Last edit by: IB Advertising
Considering whether or not to wear a full face helmet? There is a lot of different variations from full face to no helmet. Choose the Proper Protective Equipment (PPE) that makes you feel comfortable. Some factors to consider:
Read the full discussion below to find out what forum members are wearing.
Read the full discussion below to find out what forum members are wearing.
Real Harley owners dont wear full face helmets?
#871
Sup guys. I recently bought a '10 Iron 883 and have put about 250 miles on this summer. Its my first bike and my first time ever on a motorcycle. I took all my safety classes and got my license so Ive been taking the necessary steps to become a responsible owner. Ive done a few mods, including drag bars, new seat, pegs etc. The bike looks wicked and people can't believe its a harley and I get tons of compliments.
I wear an Icon SSR full face helmet thats flat black to match the bike. Someone told me today "real harley owners dont wear full face helmets". Im new to the whole culture but I understand it. Ive seen guys wearing vanity helmets that are not DOT approved and they do look cool but I dont want to risk my safety. I already feel weird enough driving without my leather jacket, but its been a constant 90 degrees and humid and I just cant do it.
So my question is, do I look douchey riding around with a full face helmet and gloves and nothing else? Am I the butt of all jokes when other motorcycle guys drive by?
I wear an Icon SSR full face helmet thats flat black to match the bike. Someone told me today "real harley owners dont wear full face helmets". Im new to the whole culture but I understand it. Ive seen guys wearing vanity helmets that are not DOT approved and they do look cool but I dont want to risk my safety. I already feel weird enough driving without my leather jacket, but its been a constant 90 degrees and humid and I just cant do it.
So my question is, do I look douchey riding around with a full face helmet and gloves and nothing else? Am I the butt of all jokes when other motorcycle guys drive by?
#874
#875
As it is there are some "Instant Bikers" but at the same time today you have lots of riders who, while not a part of the traditional culture that went with the bike at one time, are out there riding the wheels off their bikes. Those folks look like "real Harley riders to me." Ultimately, what makes you a "real Harley rider" is your commitment to riding -- not what you wear.
#876
This is maybe a weird anecdote or maybe even paranoia, LOL, and it's maybe a bit off topic too.
I've been reading this helmet thread since the beginning with interest. I have little recent experience with other riders since I moved here twelve years ago. (I'm usually riding alone; it's chilly, foggy and rainy a lot of the time and I like the back roads.) Also I don't visit the dealer very much (almost never) so I haven't been personally aware of the helmet "cults".
I hadn't noticed this until I started following this thread. But lately, it seems to me that there are quite a few Harley riders that don't acknowledge a friendly wave as they pass by when I'm on the highway. OK, so what does have to do with helmets ?
I wear a full-face helmet, leather jacket, boots and so forth ... to put this post in the context of the initial thread.
For the last two weeks it's been warm and there are a lot of touring/cruising bikes passing through, both single and two-up. I've noted that most of the guys that ignore my wave are the ones wearing 3/4 helmets (a few with 1/2 helmets) and almost none with full-face helmets unless they are obviously preoccupied.
Anyone else notice this with cruisers and touring riders; is this just more disdain for safety-conscious riders like me ? Solo riders on choppers and Sportys, regardless of helmet, mostly seem to respond ...
Cheers -
PS: Or maybe these are just old, oblivious, brain-dead guys (like me, LOL). But I WILL wave at anyone, half-helmet or no helmet
I've been reading this helmet thread since the beginning with interest. I have little recent experience with other riders since I moved here twelve years ago. (I'm usually riding alone; it's chilly, foggy and rainy a lot of the time and I like the back roads.) Also I don't visit the dealer very much (almost never) so I haven't been personally aware of the helmet "cults".
I hadn't noticed this until I started following this thread. But lately, it seems to me that there are quite a few Harley riders that don't acknowledge a friendly wave as they pass by when I'm on the highway. OK, so what does have to do with helmets ?
I wear a full-face helmet, leather jacket, boots and so forth ... to put this post in the context of the initial thread.
For the last two weeks it's been warm and there are a lot of touring/cruising bikes passing through, both single and two-up. I've noted that most of the guys that ignore my wave are the ones wearing 3/4 helmets (a few with 1/2 helmets) and almost none with full-face helmets unless they are obviously preoccupied.
Anyone else notice this with cruisers and touring riders; is this just more disdain for safety-conscious riders like me ? Solo riders on choppers and Sportys, regardless of helmet, mostly seem to respond ...
Cheers -
PS: Or maybe these are just old, oblivious, brain-dead guys (like me, LOL). But I WILL wave at anyone, half-helmet or no helmet
Last edited by oh_yeah; 07-09-2013 at 10:17 PM. Reason: edited to add PS
#877
Hopefully you don't have the "Who is and who is not a real Harley rider thing going on in Norway." As Harley's have become more and more popular in the U.S. there has been a lot of friction between the more traditional riders associated with the brand and the folks who buy a $20,000.00 Harley, a leather jacket and a $15.00 helmet and overnight become "Instant Bikers."
As it is there are some "Instant Bikers" but at the same time today you have lots of riders who, while not a part of the traditional culture that went with the bike at one time, are out there riding the wheels off their bikes. Those folks look like "real Harley riders to me." Ultimately, what makes you a "real Harley rider" is your commitment to riding -- not what you wear.
As it is there are some "Instant Bikers" but at the same time today you have lots of riders who, while not a part of the traditional culture that went with the bike at one time, are out there riding the wheels off their bikes. Those folks look like "real Harley riders to me." Ultimately, what makes you a "real Harley rider" is your commitment to riding -- not what you wear.
#878
I think too, with the many new riders taking the MSF/BRC/Riders Edge courses over the last 10-15 years or so, these classes have made a huge impact of riding with helmets and protective gear. These classes teach wearing helmets, etc.
So I see a lot of people now with full face helmets in the summer and wearing mesh jackets riding Harleys now. I think the attitude has shifted a bit towards helmets and you will see more people wearing them in large part because of these classes.
So I see a lot of people now with full face helmets in the summer and wearing mesh jackets riding Harleys now. I think the attitude has shifted a bit towards helmets and you will see more people wearing them in large part because of these classes.
#879
I think too, with the many new riders taking the MSF/BRC/Riders Edge courses over the last 10-15 years or so, these classes have made a huge impact of riding with helmets and protective gear. These classes teach wearing helmets, etc.
So I see a lot of people now with full face helmets in the summer and wearing mesh jackets riding Harleys now. I think the attitude has shifted a bit towards helmets and you will see more people wearing them in large part because of these classes.
So I see a lot of people now with full face helmets in the summer and wearing mesh jackets riding Harleys now. I think the attitude has shifted a bit towards helmets and you will see more people wearing them in large part because of these classes.
I actually wanted a half helmet but I can only think of one time the FF bothered me, it was 108 degrees and the wind was blowing all the heat from the engine right to me. I can think of several times I'm glad I had the FF helmet in the short time I have been riding.
The real Harley thing, whatever. Some guys wave some dont. If I had to compare the sport bike riders wave more than the Harley guys around here.