Helmet advice...

[Biker101]

Just wanting some general advice on when to change lids.

I got my current helmet (XR1000) in 2007, used to commute but recently hardly ride at all, I doubt it's done more than 15k including being used in the car for trackdays and karting and it's never hit the ground.

So the question is, is it time to replace it?

I bloody love the helmet, it fits me so well, is light and comfortable, and just does everything it should perfectly. The only thing I don't like so much is the questionable design I thought was cool back when I was 17 but not enough to change it.

Some people say change every 5 years, but since mine has been hardly used, and left safely in storage while not being used do I need to?

I've also read about getting helmets x-ray'd? Is this something to do, or is this only a post crash thing?
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Past: 06 Runner SP50 >>> 01 Varadero XL125 >>> 08 Kwak ER-6f >>> 05 CBR600rr
Present: 99 FZS600 Fazer

[Tungtvann]

They say you should replace a helmet every 5 years, environmental effects over that period of time may degrade it's protection. Also things like glues used in the helmet may break down, or the plastic becomes brittle, whatever.

I think it's bollocks.

[Rogerborg]

Wouldn't bother me unless the polystyrene (the bit that actually prevents potato) is crumbling or compacted.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[raesewell]

I was in touch with Schuberth recently and they recommend changing helmets after 5 to 7 years because the internal shell degrades over this time
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Yamaha FJR 1300 Normanton West Yorkshire