Help me win a helmet debate!

[Meanie]

Really? So you've actually run across statistics showing that you're more likely to crash while not wearing a helmet? I'd love to see that data.

Now who's the one twisting words?

Here are a few stats/studies for ya. For some reason I predict you won't believe them anyway.

http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/e-re ... 749-1.html
http://www.usroads.com/journals/aruj/9706/ru970601.htm
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/ ... cycle.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/ ... cycle.html

I believe that's enough for now. There's more if you need it. Though I doubt it will help.

[ZooTech]

Really? So you've actually run across statistics showing that you're more likely to crash while not wearing a helmet? I'd love to see that data.

Now who's the one twisting words?

Wearing Helmet = More likely to crash due to blindspots and slow head reactions

Statistically proven to be inaccurate. I think you are just looking for an excuse.

Really? So you've actually run across statistics showing that you're more likely to crash while not wearing a helmet? I'd love to see that data.

[Sev]

Really? So you've actually run across statistics showing that you're more likely to crash while not wearing a helmet? I'd love to see that data.

Now who's the one twisting words?

Wearing Helmet = More likely to crash due to blindspots and slow head reactions

Statistically proven to be inaccurate. I think you are just looking for an excuse.

Really? So you've actually run across statistics showing that you're more likely to crash while not wearing a helmet? I'd love to see that data.

LMAO!

Don't bother argueing with Zoo, he's mostly right in this case, just because the helmet does hit the ground does not mean 100% of the time your head would have. Then again if it's only 1% of the time my head would hit the ground, I'd still wear the helmet. My brain is the one thing that separates me from everyone around me. I'd like to keep it functional.

As for blind spots, it just sounds like you have a bad helmet Zoo, I don't miss much with my fullface, except for WAY above, and way below, which you shouldn't be looking at while riding anyways.

[ZooTech]

As for blind spots, it just sounds like you have a bad helmet Zoo

Very true. I have two full-face helmets, one Vega and one Bieffe, and they both produce horrific blind-spots. The HJC in the following picture was a welcome change, as it doesn't have this inherent design flaw:



I'd still rather not wear it, though. The darn thing should say "NASA" on the side, IMO.

As for the jacket and gloves, both feel too restrictive for me, especially on a twisty like the Dragon. Furthermore, the sleeves on the jacket block what little view I have of what's behind me, which amplifies the helmet problem since I have to spin the stupid thing around 100-degrees to get a quick visual before changing lanes or whatever. All-in-all, I find gear to be hella irritating. I might consider dropping serious cash on a nice set of leathers with better fit, but I get hot very VERY easily so I still wouldn't wear one bit of it in the summer.

[Sev]

This is what I use, and I've never had a problem whether it's shoulder checking or winf blast. But that's just me.

[ZooTech]

Not too much different than my Vega:

[Sev]

Maybe one of us has our eyes mounted in a funny place

Or else the guards around the backs of your eyes extend further forward. If you're ever looking for a helmet try the CL-14. I've never had a problem with one.

[ZooTech]

Well, like I said, the HJC CL33 I bought is world's better than the Vega. Problem is, if I care to ride now that it's cooling down outside I gotta whip out the Vega and my coat and gloves. That means I really gotta be itchin' for a ride because I really hate when I'm fully geared up. As it stands, I haven't been on the bike for about two weeks now, what with all the rain and freezing temps lately. The level of enjoyment I get while riding is so greatly reduced by the gear, I barely have any desire to ride the thing at all.

[ronboskz650sr]

Hey Zoo, ever consider bar-end mirrors? I put mine on, and my shoulders aren't in the way anymore. I use to have the same problem, and it just got worse with my sleeve vents open, as the jacket inflated. Your bars may be too wide for convenient close in stuff, but I think they make bar-ends that sit just above the end of the grip to minimize the extra width. Hijack complete...hopefully.

[Sev]

Take a trip up North sometime I'll show you true cold weather riding. My last big trip we set out at below the freezing point, and it didn't get much warmer the whole way.

Why do I do things like that to myself? Because I love to fly