Author Topic: Who rides without a helmet and why don't you wear one? (Read 8096 times)

vance · « **on:** June 06, 2010, 05:04:27 PM »

I saw a ton of people out there today riding with no helmets on. I'm wondering what the appeal is. Am I missing out on something? I'm just curious, not trying to judge.

ev0lve · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2010, 05:33:44 PM »

Take your helmet off and see (edit: what it's like to be paralyzed)

KeithTurk · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2010, 05:36:41 PM »

I can't fathom riding without a helmet.... But it is a Risk management decision every person should have the right to make....

Frankenkit · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2010, 05:48:22 PM »

Vance, Vance, Vance...
My god.
Okay.
Hit up the search function for "helmet" and look at all the multi-page cluster#$%*s that come about as soon as someone states that they ride without a helmet.
That'll larn ya.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=58333.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67810.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=54265.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=46315.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=65143.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=13663.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=25972.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=26689.0
... I think that's enough.
Basically there are a lot on here who will say "I won't ride without a fullface helmet" Many of these folks have crashed already.
There are those who are adamant about their "freedom" to ~~donate organs~~ not wear a helmet.

Me? I'm a rebel. I wear a 3/4 helmet.

I'll take my bike on little test-runs in the apartment complex (20mph or less) w/o the helmet but I feel naked, honestly.

vance · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2010, 06:10:49 PM »

I'm a new rider without a lot of experience so I wouldn't dare try it myself. I was hoping some of the more experienced folks who have ridden for years with and without helmets could share their perspective. Maybe we could spare them the s***storm that Kit mentioned and just see what they have to say. If I'm out and I see that at least half of the riders are not wearing helmets, there must be something to it if you have the confidence to ride comfortably without one.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2010, 06:15:03 PM »

I suspect it's more of a "statement" just like wearing the cheapass novelty helmets instead of real ones if you have to wear one anyway.

void909 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2010, 06:16:08 PM »

here we go

myhondas · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2010, 06:17:47 PM »

I have ridden a few times without one, but not anymore. Had an incident back in 75 (sideswiped by a dui) and a year ago last month, I got t-boned by a fedex truck and both times I was in full gear so now, I ALWAYS wear one. But I understand the reason some do not...the freedom thing and the wind in their hair ( for those that have some). I find that most HD riders don't wear one cause it ruins their macho look and surely that is a no no. All they need is a dew rag. As was said earlier, sooner or later, they will be organ donors so it is not all bad then....

Stev-o · « **Reply #8 on:** June 06, 2010, 06:21:40 PM »

NEVER. But don't have a full face anymore and don't ride as "spirited" as I use to.

ev0lve · « **Reply #9 on:** June 06, 2010, 06:23:48 PM »

Quote from: vance on June 06, 2010, 06:10:49 PM

If I'm out and I see that at least half of the riders are not wearing helmets, there must be something to it if you have the confidence to ride comfortably without one.

Eh, you're looking at it wrong. It's not a matter of experience for the most part - at some point, sooner or later, whether slow or fast and maybe through no fault of your own, you and your head will meet the pavement. Now weigh whether you want to wear one or not.

The folks you saw have and today, probably, they got away with it. Tomorrow?

Here, this ought to get you in the spirit. I especially enjoy the whipping motion as her head gets catapulted into the ground. Replace the grass with concrete and blood just for laughs.

Oh, one last thing... go take the MSF course if you haven't. Now.
http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=MN

mick7504 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 06, 2010, 06:29:34 PM »

It's the law here is Oz to wear one.
Pushbike riders are also required to wear one as well.
Years ago it was ok by the law to ride a motorcycle without a skid lid providing that you didn't exceed 15 mph.
I ride a Quad bike out in the bush without one and have had a few hits in the head from tree branches so the risk is always there.
Mick

BobbyR · « **Reply #11 on:** June 06, 2010, 06:40:14 PM »

I will tell you why I wear a helmet without preaching. Firstly, the year I started riding it was mandatory so I was forced to. I bought one for $16.00 at a discount store, open faced. Metalflake blue with white and red stripes. After week I found a can of Black Krylon in the Garage, you get the idea.

I continued with open faced until I received a call involving a bike accident. I had to wait for the Ambulance with a man with almost no face.

I bought my first full faced shortly after that. I must admit it seemed a bot confining at first and rode around with the visor up all the time since I liked the air in my face. Now I close the visor at about 40 Mph and leave it open a crack at the bottom.

I have several nicks on my Shoei from rocks and other debris that bounced off the lid from trucks and cars. And I am forever scrubbing big bug guts off the visor which always seem to hit right between my eyes or cheeks.

I live about 30 mins from CT which is helmet optional and i leave it on since I am not comfortable without it. I am so used to it after 40 years.

I pulled into a gas Station last fall outside Hartford Ct. I saw a full patch Hell's Angel put on a 3/4 helmet. I was gonna ask him about that, but I always leave sleeping Angels lay.

jkidd01 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 06, 2010, 07:08:08 PM »

When I was in Arizona just last year where the helmet was optional, I took my bike out a couple times just to see what its like.

It felt a bit stressing honestly, after having worn a helmet for so long. I found myself triple checking every little action I made. Sure it was nice and freeing and all that, but it just feels wrong once you're used to a helmet.

And now that I've rode without a helmet and know what it's like, I'll gladly wear my helmet every time I ride from now on.

Industrial Cafe · « **Reply #13 on:** June 06, 2010, 07:19:16 PM »

some people don't like the way it looks or it makes them itch.

I tried riding without a helmet once... the noise from the wind hurt my ears.
I only have a pudding bowl and a bandanna. I still wear ear plugs though.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #14 on:** June 06, 2010, 07:24:22 PM »

Been riding bikes for 40 years and road bikes for over 30, had one accident and if i had no helmet on i wouldn't be here now. I have also seen a guy that slid down the road with a half face helmet, he died from a broken neck after the road ground his chin off and the half face helmet then snapped his neck, not a pretty sight.

Mick

medic09 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 06, 2010, 09:02:14 PM »

When I was a teenager I rode with a watch cap on, like in Then Came Bronson. When I had a low speed dump, I cracked my skull. No big deal. Then I spent a few years as a combat medic. I saw up close the value of a helmet in all sorts of situations. I still fly as medical aircrew and work in the ER, and I see that helmets often make a positive difference. When I've been on mountain Search and Rescue missions, helmets are mandatory for all SAR team members.

A recent issue of Journal of Special Operations Medicine had a good article on the undetectable changes that occur in the brain from even a mild concussion. I prefer to up my odds of avoiding such complications.

When I crashed my Sprint last summer, I rolled onto my back and as my head was going back to meet the pavement, I recall thinking 'man, I'm glad I wear a helmet'. I was, indeed.

But yeah, I still think that watch cap look was cool.

scottly · « **Reply #16 on:** June 06, 2010, 09:49:44 PM »

When I was 15, I cart-wheeled a friend's brand new Yamaha 175 Enduro. I got my bell rung REAL hard, as in major concussion. Only have fragments of memory from the 2 weeks after it happened. I learned my lesson.

Nikkisixx · « **Reply #17 on:** June 08, 2010, 09:02:20 AM »

My experience level is fairly high. I've been riding for about 25 years in all kinds of conditions. I've had two nasty crashes, and was wearing a helmet both times.

I prefer to wear a full-faced helmet on highway and byway trips were speeds exceed 30mph. Noise, flying objects, and plenty of wind to make the vents perform properly.

On short trips around the block or to the corner store I use a pudding bowl. This is mainly because Johnny law requires it, but it is likely a good idea since most accidents occur within 5 miles of you home. At low speeds of 30mph or less in stop and go, red light, stop sign, parking lots type travel I'd rather have the better peripheral vision and a lighter (cooler) head on a swivel. I feel in that instance my senses are less impeded and I'm more alert without the safety net of a bucket.

Now let me get my nomex jacket. Safety first afterall.

le_sterls · « **Reply #18 on:** June 08, 2010, 09:48:08 AM »

I'm a relatively new rider, so I ride with a full face helmet. for whatever reason most of my friends insist on wearing 1/2 and 3/4 helmets. Saying and I quote, because it's the most foolish thing I've ever heard anyone say "If I crash I'm probably going to die anyways, so what's the difference?" I typically shake my head and walk away. I like riding, and the wind in my face, but I also like living... So, I use my better judgment. No matter how good you are at riding, there are still bad drivers on the road.

weekend_junkie · « **Reply #19 on:** June 08, 2010, 09:55:43 AM »

Quote from: Iggy on June 06, 2010, 06:23:48 PM

Here, this ought to get you in the spirit. I especially enjoy the whipping motion as her head gets catapulted into the ground. Replace the grass with concrete and blood just for laughs.

Even this video shows why helmets are a good idea. If you look closely at the end of the vid, you can see that her hair weave takes most of the impact as she is sliding.

le_sterls · « **Reply #20 on:** June 08, 2010, 10:03:21 AM »

Quote from: weekend_junkie on June 08, 2010, 09:55:43 AM

Quote from: Iggy on June 06, 2010, 06:23:48 PM
Here, this ought to get you in the spirit. I especially enjoy the whipping motion as her head gets catapulted into the ground. Replace the grass with concrete and blood just for laughs.

Even this video shows why helmets are a good idea. If you look closely at the end of the vid, you can see that her hair weave takes most of the impact as she is sliding.

It would also seem that "the extra baggage" slides like a leather jacket as well.

Seriously though... How did she slide so far when she was falling straight down?

wannabridin · « **Reply #21 on:** June 08, 2010, 01:46:36 PM »

that weave was loaded with grease or something!

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #22 on:** June 08, 2010, 02:02:03 PM »

Don't doubt the power of the weave, it stops bullets.

http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-hair-weave-bullet-story,0,2404330.story

CannibalCrowley · « **Reply #23 on:** June 08, 2010, 05:59:20 PM »

Quote from: le_sterls on June 08, 2010, 10:03:21 AM

How did she slide so far when she was falling straight down?

Simple, she wasn't falling straight down.

le_sterls · « **Reply #24 on:** June 08, 2010, 06:07:19 PM »

She definitely slid farther than she should have haha.

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Author Topic: Who rides without a helmet and why don't you wear one? (Read 8096 times)

CannibalCrowley