no helmet

[Valor]

So, what has become clear to me over my years of riding and knowing other riders of other brands, is this: Riders are more likely to wear a helmet (or not) based on what is culturally acceptable for their Brand image. For most people it really has little to do with personal principles and more to do with what their "tribe" does. What we wear when we're on our bikes tends to be more like "costumes" for our brand role-playing. For example:

Harley: No helmet, Leather vest, fringe
Ducati: Helmet, Leather Jacket, gloves, maybe full-leathers
Japanese: No helmet, no jacket, usually shorts

Another way to look at is that most riders wear what others in their brand thinks looks "cool". Most people when they get a certain type, or brand of bike, want to be viewed as cool and accepted by other owners of their bike.

Again, I'm painting with a broad brush here. These generalities are just that, generalities. I'm not saying that we don't have minds of our own. Just that we are heavily influenced by our bike's brand culture. This makes much more sense than assuming that most people who end up riding a Ducati just happen to be people predisposed to where helmets. We wear helmets because the group of riders we relate to wear helmets.

Now, to poke a hole in my own theory, I rider with a mixed group of riders, mostly Harleys, who all wear helmets and riding jackets.

Motorcyling is a very image driven sport, and what we wear is part of that image.

Me, I never feel more like a superhero than I do decked out in helmet, gloves, jacket, boots. Oh, yeah, I feel safe too. But I feel ... I don't know, powerful. ....

[Old-Duckman]

Valor, I have an example to help show that your theory is correct.

A young friend of mine at work bought a 620 Monster as his first bike (influenced by me I suppose). Anyway he was uncomfortable on the Monster, his hip would hurt after a short time riding.

He traded it for a Sporster and though he wore a full face helmet when he rode the Ducati, he switched helmet styles (I think he went to 3/4) 'cause "It (the full face) just doesn't look right on the Harley"

I thought that was bizzare but I guess it is not an uncommon train of thought.

Anyway, I live in PA, no helmet law for those over 18 w/2 years riding. I always wear a helmet when on the road.

Folks in PA are trying to get the helmet law reinstated... I hope they fail! Even though I wear a helmet I think we, as riders, should have the right to make a choice.

[teddy037.2]

whatever.

+1 for the bug argument.

or rocks.




no thank you.

[Desmo_Maine*iac]

Well, I have been down 3 times and I am glad I had my helmet on everytime. I have ridden without it before but as allready mentioned, a bummble bee to the face is very unpleasant as is a rock kicked up by a damned semi lol, I'll wear the helmet thanx

[ducatiz]

If you need any reason to wear a helmet.....

[Bun-bun]

In Virginia. Helmet law, and I wear it all the time.I won't get on the bike without it.  I won't go further than the corner gas station without the helmet, a jacket (mesh or leather), and gloves.

I used to live in Maryland when they didn't have a helmet law, and I wore one then too. Went around a curve one day in a gullywasher summer storm at about 20MPH, hydroplaned, and hit a mailbox with my head. Destroyed the mailbox, scuffed the helmet. Learned my lesson.

[thejsnide]

I live in SC with no helmet law, but I rarely find myself riding without it.  If I am traveling only around the corner, I might not wear it, but usually do.  I get more comments on WHY do I wear a helmet than compliments on my bike.  It really depends on the day around here too...When the weather is bright and sunny I hear people complain saying "it's too hot to wear my helmet." blah, blah, blah...  I wear mine and that's all that counts.  Oddly enough the majority of people I see on Ducati's here in Charleston, i.e. SportClassic, Motard, Multistrada, do not wear helmets or much other gear at that.

[Massinova]

I saved these image from an old post at the old site. 

[Popeye the Sailor]

You may wish to post a "graphic" warning shortly before those pictures....

[Raux]

it's simple a helmet is a piece of safety equipment just as a seatbelt is for a car. we should be wearing them and encouraging others to wear them. I wouldn't be here if I hadn't worn mine when i had a tank slapper at 70 and landed on my helmet (although does explain me being the way i am  )

i work for the military and to get on base we have to wear... helmet, long pants and shirts, gloves and over the ankle shoes , oh and a stupid reflector vest or sash (feel like i'm in a stupid pagent).

[Hank]

I ride into work almost every day.  Several people that see me will say "Its too hot to wear that gear!"  I'll simply reply "If its too hot to wear gear, then its too hot to ride, and I love the shit out of riding!"

[IZ]

Lived in AZ, FL with no helmet laws.  Rarely ever wore it.

WA had helmet laws.

TX..no helmet laws again.  Back into my old habits here.  I do wear it when I meet up with others and go on group rides. 

[TiNi]

I do wear it when I meet up with others and go on group rides. 

why then an not other times? 

you'd look funny with a big scar on your head from brain surgery dude....

just sayin' 

[IZ]

why then an not other times? 

you'd look funny with a big scar on your head from brain surgery dude....

just sayin' 

When I'm out on group rides, I ride a bit more aggressive. 

Scars.  Yeah, I've seen all the arm/leg/back/head surgeries and aftermath first hand working in the hopsitals.  Several clients I've worked with in therapy have had head injuries..only a couple from motrocycle accidents though.  Mostly from cars, waterskiing, snowskiing and bicycle accidents.   

Anyway, it's my choice and I'm glad to be back in a state that gives me that freedom. 

If/when we move again and there are helmet laws, I have no problems putting it on.

     
 

[TiNi]

When I'm out on group rides, I ride a bit more aggressive. 

Scars.  Yeah, I've seen all the arm/leg/back/head surgeries and aftermath first hand working in the hopsitals.  Several clients I've worked with in therapy have had head injuries..only a couple from motrocycle accidents though.  Mostly from cars, waterskiing, snowskiing and bicycle accidents.   

Anyway, it's my choice and I'm glad to be back in a state that gives me that freedom. 

If/when we move again and there are helmet laws, I have no problems putting it on.

it is your choice.... sorry for my concern for your brain