But the issue with skills is that you can't plan for the idiot who runs a light or just pulls out in front of you giving you NO time. Our safety instructor for our chapter (25 years a motor cop) went down a few weeks ago...the only thing saving him was his riding gear.

It's all personal choice, I feel naked if I don't ride with my gear on.
JM2C

 

Riding is about individuality, freedom, and choice. Wear what you want, and f*ck anyone who thinks less of you. I wear a full face helmet most of the time.

 

+1 here.

Though I have to say that I know some people that are rather, uhm...****, about safety. My sister won't ride 3 miles to the store without putting on the full regalia (leather jacket, chaps, gloves, boots, FF helmet) even if it's 90 degrees out. I have no problem with wearing a t-shirt jeans and tennis shoes for that. But I do wear my FF and gloves. The FF is not just for safety, but comfort. I have a 1/2, but whenever I ride with it two things happen. One, the thing is always trying to pull off my head. And two, I invariably get hit in the face by something large and painful (dragonfly, bees, rocks, etc.). I do always wear gloves, just cuz it's natural when you fall to try to brace yourself with your hands. So, for me, it's just a precaution.

To each, their own, I'll wave at anyone on a bike. Even a Vespa.

 

A. Don't worry about what some DB says.

B. I think you'll find that most of the guys on the forum have a full face. I own one as well. I usually only wear it when I'm on the highway on longer rides-around town I wear my halfsie or none at all. But do what your comfortable with.

 

I went on a 100 mile ride on Tuesday through back roads - I got hit so many times by the biggest flying everything out there I only wish I had a FF.

 

+1 the freakin bugs are nasty here in idaho...gnats fly in thick cloud formations around here!

 

I work in a level 1 trauma hospital. Ive seen a lot of head injeries. A full face dot approved helmet is the best to wear. Wear what you want and dont worry about other opions. Nobody is looking at your helmet. Do you really look at some rider and think he is an idiot for wearing any type of helmet?
Having said this, I rarely wear mine.

 

When I bought my Harley, I felt that a full face helmet wouldnt look right, even though coming from sportsbikes thats what I was used to. I now usually ride with a 3/4 Helmet with face shield, not as protective as full face, but at least it keep the wind and bugs off my face. Ever since hitting a low flying bird I would not ride without a full visor ever.

If I'm taking a ride down the motorway (an English Highway), then its full face and earlplugs. Riding a Harley at 80mph for a few hours is enough to deafen anyone.

 

I wear full face helmet when it's below 45 degress.

 

Wear what you want, and hey ride what you want, riding bikes is the best thing in the world for your soul, I prefer an open face, but have a open face with fixed visor for days it looks like rain, and a full face for days that is lashing down and freezin in the winter.