Helmets and Harleys

Message

niterider · Thu Oct 13, 2005 10:47 am

I wear a helmet a full face in cooler weather and a police looking one in hot weather. I really feel that it only gives me a false sense of security. I don't mind if no one else wears one.

Joe Mc · #12 Unread post by **Joe Mc** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 10:51 am

ZooTech wrote:Let it go already. Why does it bother so many of you when you see a non-helmeted rider? Where does this "save the world" mentality come from? And why must they automatically be pompous posers trying to look cool? Maybe they're just not as uptight as you. Or, maybe they are true bikers, not just motorcyclists (there is a difference).

Why do you even bother clicking on a thread with helmet in the title? We all know it's going to "pee" you off, I can only assume you'd know this too.

Why can't you let it go?

Mag7C · #13 Unread post by **Mag7C** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 10:53 am

We have a helmet law here, so everybody wears something. I've seen a couple harleys (or at least harley-looking bikes) with full faced riders. I've also seen a guy on a ninja wearing a skid lid. We're kinda weird here.

Personally I don't support the helmet/seatbelt laws. I'd still wear them, but I don't like being told I have to.

oldnslo · #14 Unread post by **oldnslo** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 10:55 am

I always thought "true bikers" were the ones who were covered with tatoos, went decades between showers, and had spent about 95% of their lives in prison. Motorcyclists, on the other hand, ride as much as their actual jobs allow, are a bit cleaner, are interested in multiple brands of motorcycles and their performance features, shower regularly, and have probably never mixed it up with the law except for a speeding ticket.
But, I've led a sheltered life, and I'm sure I missed a lot of these fine distinctions over the years.

#15 Unread post by **cb360** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 11:01 am

Mag7C wrote:We have a helmet law here, so everybody wears something. I've seen a couple harleys (or at least harley-looking bikes) with full faced riders. I've also seen a guy on a ninja wearing a skid lid. We're kinda weird here.

Personally I don't support the helmet/seatbelt laws. I'd still wear them, but I don't like being told I have to.

I'm with you. Personally, if I'm on my bike I'm wearing a full-face no matter the heat or law or whatever. But I don't think there should be a law for it. I privately wish everyone would gear up, but if you don't live in my house it's no skin off my nose what anyone else wears.

#16 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 11:15 am

Joe Mc wrote:Why do you even bother clicking on a thread with helmet in the title? We all know it's going to "pee" you off, I can only assume you'd know this too.

Why can't you let it go?

Because only I see the irony in a forum that, in the past week, has been home to multiple posts regarding the importance of proper gear, especially helmets, AND a post entitled, "Share your favorite 'Riding is Dangerous' quotes". Funny how everyone has a snappy come back for all their mothers/fathers/aunts/uncles/brothers/sisters/pastors/friends who think riding motorcycles is dangerous YET they turn around and criticize their own two-wheeled bretheren for riding "a little more" dangerously then they do. It's inconsistent and hypocritical. I don't care to be talked down to any more then you do. And if you can't see the similarity then I guess this discussion will keep coming up.

TechTMW · #17 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 1:02 pm

Good points Zoo.

What you bring up is true - We should support each other as riders because riders live dangerously ... helmeted or not. I FIRMLY believe helmets save lives, but forcing you to wear one is like forcing my religion on you.

schwartzkm · Thu Oct 13, 2005 1:36 pm

After dropping 20k on a garage ornament thye might not be able to afford a helmet. Mabye we could start up a charity collecting helmets for HD riders?

bikeguy joe · Thu Oct 13, 2005 2:01 pm

I'm gonna jump in next!

I have gone through periods of helmetlessness and non-helmetlessness...

I broke my neck in three places while wearing a helmet. I also got a severe concussion wearing one.

I wear one now....maybe the earlier whacks did cause brain damage, head bumps are cumulative!

If you don't want to wear one move to Ohio! I don't think the govt' should decided, they have more important issue to deal with.

ronboskz650sr · Thu Oct 13, 2005 3:26 pm

I don't really know the answer to the question...except to say that I know Harley riders who have been riding motorcycles since they were very young (of every type and brand). The ones I know wear helmets, until they go to Sturgis. We have a helmet law here, and they comply. They are also not posers, but highly skilled riders...one was broadsided by a deer, and had to have the engine guard bent off of his leg so he could ride home. One was cut off by a car running a stop sign at a freeway exit. He was going 45 (obviously not at impact), His bike was totalled, his helmet was destroyed, and he took his own pictures of the site while he waited for a ride home. So...I can't draw any conclusions that sweep the spectrum of riders...I just ride, and wouild have a Harley if I could afford one.