Is someone looking for a little timeout?

Totally different from what anyone has said above, so therefore, "maybe it is just me" but, if I go to slide into the saddle without a helmet, I start to get nervous, uncomfortable, and overly cautious. And certainly not relaxed.

When sliding into the saddle with a helmet on, my confidence level goes way up and I am as comfortable as can be.

I'll take the latter each time just from that point of view.

Strictly from that point of view. When riding, comfort is everything. Well, almost everything.

 

Then park the bike in a garage that has condensation caused by the dryer vent

 

And bike ownership and bike population has went up 500%

 

All the really cool kids wear helmets.

 

Somehow we made it without helmets for 80 years, seatbelts 100 years and survived. Now it's no longer a choice but a mandate. Go with your gut, I've been in quite a few crashes and 1 of those I'd say a helmet did me righteous, the others, not so much.
If you buy a helmet, get an extremely light one, it's easier on the neck. Half, 3/4 or full face, just make sure it's light and fits right or riding will become a real hassle.

 

I hear you mate.

Also, you know......when you get into the habit of donning a lid, putting gloves on, etc.... it becomes 2nd nature and u really don't think much about it. U just do it. Or so I find.

 

Of course, except for the people who didn't make it and didn't survive.

 

The bold part is the most important. There have been several studies that show a poorly fitting helmet negates the protective value of the helmet.

 

Truth. Fit is paramount, and I would say quality is second. A lot of people skimp and buy those shitty HD helmets or other "cheap" FF helmets, and then complain about how loud it is... or how uncomfortable it is... When it comes to FF helmets, you really do get what you pay for. I'm a big Shoei fan myself. My Neotec fits my head perfectly and I can do hours upon hours with it on my melon and feel great!

 

I've seen worse. Much worse.