I always wear a helmet on the street a FF. on my atv a 3/4. after that jeans tee , or warm shirts, ins pants. muck boots in the winter[atv]  there is no winter riding of bikes here.

Hey, old guys. I just feel I need to say that I didn't start this post to call you out, call people ignorant or be some kind of elitist. The bottom line is that safety is your call, nobody elses. I agree that your safety out there depends heavily on your skills, but theres always that off chance something may happen. I also agree you shouldn't spend your riding career worried sick about what COULD happen. I'm not here to judge, I really just wanted to hear some different perspectives, some from guys who were riding longer than I've been living, some from guys who just started, and everything in between. As for my original post, I would like to say that I didn't mean to call anyone here ignorant or they shouldnt be riding. We ALL know the risks. My point is that if you haven't thought about the risks, you aren't using your head and you're probably just out there to be like all the squids out there. Guys in full gear have gotten themselves killed.

Get out there... enjoy the ride. Getting a Savage is second best decision of my 20s, next to going back to school. I'm still gear shopping, because my as much as I like my leather jacket, I know I'll be roasting in the summer months.

raydawg wrote on 04/30/13 at 03:38:15:

Careful there bud... rigid members can be broken.

I'm not sure how a FF can be to blame for someone's death, I would be interested in some data on that (seriously, I'm not trying to be a smartass). There is actual scientific data to prove the contrary. "the energy-absorbing qualities of a DOT motorcycle helmet also absorb the energy that breaks riders' necks in impacts. Studies show that helmeted motorcyclists actually suffer fewer neck injuries when they crash compared to riders who crash without helmets." See this article on common riding myths http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/dangerous_motorcycle_safety_m.... Besides, if the impact was enough to snap their neck with a helmet on, I can only imagine that without one their brain would have been splattered pretty good. Even those skull cap helmets leave your face, temples, and the base of your spine exposed. WD, I'm sorry about your friends, but I will continue to wear my FF, thank you.

I think it is a common misconception among riders who choose not to wear protection that us who do choose to protect ourselves are either afraid or reckless or both. I wear protection because it is logical to do so. Its common sense. Riding has greatly increased my awareness of everything on the road, on and off the bike, just as I'm sure it has done for everyone here. I also find that donning my gear has conditioned me to focus more on the task of riding. I am less distracted and I don't get fatigued by the wind and bugs constantly blasting me in the face. I've taken a locust in the face with and without a face shield. I prefer the face shield, no surprise there. Some people claim not wearing a helmet allows you to hear more, see more, be more alert and generally be a better rider. While it is true that your head is open to the sights and sounds around you, it is fact that motorcycle riders who use helmets crash less frequently than those who don't. (BTW, this is addressed in the article above too, there are many things that we assume to be true just because they are repeated enough).

I have my personal reasons for being protected too
1. I am not a sadist and I do not like pain, therefore I wish to avoid it.
2. I have a pretty face. The girls seem to like it, so I would like to keep it arranged as is.
3. I have no health insurance at this time, but I also prefer to stay out of hospitals altogether.
4. I have made my family suffer pain and worry when I crashed before and I will do what I can to prevent that again.

To be clear (again) I'm not insulting anyone or trying to be an elitist. The OP knows how important gear is and asked what we wear. I admitted that I am unsatisfied with my current level of protection, gave my reasoning, and gave some suggestions. I only hope to sway those people who are on the fence about spending the money or unsure of the comfort vs. protection. There are others who are satisfied with their current lack of protection. That does not bother me in the least. I personally cannot survive a crash on testicular fortitude alone. I am making a persuasive  argument advocating the use of gear supported by facts and my own experience. I am not attacking anyone. Those who I have addressed, I did so respectfully and with a proper rebuttal, not personal jabs. It's smarter to wear gear, I cannot control who takes offense to that.

Lastly, I like this diagram of impact areas from a study of motorcycle crashes. Note that 35% of impacts occur in the chin area. Add the numbers up and you will find that an astonishing 63.6% on impacts occur on your face. There is exactly 1 type of helmet that can protect you from these injuries, a FF. Although you can attach a face shield to a 3/4, it is by definition removable and is not able absorb the force of an impact.


http://dontai.com/wp/2010/05/20/motorcycle-helmet-impact-zones/

S.O.P. for big rigs running the mountains of WA when I was living/driving there was to pull the ABS fuse (disabling the system) and dash light from first snowfall through at minimum mid-April. ABS doesn't work well with snow, mud, sand, gravel or tire chains. Can be alright for rainy surfaces IF the actuator rings are well protected (dry), they tend to short out in heavy rain/standing water.

Light pulled so you could get through an inspection at the scale house, light on they'd red flag you until the problem was fixed. Too late to pull a bulb and say good enough at that point.  

I Wear a sweat wicking t-shirt in hot weather. As long as you ar moving, it's not bad. Stop and go suck tho

Gear-
on track: Scorpion EXO1000 helmet, Teknic Speedstar kangaroo leathers, Teknic Speedstar kangaroo boots, Held Titan kangaroo gloves, Teknic Speedstar back protector, Knox chest protector, Knox armored shorts, ear plugs & mouthpiece.

On street: Scorpion EXO1000, Vanson jacket, Held Galaxy's, Alpinestar SMX+ boots, ear plugs.

ever hear of Dale Earnhardt?