Do riders wear helmets?

[Fropa]

I took a 5 hour trip on Saturday and saw 50+ motorcycles on the road (Great weather day here in Wisconsin). I counted a total of 2 helmets the entire day. Since I'm new and dying to get through the MSF course and start riding, am really focusing on bikes I see. I know helmets aren't required in Wisconsin, but most every motorcycle web site/forum I read really stresses the use of a helmet whenever you are on the bike. Although I plan to always wear a helmet, I think all of us new/future riders could use some words of wisdom from the experienced riders here on if 2 in 50 is about the right ratio of helmet to non-helmet riders. And if it is, why?

Thanks

[pinger05]

Personally I think helmets should be mandatory in all states. I cant think of any reason not to wear one. My rule of thumb is that if I am moving my bike more than 5 feet or if I am traveling more than 5MPH; I will be wearing a helmet and gear.

[Gadjet]

I agree completely with Pinger.

I happen to like the shape of my skull just the way it is. having had my bell rung a few times crashing my mountain bike while wearing a helmet, I would never ride my motorcycle without a helmet.

Given that helmets aren't mandatory where you live, I guess you'll just have to ask yourself whether or not you want to keep your head unbroken. Even in a 10mph crash, your head can hit the pavement hard enough to fracture your skull.

[BuzZz]

Good general RULE FOR LIFE...... always wear your helmet, Sparky.

[Sev]

I have two. Both fullface. For a while I was thinking about getting a skullcap or something, but I'd rather keep my face then look badass.

[Itzamna]

I honestly didn't wear mine much at all last year, but now I can't get on the bike without a full face on. Especially after seeing a helmt from a wreck, I think Keysman's, but I may be wrong. The whole side was all scratched and the face plate. I thought to myself, that would of been his head. Haven't rode without one since. Well, once to listen to noises on my old bike, down the neighborhood street.

It really amazes me how many people on sportbikes don't wear helmets. I would think they of all people would have one on. It's dangerous riding on a low powered bike without one on, let alone on a supersport that is mind blowing fast.

[greg]

I've seen a lot of crashes and without a helmet in a lot of cases would of been dead. I know everyone thinks it can't happen to them, but everyone crashes, even pros.

[poppygene]

You can buy a really good full-face helmet with both DOT and Snell certification for $150... maybe a lot less if you shop around. HJC has several very popular, high quality models, for example. I figure that's cheap life insurance, but there are other advantages besides crash protection. I enjoy the reduction in wind noise and deflection of bugs and other road debris. The upshot is, in your state, it's your decision, but I'd wear mine even if wasn't the law.

[Mer]

Personally I don't understand how people ride without helmets. Not only for the protection it, but for the bugs! I've had way too many "mystery" bugs hit me dead on center of my visor to ever consider not wearing a full face helmet everytime. I had one HUGE bug hit me between the eyes on the highway and it just vaporized on impact with my visor....thank goodness! I've also had a bird hit me in the helmet and I had blood splattered all over my helmet and top half of my jacket. Man was I happy to wearing full gear!! YUCK!!

[Nibblet99]

Ever been in a car, when a conker falls off a tree, and hits the windscreen @ 30mph?, imagine, what that would do to your face?