Helmets - Yes or No.

[ponch]

Most of my riding life was in NY and I had to wear one. I am used to it, so it's no big deal. In fact, when I have ridden without one, I find the feeling odd. It's a lot louder and annoyingly so. In Iowa we dong' have to wear a helmet, which is the way it should be, but I will always wear one. That and my wife insists on it. :)

[elvis]

Originally Posted by ponch

Most of my riding life was in NY and I had to wear one. I am used to it, so it's no big deal. In fact, when I have ridden without one, I find the feeling odd. It's a lot louder and annoyingly so. In Iowa we dong' have to wear a helmet, which is the way it should be, but I will always wear one. That and my wife insists on it. :)

Ponch,

I like your avatar, Jeff Bridges is one of my favorite artists and IMHO he was excellent in True Grit.

As far as helmets, I simply think that people protect what is important to them.

Back to Jeff Bridges, have you seen Crazy Heart?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B0039UT3LK

[ponch]

Originally Posted by elvis

Ponch,

I like your avatar, Jeff Bridges is one of my favorite artists and IMHO he was excellent in True Grit.

As far as helmets, I simply think that people protect what is important to them.

Back to Jeff Bridges, have you seen Crazy Heart?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B0039UT3LK

never saw Crazy Heart.

[slots]

My unimportant view on this subject is very simple. All those who decry helmets and don't wear them have never been tossed from their bikes onto the open-faced sandpaper asphalt. Lost part of my chin and a goodly portion of my right cheek, arm and elbow on that asphalt.

I don't argue over the merits...but I plan to never lose one bit of my flesh and bone to devil-asphalt ever again. I always wear a full face helmet. I find it kinda comforting in the protection.... also, I am a typical German-Norwegian who suffers from severe sun damage. The full face keeps the sun from my delicate skin. Lost my baby sister and an aunt to skin cancer....tough deaths for both thse sweet women. God bless them both. I plan to keep the sun and devil asphalt away from my face.

As I said...no arguments....

Best regards to all...

Slots

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Slots

My unimportant view on this subject is very simple. All those who decry helmets and don't wear them have never been tossed from their bikes onto the open-faced sandpaper asphalt. Lost part of my chin and a goodly portion of my right cheek, arm and elbow on that asphalt.

I don't argue over the merits...but I plan to never lose one bit of my flesh and bone to devil-asphalt ever again. I always wear a full face helmet. I find it kinda comforting in the protection.... also, I am a typical German-Norwegian who suffers from severe sun damage. The full face keeps the sun from my delicate skin. Lost my baby sister and an aunt to skin cancer....tough deaths for both thse sweet women. God bless them both. I plan to keep the sun and devil asphalt away from my face.

As I said...no arguments....

Best regards to all...

Slots

It could be they have. ;)

[moloprintz]

Programs to encourage helmet use are a good thing.
The government needs to stay out!
Don't tell me what I must do!
I'd even be willing to pay a higher ins. rate to go without.

At my age, if my 'brain housing group' makes contact with the pavement with any kind of force it won't matter what kind of hat I'm wearing.

[NRiderUSA]

But your face will still be pretty for the funeral....

[Loafer]

Originally Posted by NriderUSA

But your face will still be pretty for the funeral....

Yes, and that's what it's all about. ;)

[mdgeorge]

I also have met the pavement without the helmet. And it was unavoidable. No permanant damage to me, but it has made me more aware of the potential of some idiot taking me out.
Here in Florida, helmet use is optional, but the wife REFUSES to wear one unless we go into Alabama... required.
Not sure how to handle this yet.

[ndbigfish]

Originally Posted by mdgeorge

Here in Florida, helmet use is optional, but the wife REFUSES to wear one unless we go into Alabama... required.
Not sure how to handle this yet.

I find someone that has "show & tell" battle scars of a crash. Exhibits or props help a lot to convince a skeptic. On a more serious note, try to find equipment that is more comfortable for your local climate. My Northern riding gear will not work in the South. For example, all leather is out, as it doesn't "breathe" well.

[bullman]

I myself wear a helmet. I have used everything from a half to a full face. However, I don't think that the government should have a right to mandate helmet use, or seat belt use for that matter.

[deadant]

Yes. Wear it all the time. I have a wife and two awesome kids that I hope to spend much more time with. I love riding, and its the family rule that when were riding, the brain buckets are on. My son will be getting his motorcycle permit in a year and I hope he follows my lead on wearing the helmet.

I have both a half and full face, but wear the half 98% of the time.

[hammer]

I'd even be willing to pay a higher ins. rate to go without.

OK I get the "I don't want the government involved" except they do get involved in other safety stuff too and many folks rant and rave when they don't. That's how we got helmet, seat belt and cell phone laws.

The only problem I have with the quote is everyone riding gets to contribute to insurance rates. In other words, peoples personal choices about safety can cost everybody else. If you think that's the price for freedom of choice I would not argue the fine points. Just saying!

I always wear one because my head has made contact both racing and touring.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by hammer

OK I get the "I don't want the government involved" except they do get involved in other safety stuff too and many folks rant and rave when they don't. That's how we got helmet, seat belt and cell phone laws.

The only problem I have with the quote is everyone riding gets to contribute to insurance rates. In other words, peoples personal choices about safety can cost everybody else. If you think that's the price for freedom of choice I would not argue the fine points. Just saying!

I always wear one because my head has made contact both racing and touring.

The argument for a helmet mandate I haven't heard is safety due to debris and other object that could hit a rider and cause an accident that would otherwise be a non-event if a full face helmet was worn. I am not advocating it, just playing devil's advocate.

[NRiderUSA]

I still stand by the... has your insurance gone down since the "Mandatory seat belts and air bags in all cars"????
So tell me how its gonna affect insurance costs again whether you do or dont wear a helmet.