A Bell helmet needs more care during the months when your motorcycle is parked. Cool temperatures, damp air, household chemicals and careless placement can affect the shell, visor, comfort liner and impact-absorbing EPS foam. Good storage keeps the helmet clean, dry and ready for the next ride.
Winter conditions vary widely across Australia. Melbourne and Hobart can bring cold, damp mornings, while Brisbane and Darwin remain comparatively warm and humid. In Sydney, Perth and Adelaide, a helmet may spend weeks in a garage between weekend rides, where dust, salt air or temperature changes can gradually damage its materials.
The aim is simple: clean the helmet correctly, dry every part thoroughly, protect it from sunlight and store it where nothing can crush or contaminate it. These steps also help you identify age, wear and accident damage before the next registration-season ride.
Begin with the owner’s manual, because Bell models can differ in their removable-liner systems, visor mechanisms and electronic accessories. Remove the visor, comfort liner and cheek pads only as the instructions allow. Wash removable fabric parts in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap, then rinse them carefully. Avoid bleach, fabric softener and strong laundry detergent.
Clean the outer shell with a soft microfibre cloth, lukewarm water and gentle soap. Insects and road grime are easier to loosen with a damp cloth laid over the area for a few minutes than by scrubbing. Abrasive sponges, household glass cleaner, petroleum products and solvent-based sprays can mark the finish or affect plastics and rubber seals.
Motorcycle styling often encourages owners to match a helmet with a jacket, boots and gloves, so colour and surface finish matter during storage too. This guide to matching helmet colour is useful when checking whether cleaners or sun exposure have changed the appearance of a coordinated riding kit.
Never pack a helmet away while its liner or chin strap is damp. Moisture trapped inside the shell can create an unpleasant odour and encourage mould on textile padding. After washing, press the liner gently in a clean towel instead of wringing it, then leave all parts in a shaded, well-ventilated room.
Do not use a hairdryer, heater, clothes dryer or direct afternoon sun to speed up the process. High heat can distort plastic components, dry out adhesives or affect the shape of padding. In a humid Queensland garage, indoor air-conditioning or a fan at a safe distance may help, while a Melbourne rider may need a full day or longer for thick cheek pads to dry.
Check the visor edges, vents, chin curtain, buckle and strap stitching before reassembly. Water left around a visor pivot can attract grit, and a damp chin strap can develop odour where it rests against the rider’s neck. Everything should feel dry and neutral-smelling before the helmet goes into its storage bag.
The best place is a cool, dry cupboard or shelf away from windows, skylights and direct sunlight. Ultraviolet exposure can fade graphics and gradually weaken some exterior materials. A shed or open carport is less suitable than an indoor cupboard because Australian garages can experience large temperature swings, airborne dust and fumes from fuel, paint or cleaning products.
Keep the helmet on a flat, stable surface with the opening facing upward or sideways, depending on the manufacturer’s guidance. Do not hang it from a mirror, handlebar, nail or hook by the chin strap. Long-term weight on one strap area can stress the webbing, while a helmet left on a motorcycle may be knocked over or exposed to rain and condensation.
Leave space around the helmet so air can circulate. Do not stack riding boots, jackets, toolboxes or bags on top of it. A padded shelf or dedicated cabinet is safer than a crowded storage tub, particularly in a busy Sydney garage where a helmet can easily be struck by sports equipment, car-care products or household boxes.
Store the Bell helmet in its original soft helmet bag or a clean, breathable fabric cover. The bag helps prevent dust and accidental scratches while allowing residual moisture to escape. If the original bag is missing, choose a lint-free fabric alternative rather than wrapping the helmet tightly in plastic film.
Avoid sealed plastic containers unless the helmet and liner are completely dry and the container has suitable ventilation. Trapped humidity can produce a stale smell and affect metal visor hardware. Silica-gel packets placed nearby may help in a closed cupboard, but they should never replace proper drying or be left loose where children or pets can reach them.
Keep the visor in its intended position, without forcing it against the shell. If a tinted or clear replacement visor is stored separately, place it in a soft sleeve and keep it away from keys, buckles and abrasive surfaces. Avoid placing heavy objects on the visor, as pressure can cause distortion or scratches that become distracting in low winter light.
Do not store gloves, wet neck warmers, fuel containers or oily tools inside the helmet. Oils, sprays and fuel vapours can contaminate fabrics and some plastics. Motorcycle intercom units, cameras and spare batteries should be removed where practical, following the accessory maker’s instructions. Batteries should be stored separately in a dry place and checked periodically.
Inspect the EPS liner for cracks, compression, loose sections or unusual movement. The liner is designed to manage impact energy and can be damaged even when the outer shell looks acceptable. A helmet that has hit the ground at speed, been involved in a crash or suffered a substantial blow should be replaced rather than returned to winter storage.
The same careful approach applies to other branded riding accessories bought online. For example, when a storage cupboard also holds fashion items, a guide to checking discounted Coccinelle bags can help separate leather-care products from helmet-safe cleaning supplies. Leather conditioners and aerosol treatments should never be assumed safe for helmet materials.
Before the next ride, refit the liner and visor exactly as Bell specifies and test the chin strap for secure operation. Check that the visor opens, closes and seals smoothly, vents are clear, and no part of the shell has become sticky, brittle or misshapen. Replace worn visor seals, damaged fasteners and frayed straps with approved parts rather than improvised substitutes.
Australian riders must use an approved motorcycle helmet that complies with the standards recognised in their state or territory. Requirements and enforcement details can vary, so check current guidance from the relevant transport authority before riding, especially if the helmet was purchased overseas or through an international outlet. A discount price does not remove the need for correct certification, labelling and fit.
A helmet’s age also matters. Record its purchase date and, if available, manufacturing date, then follow Bell’s replacement guidance and inspect it regularly. Storage cannot restore ageing materials or reverse impact damage. The same habit of checking markings is useful for riding accessories and jewellery purchases; this article explains how to spot a fake Pandora bead by examining weight and markings, rather than relying on a discounted price alone.
A clean, dry helmet stored indoors and protected from heat, sunlight, chemicals and pressure is much more likely to remain comfortable and serviceable through the Australian winter. Before every ride, fit remains the final check: the Bell helmet should sit level, feel secure around the cheeks and stay firmly fastened without excessive movement.