Why no helmet?

[salcuta88]

I was coming back home this weekend from GA and passed this guy in SC. There have been numerous incidents in the last couple of months specifically in SC where riders who lost their lives were not wearing helmets. I can't comprehend why many riders are willing to risk their lives? At one point, my friend needed his helmet back, so my bike didn't go anywhere for about 2 weeks.

[jenkem]

Maybe it's low self esteem? They feel like they need to prove to the world how badass they are.

[snot]

Could it be he can't find gear that fits. However, I bet its more of an image thing.

[MrAtom]

You know how in the Spongebob movie, when they were about to go into the trench, and the mermaid turned them into men and they thought that because they were men, they were invincible? The same principle applies.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by salcuta88

I was coming back home this weekend from GA and passed this guy in SC. There have been numerous incidents in the last couple of months specifically in SC where riders who lost their lives were not wearing helmets. I can't comprehend why many riders are willing to risk their lives? At one point, my friend needed his helmet back, so my bike didn't go anywhere for about 2 weeks.

same reason he wears that skull shirt and rides that loud ass ugly hog with chrome skulls everywhere.

because he thinks it makes him cool.

[salcuta88]

Originally Posted by snot

Could it be he can't find gear that fits. However, I bet its more of an image thing.

No. There's some Large Large helmets out there.

[Jono]

He's got enough cushion to break a fall.

[flitecontrol]

Not sure how accurate this is, but it's my observation that in states that don't require helmets, most riders don't wear them. Louisiana requires helmets, but a lot of cruiser riders wear illegal (non-DOT) "brain bucket" half helmets that provide zero protection in a crash.

That said, all the sport bike riders here wear full face helmets. For many, that's the extent of their protective gear. A lot of it is the perceived "culture" of the class or brand bike they ride. Don't think I've ever seen a BMW rider with less than full gear.

[salcuta88]

Originally Posted by flitecontrol

Not sure how accurate this is, but it's my observation that in states that don't require helmets, most riders don't wear them. Louisiana requires helmets, but a lot of cruiser riders wear illegal (non-DOT) "brain bucket" half helmets that provide zero protection in a crash.

That said, all the sport bike riders here wear full face helmets. For many, that's the extent of their protective gear. A lot of it is the perceived "culture" of the class or brand bike they ride. Don't think I've ever seen a BMW rider with less than full gear.

You would think that the states would learn this by now...especially since SC had so many instances lately.

[flitecontrol]

The states are well aware that helmets save lives. But for many riders, it's a "freedom" issue. We had a popular governor that rode a while back and he led an effort that successfully repealed the existing helmet law. Once he was out of office, the legislature passed another helmet law.

[MrAtom]

By the by, is that big chrome thing by his leg an automatic transmission? Like what scooters have? I've seen 'em on a lot of cruisers around here.

[csmith12]

Is it an automatic? Naw... This is what is under the chrome cover.



This one is chain, many HD's are belt driven engine -> tranny -> rear wheel.

[MrAtom]

Oh it's kind of like a jackshaft! Neat!

[sharky nrk]

Just IMHO if you choose not to wear a helmet your just being stupid.......

My helmet saved my life in my last off, zero question without it I would be dead. Its just not worth it to not have it on.

[BlownWideOpen]

It's not like a brain bucket would make a difference...

[BlownWideOpen]

Originally Posted by MrAtom

By the by, is that big chrome thing by his leg an automatic transmission? Like what scooters have? I've seen 'em on a lot of cruisers around here.

No, it's called a primary cover

[Ninjinsky]

Oh c'mon. He's wearing socks, surely that's better than no protection at all?



.

[Hero Danny]

This is natural selection in the process, for example: This guy is stupid, stupid people shouldn't breed so what happens is, Mr. Stupid is cruising around with his skull shirt and half bald head and he slips and falls. He doesn't land on his extra padding fat but instead lands on his bold head. Thus, killing Mr. Stupid. Poor Mr. Stupid never got to reproduce and that is natural selection ladies and gents.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

It's not like a brain bucket would make a difference...

I hate when people call a helmet a "brain bucket". Helmets save lives all the time, and yes a helmet WOULD make a difference...

[BlownWideOpen]

Misinterpretation.

Brain bucket is the term for a half helmet. A helmet, which cruiser owners would usually wear. Cheerio

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

Misinterpretation.

Brain bucket is the term for a half helmet. A helmet, which cruiser owners would usually wear. Cheerio

Ah, I have a friend who took an EMT class and he said they refer to all helmets as brain buckets. So that's why I was confused.

A half shell offers very little protection, better than nothing? Perhaps, But ultimately I agree, it wouldn't be enough to be safe.

[BlownWideOpen]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Ah, I have a friend who took an EMT class and he said they refer to all helmets as brain buckets. So that's why I was confused.

A half shell offers very little protection, better than nothing? Perhaps, But ultimately I agree, it wouldn't be enough to be safe.

A lot of these guys don't even wear DOT approved lids, so it really wouldn't make a difference. Just a bucket for the coroner to pick up your brain in.

[LittleRedNinjette]

"brain bucket":


My uncle would wear them years ago when he rode (with his shorts, flip-flops and MAYBE a sleeveless shirt...) and referred to it as an "eggshell" because they are not much thicker than that.

With the new bike he upped it to a DOT half helmet at least. Still woefully underdressed though...

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

A lot of these guys don't even wear DOT approved lids, so it really wouldn't make a difference. Just a bucket for the coroner to pick up your brain in.

What "brain"?????

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by LittleRedNinjette

"brain bucket":


My uncle would wear them years ago when he rode (with his shorts, flip-flops and MAYBE a sleeveless shirt...) and referred to it as an "eggshell" because they are not much thicker than that.

With the new bike he upped it to a DOT half helmet at least. Still woefully underdressed though...

I bet my left big toe that he doesn't ride a sport bike, probably rides a cruiser or Harley of some sorts.

[BlownWideOpen]

I've seen lots of bikers who ride sport bikes, and wear half helmets. It's just a helmet, it's not a big deal to chastise someone because of their choice of motorcycle helmet.

[kashun84]

He might want a tanned head to pretend there are hairs.

[Worldtraveller]

Meh. I got no problem with people not wearing gear. I think it's stupid, and I might give someone crap for it in jest, but it's their choice.

I'm ATGATT, but I don't feel it should be required. I don't think seatbelts should be either. There can be a little more argument made for helmets since they can actually reduce accidents by providing good eye protection. I realize I might be paying more in insurance for other peoples' choices, but I'm willing to pay for your freedom too.

[LittleRedNinjette]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

I bet my left big toe that he doesn't ride a sport bike, probably rides a cruiser or Harley of some sorts.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

His bike:

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by BlownWideOpen

I've seen lots of bikers who ride sport bikes, and wear half helmets. It's just a helmet, it's not a big deal to chastise someone because of their choice of motorcycle helmet.

I've never seen someone on a sport bike wearing a half shell. EVER. Maybe you have, i'm sure some do. But I've never seen one. I've also never seen someone on a harley wearing a full face, again, i'm sure some do. But i've never seen them.

That being said, I often see guys on sport bikes speeding like crazy and doing wheelies, etc. So I'm not saying either one is safer. All I am saying is that 99% of harley riders have half shells. At least in Massachusetts.

[LittleRedNinjette]

I've seen loads of cruiser riders (of all kinds) with full face helmets. More common in the colder months but still plenty in the summer.

I've also seen a handful of sportbike riders with the eggshells. Much more uncommon though. As for the DOT have helmets i don't think i've seen a sportbike rider with one myself.

It seems if they are going to go DOT the go full or modular.

[adouglas]

Why no helmet?

If this really is about protection, then...

Why no riding pants?

Why no riding boots?

Why no upgraded armor?

Why no leather?

Why no gauntlets?

Why no Leatt neck brace?

Why no airbag-equipped race suit?


You make your own assessment of risk and reward, and act accordingly.

We all draw the line somewhere. Every one of us makes compromises in the name of personal choice.

Every time I ride I wear full leathers, Level 2 armor, boots, gauntlets and a full-face helmet (except for the one-mile local street run to the diner at lunch.. then it's street pants).

That's way more than most people. But even that's a compromise. I COULD wear a neck brace and/or get an airbag-equipped suit. But the cost is too high for the added protection in my own personal judgment.

New riders go through this all the time. They look at the cost of full leathers and all the trimmings and they balk. So they get a helmet and textile jacket on closeout, some shorty gloves, a pair of Carhartts and some work boots, and call it a day.

If people want to ride around without protection, that's their right. The only beef I've got with it is that when they do get hurt, I wind up paying... via higher insurance, taxes that fund their disability payments, etc.

[LittleRedNinjette]

The only person i realy care about enough the constantly give a hard time about gear is my above mentioned uncle and my boyfriend. Thats because i care about them to much not to at least try to talk into more or better gear.

[ninjamunky85]

You only need a helmet if you crash. Cruiser riders don't crash, so they don't need to wear helmets or any other protective gear. duh!

[salcuta88]

Originally Posted by ninjamunky85

You only need a helmet if you crash. Cruiser riders don't crash, so they don't need to wear helmets or any other protective gear. duh!

oooooooooooooooooooooh that's why

[flitecontrol]

There are DOT approved half helmets, which contain crushable foam just like full face helmets, and brain buckets, which are simply a plastic or fiberglass shell with no foam. Brain buckets provide virtually no protection in a crash.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by adouglas

New riders go through this all the time. They look at the cost of full leathers and all the trimmings and they balk. So they get a helmet and textile jacket on closeout, some shorty gloves, a pair of Carhartts and some work boots, and call it a day.

that's exactly what I did when I started off
ridiculously good decision to get that jacket too, it's held up significantly better than I ever thought it would

[archaeofreak]

There is no helmet law here in AZ, and more people than not I see choose to not wear a helmet. It seems split about equally between sportbike riders and others...although those particular sportbike riders usually look either really choady or like thugs...neither are particularly smart, I have found. Otherwise I also think it's up to you if you want to live or die. I also am for giving the dying a choice of euthanasia...

[JohnnyBravo]

I'm usually AGATT or MGMTT. I don't think I should ride to far with no gear; though its not my place to live everyone's lives for them so I mind my own business

[Hero Danny]

I mean, ATGATT, but who cares what other people do? It doesn't affect you, so who cares. Someone could ride down the street in just their underwear and it's whatever man. It's their choice.