Seems like this poll would have been done before, but I did a search and didn't find anything. What is your primary helmet choice? If you normally go lidless, but wear a helmet in bad weather then pick no helmet, etc...

http://www.xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?threadid=17635

IMFO... lidless is brainless and if ya wear a lid, fer gawd's sake make it DOT.

I wear a full face helmet every time I ride.

Here in Ohio, we are not required to wear one if you've had your endorsement for over a year and are over the age of 18. I usually still wear one anyway, though. (DOT approved half helmet)

Full face usually, half pot when I know I'll just be crusing town.....

lidless (brainless) if it were legal in Va.

1/2 helmet almost always.
I do have a novely german helmet that I like too

1/2 when cruising around and full face when going to work/freeway.

DOT and Snell FF for me...

yeah I'm a dumbass... lidless most of the time since the repeal

I have a half, three quarter, and a full face and use them all.
The journey and the weather decides which, but always one of them.

I have a 3/4 an a FF. Generally wear the 3/4 unless it's really cold. NY law makes me wear it - but I would wear it anyway.

When the weather is warm, it is a novelty helmet, but when the weather turns bad, I have a lift-front full-face helmet.

I have a couple of 3/4's and a couple of full's and a full with the flip up front....



If ya got something worth protecting between your ears.....then wear a helmet......

If not...your call ;)

I guess I'm kind of surprised about the results so far. Around here you hardley ever see anyone on a Harley with a helmet. I wear a 1/2 helmet anytime I ride.

DOT Half Helmet most of the time.
Full face when its cold,or rainy,or when I know I`ll be doin alot of highway miles.
One thing I dont like about a full face,is I cant see as well when I do a headcheck behind me.

I guess I'm kind of surprised about the results so far. Around here you hardley ever see anyone on a Harley with a helmet.


maybe 'cos sporty riders are smarter???????:shhhh

I have a DOT half and a 3/4 with a flip up shield. The 3/4 gets worn about 75% of the time, with the half getting 25% usage. I'll only go without a helmet (legal here in PA) if I'm going around the block in our quiet neighborhood.

Brain bucket for me or salad bowl what ever you wanna call it. I'm not a huge helmet fan.

mostly lidless i do wear a f/f on the highway or in the cold

I wear a 1/2 during the summer.

I wear a full face once the temps get below 45*F. I don't wear the visor often though, the bar alone keeps most of my face much warmer. I mostly like it to keep my ears warm.

Gazza

I prefer full face :D

Skid Lid (Novelty) most of the time. I have a 1/2 helmet DOT approved but it looks like a big mushroom on my head so I prefer the novelty.

I voted "full face" but really have an HJC modular or flip-face. The best of both worlds, in my opinion.

Whats wrong with mushrooms????

Don't let Dar her yer blasphemy !!

Gazza

Whats wrong with mushrooms????

Don't let Dar her yer blasphemy !!

Gazza

I live in a state were they use Pea Gravel for Ice control in the winter.

Do you know how bad Pea gravel hurts when it hits you in the face at 65PMH?

Full face, once you get used to it, you will feel naked without one.

Full face usually, half pot when I know I'll just be crusing town.....

I have a 3/4 usually but half pot for cruising around town too.

I do have a full-face but I hate it.

I find myself wearing my FF even in summer. Traffic is getting more hectic here all the time!

I have a DOT half and a 3/4 with a flip up shield. The 3/4 gets worn about 75% of the time, with the half getting 25% usage. I'll only go without a helmet (legal here in PA) if I'm going around the block in our quiet neighborhood.
That's my extent of a helmetless head too.

In the UK it is compulsory to wear a helmet.I wear a 3/4 open face.If it didnt spoil my enjoyment of riding i would wear a full face.A helmet saved my sons life in August.We all have the choice...................

I have always worn a helmet...before and after being required to do so. Have always worn seatbelts, too. I started with 3/4, went to FF and now I am back to 3/4, with a 1/2 for yuks. I wear glasses and have tried the contact route (only after getting the bike) but my Rx requires that I use reading glasses for close up...which, to me negates the advantage. I have found that my photochromic lenses actually darken behind my clear faceshield, so I can avoid having to carry sunglasses, too. I will ride helmetless in the neighborhood...especially if I am trying to diagnose a noise, but that's it. I feel nekkid without my lid! :tour

Kim\

3 quarter here can hear more than just huricane katrina in my ears while hyway rippin.Looks do not matter to me i am plenty good lookin enough to offset the three quarter ha lol.Really always prefered the thee quarter.Aviator goggles.

DOT 3/4 helmet. I work on a military base and DOT helmets are required. I need to get another one and have it pin striped old school style like they did in the 60's and 70's...the retro chopper look.

I have a DOT 3/4 with a flip up shield.

I don't wear it in the summertime when it's 150 degrees outside!

Keeps my head and ears warm in the winter.

Lidless, helmet is not required in the hoosier state. As the old saying goes "let those who ride decide". I have made my decision.

always fullfaced......

non dot skid lid it slows me down a little

HJC Symax, wanted flip up to avoid claustrophobia(?).

Fred

...lidless...cuz in AZ we have a CHOICE.

I wear a FF to survive, it's a matter of survival, not only for myself, but I am a single parent and my daughter would become a ward of the state and foster homes and crap and I do my best to live well and stay alive to keep her world as stable as possible. I have considered riding down to the convenience store w/o my lid and decided it's just not worth it. and, statistics clearly show that most accidents occur so close to the house etc...

I do it for the girl!

I have three: a FF, a 1/2 DOT and a novelty helmet. I use the novelty helmet the most, even on long trips. I rarely use the FF because I feel it blocks my peripheral vision and it muffles too much noise--but it's nice when it's real cold. My 1/2 DOT helmet sucks because it doesn't fit well (which is my fault for not getting fitted properly) and gets little use from me--my wife has laid claim to it, though.

I was at the Harley store today looking at DOT 1/2 helmets and will probably purchase one as soon as I find one that fits properly. I like the graphics on some of the new H-D helmets, although they are pricey. But I guess my pea brain is worth it, although it depends on who you ask...:o

When I was younger and in S.C., lidless every ride. Now that I'm older and trying to set a good example for my kids (and still be around to watch them grow), you can't catch me with out a helmet. Currently wear a DOT 1/2.

I have a DOT 1/2 and FF!!

I wear the 1/2 most of the time and the FF when it get ugly out!!!:D

I don't usually wear one, but I do have a couple 1/2 helmets. I'm pretty sure the 1/2 they left off is the comfortable half.:)
Eric

I have nine different helmets..some are old school 3/4 style from the sixties and seventies ....two newer half helmets, one dot German style and two noveltie helmets....hardly ever wear the noveltie helmets...hit the ditch about five years backcoming around a corner too fast with one of thoise noveltie helmets on and almost lost my ear....still have it but took a while to find it after the ditch episode....19 stitches to fix the ear...two cans of spray bomb to fix the helmet....I prefer the older helmets really...fit is much better and you can at least hear ...when and if Missouri ever repeals the law, I'll wear NONE....unless its below 40 out....

Good info... Rather Techie, but if you do the some of the calcs, you find that a DOT helmet is spec'ed to protect the head from damage a speeds less than 13.5 mph.... If your going for protection... Go SNELL...

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/49cfr571.218.htm

I never knock anyone for wearing a helmet. It is a good idea,though should'nt be law.My wife and I usually don't wear one but we own two each.We prefer to go lidless here in Ohio.

I always wear a helmet. Most of the time it's 3/4 unless it's cold then I wear a fullface to help keep a little warmth on my face.

DOT and SNELL approved full face for me...along with good qulaity leathers, good boots, and gloves

I can show you where some "non-DOT" "Novelty" helmets are stronger than DOT helmets. With the new advances in Modular plastic designs and chem. constructions. These plastics can withstand greater impact and surface pressure than that claimed by DOT alone. That being said GO WITH SNELL> DOT cert is a joke!!!!!! It was a govt BS to placate some bureaucrats, hence the higher cost (hmmm who'd a thunk it govt involvement would increase price??). The materials focused on are the padding or foam in the helmet not the exterior construction itself. I have a DOT HD 1/2 that fell off my table and cracked. But I also have a Voss NON DOT that will take a baseball bat and not crack. Snell conforms to a GREATER standard than crappy DOT. I WILL NOT BUY A DOT for anything. It’s Snell or nothing. DOT bites A$$. Any of you military guys try getting on a post with a gate guard that has no clue about bikes. Tell him your Helmet is Snell not DOT and watch him tell you can't come on. Another example of DOT bull$hit!!! You really trust the Dept of Trans to determine safety??????? They approve the crappy road repair mods and guidelines across US. And how many of our road looks like war torn Iraq or Bosnia. OK sure does. PLEASE.


The author does not wish to offend anyone with HIS views. Just his take on life.

I've always gone with Dot/Snell approved 3/4 and FF helmets. I prefer the 3/4 for the open feel and wind in the face, but don't mind the FF, especially in rain or winter.

That said, I've ridden without on occassion (mostly around the block to check something out, or on short rides) and I've tried a buddies 1/2 helmet.

I mean, I'm glad I have a choice in PA.. .and if you don't want to wear one, that's fine with me.

BUT, can anyone honestly tell me why they wear a 1/2 helmet (unless they live where they don't have a choice and would be riding without one if they didn't have to at least wear something).

I mean, how much good is a 1/2 gonna do?

Heck, I realize I'm making a compromise with my 3/4, but it's one I can LIVE with.

I guess I just don't get people who want to take the extra risk of no helmet or a 1/2 just for a little more wind in their hair...

but I also guess someone who wears nothing buy a FF is gonna feel the same way about my 3/4...

so like I said, I guess it comes down to the amount of risk with which you're willing to LIVE...

K

Helmets are gay

Helmets are gay

:roflblack :roflblack :roflblack

The way I look at it for whats it worth. A half helmet whether its dot, snell, or nasa approved is not going to crap for you if you bail at speed. I wear a novelty helmet (brain bucket) because its required in this state. The only helmet that is worth a crap is a full face and don't care for unless I am snowmobiling or its really freaking cold.

The way I look at it for whats it worth. A half helmet whether its dot, snell, or nasa approved is not going to crap for you if you bail at speed.

?????????????

Are you saying that you think a 3/4 Dot/Snell approved helmet isn't going to help if you bail at speed???

I mean, sure you're risking some lacerations... but far less chance of brain swelling and death I'd think?

But what the heck do I know, I've dropped bikes a couple of times... always 20 mph or below... and I've NEVER EVEN TAPPED MY HELMET ON THE GROUND ON THOSE OFFS...

But I do know that if someone was to hit me and I become a projectile my chances of keeping that record alive go down pretty quickly... and THAT's one of the times I'd really want to be wearing a helmet... a decent helmet.

Heck, look at Indian Larry... yeah he was standing on a bike, but he wasn't exactly going highway speeds when he fell and hit his head...

Imagine your friends and family at your funeral if they have to explain to people he was taking a slow turn out of a parking lot when the front wheel locked and he hit his head on the curb... that's all the impact it could take.

K

?????????????

Are you saying that you think a 3/4 Dot/Snell approved helmet isn't going to help if you bail at speed???


K

I didnt say anything about a 3/4 helmet. I will say that they are significantly better than a half helmet. Most of my experience doesn't come from riding it comes from scraping guys off of the concrete after they crash.

I didnt say anything about a 3/4 helmet. I will say that they are significantly better than a half helmet. Most of my experience doesn't come from riding it comes from scraping guys off of the concrete after they crash.


Thanks for the clarification...

I don't pay attention to half-helmets, but for some reason I didn't think any could be Snell certified...

Being in the Military, I not only have to wear a Helmet, but while on base I have to wear a GAY ORANGE CONSTRUCTION VEST. I hate it. Anyhow......

I have a DOT 1/2 helemt, and a FF Helmet. I have the FF for Nasty weather, but very very seldom do I wear it. I think if I was in a state wear I did not have to wear a hemet, I would go without from time to time, I wont lie. I Prefer the looks of a 1/2 hemet. I would wear a novelty helmet, but as I said, I live on base, and that is a no no.
Other base rules.....

-DOT helemt.....I agree
-Long pants.......I agree
-Long sleeves.......a long sleeve t shirt is of.......why? (i am not saying It should be mandatory for a jacket....but what protection is a longsleeve t shirt?
-gloves.....I agree
-boots...I agree
-ballistic eye pro/or ff helemt....again I agree.
-GAY ORANGE VEST....if you wear a back pack, it has to have a GAY ORANGE VEST AS WELL........I hate it. We rip them off as soon as we leave the gate.
-must take riders course.....I agree.
-must take Experienced riders course every two years after that regardless of how long you have ridden....I think it is stupid, but its a day off of work, and we get paid regardless sooooo I dont mind.

It is the DOD makeing a push for safety, but it seams they are focusing all on motorcycles.......why......Young Marines with no experience buying Jap Rockets and killing them selves. All the safty gear in the world dont help at150 MPH. Instead of gay orange vests, leaders should ensure their Marines dont go buy some rocket they cant handle, and ensure the go to riders courses.

Ok, rant over.....I need to grab my Gay Orange Vest and go to work....I am late now!

Yup... Orange vest is definitely GAY ... if not in the woods hunting... and even then, but well, ok, you can at least make excuses...

K

Hey Grizz, the Provost Marshal has discretion on the type of Reflective gear required. At Ft Sill enough riders go together and sent a memo to the PM about the big reflectors. Explained why they have Lights and Horns on a bike same as a car. The Post PM changed the rules here.

Military GUIDLINES>>>
Day driving all the norm protective stuff, and PT belt would suffice as reflective material.
Night Full GAY BLAZE ORANGE

CIVILLIANS

All norm protection
NO reflective at all for DAY driving
Night Reflective strip is all that is needed.
Experienced Rider/MFSRC card once and that’s it. Mine is from 95 still valid!! :)

Try to band together with your PM and see what you can get done. The Army is that way not sure how a Marine Base is though. You guys are Leather Necks after all. OOOOORRRRRRAAAAAAHHHH!!!!

IMFO... lidless is brainless...
And IMFO you can FO...you're taking a risk by jumping on two wheels. Why must an answer to a simple question of "what do you wear?" turn into "you're a dumbass if you don't wear one"? Just answer the f-ing question without judging...and no, I don't think the IMFO covers it. That's like saying, "Hey, no offense, but your newborn baby is !!!!!ing ugly" and thinking that it's okay because you started with "no offense."

If ya got something worth protecting between your ears.....then wear a helmet......

If not...your call ;)
Could be said that if you've got something worth protecting at all then don't get on a motorcycle since they don't have crumple zones like newer cages do...still, I don't get why others must be slammed/knocked/poked fun at/whatever for their choice...?

Whats wrong with mushrooms????
Absolutely nothing provided you know your...ahh...limit...

I wear a 3/4 with a flip up visor most of the time. I have a full face for colder temps but don't ride much when its really cold. I'll always wear a helmet even if MD passes the over 21 lidless law. I guess I'm just used to it...it even feels naked to me just putting my bike away without a helmet on. I guess I kinda look at it like there's not too many "sports" where you don't have protective gear of some kind. I mean people don't jump out of a plane without a parachute....football players wear helmets and pads and hockey players too. Heck, even bullriders are wearing protective gear now. I guess for me, a helmet is just a part of the motorcycling sport.

I tried a 1/2 helmet once but the wind noise was really bad and distracting...to the point I felt like it was going to damage my hearing.

And IMFO you can FO...you're taking a risk by jumping on two wheels. Why must an answer to a simple question of "what do you wear?" turn into "you're a dumbass if you don't wear one"? Just answer the f-ing question without judging...and no, I don't think the IMFO covers it. That's like saying, "Hey, no offense, but your newborn baby is !!!!!ing ugly" and thinking that it's okay because you started with "no offense."

Could be said that if you've got something worth protecting at all then don't get on a motorcycle since they don't have crumple zones like newer cages do...still, I don't get why others must be slammed/knocked/poked fun at/whatever for their choice...?



Uhh, maybe they thought you were too stupid to get the insult...








































:sofa








ok, kidding aside... that's pretty much how I feel too. I mean I support the right to choose, I just think it's a dumb choice to make... take offense if ya want... :wonderlan

I guess I kinda look at it like there's not too many "sports" where you don't have protective gear of some kind. I mean people don't jump out of a plane without a parachute....football players wear helmets and pads and hockey players too. Heck, even bullriders are wearing protective gear now. I guess for me, a helmet is just a part of the motorcycling sport.


Uhhh Kath...

for the record, I've heard the ski-diver/parachute thing before, but the logic doesn't hold.

The parachute ISN'T a safety device... it's THE WHOLE MECHANISM FOR THE SPORT...

that's like saying

"motorcyclists don't go riding without bikes"


uhhhh yeah, duhh, of course not... then they wouldn't be MOTORCYCLING :tour :banana

...ok, kidding aside... that's pretty much how I feel too. I mean I support the right to choose, I just think it's a dumb choice to make... take offense if ya want... :wonderlan
Man...and you were so non-partisan with your other posts...you've fallen into the trap...haven't you...you've looked into their eyes and been hypnotised...

Uhhh Kath...

for the record, I've heard the ski-diver/parachute thing before, but the logic doesn't hold.

The parachute ISN'T a safety device... it's THE WHOLE MECHANISM FOR THE SPORT...

that's like saying

"motorcyclists don't go riding without bikes"


uhhhh yeah, duhh, of course not... then they wouldn't be MOTORCYCLING :tour :banana

Ok, but they wear helmets too :D

And, ya know....you don't have to be condescending when you make your statements....simply making them would be fine (just some constructive criticism) ;)

Ok, but they wear helmets too :D
Yah but our helmets weren't for jumping safety...they were more for all around...uh...warfare, kind of safety...I guess. Wait...is there such a thing as warfare safety?

Yah but our helmets weren't for jumping safety...they were more for all around...uh...warfare, kind of safety...I guess. Wait...is there such a thing as warfare safety?

Not if you're on the wrong side of the war I guess ;) LOL

Man...and you were so non-partisan with your other posts...you've fallen into the trap...haven't you...you've looked into their eyes and been hypnotised...


ohhh shit.... that leads to target fixation.... wake up, wake up...

(slapping myself)...

PHEW... thanks man...

K

Well as a AirBorne troop of the past. The Helemt we use sure as HELL werent DOT tested and they weigh about 6 lbs. Let's see you fall at terminal velocity of 120fps Chute provides enough lift to slow descent to that comperable of jummping of a 2 story building (unless you get a updraft) ( Troop did i I just see a stand up landing??) We have whats called a PLF (parachute Landing Fall) the attitude you put yourself into prior to smacking the ground. No padding in a Kevalar, Same goes for a NON DOT helment. That split sec it takes to cover up and land can save you. The idea is not to have the exposed parts of skin to met with the ground. The initial impact will be covered by the exterior of the helment shell. Now all this being said... I f you don't see it coming you prob wont make it. KEEP YOU EYES OPEN!!! Wear them if you got em!!!!
Broke back in 5 places jummping no helment saved me from that. But I have cracked my noggin on the DZ a few times because of strong winds. Initial impcat taken by 10lb Rock on my head. Scraped my face on brush and rocks (Kuwait/Iraq aint all sand let me tell you hard as cement) trying to release. But any way, on topic. It is a choice my wife wants me to wear a FF because she can't take me any uglier!! :) I am not a fan. I wear a half, and FF to make her happy ;)

Snell rating is over rated.

Snell rating is over rated.


What it takes more into consideration than DOT by miles. I think they all are BS but hey who the F am I?? No one.

What it takes more into consideration than DOT by miles. I think they all are BS but hey who the F am I?? No one.

True story Ray, but, conventional wisdom is getting a bit of a shake. Simply protecting the head from the most severe impacts is no longer necessarily being thought of as the best protection.

Consider this...Snell rates helmets based on the ability to withstand massive impact. That means they are real stiff and unforgiving to hold up to that kind of impact. But those kinds of impacts are very rare and even when they do occur, death often results from other causes.

Now, a mere DOT helmet is not so stiff and therefore gives more. So yes it will not hold up to those massive strikes, but it also won't have the knack to rattle your brain in slower crashes. Crashes that comprise 90% of all crashes.

Your brain bounces inside your mellon when it is hit. It takes the blow from the side it was hit on, then it slams over into the opposite side of the skull and hits there too. The harder the helmet, the more force that will be transfered, the harder the brain hits the other side.

Just food for thought.

It's my understanding that good helmets are designed to crack, or give a little, on impact. The padding is also designed to give a little. What it correlates to in cage terms would be a mini crumple zone...the forces are absorbed by the helmet and not so much by your head.

But then again, I've been wrong before...

I'm under the impression that more important than the shell is the energy absorbing liner... the foam which compacts under impact.

That a stiffer shell won't necessarily transmit the force the impact more so than a shell more prone to cracking IF the liner is up to snuff...

Suffice it to say that, without a DOT or SNELL helmet, said impacts will likely lead to traumatic brain injuries and/or death...

Your brain bounces inside your mellon when it is hit. It takes the blow from the side it was hit on, then it slams over into the opposite side of the skull and hits there too. The harder the helmet, the more force that will be transfered, the harder the brain hits the other side.

Just food for thought.

Mines doesn't its solid like cement....

Well wife says it is.....:banana:banana:banana

True, goes back to my rant on modular plastics from NON DOT/SNELL rated helments.

Attitude of landing, physical charateristics of the fall/crash, how you land are you ridge or flex with the impact....blah blah.....

BASE defense is dont wreck....... but duh......:banawala

Lidless for me. I'm supprised at the number of full face. Even before they repealed the helmet law in Pennsylvania, I almost never saw someone on a Harley with a full face helmet.

The foam liner is the key. I'm not advocating one way or another but after reading Motorcyclist's two articles and then seeing Snell's response it certainly does make one think. The logic seems sound to me.

Here's a link to the original article, not sure the second part is posted yet: http://motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/hatz/

Then again, what we're talking about is a basically unregulated industry. A standard is set and the manufacturers go forth with said numbers. They make the helmets to those standards largely based on good faith with only spot checks by DOT or Snell.

A good number end up failing. Here's a few years of test results: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/comply/fmvss218/

good post GOTWA.. nice article

Full face.
Saved my life once (face first down a cliff) and I don't feel comfortable wearing anything less.

Mines doesn't its solid like cement....


Attitude of landing, physical charateristics of the fall/crash, how you land are you ridge or flex with the impact....blah blah.....



I credit the fact that I've spent decades learning how to fall (Martial Arts training inclulding a bit of judo among other disciplines) with the fact that my helmet has never hit the ground in an off...

thought I realize that's always a possibility, the faster you're going when it happens and, especially if it involves, God forbid, impact with something else...

To true.... speed kills....but sure is fun.....

I am in no way saying that if you prep yourself for a 65mph accident you8 will walk away. But however covering up the face with arms and letting leather and the helment take initial brunt will help. That being said if again you fly into a tree or the like stable objedt. Chancers are not good for you.

Agagin DONT WRECK!!!! safest way to avoid injury. Yeah like cagers are gonna respect that.

I'd have died the first time I got on (the back) of a bike had I not been wearing a helmet. That was almost 35 years ago. Helmets are no longer mandatory in PA, but I wear one anyway. 3/4, with a visor. Hell- It's protected me from sticks and nuts falling from trees, and large bugs- This summer there seemed to be an inordinate number of Japanese beetles.
Helmets not only protect your head in case of a crash- They can also help you avoid one if you're ht by debris.
Of course, it should be a choice- Natural selection works better that way.

I wear a white 1/2 helmet

1/2 DOT, a German novelty around town but never full face.

DOT full face

I must be getting old man becuase I wear a FULL face everytime, I have been down and it hurts, LOTS, I wear it for warmth and protection from the elements, it makes it real easy to ride in a rain storm instead of goggles or glasses.
I think fo rme it is best to keep it going FULL FACE, so I don't scare the general public also ??
RATTS

To true.... speed kills....but sure is fun.....

I am in no way saying that if you prep yourself for a 65mph accident you8 will walk away. But however covering up the face with arms and letting leather and the helment take initial brunt will help. That being said if again you fly into a tree or the like stable objedt. Chancers are not good for you.

Agagin DONT WRECK!!!! safest way to avoid injury. Yeah like cagers are gonna respect that.


If you think you can "cover up your face with your arms" in a 65 MPH accident...You obviously have never been in one. In 1979,I broadsided a car at 55 MPH and everything happens so fast you dont know what your doing. I remember hitting the car, the next thing i remember was being wheeled from the ambulance to the hospital ramp. Yes I was wearing a helmet and suffered many broken bones. Completley my fault by the way...The car turned out in front of me....But I was doing 55 in a 30 MPH zone..I learned the hard way...

I'm in Maryland, and I'm going to vary it according to season. During the late Fall/Winter/early Spring, I'll wear a DOT/Snell full face. When the weather gets warmer I'm going to go with a DOT half shell. There's a helmet law here, but even if there weren't, I'd still wear one.

Got me a DOT & SNELL H-D Guardian Full Face...though I'm not consistent about wearing it.

Full Face Dot/Snell...................Tried the lid thing, cant do it. Never in over 30 years have I ridden a bike without a helmet


mark:tour

DOT 3/4 , But I.m in the market for a full face. As far as rideing with nothing on the head not for me. I enjoy rideing to much not to have a lid on incase am in volved in a crash i want to increse my chances of rideing again,Means to much to me....

Black SHOEI full face-

low-profile 3/4 helmet, unless it's really hot and then a 1/2.

3/4 helmet always

3/4 helmet with visor, always

Bell Star FF.........been using one since the 70's. I can't see over about 45 without one........and like others........I hate getting the snot beat out of me by the bugs and rocks!

i ride allways with a 1/2 helmet (feel naked without it):laugh

I wear a 3/4 almost all the time here in Florida. Of course, as you know, the weather is brutal here. It went down to 65 yesterday, so I'm considering a FF and one of those neck warmin' things too:)

I've ridden many years, and raced off-road for many of them. I just kind of got used to wearing a helmet I guess, and now I don't really feel comfortable without one. As one poster said, they do look kind of big though. I sort of look like that guy in the movie "Spaceballs" in my HD 3/4! But what the hell, I don't look that good when I take it off either.

Have a DOT half and DOT three quarters. Wear the three quarters when the temperature is below 50 degrees. The half, I strap it to the back of the bike to wear in those states that require a helmet as I ride through them. Above 50 degrees, I wear a leather skull cap.............which is why my wife carries a million dollar insurance policy on me..........:tour

full face, saw my dad after a low speed wreck lidless not a pretty site

when I wear the full face (full race) helmet I wanna race it....when I wear the skully, I just enjoy the ride.....lifes too short to race everything.

Ww

I resisted fullface for awhile prefering 3/4. But, after I bought a fullface on a whim I find I like it better. It's quieter, protects your face from the wind, sun, bugs better and lets full face it, it's safer!

I wear a white, Simpson, Snell rated 3/4. It's my drag racing helmet (car, not bike).

Had some flames put on it, but it still makes me look like the marshmallow man on the bike, also.

I'm going to a fullface.

Does anyone notice a diff in the comfort, of a white vs a black fullface, due to the sun beatin on it?

I could never go back to a 3/4. Full face offers more protection, is quiter and more comfortable for me. It is a little warmer in summer but I now have a HJC Symax with the flip front so in summer when I stop I'll be a lot cooler.

I wear a giant inflated condom on my head. It's like a scooter trash air bag.:banana

Man what a subject just jumped on, man there are so many different ways , me well I must amit to seeing mates faces ripped, brains split but I still do an open face, I just can not wear a full face , I can not see all with it. So I take the risk and go hard.

Black full face, Tinted. Rode mostly without before it became Law.

I wore a half helmet for many years, thought I looked tough. After seeing a guy face down on the freeway this year at Sturgis it will only be a full face. Put the half helmet in the trash so I will be tempt on the hot summer days. Everyone has a right to wear or not to wear.

I used to think helmets were for sissies and that the government had no right telling us we had to wear helmets. That was until my Fire Co and Resque Squad got called to an motorcycle accident where the rider was not wearing a helmet. It was all I coul do to keeep my lunch down and focus on trying to help the rider. There was nothing we could and he was prononced at the hospital. Walking out to our rig after we were finished we passed his wife and little girl crying in the hall way. I made a promise to myself then that I would always wear a helmet along with proper riding gear. To me it is more important to be safe and ride for a long time versus look cool, feel the wind and all that s:censor it and take a chance. All life is a gamble, but why not go in with the odds in your favor instead of the table stacked against you.
I apologize for getting on my soapbox however this is one I do feel strongly about as I have seen what can happen first hand.

I voted DOT 3/4 ... but its a 1970-something Fulmer. Has no mention of DOT anywhere on it. But I use it most of the time. I'll go lidless every once in a while, especially on them scorching hot Texas days.

always dot half helmet in city and full face on highway. i hate the feeling of being sandblasted when cars up front ride close to the side of the road. also had 2 windshields in my car replaced cause of stones... coulda been my face.

1/2 DOT for me.
Not required here on Guam, but in the past 4 years, 100% of fatal motorcycle accidents were from head injuries sustained when the rider (female passenger in one case) was not wearing a helmet. Also, the back roads are made from crushed coral so the are like riding on ice when it rains, no exaggeration!

Hate helmets and don't where one except in the states where its law.Paid a few tickets for not wearing one before the repealed the law but its a personal choice.

Full face in winter, half in summer, but I always have a brain bucket on.

I wear a giant inflated condom on my head. It's like a scooter trash air bag.:bananaAnd perfect attire for a dickhead.......




















:roflblack :roflblack :sofa ....Just kiddin' man, I couldn't help myself.

I wear a half helmet most of the year and a full face during the real cold months.

Half most of the year and full face in extreme cold. A helmet saved me onced in Spain when I flipped over a Saab and put a dent in the trunk like it had been slamed with a bowling ball. Ya I wear a helmet although not required in KY.

Fullface all the time, Snell all the time. Only helmet I own. I was going to do an open face, but talking to a cousin he told me he's been down twice and his face was the second thing to hit the ground both times (rides fullface on sportbikes).

Full face most of the time....other times lidless.....

Me, I got fullface flip up 99 percent of the time. I had an incident that happened back when I was about 22 that made me appreciate the functionality of a full face helmet. I wear a german Novelty if i am not going to far, like, getting gas up at the gasser that is <1m away.

1/2 Helmet only cause I have too.I dont like the goverment telling me whats good for me, if I want to splat my brains all over the interstate its nobodys business but mine and the guy with the shovel.

I wear a full face, snell approved helmet always. Having been involved in a fairly serious accident that totaled my bike and did some damage to the cager, and seeing the damage my helmet sustained it sold me on my helmet.

novelty to work (5km) FF any further than that.

I am surprised by this. In my area ( IL ) we have no restrictions, I would say at least 80% of people I see don't wear helmets. I normally don't wear a helmet unless I know I am going far or wheather is bad. I should though.

I would prefer a Dot 1/2, and just paint it like a novelty helmet.

I have a black modular flip front and a h-d 1/2 helmet in white . It is not required here in illinois to wear a helmet , but I have found the older I get the more I wear a helmet . I like the 1/2 helmet in the summer time since it dont get near as hot as the black full face , but as the weather cools off and I ride to work more in the dark I wear the full face especially when the deer start to move alot.

Shoei Dot 1/2 here. Just too hot most of the time here in TX for a full face. Even for the cold months I feel to claustraphobic(sp?) in a full face. I do go lidless when I commute to work - it is 1.5 miles on private roads from my garage to my office. If I go somewhere after work I stop by the house and grab the helmet on my way out.

I have 5 (or is it 6 helmets?) ranging from novelty to 1/2 to 3/4 to 2 fullface and a 3/4 with face shield. And honestly? It just depends on my mood.

And the helmet choice law is getting voted on 2-1-06 and if signed by the Governor, going lidless may be a choice too by June 1.

I believe using a DOT helmet is the SMART way to go, but I also believe in choice.

Lidless unless I head over to the Missouri side of the state line, then it's a novelty skidlid....been lookin' at the DOT Kevlar skidlids since I do have kids to raise???

i usually ride lidless but but trying to get back into the habit of wearing one. its just safer that way.

Dot halve for me

http://i17.ebayimg.com/05/i/06/1f/03/0d_1.JPG

This is the helmet I just bought, its a DOT ZOX Alto beanie helmet. Info on it says: This helmet has a revoluntionary thin EPS liner. What does that mean? It means this is a DOT approved helmet but has the little inside padding as possible and still be DOT. I paid $62.99+8.95S/H. Its the only one I found on there with this logo painted on it.

in ky helmets are optional if licenced for a year and have health insurance you are good to go with out.

i wear a dot bell half most of the time, occasionally on short trips around the block i will go with out it.

Was going to go with the half helmet with the skull painted on it but store was sold out. But my friend had a beanie had that I tried on and I like the feel and look of it.

I have a question about the half helmuts- Do those visors make much of a difference in reducing the wind from pulling your head back?

I have a question about the half helmuts- Do those visors make much of a difference in reducing the wind from pulling your head back?

I haven't noticed that Bikerchk. It mainly helps me with the sun...

Kev,

for what it's worth, I don't think you're an ass. a skid is better than a nothing, a 1/2 is better than a skid, 3/4 is better than 1/2, and full is better than 3/4. End of story.

And there are "crumple zones" so to speak in helmets. The styrene inside will feel hard to the touch, but there are ridges and cavities in there that give when you hit something.

As long as we're on the subject, I just got a new helmet, and it's the most badass one I've seen:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/photos/300/g20733.jpg

I am surprised by this. In my area ( IL ) we have no restrictions, I would say at least 80% of people I see don't wear helmets. I normally don't wear a helmet unless I know I am going far or wheather is bad. I should though.

Illinois here too. I don't wear a helmet unless the weather is bad either. I had a HD half helmet (nice one) that I bought when I first got the bike...someone else is getting the use of that since it sat in my closet collecting dust. I have a full faced helmet that I will wer if the temps are really cold or if I am taking a trip across the ol muddy miss to Missouri.

I have to agree with NO COAST CHOPPER (cool name by the way) that at least 80 percent of the riders are lidless in IL.

I guarantee that the first time I run NOS on the bike, I'll be sporting the black full faced.

Anyone else notice that with a full faced you have a hard time seeing the Speedo? I notice when I wear mine, it takes me longer to check my speed and my eyes are off the road longer. It makes me a little nervous about checking my speed. (not an excuse for not wearing one, just an observation).

I have a question about the half helmuts- Do those visors make much of a difference in reducing the wind from pulling your head back?


I had a HD half helmet, worn a couple times max. It had that little visor (removable) on it. The wind would grab that little visor and pull my head back (no windsheild BTW). I took the visor off and it was much better.

I never quite understood the need for a visor anyway on a half helmet since you have to wear glasses (sunglasses) anyway??????

I have a variety of helmets ... F/F, flip-front F/F, 3/4, 1/2 & motocross. I wear what I think will be appropriate, but ALWAYS wear one. There was recently an effort in the state legislature to do away with mandatory helmet-wearing of those 18y.o. & up. It didn't pass, and I'm kinda glad. While I do not like being told by the government what I can and cannot do, the bottom line here is money. If riders are allowed to go without helmets, then our insurance rates would skyrocket.

Bikrchk
The visor will accentuate the pull back of your helmet. At least in my experience. I put a bubble shield on my helmet to eliminate the snap neck affect until I installed a winshield to my sporty.

i have a dot german helmet, so i dont fit in your poll

By law I have to wear at least a DOT 3/4 with face shield. I prefer a full-face DOT/SNELL helmet.

Most of the time I wear a HJC 3/4 helmet with tinted face sheild.

I wear a full lid - replaced it once already after I crashed and fell flat on my face at 45mph. Thank God for the helmet!

"Let Riders Decide"

http://www.abateofrockhill.org/images/abate_rwb_sm.gif

100% either 3/4 or fullface HJC helmets. Same observation as others have made, most HD riders in IL do not wear helmets. I have used the fullface helmet since it has gotten colder. With a balacava and a turtle neck shirt it is very warm. I have ridden into the low 30,s f. The shield fogs at stoplights even with the vents open. The 3/4 is great in warmer weather and was better visability.

Went from open face last year to modular/ flip-up. If you're going to wear a full lid these are great. Much more convenient for gas stops and smoke breaks or just talking. Mine is H.D. made by HJC. You pay a premium for the H.D. logo.

Black flip-up full face with mirrored visor. The June bugs are a killer at speed!

1/2 dot its the law you know. FF on trips makes for a nice quite ride for long freeway trips.

Not required to wear one hear if you are over 18. I do have a full face I wear when it's cold or sometimes at night. I feel kind of guilty sometimes not wearing one. When I get in my x-cab 4x4 I have a seat belt and airbags, but on my bike I just need eye protection.
If I had to wear one all the time I probably wouldn't complain. I would get one of those cool looking chrome half helmets. Might anyway just to have a visor to keep the sun off my eyes.
Hex

NC law say I must wear a lid. I wear a non DOT 1/2. I dont like em,never have. This debate has been going on for years. There are so many good reasons to wear skull protection. I however always have and always will subscribe to the old "Let those who ride decide" stand.

Wouldn't even think to ride without a good skid-lid AND windshield.
DOT 1/2 in fair weather and/or short trips, DOT FF for longer rides and/or inclement weather.
Non DOT draws the attention of LEO too much here in CA.

Louisiana law requires a helmet, but I don't need a law to tell me to wear one. Anything can happen at any time. Took a spill on a slow turn a while back. Was going only a couple of miles an hour in a parking lot and went down. Freaky thing, my foot got stuck and down I went. Helmet hit the pavement and there is no doubt in my mind that if I would have had no helmet, I would have ended up in the hospital, and that was just a couple of mile an hour.

During a run in a s-turn a few years back, the visor on my helmet caught the wind and pushed the helmet down, over my eyes for just a split second.... that was all it took... At about 70 mph it took 8 grand and a few weeks on crutches, not to mention 3 months in the bike shop to get back on the road again. No more visors for me!,,, As amattr of fact, the helmots been collecting dust since Texas repealed the helmot law... Personal decision....

No helmet law here in New Mexico. However, I wear a HJC Symax modular most of the time which works great, very cofortable -- especially when you stop, you just flip up the entire front of your helmet. On short runs and testing mods I often forgo the helmet for a ball cap.

"During a run in a s-turn a few years back, the visor on my helmet caught the wind and pushed the helmet down, over my eyes for just a split second.... that was all it took... At about 70 mph it took 8 grand and a few weeks on crutches, not to mention 3 months in the bike shop to get back on the road again. No more visors for me!,,, As amattr of fact, the helmots been collecting dust since Texas repealed the helmot law... Personal decision...."

Shouldn't happen with a properly fitted, properly secured helmet.

lidless mostly here in Florida with the heat, 1/2 when I do.

skid lid, brain bucket, whatever you wanna call it. i have a full face as well, but if the weather's nice, I'm going to enjoy it.

Always a full face. Hit a deer while on a back road run two years ago. Tumbling down the road included banging my face into the pavement. Glad I had my new Shoei on. Rebuilt the bike, bought a new helmet and back on the road ever watchful for deer.

Is it true that Snell makes all the Harley full face helmets (with shields)?

Oh, and how much worse (quality-wise) are the Bell Helmets?

I was examining some the other day...they seem to have a come a long way recently. As we know, they're much less expensive.

I wear FF. I hate getting hit in the face with bees seeing how I'm allergic to bee stings. Here in Calif. in the summer, I always have smashed yellow jackets on my helmet.

Is it true that Snell makes all the Harley full face helmets (with shields)?

Snell doesn't make the helmets they are a certification company. It has to pass their tests to have that sticker put on it.

Is it true that Snell makes all the Harley full face helmets (with shields)?

http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444876740 2&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302285451&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302285451&bmUID=1142921660827&bmLocale=en_US

At the end of the description of the helmets, right before the weight.. you will see that this particular helmet is a KBC modular... different HD helmets are made by different companies to Harley specifications...

There was an article about helmets that I read recently... don't remember where... but they said the Bell helmets are very good helmets and have passed all the safety tests and should protect a head as well as any other DOT helmet... the comfort level might not be a good as a more expensive helmet... but the cheaper helmets are supposed to be very good buys nowadays...

The stealth flame HD helmet is a KBC. I just bought one and it is very comfortable in the XXL size that I need. The other thing I like about it is that you can ride (low speed) with the chin bar up. One of the mags did a review on various helmets and some of the Snell certified ones seemed to be capable of causing / permitting more brain trauma. YMMV. BTW: In 1968 I high sided at 85+ wearing a Bell 500 series helmet, it save my life.

SEMJPM

Well I just swiched helmets again, along with my shorty helmet I also just got a KBC VR-1 full face hemet. Got it off of ebay for around $30, orginal price is $179-199.

also have a half shell to, so I wear whatever Im in the mood to wear.

Helmets are gay. My wife's sister had her neck broke with a DOT approved helmet on, her nephew fell off his dirt bike and hit his head without a helmet. It's really sixes. All that energy goes somewhere. A helmet might protect your head, but not your neck, spine, etc...

I have 6 different baseball caps I wear. UT and AZ you get to choose, NV is weird for some reason. A rock in your forehead is just a cool reminder that you are incredibly vulnerable on the bike. Helmets give you a false sense of security, make your hair weird and change the shape of your head over time thus causing you to be less attractive to what ever it is you would like to be attractive too...

I've been 110 MPH with a helmet on, so I was safe, right? Oh and SMART too, cuz helmets make you smarter...

Snake

Helmets are gay.

Well, I guess I'll risk wearing mine anyway..... :D

Wear the 1/2 when I need to because of the weather.......otherwise lidless.

Love my Z1R Strike full-face, but am really starting to like my 3/4 HCI with face shield more and more. It's got that old-school British look in my opinion.

Full-face, full-time. Wouldn't ride without it.

I have a half and I'm buying a full. I want the full face for longer trips, and I want to start drag racing this summer!

To me, debating to wear a helmet or not is like debating to wear underwear or not. I usually wear boxers, but sometimes I don't.

When I first got my bike, I wore a helmet all the time. But then I stopped, and hardly ever wore one, ever. Then I got married, and started thinking about someone besides myself, and started wearing again on occasion. So far this year, I haven't gone without it.

I wear a Scorpian EXO-400 series, Black, full-face on the slab, a beaning for in town short rides.

Hal of Sacramento
whereitsbeenrainingforever

I'm the only guy at bike week wearing a helmet and that's not going to change until I'm diagnosed with cancer or Mad Cow.

Full face Arai.
Always Arai. It saved my life once...

I started with a 3/4 last year but as it got colder I went for a full face. Though a shortie would look cooler, I would rather stay safe and keep the bugs out of my teeth. So I picked up a flat black AFX FX-51. It has been great with lots of ventilation.

Since the lidless accident we "for the grace of God" survived.... Full face in bad/cold weather. Half in the warm weather. We should have died in our accident back in Nov 2005.

Anyone know of a study of deaths from head injuries in states with helmet laws and states without? Could be interesting. I wear DOT half. I think with the heat and humidity here in Louisiana I would die from heat stroke before a head injury with a full faced helmet.

CDC helmet study-Wisconsin 1991 (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00031470.htm)

Goldstein Study (http://www.bikersrights.com/statistics/goldstein/goldstein2.html)

The Cochrane Library-Helmet Use (http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab004333.html)

American Family Physician Article (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3225/is_n3_v43/ai_10636571)

Oklahoma Motorcyle Crash injuries (http://www.health.state.ok.us/PROGRAM/injury/factsheets/motorcycle_injuries.htm)

This is from the Oklahoma link above.

Each Year:

Approximately 750 persons are injured.

Approximately 30 persons die.

Approximately 82% of persons killed are not wearing helmets.

Approximately 70% of non-helmeted persons die from head injuries, compared to 36% for helmeted persons.


Q. Is it true that "no law" states have lower fatality rates than "law" states?

A. This is not true for motorcyclists dying with head injuries, and no one claims that helmets protect against other life-threatening injuries. Motorcycle-related head injury death rates with partial or no helmet-use laws are twice those in states with comprehensive helmet use laws; head injury death rates per vehicle registration are lowest in states with full helmet use laws. States differ dramatically in riding seasons, quality of roads, speed limits and availability of emergency medical service and trauma care. Thus, the most important comparison is before and after motorcycle helmet legislation within states. Enactment of comprehensive motorcycle helmet laws have consistently shown substantial decreases in motorcycle-related head injury death rates, and motorcycle fatalities increase 28%-45% after repeal of mandatory helmet laws.



There are some interesting findings in the articles above, but then it's also intersting how numbers can be skewed to reflect personal opinions.

CDC helmet study-Wisconsin 1991 (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00031470.htm)

Goldstein Study (http://www.bikersrights.com/statistics/goldstein/goldstein2.html)

The Cochrane Library-Helmet Use (http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab004333.html)

American Family Physician Article (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3225/is_n3_v43/ai_10636571)

Oklahoma Motorcyle Crash injuries (http://www.health.state.ok.us/PROGRAM/injury/factsheets/motorcycle_injuries.htm)

This is from the Oklahoma link above.

Each Year:

Approximately 750 persons are injured.

Approximately 30 persons die.

Approximately 82% of persons killed are not wearing helmets.

Approximately 70% of non-helmeted persons die from head injuries, compared to 36% for helmeted persons.


Q. Is it true that "no law" states have lower fatality rates than "law" states?

A. This is not true for motorcyclists dying with head injuries, and no one claims that helmets protect against other life-threatening injuries. Motorcycle-related head injury death rates with partial or no helmet-use laws are twice those in states with comprehensive helmet use laws; head injury death rates per vehicle registration are lowest in states with full helmet use laws. States differ dramatically in riding seasons, quality of roads, speed limits and availability of emergency medical service and trauma care. Thus, the most important comparison is before and after motorcycle helmet legislation within states. Enactment of comprehensive motorcycle helmet laws have consistently shown substantial decreases in motorcycle-related head injury death rates, and motorcycle fatalities increase 28%-45% after repeal of mandatory helmet laws.



There are some interesting findings in the articles above, but then it's also intersting how numbers can be skewed to reflect personal opinions.

Have a bud that used to be in the Fire service. here in the UK we have very strict helmet conrols. Dave always used to say they saved more lives... NO QUESTION. I love the odd illegal moment, riding without a Lid. But I don't want to die because of one safety item. So maybe I should be glad I am forced to wear one!

Would be nice to have the choice... But I now if I did, at least 50% of the time I would go without, no doubt doubling my chances of serious injury. Helmet or not, I love riding...

Helmet law seems to be a topic that is guaranteed to start a heated debate among riders. I wonder if people on car forums argue a lot about seat belt laws?? :D

Helmet law seems to be a topic that is guaranteed to start a heated debate among riders. I wonder if people on car forums argue a lot about seat belt laws?? :D


And I never understood the debate :frownthre

I mean in states that require helmets, you etiher wear one or take the risk or being ticketed. In states that do not require one, it's up to you. If you don;t like the laws of your state, then ban together and try to fight it. There really isn't anything to debate. I do like how statistics can be skewed to prove the providers point. That was my favorite part of statistics in college:) Here is one for you all to look up. Look up how many are killed annually in Automobile accidents from head injuries. It'll get you thinking that cagers should be wearing helmets too.

I wear a 3/4 with a flip up face.

...I do like how statistics can be skewed to prove the providers point. That was my favorite part of statistics in college:) Here is one for you all to look up. Look up how many are killed annually in Automobile accidents from head injuries. It'll get you thinking that cagers should be wearing helmets too.
Hey mister...you're coming dangerously close to to 'politician logic' there...you just watch yourself...:roflblack

And I never understood the debate :frownthre

I mean in states that require helmets, you etiher wear one or take the risk or being ticketed. In states that do not require one, it's up to you. If you don;t like the laws of your state, then ban together and try to fight it. There really isn't anything to debate. I do like how statistics can be skewed to prove the providers point. That was my favorite part of statistics in college:) Here is one for you all to look up. Look up how many are killed annually in Automobile accidents from head injuries. It'll get you thinking that cagers should be wearing helmets too.

Its kind of funny but Shu has a point, atleast for me. I was in a car accident doing 120mph and spun out of control and hit the brick divider of the highway and suffered "head trauma". My brain took about a good 2 years to set back into place. Some fluid "leaked". Thank god I was wearing my seat-belt and all the air bags went off.

I now have a drive going to mandate helmets be worn in cars. I trully don't want the "kids" to have to suffer the pain and agony I went through cause I didn't wear my car-helmet© If its good enough for NASCAR its good enuff for you and me :) :clap :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack :roflblack

I now have a drive going to mandate helmets be worn in cars. I trully don't want the "kids" to have to suffer the pain and agony I went through cause I didn't wear my car-helmet© If its good enough for NASCAR its good enuff for you and me

i have a better plan .... make f1 cars street legal ... you can put one of those into a brick wall at 200 mph and walk away ... while a chevy is good for about 30 mph into the wall ... yup i want a mclaren in my driveway

I wear a 1/2 "Chips" type Bell Helmet I also have a 3/4 Cruiser that I wear on colder days. I've worn the the full face (cafe days) and it is really okay was a bit stuffy sometimes. What I like about the "Chips" is that I can hear and it's easier to see over the donkey--note - you do get more protection with a "fuller" helmet and more often then not :censor that will increase your odds in a spill BUT there just ain't NO :doh rule:doh , I work in an ER so the best advise I can give ya, is keep the SHINY side up:tour :tour :tour . Oh yes, and sign your organ donor card!:gun :gun :frownthre

Rick

Full Face 99.9% of the time, although on the way to the store tonight i grabbed my 3/4 w/ full shield... it just didn't feel right. My FF feels great when I'm moving almost as good as the a/c in my truck (lots of vents) even in the Arizona heat - now if i could just find a good pair of gloves!:smoke

KBC Force RR full face.
of course my ridin' buddies are all on crotch rockets so...

i got a brand new HJC FF two years ago .......hate it!!feels stuffy has blind spots and so on . right now lidless mostly but I break down and go FF in the cold and rain and on the free way really isnt to smart but never have been good at makin' choices

When I lived in Indiana it wasn't required so I didnt wear one. In Geaorgia it is the law so I wear a novelty most the time just to keep from getting a ticket. I have 1/2 with a face shield I wear when its cold out.

I hate helmet laws the same as I hate seatbelt laws. I think it should be up to the person to determine their own safety. When I thought this was a free country I figured you had the right to do whatever you wanted as long as you didnt infringe on the rights of other people. These kinds of laws do not affect the safety of other people, only your own.

I know seatbelts and helmets are safer overall, I just think it should be my choice to make.

I have a question about the half helmuts- Do those visors make much of a difference in reducing the wind from pulling your head back?

Tried the visor recently on my half and hated it, anything over 70 and the visor started to bend back at the bottom. The visor did however get rid of that feeling of the helmet pulling off your head above 65. Just my thoughts

On wearing a helmet.
I bought the half last year when I started out, because I was new and it was the smart thing to do. Now most of the time I go lidless and when it is cold I where my Steelers tossle cap as you see from my avatar. However I am getting ready to go on the Great Lake run and I borrowed a full helmet for that. there is noting like a full helmet in the rain. I would not wear it all the time, but it is just the ticket for that rain.

And IMFO you can FO...you're taking a risk by jumping on two wheels. Why must an answer to a simple question of "what do you wear?" turn into "you're a dumbass if you don't wear one"? Just answer the f-ing question without judging...and no, I don't think the IMFO covers it. That's like saying, "Hey, no offense, but your newborn baby is !!!!!ing ugly" and thinking that it's okay because you started with "no offense."


Could be said that if you've got something worth protecting at all then don't get on a motorcycle since they don't have crumple zones like newer cages do...still, I don't get why others must be slammed/knocked/poked fun at/whatever for their choice...?


Absolutely nothing provided you know your...ahh...limit...

Thanks, couldn't have said it any better!

In 1968 I had a Bad accident, Me, My 3/4 helmet a 160 Honda and a 1965 Oldsmobile. I hit the side of the car at god knows ??? As fast as the bike would go. Anyway, I moved the Olds across 1 opposing lane of traffic over a 6 inch curb. the bike and I continued for about 50 feet. The Doctor who started the Reconstruction estimated 4000 bone Fragments in my face. The following 10 Years of Reconstructive Surgery gave me a lot to think about. A full face helmet would have cut that number way down.......Stupidity does at times strike....Sometimes at night when there is little to no traffic I'll wear either my Chrome Plated German WW-II Helmet or my non DOT Novelty One.
There were other injuries but I don't think armor would have helped there.
Can you believe, The military didn't have any trouble taking me. They actually finished up some more surgerys after my time in the SEA Wargames (T.L.C.). :doh
But flat feet is unacceptable?????????????

DOT and Snell 3/4 - currently looking at a FF.

I just received my HJC CL-33, 3/4 helmet from Tonkers.com (I think Xena suggested them...real fast service). Before I had a 1/2 helmet. The first great improvement was I could actually hear now....before the wind would be so loud I couldnt even hear the engine. It has a little flip-visor that is really handy. Running around town it stays up.....over 50 I pull it down...nice. No tears in the eyes from the wind shooting under my glasses. I will even say its a less stressfull ride over 50 now without that wind blasting my face. To top it off I was riding with my visor down when some black thing that could have been a bug or a meteorite came out of nowhere and bonked me right above my right eye. It still hit the helmet but I thought a little lower with my 1/2 helmet and I would have probably crashed. So thats that...I'm happy.

I just purchased a Scorpion EVO 400 full face. I also have a half helmet. The Scorpion is, apparently, new to the market. It has many air vents that you can open or close. The face shield is very nice - three positions that hold under speed and fog resistant. New shields are expensive ($40.00 with shipping) for a helmet that cost $130.00 but they seem substantial. It took about an hour of riding time to get used to the full face but I now like it better than the half helmet if I am going to ride at highway speeds. It hasn't gotten above 72F where I ride so I don't know if it is going to be oppressively hot with the FF when the summer comes. I suppose it will and will ride with the halfie then. I can hear much better with the FF, which suprised me. Alot of wind noise with the halfie, even with the ear flaps on. It is much more enjoyable on the superslab with the FF because I don't have a wind shield on the bike. The halfie turns into a parachute at 60 mph.

DOT 1/2 - But looking at a FF

Helmets in Kansas are required if under 18. I wear a fullface almost always, mainly so I can see were I'm going.

Here in IL it's not required, but I wear one all the time. I work in a hospital. We can fix arms, legs, most of your parts, but when your brain is scrambled, we can't fix that. I see young riders laying in beds (comatose) that MIGHT have been out of here quicker if they wore a helmut. I prefer to ride without one, but I won't.

I got em all (helmets). I prefer my Simpson 3/4 ultra light from my car racing days for all around ridin, has all the stickers DOT, Snell, etc.. Doesn't look cool but I'm me and I don't really care what others think about my fashion statement. If ya go down on yer head ya might wish that somekind of safety test had been performed on your make of helmet. When drag racing or continuous night ridin (lots of bugs) I use a full face, again with all the sticker ratings. I also have a 1/2 pot that is fine under 75 MPH (too much air for me), again with all the stickers. Ya get what ya pay for generally. Put a $15 dollar helmet on a $15 head.
Dave
Ride to Live!

scorpion 3/4 (exo-200)..

I have 3 different helmets...1/2, 3/4, and FF. I used to wear the 1/2 almost exclusively, both around town and for the highway. The FF was for longer trips or during foul/cold weather. I never wore the 3/4 until this spring. I dug it out and tried it again, and found it's much nicer than my 1/2 as far as wind noise and head buffeting goes. I doubt that I'll ever wear the 1/2 helmet again as it's way too hard on my ears, even with earplugs.

As for the right to decide...I'm all for it. I've ridden without a helmet in the past and found it refreshing, but I'm getting older and I prefer to have something on my head now. However, my preference to wear one doesn't mean I think everyone should.

I wear a ff more and more have worn a 1/2 except when cold since I started riding but found the wind noise even with plugs is uncomfortable due to sins of the past (loud music) I have looked for a 3/4 that didnt look like a mushroom but have not been able to do it (any ideas) so I guess I will continue to wear the ff just thinking of 100+ thought the 3/4 might be a lil cooler. I actually am amazed at how much more air I get with the ff no shield on bike, shield on helmet up. than I do with 1/2 and shield on bike.

I have looked for a 3/4 that didnt look like a mushroom but have not been able to do it (any ideas)

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=30184

I like the Nolan N42 I just got... You can get as little or as much wind as you want and you get the dual visor too.... not bad for the price.

I guess I should have looked here for helmet choices instead of starting a new thread, sorry everyone!

And IMFO you can FO...you're taking a risk by jumping on two wheels. Why must an answer to a simple question of "what do you wear?" turn into "you're a dumbass if you don't wear one"? Just answer the f-ing question without judging...and no, I don't think the IMFO covers it. That's like saying, "Hey, no offense, but your newborn baby is !!!!!ing ugly" and thinking that it's okay because you started with "no offense."


Could be said that if you've got something worth protecting at all then don't get on a motorcycle since they don't have crumple zones like newer cages do...still, I don't get why others must be slammed/knocked/poked fun at/whatever for their choice...?


Absolutely nothing provided you know your...ahh...limit...

I have to agree with Ole

1/2 in the warmer weather 3/4 in the cooler but I keep thinking maybe it's time for full. Just wonder haow comfortable they can be?

Full time w a lid, long pants, leather long sleeve jacket. Usually leather gloves. Feel stupid about no boots. The cagers are getting less skillful and more aggressive! Thinking about the sport bike armor but I don't want to look like a tropical fish.
Matt

full face HJC

http://www.hjchelmets.com/images/products/product_images/cl15/session/mc1.jpg

I love it, my bt buddies give me the crap about it. but i like no bugs in my teeth, the extra protection.

I've been riding for about 25 years now. I started on Honda's and always wore full face helmets. Obviously now on a HD I thought the image would be stained with a helmet. Being in the military I'm required to wear a helmet (even off duty) and got a half helmet. Ok, doesn't look too bad, kind of fits the image. Well, I dumped my 1200 and landed on my head. I hit a gravel filled pothole with the front wheel. The next thing I knew I was face first on the road. Lucky for me I was pulling into a parking lot at the time and going really slow. My helmet saved me. I'm convinced of that. If I had not been wearing it, my forehead (point of impact) would have been crushed. Instead I had a mild concussion and a broken helmet. The bike faired a lot better. A few scratches on the mirror and bottom of the pipes.

No bag,it's nicer not to wear one.When we were 12 years old in the 60s out in the desert in So. Cal.After you hit that first barbed wire fence at 40 mph.I suit up...then there was this one time

Have a 3/4 helmet :) Looking in to 1/2 something not so bulky on my brain since I have a little head :D

Lidless cause the law in PA says I can....And anything over 25 mph with 1 will snap your neck...or put you in the veggie farm.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/100_0946smaller.jpg

i got 2 DOT half helms. One of them has these removable pads for the ears, for cold weather riding.

Looking at some of those non-DOT skid lids...the helmet I have for extreme mountain biking will protect your noggin better than those for sure. I'd rather wear my bicycle helmet:

http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/medium/GI-MK6.gif

I'd probably like to get a retro-styled 3/4 helmet one day, like this:

http://www.lickscycles.com/catalog/images/Helmets-DavidaClassicJet-BlackSilver-24220.jpg

Yeah, I'm thinking of getting a retro 3/4 also.

And anything over 25 mph with 1 will snap your neck...or put you in the veggie farm.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/100_0946smaller.jpg

I'll hope this was supposed to be sarcasm.....Because I'm sure it's much better to hit your head on a car at 25+mph without the helmet.....:doh

Got my MC license in 1976 and have worn $10.00 skid lids and high end "space man" looking helmets ( come in Houston we have a problem). I change helmets about every two years or so. The foam in the helmet breaks down over time so I'd rather not play the odds. Also it pisses the old lady off when Ispend more $$ on the bikes. I use a HD System full face helmet now. Cost about $160.00 .The reason I decided on it was it is full face, but the chin bar flips up so I can get my big head into the helmet and I don't have to bend the crap out of my sunglasses to put them on. All I have to say to those who don't wear a helmet.....it is your decision and nobody elses.

I gots me a Carbon Fiber half helmet that looks like a turtle shell. Not DOT though. Never seen another one like it. Made by a company called Bonehead. They make helmets for sky divers mostly. I wear it around town and a DOT for highway trips

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/MkIIMike/unique.jpg

Most of the time I wear my Arai Quantum, most comfortable FF helmet I have ever owned. If Im running down the street to the store (Im in center city Philly, down the street is 1/4 mile) I sometimes go without. Otherwise, Ive always worn the Arai on my other bikes. I plan to do the same on my Sportster. Im not worried about what people think about me wearing a FF on a HD....its the least of my concerns.

My friend bit it pretty hard on his SS Jap bike while wearing a chrome german spike penis lid....and his face is all jacked up now. No thanks!

I also plan to ride most of the time with a jacket. Im trying to find the all black #1 HD jacket...very clean look and I love that #1 logo :) I have a Vanson leather and 2 Triumph jackets in the closet as well.

I wear a 3/4 DOT approved HD called the boneyard I think( in another thread I may have said full but it is not full however I do snap in the face shield. ). It also has the ear zip in covers for winter weather. I never go without a helmet.....do not want my head to ever come into direct contact with anything......much better chance of less head trauma.... IMHO.

I'll hope this was supposed to be sarcasm.....Because I'm sure it's much better to hit your head on a car at 25+mph without the helmet.....:doh


LOL, Tell me "when" is it better to hit a car. :roflblack

LOL, Tell me "when" is it better to hit a car.


When it says "Hotwheels" on the bottom

i wear a low profile novelty covered in a leather skin. Full face and Harley just don't go together for me.

sometimes i dont get a wave back from a HD rider i think itn might be the full face they think im on a rice burner, or a girls bike:banana :roflblack :banana

a little off topic but I think this is funny, i was out riding today with my buddies and were stopped at a cross-walk my friend in front is about 6'4 f#%% huge, like the Hulk huge on his all black road king smokin a cigar, wearing no helmet , white t-shirt , jeans, boots shaved head with a goatee and this little old couple holding hands [ about 5'5 cane white hair slouched over] stop in the middle look at my friend and began lecturing him for not wearing a helmet :) .. it was just the funniest scene

Anyone try these helmets yet?

bikersden. com/ shop/ shopexd. asp?id=652

I really don't like lids. ( Brain Bucket)
Being from OH where there not required. Here in NC they are so it's a DOT 1/2.

However I was caught in a rain storm a couple weeks ago, I was wishing for a full face then !!

Anyone seen any real stats about states that have repealed there helmit laws, How much did the death rate increase ? Would be interesting to know anyway.

...Full face and Harley just don't go together for me.

Does this hurt? :buddies

How about this? :headb

Try falling off a motorcycle without a FF helmet. Then your face and your Harley will will look about the same... scratched... dented... oozing fluids... :doh <--- He frowns just from slapping himself in the head!

:soap

____________________________________

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/thumbs/Cat_Burglar.jpg 2006 Sportster 1200 Custom, Vivid Black
Taxes paid: Ness Big Sucker, Samson BigGuns3 Slashers, HONK HONK Stebel AirHorn :burnout
Cat's Litter Box (http://xlforum.net/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=8623)
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/Let_Me_Out.jpg Let me OUT! I wanna go ride my Sporty!
Got a cat the other day. Had to swerve to get it, but I got it.

The lastest issue ( July/Aug.) of HOG Tales carries an interesting article by Mike Zimmerman entitled "Conspicuously Unstylish" which makes for entertaining reading on the subject of full face helmets. It may be found on the last page for those interested.

The lastest issue ( July/Aug.) of HOG Tales carries an interesting article by Mike Zimmerman entitled "Conspicuously Unstylish" which makes for entertaining reading on the subject of full face helmets. It may be found on the last page for those interested.

:iagree This is a GREAT article... thank you for bringing that up, Sojourner!

3/4. all the time. I live in Hawaii, no helmet law here. Tons of mopeds, tourist and bikes. Alot don't wear helmets. About once a month maybe more you hear of somebody dying on a moped or motorcyle around here. IMHO it's insanity not to protect myself as much as possible. On an open road no cages to try and kill me, maybe I'd go lidless but since this aint the 60's and I aint Captain America why temp fate.

Full-face HJC flip-front.Always.
Clark

I have a 3/4 with a flip up visor. I usually go lidless here in Colorado unless I'm going on the highway or further than 10 miles or so. Most riders here go without. I know I should wear one though. I here too many stories of the dude who lived but can't remember his name, or feed himself. I might get a full face. Kinda feel like the 3/4 makes me look like Dark Helmet (another reason I dont wear it.

I wear the 3/4 also with flip shield, I'm not partial to helments either, I view them like insurance, I don't like payin it, but it's there if/when I need it. I wear mine at all times. I live in NW Florida, it's very hot/humid, but still...It's worn, most riders won't wear them here either.

my brother-in-law has been a bike enthusiast since he was old enuf to get one. So was his friend, they both hate helments, good for them no helment in law in Texas. They love to ride the Texas Hill Country, went riding a month ago, on a Farm/Market road, the buddy was hit by a deer, buddy died, brother-in-law hasn't touched bike since. I never ride with out mine.

Live in Ohio, not mandatory. I do not wear a helmet unless I go to a state that requires it. Then it is a dot apporved 1/2 helmet.

Lidless may = brainless in some folk's opinion, but I'd rather be "finished off" if I go down, for reasons you probably don't want to hear about.

I usually don't wear all of the DOD-required gear, but I have never ridden a motorcycle (or a dirtbike for that matter) without a helmet on. I don't ever plan on going down, but if I do, my head (next to my wife ;) ) is the most important thing I've got.

I'm not saying what I think about the following... it's just some food for thought:
Helmet's are not a safety device for motorcyclist's, and mandatory helmet laws are nothing more than a mandatory dress code with the ability to cause injury and death. But a helmet will protect a headform in a laboratory (up to 13.66 mph), unfortunately, headforms do not ride motorcycles.

I used to be too cool to wear a helmet.

Then I got hit.

I wear a helmet now.

- NEXL 1/2

Wife would have a hard time without me, and I don't want my (soon to be) son raised without a father.
Maybe it won't save my all the time, I just hope it saves me at least once.

I'd rather wear one and complain, than not wear one and need it some day. Maybe it won't help if I go down at 60 mph, but if I hit wet leaves going around the corner, it may ...

Oops. Corrected.

Back in 1981 I was hit by a guy that ran a stop sign. He hit the rear wheel and spun me so hard that I was thrown under a pick-up truck stopped on the other side of the intersection. My helmet wedged under the frame rail and freaked out the girl that was driving it, she thought I was dead. Needless to say....I'm not. I won't go anywhere without my helmet. I trust my abilities, I never trust theirs........

Most of the time I never wear one.

The main thing is, if I want to wear one I can, If I don't want to, I don't have to. Whether you wear a helmet or not if you can't say that, it doesn't matter what you think. Someone else is thinking for you.

In Texas we can legally ride with a concealed hand gun and no helmet. Only in America

Helmet laws suck, but not in Texas.

Just bought a Nolan N-42. It is a 3/4 with built in shield and a built in 1/2 smoked shield...It is fabulous!!! I was having problems finding Rx wrap around glasses like my sunglasses (My other helmet was a 1/2). Both shields flip up independantly and work great...In the daytime both are down and I don't need sunglasses and at night I just flip up the 1/2 smoked shield and I have great view...I highly recommend the helmet.

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/Nolan_N-42.jpg