Do you always wear your helmet?

Skutorr

Active member
Sorry, this is not one of my normal light posts, but in as much as this has rightly become one of our "safety" threads, I thought I would share a sad story but one that we all need to be reminded of, regardless of experience or skill level.

Sometimes, stuff happens. Sometimes innocents, through no fault of their own get hurt. I do not know if anyone could have avoided this accident, but I include it as a reminder that we always ALWAYS need to think of the worst possible potential outcome. If you see someone getting ready to turn left in front of you, look past, look out, and look for an escape route.

3 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accident - News - Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman

Thoughts and prayers, gang....

There are many factors that contributed to these outcomes, besides the obvious one of a car suddenly appearing in their path! Sadly, the four were riding Harleys, which generally do not brake as well or handle as nimbly as other bikes, lessening their riders' ability to avoid/mitigate a collision. If you couple that with many Harley riders' questionable safety gear (t-shirt and vest, pie-tin helmet or none where allowed) and accessories (ape hangers, etc.) it might be that the same riders at the same speed on other bikes with full gear my have had better outcomes...
 

exavid

Member
I had to wear a helmet on my model 49 Cushman in 1957 on Edwards AFB, all military bases require helmets. In the 58 year since I've always worn a helmet. Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California, states where I've lived all require helmets. In these states if a cop stops you sans helmet you'd have to park the bike right there and figure out how to get it home. Not to mention a pretty hefty fine, over $700 in Oregon.
Personally I'd have difficulty not wearing a helmet being so used to having worn one for so long. I have a HJC modular and a Bell Mag8 both with Sena 5 Bluetooth and an old AFX 3/4 that should probably be retired. I have gone down on dirt more than once and was very happy that I had a good helmet. I wear heavy leather or textile jackets with armor, love mesh jackets in the summer. Draggin jeans are also one of my favorites for longer rides. AGATT makes sense to me, at my age it's getting difficult to get parts when I break something.
 

CTB63

New member
All the time on the road, but when moving the beemer to the garage (less than 20 feet), no helmet...
 

dascooter

New member
Yes except when just pushing it around the garage. It ain't pretty, but I like my head.


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Not a law here in Idaho and many riders I see do not wear theirs. I always do wear a helmet but to not appear as a paragon of virtrue, I am bad about riding wearing just sneakers, a t-shirt and basketball shorts in the summer. Of course I never had a highway capable bike before. Getting some actual decent riding gear will be the next priority.
 

Edumakated

New member
Helmets aren't required here in IL.

While I'm all about freedom of choice, I really don't get what is so great about riding without a helmet. I got on the highway once without my jacket and it was the worst feeling ever. I can't imagine riding with no helmet.
 

Pigpenracing

New member
I wear my helmet when I ride my Ducati 1198 because I ride it hard and fast. I never wear a helmet on the scooter. I like to cruise and feel the wind across my bald head :) My wife and son wear helmets when they ride on back everytime. If I had to wear a helmet on the scooter I probably wouldn't have it. I usually wear my shades, shorts and flip flops on the BMW.
 

BillyJack

New member
Here's a photo of the helmet of a friend on mine after a low-side low speed crash while riding near Mount St. Helen's last week in Washington. The crash resulted in 2 broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade and a plane ride home. imagine the damage to his head without the helmet!Eric's Helmet.JPG
 

TwoPort

Member
Here's a photo of the helmet of a friend on mine after a low-side low speed crash while riding near Mount St. Helen's last week in Washington. The crash resulted in 2 broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade and a plane ride home. imagine the damage to his head without the helmet!View attachment 1197

I took a good look at the helmet and cringe imagining what would happen without a helmet. I've got a new C3 so it was nice to see it held up.
 

Snowdog

New member
I wear my helmet when I ride my Ducati 1198 because I ride it hard and fast. I never wear a helmet on the scooter. I like to cruise and feel the wind across my bald head :) My wife and son wear helmets when they ride on back everytime. If I had to wear a helmet on the scooter I probably wouldn't have it. I usually wear my shades, shorts and flip flops on the BMW.

Pavement doesn't care what you fell off.
 

JaimeC

New member
...and the impact with which your skull hits the pavement has nothing at all to do with your forward speed, but rather the height your head is above the pavement.

Unless, of course, you hit a vertical bridge abutment. Then your forward speed is EVERYTHING.
 

Pigpenracing

New member
Riding this scooter is probably the safest thing I do. I choose not to wear a helmet because I enjoy riding like that. If I have to put on a helmet in this Texas heat I won't ride the damn thing. I know stuff happens and I am taking a chance. Driving my Ducati 1198 like a maniac doing 150 mph wheelies is a different story, I wouldn't get on that bike without a helmet. I fly my biplane upside down and do aerobatics, I choose not to wear a helmet or parachute. I drove my jetboat 100 mph without a lifejacket. Life is full of danger, I take my chances and have the most fun I can. Do you guys drive your car with a helmet? The major cause of death in a auto accident is head injury. I have buddies that put on a full body suit, gloves, helmet etc just to go for a little joyride on their bike. That is not a joyride for me. A joyride for me is feeling the breeze and cooling off....
I would really feel like a fag riding a scooter with full gear.
 
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Spdrush

New member
This is getting absurd. I ride with a helmet always and an armor jacket and pants if going on a longer trip.
If bicyclers use helmets at low speeds I am with them.
On a sport bike at beyond highway speeds a helmet won't save your brain -- but I probably will wear one.
No helmet = insane.

As to the fag comment. You picked a scooter. Unresolved issues????
 
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