I remember the good old days when cops would NEVER wear a bullet proof vest under their uniform because doing so meant you were NOT a man. The vests were uncomfortable, made you look fat, made you sweat and all kinds of other good reasons not to wear one. The made you run slower and restricted arm and shoulder movement in hand to gland engagements. Back in the day when I started agencies would buy a guy a vest only if he wore it ALL the time. Guys were up in arms saying once again their rights to choose were being taken away. Some in protest NEVER wore vests. Now days I don't think you'll find too many cops, even in hot climates who feel they are being infringed upon for wearing a bullet proof vest. How about condoms? Now there was a big debate. Lots of old timers said they would never wear a condom 'cause it ruins EVERYTHING. Nothing kills a mood quicker than having to stop and fumble with a condom. Same with the loss of feeling and sensation. and finally, their fathers and grandfathers and great grandfathers never used them and lived, so why should they? Maybe they fathered a bastard kid now and then, but what's that compared to the price of limiting ones manhood?

Did you ever surf those forums where folks talk about all the things REAL MEN do, like ultimate fighting. There are actually folks out there who post that the events should NOT have referees, and should be fought to the DEATH. What better way to experience total freedom from all control, governmental or otherwise. Moreover the position of the winner, or last survivor standing, cannot be challenged because ALL the competion has been killed. Now that would be the only way to have a clear winner in what would no doubt be a manly sport unemcumbered by rules and law where the entrant is free to make whatever choices or selections they want.

 

Helmet No Helmet

 

This is why I choose to wear a Full Face version even I don't want to.

 

These arguments, and the child seat argument, and bicycle helmet laws, are all about taking chances, but mostly it's some politician or group/lobby/organization deciding they are going to help those of us who refuse to cooperate with what they believe is good for us; even calling it "obvious" and "common sense".
There are no statistics proving a any kind of helmet or no helmet is better in avoiding a motorcycle crash, and like the child car seat, it doesn't matter if there were.
Some of us feel safer with different equipment, proven by experience over time.
The only thing that matters is there are enough riders not allowing the do gooders forcing helmets, or certain kinds of helmets, or other gear, on us just because they're scared for us. Let those who ride decide.
I rode for years without a helmet. I used a full face for a whole year, till I couldn't stand it any more. Couldn't sneeze, couldn't talk, wearing glasses was a pain. Good for you if you like it, or want to wear one cause you feel safer or can prove it works (of course it adds protection. My experience proved to me that it was a lot less safe in prevention. There are many experiences in many situations. I gave one in my first response.)
I hate having to wear a helmet for short rides. I don't want to hear about "more accidents happen close to home", or the stupid "donor" joke, or the non-rider "some just haven't had their accident yet".
This is the best interaction I've seen on this forum. I've been on here for 5 years, ever since I signed on to ask how good were Harley's these days because I finally had a chance to buy one. I'm on my second perfect Harley now.

 

I don't think that accident avoidance has ever been suggested as a reason to wear a helmet.

Ron

 

Same **** different day. Either you wear one or you don't. Not my or anyone elses place to tell you what to do.