I was reading a thread here last week, where a fellow described a near-miss traffic incident. The replies focused mainly on safety bike attire and all the horrors people have seen or experienced involving riders with or without this attire... leathers, gloves, pants, and especially helmets. Reading the thread, one would think that every Road Star owner here religiously abides by the rules of safety and common sense, and wouldn't even think of riding around the block without wearing all of this stuff. There wasn't one comment that stated otherwise.

I won't offer my opinion (yet) on this, but I gotta believe there's a flip side to this. It isn't just Harley guys that ride around without helmets. Or is it? Any opinions or honest confessions out there?

common sense

This is why I stay out of these threads.

Keep readin the threads and you'll see there's plenty on both sides of the fence. I personally have a "helmet laws suck" patch that I wear regularly. It really gives people a spin when I'm wearing a helmet at the time. I believe the laws suck. I wear one when I feel like it and don't when I don't. It just depends on the mood and where I'm going. And I'm all about governing my own actions when it comes to one's safety.

When I lived in Indiana, which does not have a helmet law, I rarely wore one. I've been riding the better part of 40 years and personal preference is not to wear a helmet. It's not the smartest choice but it's my choice. Here in Missouri, it's required by law so I'm used to it again. It's without a doubt safer having one on but the choice is up to the individual.

No helmet required in Iowa. I believe it is safer but I dont wear one and is my choice to do so! Should be that way every where!

The whole reason I ride is the open feeling. If I cover myself from head to toe in pads, leather, and anything else I can throw on Whats The Point.....

There is risks to everything and the choice is mine.....

Ok should have stayed out of it but I didnt LOL !!

I agree w/wyvern i've been riding 42 years here in michigan we have a need to wear helmut law,But in sturgis a couple weeks ago i did'nt wear one i think its individual right's.why one state yes and another no is it politic's insurance motivated

No helmet required for those over 18 years old here, but I'll wear one if I'm going into traffic in town (lots of college kids and retired folks around here) or traveling the freeway. But if I'm riding in the wide open spaces and back roads I either just wear a cap or go hatless.

GoodyGood sez...The whole reason I ride is the open feeling. If I cover myself from head to toe in pads, leather, and anything else I can throw on Whats The Point.....

I guess I have to second that, especially on a nice hot day. I initially got away from wearing the helmet because I've got a neck disc issue that doesn't like the helmet weight, but now I just like the feel. I also see and hear things much better, and seem more focused/alert. That 'edge of danger' thing, perhaps. It's the same when I downhill ski.

My general nature is to dislike any more clothing items than I abolutely need... a sort of claustrophobia thing, I suppose. I was always the kid on the playground who ditched the boots, the hat, the gloves... or the kid on the hockey rink who ditched the mouthguard and helmet.

That being said, I'll also confess to ongoing guilt feelings about wearing no helmet.

I was the one who posted about the near miss. I'm brand new to riding a motorcycle, so for me, wearing the gear is the choice I make for myself. I rode 66+ miles yesterday in chaps, leather jacket, gloves, and helmet. I nearly frickin' died of heat stroke. Screw that.. Later, I had to ride over to work, because I'd forgotten something there on Friday, so I just donned my helmet and shades and took off.

I think the laws that make helmets (and seatbelt use in four-wheeled vehicles) mandatory, are draconian and stupid. I choose to wear one though, because I have a wife and daughter, and like I said, being new to motorcycles, I prefer to err on the side of caution.

There's no reason to have it legislated, though. Personally, I prefer to wear a helmet, (and protective gear, when I'm not going to frickin' roast in it!), but I would never impugn anyone else's choice, or begin preaching at them for it.

I ride with NO helmet, no gloves, no leather pants.... often shorts and my boat shoes....ita all about freedom...