, edit and speak, rather than the topic itself.

[@prayasmalviya9571]

Good quality and to the point videos thats what makes a good youtuber , just like the job being done on this channel.

[@lawrenceatkinson5884]

Hey Ryan. Love, love, love your work. Silly point that many have raised, "Why would someone thumb down your video?"

[@kacperk886]

An honest and informative motorcycle video that didn't try to sell me anything. That's good stuff.

[@coaltowking]

Damn! I kinda knew I needed new gloves, but now you've confirmed it.

[@TooManyKangaroos]

Great video, Ryan. You always make such good quality stuff that shares a practical message. Love your work

[@IonutSavuO]

This is maybe my 3rd comment on a YT video but it's worth saying: yours is maybe thr best produced channel on YT, keep it up!

[@christopherflesner8095]

Great video with a lot of good info. My favorite parts, however, were when you tumbled over the hood of the car. Hilarious!

[@therealgabrielcash]

Note on riding shoes. Check that the sole still has grip! After years of exposure the rubber of the sole can harden up and no longer stick to hot asphalt. Nothing like planting your foot at a red light and have it slowly slide away while you wait for the green.

[@jarretthill9921]

best Review channel period Please dont Stop Canada Keep it Going Appreciate you!

[@br8dzilla]

Niceeee, now I know its time to change my 10 year old helmet :D

[@mr7wi]

Wha? It just got broke in...

[@br8dzilla]

mr7wi its like fine wine, the longer the better . haha

[@richardahola692]

I can't find a new liner for my helmet. All the foam of the liner went away. I found a date sticker: 1966

[@gtxtx3]

my Joe Rocket Mercury leather jacket has ticked over 10 years, seen well 100,000 k's of riding, protected me through several crashes, only ever gets washed when riding in the pouring rain and it's still holding together strong. I did however just order a new Joe Rocket speedmaster jacket to replace

[@LexGrossmansDog]

Good stuff Ryan. I would put an expiration on helmet liners to every two years, just to make sure viewers don’t wait the full 5 to 8 years. Also, I know some schmucks who cut their foam for comm devices. You know who you are!!

[@2wheeled76]

Great vid! I still have a few garments from 2001(!) but most are dead and buried. Regarding the boots an area I've gained concern with is the hardening of the soles- which can be a damn-slippery experience if you're ever in a situation where you have to make a quick foot plant. My old Sidi Vertebra's are still solid up top but I don't ride them on the street anymore for this reason. Current boots have Vibram soles so I'm keen to see how they last the next 5+yrs

[@ItsFriscoBaby]

The other thing to take into consideration is comfort especially with waterproofing and helmets. A $400 helmet is unlikely to be much safer than a $200 one but it is very likely to be more comfortable and quieter. More comfortable, quieter and waterproof gear mean the rider is less fatigued and better able to pay attention to the road. Better gear can literally mean you avoid the accident in the first place.

[@adventesia245]

wow dude, Your content is getting better each time. Only facts and straight to the point. I'm sorry I ever accused you of probably being sponsored once.

[@Oddman1980]

Another excellent video. I'd wondered about my gear. I do know a talented seamstress who could replace a zipper for me, my issue however are my very old pair of High Velocity Metalwear gloves. The clutch side glove is toast - holes, split seams. They're the best gloves I've ever had - but I can't replace them, as High Velocity Gear doesn't exist anymore. They lasted eight years and wore out at least one bike.

[@angelfabricioacevedoperez5066]

You gave me not only the knowledge but also the itch for motorcycles again, thank you!!!

[@scottyg9167]

Ryan, I think you're excellent. 'Nuf said. Funny, educated, excellent.

[@RCFiddyOne]

I audibly gasped when Ryan dropped the helmet. Parental discretion is advised.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I actually chuckled out loud. Was pretty funny stuff.

[@sillylittleboy93]

Good guy Ryan: starts the video with the important info and makes it the top of his description.

[@stephenhunt6253]

I'm not sure about the immortal boots thing: I find after a few years, the traction on the bottom starts to wear and eventually can become slippery when wet against rubber footpegs (which is downright dangerous).

[@waltermh111]

Yeah, but the sole can be easily replaced for far less than the cost of a new high quality boot. I spent $240 for mine, genuine leather, armored, etc... but the sole is really the only thing that should wear out, and the insole of course. tulsashoerebuilders.com/cowboy-boot-repair-price-list.html Seems maybe $100 for repair/replacement of a pair, or less, but this is just an estimate from one company. Could be less, not likely more unless the shoe itself is damaged.

[@cisium1184]

Take them to a cobbler and have him put oil-resistant Vibram soles on. They'll be good as new - if he's a very good cobbler, they may be better than new.

[@alswearingen323]

@@cisium1184 As I did with my Justin Ropers (with laces). One fall at a gas pump and the effort required to right my GoldWIng taught me that riding and leather soles don't mix.

[@phiro7]

The I

[@jonathontsamantanis]

I wear a custom painted helmet that a friend painted, I have worn it for years, still fits properly and shows no signs of age. Also a good leather well taken care of will last a lifetime, treat it with mink oil.

[@beerenmusli8220]

Absolutely amazing. Much appreciation from Germany!

[@prnzssLuna]

I recently got rid of my 35 year old GoreTEX jacket and trousers, because the seams ripped and yea I'm pretty sure it wasn't safe anymore either, tho it survived several minor crashes. Thanks for that video

[@bernardbuhrs8639]

Greetings from Costa Rica!!! I subscribed not too long ago. Great videos, helpful and to the point information and a great sense of humor. Keep it up!! Knowledge and fun schinanigans!! Can't go wrong

[@mattzobian]

Love the crickets at :53. Ryan is the best.

[@winston11381]

These videos keep getting better!

[@OnlyKaerius]

I generally have to replace my boots annually... but then I also buy boots I can use as daily wear. Leather is a perishable, it wears out, as does seems, and especially the inner liner on most boots. My full on race boots also didn't get moisturized properly, which is my bad, but the leather cracked and they leak like a sieve. PS: my current boots are on something like their 6th set of shoe laces in a year.

[@jonathanmawdsley2332]

Thanks ryan for yet another great informational yet not boring video. Keep up the good work!! 👍👍😀😀

[@rideyucatan4943]

I screenshotted the last part and saved for when I think about this every 6 months :-)

[@cockatoow6688]

As a young rider i started out with a waxed cotton Belstaff jacket, they used to be cheaper than leathers. After some years and several meetings with tarmac (successfully survived) i went to pick it up one day and it tore under its own weight. Must have rotted away. Time for a new jacket :)

[@johncaiwa]

There were studies done about helmets. Some helmets were still safe 20 years later. Some were not safe 1 year later. There was no correlation with price.

[@SalemCBR1]

I am glad you covered back protectors too. Thanks you do my favorite review videos!

[@etatsopa]

Another note for waterproofing: if you ever need to wash your waterproof items, hand wash them and don’t use much detergent. You can wreck the membrane with too much soap and agitation

[@MrBladesman1889]

What about leathers? One and two piece? If armour is replaced and it all fastens properly i guess its good forever. Just sweating at the thought of replacing some i thought id have for another ten years at least!

[@stephandevriesere3667]

I replace my gear like clockwork. Every 3,4 years. Every 4 years i buy a new helmet, every 3 years new clothing. Boots whenever they are done (i have sweaty feet so thats pretty much every year lol). I'm riding about 20000 Km ( about 12500 mi ) a year, and that is in all kind of weather. So to me doing that on a regular basis, it makes me feel a little safer. And yes, sometimes you need to replace some ahead of time because of damage. Stay safe, keep riding.

[@10v3lygir1]

Thank you for passing on the knowledge 🖖🏽

[@zapp5916]

Wow, found fortnite ages ago but never really went through the videos. There is alot of very useful information that you provide. You and revzilla have become my go to sites for the first opinions on gear, accessories and basic refreshers on maintence.

[@doctorzimzimmer2996]

Nice summary... had no idea D3O degraded quicker than regular armour. 👍🏻

[@k.-flynn]

Doctor ZimZimmeR makes sense, it's thinner

[@wacasami]

Great channel, good content...have you made a video on bike storage, for maintenance or the winter/wet months?

[@BenMcghie]

Great video. Some aspects I was unaware of, and excellent explanations.

[@JKR-333]

I love your videos. Informative and funny. Thank you. Keep it up!

[@KR7PT]

I just listened to a guy talk about rubber and foam for 7 minutes and got genuinely surprised it was over so quickly.

[@teh0theif]

Thanks for a no BS honest opinion of this!

[@motocamel]

Wearing the lumberjack shirt and the matching wooden green bodywarmer obviously makes the point that Ryan is not Canadian at all :D

[@Skorpychan]

Finding gloves that fit my hands is downright impossible, so I'm still using a pair going on 8 years old now. I'll replace them when I find a replacement. Jackets get replaced when the fastenings come off, but they're still great for non-bike wear. I pulled the armour out of an old but undamaged jacket, and now it's a super-warm water-resistant winter jacket. Summer boots get replaced when they're too worn and grubby to look good and the ventilation is clogged with bugs and road tar. My gore-tex ones are super comfy, so they're staying until the gore-tex dies. Helmets follow the three year rule, because that's protecting my head. I probably won't come back the same person from another bad concussion, so my brain has to be protected from the road.

[@NightMotorcyclist]

Damn, I've had my Joe Rocket Phoenix 2.0 jacket since 2005 which makes it 16 years old as of right now. The foam was never CE rated or certified and while it felt very protective, it was extremely bulky and didn't disperse as well as modern CE certified armor. Still, that jacket holds a lot of riding memories and I find it hard to throw out. It is also very free breathing in hot weather but I just bought myself a Rev'It Airwave 3 jacket and so far it's been doing fine in hot weather. Maybe I'll frame the Joe Rocket jacket or something.

[@koyzumie]

Great video! So nice to find advice back up by research

[@a.j.vonregensburg2498]

Go Ryan,.........industry leading honesty !

[@davidgwynjones1737]

Very good videos a little fast for my old brain but keep them coming ,I can always press replay

[@1SaG]

Old helmets... yeah. While I would agree you don't have to replace them the day they turn five years old, I did see what time did to two of my helmets when I pulled them out after years and years in the closet. Both were ECE approved and from reputable brands (one is an Arai Giga 2), but I wouldn't have used either again after inspecting the foam. It had turned rock-hard on both. And while the Arai (which had seen very little use and had always been kept in its bag and in a cool, dry and dark place) still looked factory fresh, I reluctantly decided to keep it as a souvenir, but to never use it as safety gear again. The cheaper, open-face one went straight into the trash after I inspected its insides.

[@Nonplused]

Other than the helmet you replace stuff when it looks or feels worn out. It's the same with ski or hockey gear. If it still works, it's good. Except the helmet. Most people can keep one helmet for 20 years because it sits in the garage and only comes out occasionally but if you get a good crack to the head or it is showing discoloration from weathering it should be replaced, which is the same for ski and bike helmets. Hockey and football helmets I am not sure since they are getting cracked in the head all the time. Probably need to change them every game but that is more than your head is worth. Or maybe take up tennis.

[@someguy9520]

Just recently my palm area on my dainese druid gloves wore completely though and now i have two holes on my gloves. 20.000km on the spot

[@ANDYMCNET]

This channel feels like an old friend. 👍

[@BMWF900R]

Always is please watching your videos informative and fun really like them well done

[@cisium1184]

el lapiz rojo esta sobre la mesa

[@todkapuz]

only comment i have about boots is the sole. I'm going on 70,000km or so on my pair, and the rubber on the soles is wearing and have noticed some slickness on some road surfaces. So they do wear over time. Different soles will be different I guess... but kind of the same as replace it when it needs to be replaced type thing.

[@jorda.2412]

the amazing thing is.... the deals on gear in store are as good as the vids online

[@257796]

A little bit of helmet wiggle is free mips. Like you said at the end helmets should be rated in miles on the road

[@dillogdall1]

There has been research on older bicycle helmets, which are made from similar materials. The research indicated that even 10-15 year old helmets perform more or less as new (if not damaged).

[@NoPastNoFate]

They are not tested at the same impact forces. Since we are talking about total depression reduction in total depression is more likely to be a fact at high impact forces.

[@xterrential]

This channel keeps on winning