Hi guys,
Recently I bought to myself my first bike. S40. Same day I created the account here . My first bike for my 50th birthday.
And this is my very first post.
After almost 2 months and 1200 miles of riding it's time for Questions and Answers. About meaning of life, etc.
Anyway, I'm very happy owner of 2006 S40. And I know I'm gonna use it for a while. I use it for afternoon/weekend cruising around my town. I plan to ride on Lincoln and Jefferson Highways through Iowa this year but there are few things I have to do before I start.
Anyway, first thing that bugs me the most: almost all bikers I see on the street with cruisers (specially HD bikers) don't use helmets nor any other protection. Eventually a helmet only. In Basic Rider Course I was thought it's VERY UNHEALTHY (to not say other word) to ride w/o any protection. Huge numbers of bikers died because they had limited or no protection at all.
But, as curious as any other biker, I tried it once too. IT IS DIFFERENT! IT'S BEAUTIFUL. I can really hear and enjoy in the sound of the engine, smell of the road. I wanted to say "I felt free!" but the phrase is already used to the boring level.
And then, one day I dropped the bike. Tiny rocks on the pavement, speed 5-10 mph, panic break and block of the front wheel, front wheel wasn't strait... And I was down. But, don't worry, I was fully geared. And, except very small road rush - no harm's done. My leather jacket got its first mark, small scratch on my helmet, short lasting pain in the left shoulder. On the bike only left peg changed it's shape. I didn't like them anyway. Now I have good reason to change them to something more cool.
But the first thought I had after I had get up was "Sheet! What would happen if I didn't have any protection?!?" According to scratches on my jacket, pants and helmet - it would be really nasty. Even after a childish, silly drop. Since that moment I kept my gear on all the time.
And then, again... The same bug started bugging me again. Riding without the protection gear. I really hate having heavy leather jacket on hot day. I would be all sweaty before I leave my garage. With the helmet I can't hear anything. Though, pictures of my drop still are keeping me geared.
I would like to hear a little bit from you about this. Both sides. Is it really worth risking a lot?
Thanks.