I don't think the average Copper would know the difference between a replica and an original DR helmet..they would probably never have seen one.
Originals do turn up in the larger sizes...many of the forum contributors have managed to find one.
However, if the replicas are resonably made..and they look ok...that would save a search in the short term and you could always swap later if a suitable original turns up.
I've worn mine both at home and abroad over the last 11 years and so far it hasn't been an issue with the Constabulary or the Gendarmerie...Ian
email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com
The DR helmet is made of manganese steel (it had to provide ballistic protection as well as impact) so there shouldn't be any deterioration to the shell but obviously a liner or cords which are perished will make it less secure.
They're probably not the safest thing to go bouncing down the road in.
No replica 'pudding basin' helmet is legal as the standards were altered in the early 1970s.
Personally, I'm not convinced that the DR helmet is legal. My understanding is that when helmets were made compulsory, the regulations stated that they had to be approved to British Standard or provide equivalent protection. The BS had been introduced in the 1950s, long prior to compulsion.
I very much doubt that it's possible to demonstrate that a DR helmet provides equivalent protection to a BS approved one.
In the real world, on an appropriate machine, I doubt that there would be a problem but a steel helmet on a race replica would probably result in a fine.
Still, what the hell ? It's not endorsable anyway.
The biggest problem might be the attitude of third party insurers in the event of serious head injuries. They'll wriggle for sure.
What's an 'endorsable offence' Dad?...
...Ian
email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com
...Ian Erm, until I moved abroad, the only time I didn't have a licence with endorsements was when they took it away from me.
How I used to love the old totting up law.
What is the maximum fine for a helmet law offence ? £50 I think.
Yes, its about £50 ...after 11 years I am well ahead so if I get nailed I'll just pay the money and carry on regardless..after all there is a war on..We'll never thrash the Jerries if we spend all day worrying about our equipment .Ian
email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com
That's the spirit, carry on in the face of petty officialdom.
How about trying the line "If you lot can't keep the streets clear of rioters throwing bricks, I need a helmet that primarily provides ballistic protection" ?
Do you think that it would help or might it antagonise the rozzers and the beak ?
SM...Steve Madden..co author of the best military motorcycle reference book and a member of Her Majesties Constabulary....Ian
email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com
hi,i thought SM was involvement with whips and chains,BS was bog standard,and a kite was sommat the wifey pulls when you go playing out cheers rick 
email (option): richardholt@rocketmail.com
Well I never knew that, you learn something new every day. Any chance of posting the quoted regulation, be handy to keep in your pocket next time your pulled up for "wearing an illegal helmet"
email (option): dave.stapleton626@virgin.net
I like that: "Grandfather rights" 
email (option): viaconsu # planet dot nl
Yes, fortunately (to date) many new laws have not been applied retrospectively...emissions, noise levels, lighting requirements etc. etc. If they were we wouldn't have to worry about crash helmet types...we wouldn't be able to ride the old bikes anyway.
I listened on the radio today to a report about the number of accidents caused by unskilled people doing home repairs..I think they are trying to convince everybody how dangerous this is in advance of the proposed Euro 'anti tampering' laws that seek to prevent people working on their own vehicles...
God, save us from the law makers..is there a convenient, properly constructed, wall we can line them up against before they really ruin our hobby?.
...Ian
email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com
Well I never knew that, you learn something new every day. Any chance of posting the quoted regulation, be handy to keep in your pocket next time your pulled up for "wearing an illegal helmet"
I've shifted through my paperwork but can't find it (somewhere safe!!) so I've asked for another copy.
It was the Road Traffic Act 1988 that made it so motorcyclist had to wear helmets that conformed to BS standards (or equivalent) but the stuff on the internet is not ALL the small print of the act.
Once I get it again, I'll post it up.