First, let me say that I don't believe in mandatory helmet laws.

That being said, there's no doubt you're much more likely to survive an accident, and with fewer injuries if you do wear one. Better yet, wearing a helmet in conjunction with the proper riding apparel(armored jacket and pants, gloves and boots) and you increase your odds of survival even more. With respect, anyone who says otherwise is either misinformed or in denial.

I have been in one accident in over 35 years of riding. It was a year and a half ago. I was riding my Triumph Speed Triple and I was stopped at a traffic light in the left turn only lane. I was checking my "six" to make sure when a car pulled up behind me at the light he was going to stop in time.

Well, I didn't realize I had to worry about the car already stopped in front of me! The driver suddenly decided she wanted to go straight, instead of left, and backed up into me in order to move over to the adjacent lane. I went straight down, my head hitting the pavement hard! I was just able to move my legs before the bike landed on them.

Fortunately, I was wearing a helmet and full riding gear. I didn't even have as much as a bruise. I'm certain, if I wasn't wearing proper gear, that my head, in particular, would have sustained injury. How severe? I don't know, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out.

But, this is just the start of the story. The driver of the car was with her teenage daughter. When she got out of her car she was VERY distraught. So much so, in fact, I had to pull her away from possibly being hit by oncoming traffic. Frankly, I was glad she was upset, but I assured her I wasn't hurt and that's why I wear my gear. She mentioned how her husband rode and she always looks for motorcyclists.

After she was cited by the police she asked whether I would let her pay me directly for the damages and I agreed. I told her I would get estimates and call her. I did inform her a new helmet would be part of the estimate, because they are good for one crash only.

When I got my estimate together I gave her a call. Without hesitation, she agreed to the amount and sent me a check right away.

While we were on the phone I asked about her husband and if he still rode. She then informed me he was killed in a motorcycle crash a couple of years earlier. I felt horrible. Now I knew why she and her daughter were so upset at the time of my accident. And here I was, going on about "that's why I wear my gear" and "I'm not hurt at all".

Maybe her husband didn't wear a helmet or gear; I don't know. But, if he didn't, my escaping injury and going on about why Iwear properriding gearmust have caused them some pain, however unintentional.

She was a nice lady who made a mistake, which fortunately caused no injury, and only minor damage to my bike and gear. Who among us hasn't. I hope she and her daughter are doing well.

glazgowboy

 

Well done on the kid and for thinking responsibly.
Every time I leave my son to ride I always give him a second hug and kiss. Just silly in some ways, but it has slowed me down x 10.
I was using a full face for a sport bike after having a HD and found the safety factor cost valuable vision and had some really close calls.
All I can say is everyone else on the road is an idiot and the same road i was on 2 minutes ago, is a new one when I visit it again...
Enjoy fatherhood, it's a blessing you'll enjoy... (It'll start to make sense when he's about sxi months old)

 

Congrats on the boy! I've always worn an HD Spoiler 1/2 helmet, but lately I've been wearing a matte black HJC FS-10 full face. It's the new one with the retractable sunshield. I also ride a ZX-10R so I guess I'm just getting used to a full face. Actually I like it better.

 

I wear a shoei full face that the front flips up to an open face if your stuck in traffic or talking to someone. It's about $450 bucks but cheap insurance.

I was lucky to be wearing it last June 07 when some clown on his cell phone made a left in front of me and took me out. Had I been wearing my DOT half helmet, the right side of my face would be hamburger.

The accident was 1/4 mile from home. That's what scares me the most. MANY times just riding around town on errands I'd wear the half helmet. Long road trips I'd wear the full face which is what I had set out to do the day of the accident.

As much as I liked the open breeze on my face, I really like that my face is still there.


2005 nightrain
Carbed.
Stage I (Arlen Ness' K&N style oiled air filter)
Arlen Ness forward control extension kit.
V&H Straight shots
Radiant Side mount license plate light with LED cats-eye (discontinued)
Kuryakyn LED side rear marker/ turn lights
HD Diamond Back solo seat

 

Go try them on if you never worn 1 before there gonna feel funny and hard to see

 

I ride with a Shoei X-11. It is their top of the line, most expensive full face model. I chose it because of fit and the fact that it flows a little more air as I live in the humid and hot southeast. It is uncomfortable at times in the summer. It does not fit the traditional look of a harley rider. It is difficult to communicate with my friends while riding in a group and wearing this helmet. It saved my hide ten days ago.
I went down and flew threw the air about twenty feet. I landed prone, face down. The helmet vents are full of dirt and debris. It left a nice imprint on my chin and and forehead. No other damage to the face area, and you folks know how expensive dental work is. I would rather spend money on the bike than my teeth.
As I am writing this I am recovering from surgery to reattach a dislocatedshoulder. I will always wear a full face helmet no matter how hot , inconvenient, expensive, or dorky looking they are. I wear Alpinestars boots for the same reasons I wear a full face helmet-great protection.I will also continue to wear jackets with armor, jeans with kevlar reinforced areas, good gloves and good quality chaps. I hope my experiences can help save someone else's skin one day.

 

I've got both a Shoei RF1000 and the HD modular helmet (that is really an HJC). I got the modular for longer trips so that I could flip up the face when taking a break without having to remove the whole helmet.

I will say that the Shoei is more comfortable than the HJC helmet (the liner is a softer material and the fit is just better). However, as I mentioned, the modular design of the HJC is more convenient. This is also a silly little issue, but the face shield on the Shoei is a bit more solid, and I find it easier to move up and down. In cold weather I like to flip it up a crack at lights to keep it from fogging up, and I've found the solid shield on the Shoei is a lot easier to flip up than the HJC.

 

Went down on New Years day on some black ice. Had on a HD full face made by HJC. Did a lot of rolling and sliding and saw lots of sparks. Wound up with a broken hand and very sore ribs. My head was fine though. Lots of 'road rash' on the helmet/visor. Really don't want to think about what my face would have looked line. I mean, it ain't great to start with! I replaced in with a new ICON SSR only because it fitted me a little better. Lot of good brands out there, just get what's comfy. Thin abou ease of cleaning the pads. ventilation etc. Remember that most all 'flip ups' don't provide any protection in the chin area, it's just cosmetic and I think most will say that somewhere. In you want some in-depth info look at this article.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html

After reading it, I suggest you put on your helmet and beat your head against the wall.

 

+1

Shoei RF-1000, I have a few of them, one black which ill use for hard riding on the hog.

Arai doesnt fit my head coreectly. I also like Suomy.

Never tried anything else.

 

First, Congratulations on the new baby!

I bought a Shoei RF-1000 last year on ebay and really like it. If you go that route (ebay) be sure you know your right size because many won't let you return a helmet. I shopped and found the right size and watched ebay for a couple of weeks until I found a price I was happy with...saved about $75.