have you "gone down"
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 148
Likes: 6
From: Wilds of Oklahoma
RE: have you "gone down"
My observations are from 15 years of police work and 25 years of motorcycle riding. Patrol and traffic mainly. Yes I've seen helmets do some good in a few cases as far as heads hitting curbs (very rarely). But I've seen more neck injurys cause by the way the neck moves or does't with the helmet on it. Brain dead or paralyzed take your pick. Not to mention the hearing and side vision restricion while wearing them. Anyway it should be the riders choice, I choose not to. Anyway I'd think there would be way more "stuff in the water" in Oakland then we ever thought about having in it out here.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From:
RE: have you "gone down"
I went down about 2 months ago. came around a corner and some jerk in a huge truck was in my lane. Broke two ribs and messed up my shoulder. Could have been worse. My DOT helmet (1/2) saved my noggin and has a huge crack in it now. My leather jacket and gloves aborbed all the road rash and my riding boots saved my feet. I will not ride without jeans and boots. I am now looking for light leather for the spring time riding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: have you "gone down"
I had a fairly low speed fall down in 2003. Was not wearing a helmet and had on a sleeveless T-Shirt. I got some pretty good rash on the point of my shoulder and still have a scar, and I also broke 2 ribs. My head didn't hit anything.
In the summer I still ride with a sleeveless T-shirt and no helmet. By the same token, my wife rides with a helmet, gloves and a long sleeved shirt or jacket. It's all about choice as i see it.
Regards,
Bill
In the summer I still ride with a sleeveless T-shirt and no helmet. By the same token, my wife rides with a helmet, gloves and a long sleeved shirt or jacket. It's all about choice as i see it.
Regards,
Bill
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
RE: have you "gone down"
http://usff.com/hldl/report/3rdEditiona.html#R302
The above link has some interesting information and explaine how helmets can and do ofter cause more harm to the rider than they protect him from. I know all the folks that think it is their business to make everyone else wear a helmet will not believe a single word in the article. I personally cannot wear a helmet because of neck problems (unrelated to riding), but would not wear one even if I could.
The above link has some interesting information and explaine how helmets can and do ofter cause more harm to the rider than they protect him from. I know all the folks that think it is their business to make everyone else wear a helmet will not believe a single word in the article. I personally cannot wear a helmet because of neck problems (unrelated to riding), but would not wear one even if I could.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 1
From:
RE: have you "gone down"
I was riding with the HOG chapter and was about three bikes behind two guys that when down coming out of a curve. Both cracked their heads on the pavement hard, had on helmets and did not have any head injuries. One guy had on a nylon riding jacket with armor and had no road rash the other guy was in a tee shirt and got messed up bad, with plastic and glass shoved up under his skin. He also went over his windshild and cracked three ribs.
Several other accidents in the club in the last two years has made a believer out of me. The leather or armor will save months of surgery and skin grafts and the helmets will save your life. When you fall on the road its a natural for your head or hand to hit first.
I have never dumped my Harley. But I have dumped many, many motocross bikes. You don't see any motocross riders or road racers riding without helmets. There is a reason for that. Wear your gear folks.
I too don't like laws telling me what to do so if you want to ride without a helmet and in shorts its your choice. But seatbelts and airbags save many lives each year. Learn from the statistics before the injury, you will wear the equipment after your accident, I guarantee it.
Several other accidents in the club in the last two years has made a believer out of me. The leather or armor will save months of surgery and skin grafts and the helmets will save your life. When you fall on the road its a natural for your head or hand to hit first.
I have never dumped my Harley. But I have dumped many, many motocross bikes. You don't see any motocross riders or road racers riding without helmets. There is a reason for that. Wear your gear folks.
I too don't like laws telling me what to do so if you want to ride without a helmet and in shorts its your choice. But seatbelts and airbags save many lives each year. Learn from the statistics before the injury, you will wear the equipment after your accident, I guarantee it.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From:
RE: have you "gone down"
Riding in Boston and I am putting the bike in storage this weekend, so yes, I am already thinking about the spring!
ORIGINAL: petemac
Spring time riding? Are you in New Zealand or just like to plan ahead?
Spring time riding? Are you in New Zealand or just like to plan ahead?
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 180
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From:
RE: have you "gone down"
I got side wiped a few years back by an older lady pulling out of an intersection, didn't get too mush damage to me or the bike luckily, but I really don't wear all the protective gear that I should. If I could find some chaps for summer then I will, but I can't find any for a decent price.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,138
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From:
RE: have you "gone down"
Go to www.jafrum.com Great quality and great prices. I got the mens leather overpants for $68.00 and they are super heavy. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!
ORIGINAL: stcrider07
I got side wiped a few years back by an older lady pulling out of an intersection, didn't get too mush damage to me or the bike luckily, but I really don't wear all the protective gear that I should. If I could find some chaps for summer then I will, but I can't find any for a decent price.
I got side wiped a few years back by an older lady pulling out of an intersection, didn't get too mush damage to me or the bike luckily, but I really don't wear all the protective gear that I should. If I could find some chaps for summer then I will, but I can't find any for a decent price.