I always wear a helmet, it's the law here. But, you're right, always boots! I don't get shorts on a bike either. I had a good laugh at my brother's expense recently, both he ans his son have bad burns on their right calves from riding his HD Rocker in shorts. They were suprised that the huge chrome Screaming Eagle pipe connected to the carb got hot on air cooled V-twins.

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. H. L. Mencken