No helmet but jacket withs pads

[zeus661]

I am not trying to start anything but lately I have seen a lot of rider with no helmets but they are wearing a leather or padded motorcycle jacket. Just seems odd. I am wondering if they thinking they can protect their heads in a crash.

Last September I had a crash at about 35 mph. It involved a pothole and curve. What I learned from it is I sure am glad I had a helmet on plus my jacket that I don't always wear. My helmet took most of the hits.

So you helmetless riders, what are your thoughts?

[stroguy]

I see about 70/30 here in Houston area. 70 without, 30 with. Incredulous but it's their eggs to scramble.

[opas ride]

It is about 60/40 here in Michigan around where I ride/live. Used to be mandatory to wear a helmet but laws changed a while back..(For the worse in my opinion)...I have family members, in others states besides Michigan, who are emergency room nurses who maintain a certain level of job security trying to patch up riders that are in accidents riding without a helmet.....Most of the HD riders I see go without a helmet...Guess they think it is part of the HD culture...As they get older they wonder why they cannot hear anymore???...Duh!!

[jm21ddd15]

It is about 60/40 here in Michigan around where I ride/live. Used to be mandatory to wear a helmet but laws changed a while back..(For the worse in my opinion)...I have family members, in others states besides Michigan, who are emergency room nurses who maintain a certain level of job security trying to patch up riders that are in accidents riding without a helmet.....Most of the HD riders I see go without a helmet...Guess they think it is part of the HD culture...As they get older they wonder why they cannot hear anymore???...Duh!!

About the same here in Wisconsin. The great majority of H-D riders go without. Like most of us, I have friends that ride H-D and go without. Definitely part of the culture. But, it is their choice. What cracks me up is when I see a biker smoking while riding. Hot ash up the nose , or in the eye wouldn't be fun.

[ratsass]

I'm a “snowbird” living in Massachusetts (a Big Brother state) in the summer and Florida (a Free State) during the winter. I much prefer to ride free. I know that each time I throw a leg over my motorcycle I'm taking a risk with or without a helmet. I know the risks associated with motorcycles and I'm willing to accept them.
It's nobody’s business but mine.

[Steve 0080]

I'm a “snowbird” living in Massachusetts (a Big Brother state) in the summer and Florida (a Free State) during the winter. I much prefer to ride free. I know that each time I throw a leg over my motorcycle I'm taking a risk with or without a helmet. I know the risks associated with motorcycles and I'm willing to accept them.
It's nobody’s business but mine.

Plus One !!!!!!!!! Mine your own business......LOL

[Steve 0080]

For me...I have taken to wearing a helmet 98% of the time...On a long haul my Schubert , med ride my 3/4 helmet...short trip my half helmet...all of this is what I chose to do... bear in mind here in FLA temps can reach 115 with the heat index...is it better to sweat than bleed ? Absolutely ...did anyone ever wake up and chose to die today...maybe not so much..... I don't think you should have to wear seat belts either

[wjduke]

Here's a question that maybe someone here can answer. How many guys have gone down without one, lived to tell about it, sustained a head injury and still won't wear it?

As I mentioned in a previous post, I got hit April last year broadside at about 35mph, had full gear and went down in a heap, helmet hitting the road. I never rode without, but respect what each individual decides on their own. Just curious if they'd do it again.

[bob109]

For many "Ego" and "Image" outweigh "Common Sense"! It's as simple as that

[53driver]

I'm a “snowbird” living in Massachusetts (a Big Brother state) in the summer and Florida (a Free State) during the winter. I much prefer to ride free. I know that each time I throw a leg over my motorcycle I'm taking a risk with or without a helmet. I know the risks associated with motorcycles and I'm willing to accept them.
It's nobody’s business but mine.

I agree - as long as it remains your own business.
When you make it my business by imparting the costs to me....that's an issue.
Brain salad surgery ain't cheap.
Many uninsured/underinsured motorists/motorcyclists leave medical bills behind that "law-abiding" Americans must cover indirectly.
Not cool.