The usual recommendations are 5 years. Whether that's liability on their end or not, maybe?

Alot depends on the rider.... I personally ride everyday and summer temps are normally over 100 here, so my helmets are pretty used after 5 years. I usually switch at 5 years. My current replacement this year was a little longer than 5 years, I knew the model Shoei was being released.

 

It’s from a helmet company, link is at top of the page, but it’s fair info.

 

I wonder how hard helmet manufacturers are working on a foam liner that lasts more than 5 years...

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.”

 

I never replace. Get another when you want/need

 

Don't have to replace if you don't wear one.

 

Wear a dew rag. That's what they're for.

 

Expensive

 

The Harley Davidson Moto Maidens told me that they recommend every 3 years at their riding classes.

 

Well my Bell Pit Boss decided to change itself about the 6 yr mark. Helmet was clean and cared for, kept in the bag when not on me. Put it on was fine, 65 mile ride later, I pull it off and black flakes falling all over me. Every padded surface that had the thin vinyl coating was flaking or gone, zero warning, like flipping a switch. Checking the website, usual disclaimer about the 5 year limit. Designed obsolescence strikes again.

 

It’s not a question of how much you use the helmet.

It’s more that the EPS liner itself degrades over time, regardless of use.

No, the liner does not suddenly self destruct after 5 years. It slowly degrades, so that after about 5 years, it is nowhere near as protective as when new.

The 5 years does not start from the time you buy the helmet, it starts from the day of manufacture. Which is dated in the helmet. That’s why you need to check the date of manufacture when you buy the helmet.