|
|
Post by earlwb on Nov 21, 2013 22:10:08 GMT -5
I remember someone I knew who decided he didn't need to wear a helmet. A while later he put his foot down at a stop light and stepped in some oil and the foot slipped and he went over on the side and hit his head on the curb. he wound up in a coma with severe head injuries and when he was able to get out of the hospital, he got hit with a incredible hospital bill too. Now he can't work and the creditors are after him all the time. Even more sad is he has a wife and two kids too.
Some states require extra insurance for not wearing a helmet. If you don't have it the insurance companies use it against you should you get hospitalized, plus the state may send you a ticket for not wearing a helmet and having insurance for it as well.
But it is your choice to not wear a helmet, no one can make you, unless it is against the law in your state.
|
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on Nov 21, 2013 23:15:56 GMT -5
Paladin, I'm not one to say "You haven't gone down....YET." But I'm one that firmly believes that being prepared in case you DO happen to go down is worth it. No, not everyone has an accident. But it only takes once to maybe take off your skin and everything down to the bone.
And it's not even the "helmet will save my head but my body will take enough damage to kill me" thinking. It's the "I don't want any road rash, not on my arms, nor my hands, nor most especially anywhere on my head which includes my face".
Like I said, I went down going less than 10 mph in a roundabout. Without my helmet, I'd have some nasty serious scar along my jaw now. Instead my helmet got the paint scraped down to white, while my silly blonde brain didn't even get rattled. (well, not quite true--it did rattle me pretty good 'cause I had--and still have--no idea what slid out my back tire--might've been a leaf, might've been some sand I didn't see, I just know it wasn't me leaning over too far)
So yes, you ride your own way. It's your choice. But I will always get on the ATGATT soapbox and preach protection. I hate the thought of anyone not riding stupid getting hurt when it very well might've been prevented.
>'Kat
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Joined: Sept 11, 2013 23:04:09 GMT -5
|
Post by jdmsoldier on Nov 21, 2013 23:43:04 GMT -5
I did invest in a proper decent helmet. It cost me $199.99 + free sh, and couldn't find it cheaper anywhere else even on ebay. The helmet i have is a modular flip, and while it does have good airflow while riding, but at stops no, and flipping my visor down when the lights red only for 2 seconds then flip back up the visor is just irritating and but when I turn it to modular, it has so much more weight on my head and i can feel it in my neck.
I run at 35mph max speed on flat, and mostly going 30 at most times, have had something, probably a bug hit my shoulder once and it felt like someone threw a small pebble at me. Had a bug, and might have been a bee not sure hit my face shield once and it just ricochet right off.
I was thinking of getting one of those helmets that only cover the skull/ half helmet, thats the size and shape of a skull cap or beanie would be better. I know its not as safe, but that's one of the main reasons why i made this post. I know a lot of people ride with those and have seen them wear it.
Mine also has a irritating magnetic strap instead of most helmets have a plastic clip click and lock. The effing fabric around the magnet was held together with some type of glue. effing bell I thought they suppose to make their crap good. i still got it if i wanted to repair/sew, but the damn strap is so much harder to put on then a snap lock.
Actually I should have made this thread about half helmets, but i also felt like venting about my helmet and how It sucks to wear it sometimes.
|
|
|
|
Post by nulldevice on Nov 22, 2013 0:10:47 GMT -5
Check the fit of your helmet. It sounds like it doesn't fit you in size and / or maybe shape. This is something you really can't do mail order.
Big bucks do not guarantee good fit or superior protection. Your expensive helmet is doing you no good hanging in the garage.
Use a helmet. I have a friend and his wife who used to ride with a dew rag on their heads until he went down at low speed. There was insignificant damage to the scooter and no visible damage above his ankle, which has been destroyed, but he was in a coma for weeks. Two years later he still isn't quite right in the head. He and his wife use helmets now. Learn by their example.
|
|
|
|
Post by domindart on Nov 22, 2013 5:58:47 GMT -5
I ride with a helmet always, but have chosen the 3/4 helmet much more than the full face... just more comfortable I guess I can drink from my coffee while I ride with the 3/4  |
|
|
|
Post by richardthescooter1 on Nov 22, 2013 9:02:58 GMT -5
I always ride with my helmet, never know whats going to happen, I agree with Kat, I too had couple time I went down and was glad the helmet was there. There is too many careless drivers out there, they look at you and still pull out in front of you  |
|
|
|
Post by spandi on Nov 22, 2013 9:56:00 GMT -5
There are other options to going without a helmet, I found a nice one for $160 for that fits better than a $400 dollar Shoei (guess which one I use most?) We also may have something in common as far as riding hazards, and that is TOURISTS (second in danger only to deer.) Here in Palm Springs I can't tell you the number of times exasperated drivers have pulled unannounced tire squealing U-turns and other crazy stunts because they were lost and couldn't find their hotel. That's why even in a place that can hit 120+ in summer, I'm armored from head to toe. (sweat is way easier to wash off than blood)
|
|
|
|
Post by DaveC on Nov 22, 2013 10:44:59 GMT -5
I wear a Full Face Modular all the time. On the Goldwing, the Shadow and now my Trike.
Colour matched so I still look kool
Wearing a helmet saved my live, but not my leg.
better of the alternatives I guess.
Please, everyone, wear your helmet.
Even on a scooter, it only takes one GMC truck to try to kill ya.
|
|
|
|
Post by oldchopperguy on Nov 22, 2013 14:04:59 GMT -5
I remember someone I knew who decided he didn't need to wear a helmet. A while later he put his foot down at a stop light and stepped in some oil and the foot slipped and he went over on the side and hit his head on the curb. he wound up in a coma with severe head injuries and when he was able to get out of the hospital, he got hit with a incredible hospital bill too. Now he can't work and the creditors are after him all the time. Even more sad is he has a wife and two kids too. Some states require extra insurance for not wearing a helmet. If you don't have it the insurance companies use it against you should you get hospitalized, plus the state may send you a ticket for not wearing a helmet and having insurance for it as well. But it is your choice to not wear a helmet, no one can make you, unless it is against the law in your state. His foot slipped, he did a not-so-graceful face-plant and at the moment, we thought it was sort of funny... But he was killed.I've worn a helmet ever since.Personally, I absolutely hate the feel of a helmet, but I also absolutely hate paying for car insurance... But I still wear a helmet and still buy car insurance. The laws earlwb is speaking of are in force here in Texas. Other states are different. Regardless of the law though, you need to decide for yourself. My Wife's doctor rides a Harley bagger AND a Vespa 150. He absolutely will NOT wear a helmet. (Interesting attitude for a doctor!) He feels any high-speed accident will be fatal anyway... But here, we're talking about STANDING STILL and WALKING SPEED... And still being crippled and/or killed! It's up to you, but please DO think about it. Had earlwb's or my buddy been wearing a helmet, they would not have even been injured. Ride safe!Leo in Texas |
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 186
Likes: 37
Joined: Jun 13, 2013 15:39:09 GMT -5
|
Post by novaraptor on Nov 22, 2013 18:55:49 GMT -5
Once ObamaCare kicks in, nobody will even need a helmet. You can get fixed for free...JUST KIDDING!!! But seriously folks.. If a helmet isn't mandatory in your state, then it absolutly is your choice. I have large bike riders that immediatly take off the helmet when they cross the state line. Their choice. Me, I'm comfy inside my helmet. (Bilt Modular with stereo speakers, drop down sun visor- in summertime, I remove the front piece). but thats me. On smaller scooters, one advantage is that you get much less police attention. Appearance is everything, and if you look like a safe rider, then the hassle factor decreases a lot.
If you have some friends with helmets, try exchanging with them for awhile. It might really be that the helmet you have just doesn't really fit you very well. My modular is rather heavy when held, but when worn, balances out quite well, and keeps the bugs out of my teeth and eyes. I don't have to worry about helmet hair...anymore. Oh, and if you like the free feeling that riding helmetless gives you, try naked scuba diving..Wonderful!
|
|
|
|
Post by Paladin on Nov 22, 2013 20:29:58 GMT -5
... I will always get on the ATGATT soapbox and preach protection. I hate the thought of anyone not riding stupid getting hurt when it very well might've been prevented.... I hate the thought of anyone riding stupid and getting hurt because they felt they were protected. Knowing that you are not protected helps stopping you from riding stupid. But it is not as much fun. The thread is Subject: Am now always tempted to ride without helmet. Riding sans helmet, for some people, is far more comfortable than wearing a couple of pounds on your head. |
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on Nov 23, 2013 0:19:08 GMT -5
I hate the thought of anyone riding stupid and getting hurt because they felt they were protected. Knowing that you are not protected helps stopping you from riding stupid. But it is not as much fun. I've a feeling that the ones I've seen riding stupid aren't doing so 'cause they feel protected by their helmets. They're riding stupid 'cause, well, probably 'cause they're stupid. Riding wheelies down I-35, popping in and out of lanes without looking for cars right there, going so fast you're already at the horizon seconds after passing me.... Yeah, I don't think any of those idiots are thinking about helmets protecting them. Meanwhile, I've seen similar behaviours from fella's not wearing much of anything, either. Muscle shirt, shorts, flip-flops (or some kind of sandal). Maybe shades. Seems like them knowing they're not protected didn't stop them cutting around through rush-hour traffic like the rest of us can stop instantly. I guess it's probably 'cause I'm a girl. And I have all these emotions. Yes, even for you guys I've never met. I care about people. So mock me. And I don't like folks getting hurt when they weren't doing anything excessive, when that hurt could've/might've/should've been avoided. So here's an idea--you don't want to wear protection, that's fine. Like I keep saying, that's your choice. But please, if God-forbid you're ever in ANY sort of accident (yes, even a minor low-speed fall), please please don't come posting about your road rash and scabs and whatever. I've enough pain in my life, I don't need avoidable pain added to it. Deal? >'Kat |
|
|
|
Post by skuttadawg on Nov 23, 2013 1:50:09 GMT -5
I am guilty of riding with out a helmet in the summer and when I am not riding on a highway . I do feel so much safer with FF helmet , steel toe boots , leather gloves and bomber jacket on . I wiped out when I was 17 and my FF helmet saved my face when I slid across the road at 60+ MPH . Many newer helmet have more than one vent which does help a lot compared to non vented type . I have looked in to getting a skateboard helmet for summer use since it has many large vents and they are tough . I have seen a few with a foam bicycle helmet but these offer no protection .
In the rain and in the winter time a FF helmet keeps you safer , easier to see and helps you stay warmer than without .
Sounds like your helmet is too small . My GMax Platinum fits like it is tailored for my head .
A helmet is cheaper than a new face or head .
I love to have on the dark face shield so cagers can not see my face and I feel like a Storm Trooper LOL
|
|
|
|
Post by prodigit on Nov 23, 2013 3:44:43 GMT -5
I usually feel naked without: Shoes, Gloves, Long sleeves, Long trousers. On my scooters I never put a helmet on. Especially on the 50cc, as I find it safer to ride without helmet (much better to hear traffic around me); wind noise is low at speeds below 40-60MPH anyway, and the sweat and heat trapped in a helmet on a hot S-Florida day is unbearable, and the cause of itching. On my big motorcycle I do, because it's much easier to get your head hurt, when your legs get stuck between the bike and the ground in a fall. At speeds over 60MPH your hearing could get damaged from the wind noise. Though on my 127cc motorcycle I mostly go without helmet as well, as most of my commuting on that bike is below 45MPH, with an occasional 50-55MPH stretch. I'm at the end of my scooting journey. Right now I'm waiting for a 200cc, light weight motorcycle, round about 350LBS. That bike will be my commuting bike, whenever it arrives; and I probably will get rid of my scooters. My 50cc ATM50 is a scrap heap. My 150cc EVO is not giving me the gas mileage I want, only 66MPG, I had expected  + MPG out of it; so I'm gonna see if I can tune it somewhat; but by the time it breaks, it'll be ok to retire the bike. I'm totally in for an Elio mobile! |
|
|
|
Post by prodigit on Nov 23, 2013 3:50:12 GMT -5
I was walking down the street one day, also without helmet, and fire proof vest, and it turned out in my disadvantage. Some bird, flying high in the stratosphere, shitted a droplet through the atmosphere, and as it was entering the atmosphere it accelerated in speed, caught fire, and hardened, and fell on my head. Immediately I knew my life was ruined! Oh, if I had only wore a helmet that day, and a fireproof vest, I would not have to care about bird droppings falling from outer space, hitting my head, catching my clothes on fire! Now I make sure. This is how I do my daily walk in the park:  It's radioactive proof as well! |
|
+ MPG out of it; so I'm gonna see if I can tune it somewhat; but by the time it breaks, it'll be ok to retire the bike.
