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Hello I just got back into riding well not quite yet I restoring a 1984 Yamaha XT-250 to it former self that been neglected and need some TLC but its comming it only has 1,300 miles Im putting nwe tites "enduro type" New Battery, new spark plug Oil filter new air filter. My one friend said pull the Head I dont really see a reason to pull the head! Do YOU i I was going to pull the carb apart but after cleaning with spray carb cleaner it seems to be fine just lubed it up a bit, Chain is in ruff shape been I soakin it in every thing in the shpo Kroil, now a bath in break-free I got a used like new Shoei RF-700 ut it was made in 1994 but it was in good shape does the age matter? I paid $30.00 It cleaned up to look brand new. I started riding in 1963 on a Honda 50 Ha ha have had a lot of differnt bike since but nothing in the last 20 years so The old dogs is going to be out in the dirt trails and local counrty road trying to re-learn the basics again then hone my skills for traffic I dont want to pull a " Big Ben" our local PGH Steeler who wrecked his bike!!! Hes real lucky he young and strong and no helmet I guess the "poor" boy coul no afford one !!! Ha ha Ride safe Moses

Welcome

Do you have any to show us?

I don't see any reason to pull the head if the bike is running fine. Same with the carb.

On the helmet, the recommendations I've seen from manufacturers suggest replace a helmet more than 5 yrs. old. Of course, they would be somewhat biased, so I wouldn't take that as gospel. MSF recommends replacement every 2-4 yrs.

The reason is that the crushable foam (like styrofoam) under the shell will dry out and contract over time. This affects the shock absorbing qualities of the helmet.

I'm currently using a 10 yr. old helmet and I really need to get around to buying a new one. I can tell by the way it fits that the interior foam has shrunk quite a bit since it was new (either that or my head is shrinking). Ultimately it's your call.