Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Helmets,read & reply

How many of us wear our hats ? either all the time, part of the time or never. I had a reply to one of my post's and I am not sure how to take it. I have had friends die with their hats on and seen people die of head injuries from car accidents. Maybe we should wear our hats while driving our cages as well. I have gone down twice on the asphalt with hat, once once on concrete without hat and who knows how many times on dirt bikes with hat. We never know how or when we will go but we will go some day some how. If I choose to ride one day without my hat and go to the pearly whites than so be it. I dont think I should be critisized for not wearing my helmet and that is how I took a certain comment on my post "Bugs,bugs,bugs". I treasure life and all that it stands for. I treasure my freedom of life as well as the freedom of our fellow americans. We all take a chance every day whether we are driving in a cage or riding on two wheels.
So, who wears em, who dont, and speak your thoughts.
Ride safe everyone !!!!
Bud

Dont get me wrong fellow riders. I often ride in the summer months without my hat. Just want to know opionions.
Bud

I wear mine all of the time, even if it wasn't the law to wear one, I would 98.5927% of the time. I wear a full face helmet for comfort (from the wind and bugs) and for peace of mind.

However, I feel that everyone should have the choice to wear one or not (no government intervention!). Those that choose not to wear one should be allowed to not wear one knowing the risks and the consequences if something should go wrong. I will not say that those that chose not to wear a lid are dumb at all, but are just more willing than I (and others) to take such risks and accept the personal responsibilities of the consequences if something does go terribly wrong.

Soren

Soren, Thanks for not calling me dumb. I do have brains. After all I did buy a a BA. Now if I was really dumb I would have purchased a HD. We all gamble with our lives every day and not wearing a hat may change the odds and may not. I just did not appreciate the comment from a certain member thats all.
Have a good, safe weekend !
Bud

I wear my modular HJC all the time. In the past I've ridden without a helmet, usually very short distances, either in very hot weather or with a passenger who isn't wearing a helmet. But these occasions are extremely rare. In hot weather I'll lose the leather jacket before I get rid of the helmet, and never when riding at highway speeds.

Budster,

An honestly and well put question deserves the same in response.

I wear mine at all times, MOSTLY I'm sure, because California has a helmet law. The last time I was at my Arizona(which doesn't) home, I wore it almost all the time also. But they're was this one beautiful afternoon that I hoped on the streettracker with only a pair of sunglasses on my noggin', and rode down to Prescott town center, about a mile and a half from my home. I KNOW I did it not because it was the smart thing to do, but because I thought I was pretending to be Steve McQueen or something, a darn fool proposition if your 53 years young, let alone a younger man.

And I did in fact feel like that fool, during the ride and later, just because of some youthful sense of VANITY made me do it!

Oh....and I also found out that because of the mile-high altitude of Prescott and it's clear skies don't contain that insect-killing hydrocarbon inversion-layer, there's a lot more of them pesky little pests there smackin' you in the face, than in L.A.

Dwight
(that's my piece)

Bud, see my other post about Bugs, bugs, bugs, but always, too many things can hit you in the face and really screw up your day!! But it is a CHOICE for everyone to make, and if someone said something to make you feel attacked, just consider the source (idiot) and forget about it....

Illinois does not have a helmet law but I wear mine most of the time. I weigh out where, when and how I'm going to be riding- I know it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but old habits die hard.

I don't leave home without it. I don't condemn anyone who doesn’t. I don’t know for a fact that it will save anyone’s life under any/all circumstances. I’ve bounced my head repeatedly off of asphalt. I had one on. I still have most of my senses. That’s good enough for me. Do I ever feel a little out of place when everyone around me doesn’t have one? – No.

For those of you who may disagree and has the option – That’s your opinion, and your right. I think everyone should have that right. The one question I might ask; Even if you feel strongly enough to go without it, how do you stand the wind noise. I occasionally wear a half lid and the wind kills me. I’ve tried plugs but the deafness is worse than the noise.

I wear it all the time. Helps that NY has the law, but on my way bacl thru VT, MA, CT and NY last weekend, two guys pulled over right next to the "Welcome to CT" sign, and took off their lids. I think it's silly. In that case, it seems like they are doing it for the wrong reasons, ya know? Everyone has their OWN reasons, and that's cool with me. Be your own. I just hate it when people don't wear one cause JEsse James doesn't, or whatever. Be your own man, and if that means the occasional ride without one, more power to ya.

I remember back in the day we didn't have helmet laws...I didn't even own one and we didn't have seatbelts and airbags. I along with thousands of riders survived to talk about it. The state I live in requires helmets, so be it. I'm not sure I would wear one if it wasn't required. Something about being protected from myself irritates the dickens out of me. My goal in riding is to keep two wheels planted under me and avoiding contact with solid objects while in motion. It's worked for the past 38 years, helmet or not.

All is good people ! This is a great site and I appreciate the honesty everyone puts forward. It just kinda bugged me with the comment about if you dont wear a helmet, then you probably dont need one. Goin for a ride tomorrow and will enjoy it 100%. Wife says she has plans for me but knows how much I like to ride in the morning and she is fine with that until I get home. DO THIS, DO THAT ! I'm good With it.
Ride safe !!!!!!!!!!

Been riding for almost 40 years. Motocrossing in high school taught me the value of helmets, boots, and gloves. Wouldn't ride around the block without protective gear. The older I get, the more meaningful it is for me. I'm not a safety nazi, but it makes me nervous to see someone riding without protection. Like the guys you see riding around in shorts, t-shirt, and flip-flops... I just can't do it. But it's like making jokes about the guys who trailer their bikes to a location, rather than riding their butt sore to be able to say they're 'real' riders (yes, I ride there)... we're all riders with our own opinions about riding and the details that go with it.

To each his own, but the law is the law (in most states). I got all puffed up when I got an unsolicited email from the AMA about a pending attempt at a federal helmet law. I'm pro helmet law and vote that way. The AMA's position is that we should be able to choose, which is not my position even as an AMA member. After writing a scathing response to the AMA, their Washington rep sent me a message explaining the logic for their position, and some fallacies in my thinking. I'm still pro helmet, but a little wiser now.
I can make my pro helmet message to the AMA and their informative response available to anyone who cares to see it.

I think the bottom line as far as rationalizing the decision is that there is no one definitive answer or rule that will cover every possible hypothetical crash situation out there. Sometimes seatbelts break ribs.. Ok fine, take it off and let me know what the steering wheel breaks, ya know? Just can't cover all the bases at once.

That being said, I do understand how some people hate being babysitted. That's why I support a person's right to choose:) CHOOSE a helmet, see what I mean?

Wear my full-face every ride. Have ridden to the corner gas station without (once), and around the block in my own neighborhood a few times - like to work in a fresh chain lubing or the like. No opinions here - do what you like. I ride with others who do or don't, and it's the individual's own business. Subject never comes up.

all the time, 1/2 helmet tho

Frank

I wear my coal scuttle when I have to, which is most of the time thanks to big brother. If I were still riding offroad, I would wear it there because the conditions are such that the benefits outweigh the liabilities.
As for a helmet law for cagers, that would make a lot more sense that the same for motorcycles. There are far more head injuries sustained in cars than on bikes and the problems that helmet use can cause are far fewer. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the tremendous benefit of helmet use in cars where their use is not required belies the notion that motorcycle helmet laws are purely for "our own good".

Never wore a helmet till the rep from Hawthorne forced the issue in California a couple few years ago. Went to court over it, paid the fine and was given a half helmet that was 2 sizes to large. Finally bought a bennie that fit, though its not DOT. Bought a DOT sticker for it, but it finally pealed off. The CHP has not bothered me since that 1st time in court years ago. It should be a choice, seems like what we fought for, years ago, in another country. I've seen some die, but more live over the years, some with and some without helmets. Myself, I would choose not to wear one. I feel that a pair of glasses or goggles are necessary, but that also should be up to the rider.

Bud:

You pose a very valid question which deserves responsible replies. I do subscribe to personal choice, and generally feel the less government intervention, the better. That being said, personally - I ALWAYS wear my helmet (I always use my seatbelt; I always wear my vest to work; I always look both ways before crossing the street too!)

I have been riding for almost 40 yrs. & have gone down twice (about 30 yrs.ago - both were my fault.) My helmet definitely prevented serious injury one of those times. I have been very close to cashing in my chips a few times, so at this point in my life, everyday I wake up is sort of like hitting the lottery. I enjoy riding way too much to take (IMHO) unnecessary chances.

Here in Florida, helmets are optional (with mandatory medical insurance); I still wear one even though it is hot and can be uncomfortable. To me, it's well worth it.
I do have to admit that I do shake my head when I see a helmetless rider - wearing shorts, T-shirt, and sneakers!

But again, to each his own.

Palmer

To each his own. I see it as risk managment. I always wear a (nowadays modular) full face helmet. Been riding about 42 years, have always worn some type of helmet. I've learned from experience (mine and other's) that anything can happen at any time to anyone. Luck to us all!

I live in a state without a lid law, and wear my shorty most of the time. I ride with people that never put em on, and others that don't leave home without em. I have a choice. My wearing or not wearing a helmet isn't going to put anyone else in harms way so I don't need big bro or anyone else making a law to protect me from me.

Well I can't say I always wear my bucket but as time goes by it's getting closer to that. I've been riding for almost 30 years now and I never even owned a helmet till about 8 years ago. Old habits do die hard though and I will run out at lunchtime for a bite or off to get some smokes sans lid but like I said, more and more I find myself grabbing the helmet. However, I NEVER, EVER, NEVER head off no matter how short the run without long pants and a jacket that suits the weather. May sound dumb but I swear I would take a hit in the noggin anyday over roadrash. I've had both....

I never wear one unless I am going to a state that requires it (i.e. Michigan). I know the risks. I know many people think it is down right stupid not to. They have the right to that opinion just as I have the right to choose not to wear one. I consider myself a reasonably intelligent person and have a lot of money invested in higher education to spoil that alleged intellect. It is not about intelligence but about ones own choice to take the risks that they are aware of. I am glad to live in a state that doesn't require it. As for wind noise, that is one of the things I love about the ride. Besides, some bugs have a nice flavor to them.

I wear a half shell and prescription goggles all the time. I don't like the fogginess of shields.

Back when I was young and single and moved here to TX and could go without, I loved the feel and freedom. I wore a helmet in town, often rode without when in the open country. I still like riding without but don't do it at this point of my life.

Now I have a wife and kid to consider and that weighs heavily. I think it has as lot to do with teaching my daughter and the other kids the safer way by example, too.

Personally, I think it should be a choice. I like the fact that should I want to go out to the store and dry my hair all fluffy sticking up, I can do it.

Bud,
This helmet thing has been kicked to death and will never be resolved....
My opinion? I wear one 99% of the time. I wear a Bell shorty unless I know it's going to rain real bad or it is very cold out, then I wear a Bell full-face that the entire front flips open, visor and all, or just the visor can be opened. I don't wear it because the government tells me to (currently, they don't) I wear it because I rode dirt bike many years ago and anyone who rides in the woods learns the value of protective gear real quick.
But, out on the street is a totally different environment. As far as I'm concerned, it's an individual's choice. All the skewed statistics and media bs and government intervention are just hot air with a hidden agenda. You can ride forever in your underwear and never have a single mishap, or you can dress like Mib the Michelin man and get tatooed by an SUV at the end of your driveway... when your number's up, it's up..
I still believe it's what's in your head not what's on your head that gives you a better chance of avoiding accidents.

I always wear a hat, mostly because it's the law plus it's rarely ever warm enough around here not to wear one. If it's stupid not to wear one is usually decided by the media after a crash. It seems to me that whenever I read an article about an accident, if the rider didn't wear a helmet and was injured, it is in the headline. How come I never read about a rider not wearing a helmet and walking away? I'm sure that happens a lot, otherwise there wouldn't be that many riders left by now.

i have 5 different helmets and wear one of them all the time. neb has a helmet law and iowa doesn't, which is right next door. so i could ride w/out if i wanted to.

what about lack of seat belts on school busses and on public transit? no belts. is this because of costs? inconsistancy makes me more upset than hypocrasy. the pols are lumoxes whether they ride an elephatnt or a donkey...

i try to be an aware rider and ride w/ a flak jacket, but sometimes i ride w/ just a short sleeve shirt because it feels good. i can see this w/ a helmet, too.

some people complain aboiut helmet laws but then think it's ok for the gov to poke around in your business.

i'm for total anarchy.

cover up the lady and then she can't see:
lady justice

cat

In my state it's law to wear a helmet, so I always wear one. I have 2 that I wear (not at same time though ) both are half helmets, one is DOT approved skid lid for hot days and the other has a visor and a neck that zips out. I've ridden through states where it isn't law to have have one but I still wear mine. I've ridden with people that choose not to wear one. And that's how it should be- an individuals choice. I don't judge anyone that goes without or wears a beanie. They know the risks. I'm just not willing to take them. But again it should be one's choice.

One more thing guys, if you don't mind.

Of the people who decide not to wear their helmets here, in states that have no helmet laws, let me ask you...Do you buckle-up while behind the wheel?

Now I may be a little slow here(naw, not really...a little self-deprecation false modesty there), but I can't tell you the number of times I've read stories in the paper of people being thrown from cars in accidents and the authorities claiming later that Joe Doofus would have lived had he buckled-up.

Ahhh, it's just propaganda from Big Brother, right?(he asked pointedly)

Well, I'm still stickin' to my original thesis that almost without exception, people ride sans brain-bucket because of some ego/vanity/I'm a "real man"/"the hell with my loved ones"/misplaced ideas about "freedom"/"it doesn't look cool riding my Harley or Triumph wearing a helmet, that's for those idiots riding those Rice Rockets", mindset!

Don't worry though....I've been there too...MANY TIMES! My ego/etc.,has made me do many thoughtless things throughout my life.

Dwight
(The words: Rational and rationalization, have a slight but very important difference in meaning)

(Budster...sorry....but you got me started)

Hey Dwight, no need to apologize ! This is not a pissin match. I guess what I was asking in my original post is by not wearing a helmet, does this this mean I dont have any brains ? I wear my hat 90% of the time and the 10% that I dont has nothing to do with ego or image. I leave for work at 5:00 am and that is when I got nailed by the bug. It is dark at this time and there is no one on the street to see me if it were an ego thing. 99% of the 10% that I dont wear is going to work cuz everyone is still sleeping and the only cagers I see are the fuzz. Remember that term ? "here come da fuzz"
Seat belts ? It's a habit that I dont think about. Driving in my cage gives me no sense of freedom. I had a friend that flipped his van and ended up on it's top. 30 mph on a sandy road and just over on one side and upside down. He had his belts on and when the authorities cut his belt to free him from hanging upside down he broke his neck. Sure, poor planning on the autorities part but because of the nature of the rollover I think he may have been better off without the belts, maybe, maybe not. Who is to know ? We have a seat belt law here in NM and if the fuzz catches you not wearing them you get a ticket. We have no helmet law.
By not wearing a helmet does not mean that I dont care if I live or die, now that would be stupid. If I dont have a hat on it's not to look cool. Hell, I look cool enough riding a Triumph with a hat Right ?
Ride safe Dwight !

Dwight,BTW, Safety we say ? I am a law abiding citizen and rarely exceed the speed limit and when I do it's maybe 10 mph over the limit on the highway only. What about the people here who run 100+ mph ? What is the reason for that ? Is that safe even with a hat on ?

I wear my open face Shoei all the time. We have to in Sweden, but I'm certain I would even if I didn't have to...


OK, so it wouldn't have helped here, but anyway...

Used to ride without a helmet forever.

One day, happily riding along at the speed limit (no kidding) a female pheasent (sp?) landed right in the middle of my smile - very nearly knocking both of us off the bike.

I bought a helmet. Currently enjoying my Nolan full face - watching the bugs, rocks, and road waste bounce off. Don't plan to see if it helps in an accident, but I sure like how it cleans out the jetstream

I don't wear a hat, but when I get off my bike I do put on a baseball cap. A better question would be 'How many riders don't wear helmets?' Anyway a hat just blows off when you ride.

I thought that was kind of a cute thing to say, ya know, the one about peeps who don't wear helmets.

philswill,

Man, in your short but suprisingly insightful response to these helmet questions(and I'll try not to misquote you here)..."A person who NEEDS to wear a helmet does"(or something to that effect)....I can only say that I'm NOT surprised that you don't wear one.

One who usually has something to protect, NEEDS one.

Dwight
(YEAH...I'm still kind'a shocked about your mindless[and heartless]offerings in that "Sad Story" thread, tough guy)

Always wear a helmet as law requires it, but swap between full face and small open face depending on weather.
Often 'dream' of a ride out in sunshine totally free without helmet but not sure if I would, even if I could.
Guess the bottom line is, you can do anything you want in life as long as you are prepared to accept the consequences. How you imagine those consequences is a purely personal thing. Whether the law should dicatate your preference on wearing a helmet is another matter .....

Mike.

100.00 % of the time I wear a helmet. I hate riding without one. It's very uncomfortable for me. I wear a full face of flip up 90% of the time.

Leapin Lizards DWIGHT!
What I said was..Riders who don't wear helmets more than likely don't need them....That would mean to a person of average intellect that people who don't wear helmets Have nothing to protect. I always wear a helmet, a helmet probably saved my life.

So Dwight next time you lose your place .... raise your hand.