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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | varyder - 2013-05-01 5:46 PM
...far many more people get injured or killed doing dumb stuff around the house...
About 10 years ago, I read that most accidents happen within 10 miles of the house.....so I moved. I'm safe, now. 
I'm all for a helmet clause in an insurance policy. If you get in an accident and you're wearing a helmet, they pay more than if you aren't. Unfortunately, under Obamacare, even those who ride wheelies on bald tires in a blizzard wearing surfer shorts, a tank top and flip flops get the same care. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Monkeyman - 2013-05-01 6:11 PM varyder - 2013-05-01 5:46 PM ...far many more people get injured or killed doing dumb stuff around the house... About 10 years ago, I read that most accidents happen within 10 miles of the house.....so I moved. I'm safe, now. I'm all for a helmet clause in an insurance policy. If you get in an accident and you're wearing a helmet, they pay more than if you aren't. Unfortunately, under Obamacare, even those who ride wheelies on bald tires in a blizzard wearing surfer shorts, a tank top and flip flops get the same care. Does that means we all can ride buck nekked now...? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 154
Danbury, Connecticut | opas ride - 2013-05-01 10:55 AM
Interesting to note that a recent national poll on helmets laws favor a National Mandatory Helmet law across the US...In my personal opinion I hope it passes someday...Riding without a helmet makes no sense and I do not buy the "right to choose" crap...because that is what it is "crap"...JMHO of which I am expressing...Why is it that most Victory, BMW, Honda, etc. riders wear helmets, and 90% of HD riders go without??? Must be a HOG thing or status symbol......Not cool to me...Don't flame me cause I do not buy others rationale on this issue...Sorry Opa, With all due respect. Sure you support it since it agrees with your view. What if next years poll overwhelmingly favors outlawing all motorcycles because they are just too dangerous and cause far too many injuries/deaths and those maniacs just ride wheelies and slice in and out of traffic and yada yada yada. Should the view of uninvolved others dictate what surely must be in our best interests? Us motorcycle riders must just be too damn ignorant to grasp how stupid we are for engaging in this silly/crazy activity, so they must save us from ourselves. I don't want my liberties assaulted by my government on the condition that my liberties don't disregard the liberties of my fellow citizens. I worry more about having my brain preserved by a helmet and becoming a quadriplegic when I wear a helmet than I do about dying in a crash without a helmet. I wear a helmet more often than not these days but I don't want or need anyone telling me I have to. Make choices that meet your needs and beliefs and respect ALL OTHERS choice to do the same. This is still a free country, just not as free as it used to be. Again, with all due respect-Ride safe with or without. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | I wear a helmet for 2 1/2 reasons:
1. It's the law here in BC
2. I'm bald as a billiard ball - and I need some warmth
2 1/2. I'm bald, mostly ride in sunshine, and don't need my remaining skin cooked off |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Sonny Barger, yeah, him, wears a full face helmet nowadays, done it since the days of his trach. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | I see it all the time here. Sportbike riders, tank top, shorts, sneakers, fullface helmet? I guess you need some way to ID the victim in case of an accident. I have been in situations where a beanie helmet has saved my head from road rash. Might not have been dot approved but still worked.
Some of the dots feel too heavy. I have read hat heavy elmets can cause neck injuries. I know, it all depends on who is paying for the research.
City & rush hour riding, I like a helmet. On the open road, it's nice to feel the wind, no helmet. If I'm in an accident at 70-80, I don't think I want to survive. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
| cjnoho - 2013-05-01 9:54 PM
City & rush hour riding, I like a helmet. On the open road, it's nice to feel the wind, no helmet. If I'm in an accident at 70-80, I don't think I want to survive.
I think I agree with the above!
For those Missourians...
Missouri is just about to remove the Helmet Law, so I heard today on the radio....
I would like to ride once without, but afraid that is the time I would fall over!!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | If I wasn't required by law to wear one I'd never wear one. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm curious, real, or novelty helmet? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 251
Mechanicsville, VA United States | I would like to choose when I wear a helmet! What happened to our freedom in this country? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | varyder - 2013-05-01 6:27 PM
Does that means we all can ride buck nekked now...?
Been doing that for years (once the temps get over 70...I'm not CRAZY!). |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Monkeyman - 2013-05-01 6:11 PM
About 10 years ago, I read that most accidents happen within 10 miles of the house.....so I moved. I'm safe, now.
Genius Monkeyman. I'm gonna move too. Lord I wanna be safe!!!! That's why I ride a motorcycle hard and fast. To be safe! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | As long as you get past that 10 mile mark, you should be fine. That's about the time I take off all my clothes. No way I can get hurt. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
Lindale, TX | Always ride with a helmet. Was using a 3/4 helmet for last four years. Decided to replace it today with a full face. I did a lot of research and as much as I would enjoy the "Freedom" of going helmet less here in Texas, I know statistically you are significantly safer protecting your brain. Also, My wife and kids feel much better about their breadwinner wearing a helmet. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | Speaking of helmets, I just sold my Speed and Strength SS2200 for $120 (plus shipping). Only worn 3x so someone got a steal of a deal. Just have to figure out a way to drive 20 miles to ship it while working the next 7 days straight. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Easttexasrider - 2013-05-02 6:42 PM
Always ride with a helmet. Was using a 3/4 helmet for last four years. Decided to replace it today with a full face. I did a lot of research and as much as I would enjoy the "Freedom" of going helmet less here in Texas, I know statistically you are significantly safer protecting your brain. Also, My wife and kids feel much better about their breadwinner wearing a helmet.
Only takes one time (an "off") even wearing a helmet and you'll be a believer.... some folks think they're impervious to the kinetic energy of a resultant head impact on the asphalt.... try holding your head away from it as it's being thrust towards it at 20mph+
You're a fool if you think you're strong enough to resist the velocity. A god damned fool. Because the "off" is going to take you by surprise and you weren't even anticipating it....
...and YOU will be DEAD (shortly thereafter) ..or a head in the bed - a vegetable. A nice tribute to those whom loved you. Pretty fucking selfish of you...eh?
Because you thought you were "cool" and rode without a helmet.
I have no words for bikers like that.
If you have a choice; cover your brain with a brain bucket. It doesn't make you a sissy. It will help you become a survivor.
Even someone as cranky as Don wears a helmet. That should be proof enough; of the protection that is recognized with a helmet.
Edited by willtill 2013-05-02 7:58 PM
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Visionary
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So Cal | Yep. Novelty helmet. Still have is, scratches and all. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Will ... and all of you who have considered this thread about helmets...
Some of you, like Floridians have a choice.
Some of you, like ALL Canadians - don't.
One simple fact covers ALL in this subject: YOU ARE GOING TO DIE
Heart Attack, Bee Sting, Wife Beating, Tracey Boring, Too Much Sex, Too Little Sex, Stubbed Toe, Bullet Wound, Cancer ... F**k - you figure it out ...
And you think that some kind of ARMOUR will save you ?
Maybe - until NEXT time. For cripes sakes - ENJOY life !!!
If the end comes too soon - it is TOO SOON FOR THE SURVIVORS .... YOU won't know or care
And we sure as shit have enough survivors to keep the species going ....
Just LIVE and ENJOY your days and stop all the worry about 'Should I or Shouldn't I ' - none of it matters. We're ALL gonna DIE !
Just TRY YOUR BEST to not CAUSE someone else to die. NOT by passing laws - but by driving better, being more cautious with your cigarette lighter, looking after your health. - diet. Give more love to your wife, children, family.
All the Bike Armor in the world means nothing if you don't care about staying alive. Sorry for boring you to death. Live on ....
Sorry again - we're well into my Vodka hours ... don't be critical if you aren't a SAINT. Luv Ya ...
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm not saying we should all go and do something stupid because we're going to die anyways, but I agree, enjoy life. I didn't ride a murdercycle for over 17 years and didn't get my first one until I was 24 years old. While I know me, I say that was a good thing to wait, because I probably would be dead today. Riding a motorcycle has it's risk, but I don't believe it warrants a bubble suit. I know statistic say a lot, but I rarely see anything that provides the entire circumstance of a motorcycle related accident. The sad thing is, from information I glean from reading about motorcycle accidents that it was the riders fault. Too fast for conditions, intoxicated, excessive speed, unable to negotiate, bad judgment, and so on. I see a lot of advocates for ATGATT, but very little on honing your skills as a rider. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Say it again Don, Say it again! However, wait a little longer into your Vodka and after you've visited the little honey for an evening rendezvous. Then come back and see if your view has changed or not.
I like a helmet for a couple of reasons:
1. Softens the blow from the backseat, when I scrape pegs or tipovers.
2. It is a little bit of sunshade.
3. Knocks some of the noise of wind.
4. The only person hearing me screaming like a little girl was me, as the 18 wheeler almost ran me over at a stoplight. I managed to get out of his way as he blew through the intersection heavy on his air horn. I was already out of the way on the shoulder but the truck in front of him barely moved, guess he couldn't hear an air horn or see "FREIGHTLINER" getting bigger in his rear view.
5. Keeps the rain from pelting me at 65mph.
6. Keeps me warm.
Reasons I don't like a helmet:
1. I get real sleepy with a full face on.
2. My head itches after I got it all buckled down.
3. I get real sleepy and heavy eyelids with a full face. Bad for riding.
4. The visor fogs up and I can't see anything, once again bad.
5. Between all the gear and heavy helmet, I'm warm and tired, and sleepy. Bad again.
Unfortunately, I am not one of those guys that can wear ATGATT. I have to monitor what it is that I'm wearing for the occasion. When its cold Full face helmet and plenty of jackets and windproof gear.
As it warms out comes the 1/2 helmet, need a 3/4 to fill in the gap. Layers of clothing start falling off, till its so warm that I'm down to a T-shirt and blue jeans and boots and some gloves.
I love to ride but I'd rather be aware and riding than all geared up and ride like a drunk going down the road because I can't stay awake. Wear as much gear as you can that it doesn't inhibit your safety and stay as comfortable as you can.
Nothing sucks more than riding and can't wait to get off cuz your balls are dropping sweat faster than Niagra Falls flows. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| Life in it's self is dangers. Now to me I think skiing is a death wish! Biking is a lot safer! |
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Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | OK, everyone who lives will end by dieing. That is reality itself, much like the statement that all bleeding stops eventually. On the other hand I am a mere 65 years old and can expect to live at least another 20 years, based on my family history, unless some accident cuts that short. My real trade off is the remaining 20 years of my life against a slightly uncomfortable helmet. So far I have been choosing the helmet. I even kept my first challenged helmet around for over 10 years to remind myself that surviving past 20 years old was the result of that helmet. I never chose to use it again because it had already given up its useful life by saving mine. Without that helmet I would have never lived past 20 years old. The fiberglass of that helmet had shattered rather dramatically while absorbing the impact that might have otherwise killed me.
Edited by Oldman47 2013-05-03 3:00 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 329
scotts valley, California | It is a real pleasure to have the option. In California, as in many states we have no option; wear a helmet or don't ride. Wear seat belts or don't drive. Pay taxes or go to jail. I thank God that there are still some states where I can choose to take off my helmet on a hot day and enjoy the wind. To me, it is worth the risk.
My best friend and frequent riding pardner always wore a full face, and body armor, and boots, and gloves. On September 10th last year a young lady driver T-boned him, and he was gone before they got him to the hospital, a terrible accident, but he died doing what he enjoyed doing. There ARE risks involved with motorcycle riding. I feel like it should be up to the individual how he deals with those risks.
I miss you, John..... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
So. Indiana | I wear a helmet on my daily commutes, but often don't when buzzing around home (I live in the country) because I enjoy the convenience. I like having the option and hope it stays that way. If you can be taken to jail for your decisions, I think you have the right to determine if you want to wear a helmet or not. It's accepted risk and our right as human beings to determine if it's acceptable.
That said, any passengers I carry must have jeans, real shoes or boots and a helmet.
I've known far more people to die in car accidents than motorcycle accidents... and I know a lot of people that ride. There's a guy who died walking backwards (a local gym teacher) and another who died of a heart attack, hiking the Appalachian trail. I think there's enough fussing about what other people are doing.
As someone else mentioned above, there are more than a few people that feel that motorcycles should be outlawed all together... and that's no joke. |
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Tourer
Posts: 430
| GW rider in SO Cal on the hwy, got smacked in the head. he pulled off the shoulder and found a 3/4" bolt stuck in his helmet. His helmet saved his life. His theory was a bolt got on the hwy and a car or truck ran over the bolt and 'pinched' the bolt and shot out from under the tire and hit him in the head.
I wear a modular and that is my choice and my preference. keeps me cooler in the summer. warmer in the winter. drier in the rain.
Interesting statistic I came across, I forget which govt. website. if you add bicyclist and pedistrian fatalities together, they equal mc fatallities. My uncle was hit twice by cars while riding his bicycle. after being hit the second time he stopped bicycling. he was riding in the bicycle lane both times. |
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Helmet or no helmet?
