Helmets are compulsory here in Australia so it's never been an issue for me. I recently switched from a full face helmet to an open face. I reckon it's so much better - even just to breathe the sea air around here while riding, and even with the goggles, earplugs, and mask on a cold morning! Having said that, I just got back from a highway run, into a headwind. Literally had to hold my helmet on! Was rather stressful. Still love the open face helmet though.

Stew, as for the other gear, I always 'suit up' as tempting as it is to wear a t-shirt in the summer. All it took was for me to watch a few videos on YouTube of guys coming off at slow speed to see what road rash looks like, even after a minor fall - no thanks!

I generally wear a padded jacket, Kevlar jeans, gloves, and a pair of workboots. I also recently bought a quality Dririder jacket for winter, after got caught in a storm on a four hour ride a few weeks back. The wind chill factor through a wet jacket was unbearable.

If you have to convince another rider why he should wear a helmet you are wasting your breath.

Kenny G

A DOT approved helmet is one that passes a test to withstand an impact at 15 mph. Will it protect you in a high speed crash ? I doubt it. Much would depend on what and how and if your head hits a solid object.That being said I've always worn a helmet and won't get on a bike without one, I have had a few times were my bikes have gone down at slower speeds(turning a corner in the dark and hitting loose gravel) and had my head contact the pavement rather hard and suddenly,and was more than happy that I could pickup my bike and continue on my way without major injury. no one should ride without protecting ,at least their major organs, most of which are in your torso ,except the most important,your brain.Road rash on your arms and legs is nasty and painful but generally won't kill you.

That is so wrong , they didn't even poke any holes in it !

They thought, he might get a bug in his eye ... better safe than sorry!

Maybe the numbers look good for those without helmets because they're driving slower and more careful ,knowing that they have a better chance of death if they do have an accident, I know I would.

Gloves, welders shirt, chaps, and helmet.
I have three healed up cracks in vertebrae. A helmet would have been fatal.
I totaled a bike, broke the end off the case, bent the crankshaft on a curb. No helmet, never bumped my head, four days in hospital from the hematoma where I broke the handlebars.
The healed cracked vertebrae were found by the MRI after I bent the cab corner of a small pickup with what Would have been my face had I not been wearing the HJC modular. I hit hard enough to fold the chin protection in enough to split the upper lip for a few stitches and the strap shoved in on my throat hard enough to make swallowing hard for weeks.
So, in the off chance that you land on your shoulder and side of the head, a helmet could be the end of you. Otherwise, I think it's your friend.
Could it get hung up on Something and kill you? Possibly. But, with the experience I have and everything taken into consideration, I want full coverage.
Studies have shown that the face is a high percentage point of contact in a crash. It's not as cool or cool Looking to be dressed for the slide instead of the ride, I know,, and maybe I'll get some genuine riding pants I can wear shorts under, so I can strip them off and go fishing in comfort.