Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
Old Mar 16, 2015, 06:30 PM
How-Tos on this Topic
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.
          Print Wikipost

          Real Harley owners dont wear full face helmets?

          Thread Tools
           
          Search this Thread
           
          Old Apr 19, 2013 | 01:27 PM
            #751  
          mattyj724's Avatar
          mattyj724
          Advanced
          Joined: Apr 2013
          Posts: 62
          Likes: 0
          From: sumter
          Default

          i ride with a half helmet during the summer and a full face during the winter.. always wear light clothing and boots and pants. Have to bc of the military.

          Real harley riders ride Harleys. thats it
           
          Reply
          Old Apr 19, 2013 | 07:33 PM
            #752  
          vtlkmonster's Avatar
          vtlkmonster
          Advanced
          Joined: Mar 2013
          Posts: 91
          Likes: 0
          From: Vermont
          Default

          I have a full face Arai, I have a big odd shaped head and it is by far the most comfortable. My only goal when I ride is to get back home to my family, I figured a full face helmet gives me better odds!
           
          Reply
          Old Apr 20, 2013 | 08:13 AM
            #753  
          Wildon883R's Avatar
          Wildon883R
          Road Warrior
          Joined: Jun 2010
          Posts: 1,882
          Likes: 83
          Default

          Ohio doesn't require folks to wear a helmet and very few do. If you look at the number of motor vehicle vs motorcycle fatalities annually the cagers lose a lot more lives than bikes partly by sheer numbers. Most motorcycle fatalities in general are caused by 1.) alcohol and 2.) excessive speed two factors in complete control of the rider. Take them out and you reduce your crash rate substantially. All riders need to read The Hurt Report

          Gonna posts some facts.

          During the 10-year time-period from 1997 through 2006, 13,883 motorcycle riders were fatally injured in single-vehicle fatal motorcycle crashes, with 51 percent of these riders being helmeted, 46 percent unhelmeted, and 3 percent with unknown helmet use

          What does that tell you?

          In two-vehicle crashes between a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, 11,573 motorcycle riders were fatally injured, with 59 percent helmeted, 38 percent unhelmeted, and 3 percent with unknown helmet use.

          Full Report Here

          This tells you the same thing in that fatal motorcycle crashes helmets are really no advantage. With that being said I own a FF, 3/4 Bell Custom 500 and a Scorpion EXO-100 half which I never wear because wind noise is horrible. 3/4 year round except very cold months.

          I always wear helmet, jeans, lace up 9" steel toed logger boots, leather gloves and a leather jacket when I ride. Then you see somebody in a FF helmet with Shorts and Tennis shoes or less.

          My point is you can't take what a few misfortunate riders have posted here and use it as a basis when you make your decision to wear or not. The most important piece of safety gear is between your ears. I've wrecked motorcycles before but I know why I did. Alcohol which is involved in over 50% of ALL motorcycle crashes caused one of my wrecks, the other two were because I was being stupid and reckless. Most importantly is trust nobody at any intersection. I always slow when I see approaching vehicles from the side or front and watch the tail at stops.

          Lifes short, enjoy it and don't fret on when its gonna end or how its gonna end. Ride Safe!!!
           
          Reply
          Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:14 AM
            #754  
          BMCsteve's Avatar
          BMCsteve
          Road Master
          10 Year Member
          Photogenic
          Liked
          Loved
          Joined: Jul 2012
          Posts: 1,221
          Likes: 23
          From: East Bay, CA
          Default

          Originally Posted by Wildon883R
          Ohio doesn't require folks to wear a helmet and very few do. If you look at the number of motor vehicle vs motorcycle fatalities annually the cagers lose a lot more lives than bikes partly by sheer numbers. Most motorcycle fatalities in general are caused by 1.) alcohol and 2.) excessive speed two factors in complete control of the rider. Take them out and you reduce your crash rate substantially. All riders need to read The Hurt Report

          Gonna posts some facts.

          During the 10-year time-period from 1997 through 2006, 13,883 motorcycle riders were fatally injured in single-vehicle fatal motorcycle crashes, with 51 percent of these riders being helmeted, 46 percent unhelmeted, and 3 percent with unknown helmet use

          What does that tell you?

          In two-vehicle crashes between a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, 11,573 motorcycle riders were fatally injured, with 59 percent helmeted, 38 percent unhelmeted, and 3 percent with unknown helmet use.

          Full Report Here

          This tells you the same thing in that fatal motorcycle crashes helmets are really no advantage. With that being said I own a FF, 3/4 Bell Custom 500 and a Scorpion EXO-100 half which I never wear because wind noise is horrible. 3/4 year round except very cold months.

          I always wear helmet, jeans, lace up 9" steel toed logger boots, leather gloves and a leather jacket when I ride. Then you see somebody in a FF helmet with Shorts and Tennis shoes or less.

          My point is you can't take what a few misfortunate riders have posted here and use it as a basis when you make your decision to wear or not. The most important piece of safety gear is between your ears. I've wrecked motorcycles before but I know why I did. Alcohol which is involved in over 50% of ALL motorcycle crashes caused one of my wrecks, the other two were because I was being stupid and reckless. Most importantly is trust nobody at any intersection. I always slow when I see approaching vehicles from the side or front and watch the tail at stops.

          Lifes short, enjoy it and don't fret on when its gonna end or how its gonna end. Ride Safe!!!

          Those stats are complete BS. There is a MUCH higher percentage of riders that wear helmets so of course there will be more fatalities for helmeted riders.

          I'd also like to see the percentage of riders needing facial reconstructive surgery after an accident between full face and open face
           
          Reply
          Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:18 AM
            #755  
          BMCsteve's Avatar
          BMCsteve
          Road Master
          10 Year Member
          Photogenic
          Liked
          Loved
          Joined: Jul 2012
          Posts: 1,221
          Likes: 23
          From: East Bay, CA
          Default

          Here are some real facts http://www.cdc.gov/Mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6123a1.htm

          Also shows that helmet laws save $3 billion in deaths and injuries.
           
          Reply
          Old Apr 20, 2013 | 06:54 PM
            #756  
          rjg883c's Avatar
          rjg883c
          Seasoned HDF Member
          20 Year Member
          Liked
          Loved
          Community Favorite
          Joined: Feb 2006
          Posts: 5,349
          Likes: 647
          From: Vegas, baby!
          Default

          Originally Posted by BMCsteve
          Those stats are complete BS. There is a MUCH higher percentage of riders that wear helmets so of course there will be more fatalities for helmeted riders.

          I'd also like to see the percentage of riders needing facial reconstructive surgery after an accident between full face and open face
          IMO there are other numbers we will never know, because nobody knows.

          How many riders crash and their heads bounce on the ground, a curb, cage bumper, etc. and the rider is able to get up and ride away because a helmet protected their head from serious injury?

          How many riders aren't killed in accidents but because they weren't wearing helmets they received head injuries that resulted 'lives' that were much less productive then otherwise would have been possible.

          Ron
           
          Reply
          Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:17 PM
            #757  
          Wildon883R's Avatar
          Wildon883R
          Road Warrior
          Joined: Jun 2010
          Posts: 1,882
          Likes: 83
          Default

          Originally Posted by BMCsteve
          Those stats are complete BS. There is a MUCH higher percentage of riders that wear helmets so of course there will be more fatalities for helmeted riders.

          I'd also like to see the percentage of riders needing facial reconstructive surgery after an accident between full face and open face
          The facts are the facts. I don't know EVERY state law on helmet use. Virtually nobody wear's helmets in states that don't require them regretfully. If you haven't noticed I've always worn a helmet in my posts. I'm not anti helmet. I am anti BS when the helmet agenda trys to say that helmets are a major survival factor in fatal crashes because they are not. Those stats you call BS are fact although a couple years old they reflect accurate data.

          Want a reality check? 5 snowboarders in Colorado perished today in an Avalanche. I'm sure they had all the required safety gear on when they lost there lives. If you think you have a better change of surviving a crash wearing a FF then I do wearing a 3/4 your sadly mistaken. In fact your survival rate vs a helmetless rider is roughly a measley 30 percent. Ride Safe.
           
          Reply
          Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:29 PM
            #758  
          Wildon883R's Avatar
          Wildon883R
          Road Warrior
          Joined: Jun 2010
          Posts: 1,882
          Likes: 83
          Default

          Originally Posted by rjg883c
          IMO there are other numbers we will never know, because nobody knows.

          How many riders crash and their heads bounce on the ground, a curb, cage bumper, etc. and the rider is able to get up and ride away because a helmet protected their head from serious injury?

          How many riders aren't killed in accidents but because they weren't wearing helmets they received head injuries that resulted 'lives' that were much less productive then otherwise would have been possible.

          Ron
          Most fatalities are under 35mph less that 5 miles from home. Over 50 percent of motorcycle fatalities involve alcohol... Helmets save lives just like seatbelts do under the right circumstances. Dale Earnhardt died of a broken neck caused by bad luck. He had a 5 point harness and a helmet incased in a cage. I was hit by a car when I was 15.

          The car was travelling at 45mph. Eye witnesses said I fell 12 feet after the impact landing on my head with no major injuries other than it knocked me out and left a bruise on my hip. I could of as easily been done in. People need to realize that helmets only offer minimal protection. Many bicyclist with half shells hit the pavement at over 35 mph on downhill's. I find half shells short of worthless but bicycle riders wear them.

          Bottom line? Wearing a helmet is safer that not but you'd be a fool if you believe a helmet is going to save you on a bad day at any speed.
           
          Reply
          HD Forum Stories

          The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

          story-0

          7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

           Verdad Gallardo
          story-1

          8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

           Pouria Savadkouei
          story-2

          10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

           Pouria Savadkouei
          story-3

          Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

           Verdad Gallardo
          story-4

          Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

           Verdad Gallardo
          story-5

          Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

           Verdad Gallardo
          story-6

          Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

           Verdad Gallardo
          story-7

          10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

           Joe Kucinski
          story-8

          10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

           Verdad Gallardo
          story-9

          Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

           Verdad Gallardo
          Old Apr 20, 2013 | 10:27 PM
            #759  
          rjg883c's Avatar
          rjg883c
          Seasoned HDF Member
          20 Year Member
          Liked
          Loved
          Community Favorite
          Joined: Feb 2006
          Posts: 5,349
          Likes: 647
          From: Vegas, baby!
          Default

          Originally Posted by Wildon883R
          Most fatalities are under 35mph less that 5 miles from home. Over 50 percent of motorcycle fatalities involve alcohol... Helmets save lives just like seatbelts do under the right circumstances. Dale Earnhardt died of a broken neck caused by bad luck. He had a 5 point harness and a helmet incased in a cage. I was hit by a car when I was 15.

          The car was travelling at 45mph. Eye witnesses said I fell 12 feet after the impact landing on my head with no major injuries other than it knocked me out and left a bruise on my hip. I could of as easily been done in. People need to realize that helmets only offer minimal protection. Many bicyclist with half shells hit the pavement at over 35 mph on downhill's. I find half shells short of worthless but bicycle riders wear them.

          Bottom line? Wearing a helmet is safer that not but you'd be a fool if you believe a helmet is going to save you on a bad day at any speed.
          Well that's one down. Seriously, I post because my concern is not saving a life. I know from experience that 'quality of life' is far more important. I'm glad you apparently didn't receive a head injury from "landing on my head with no major injuries".

          I wonder how many people 'land on their heads' and receive an, otherwise avoidable, head injury that affects every aspect of their lives every moment for the rest of their lives? Thats what I was wondering, but we will never know. It is in these cases that a helmet sometimes offers a great deal of protection.

          Ron
           
          Reply
          Old Apr 20, 2013 | 11:10 PM
            #760  
          BMCsteve's Avatar
          BMCsteve
          Road Master
          10 Year Member
          Photogenic
          Liked
          Loved
          Joined: Jul 2012
          Posts: 1,221
          Likes: 23
          From: East Bay, CA
          Default

          I just think if your argument is that smacking your head on the concrete without a helmet is just as safe as with a helmet, you may have already hit your head a few too many times
           
          Reply



          All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:36 PM.

          story-0
          7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

          Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

          By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


          VIEW MORE
          story-1
          8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

          Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

          By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


          VIEW MORE
          story-2
          10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

          Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

          By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


          VIEW MORE
          story-3
          Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

          Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

          By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


          VIEW MORE
          story-4
          Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

          Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

          By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


          VIEW MORE
          story-5
          Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

          Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

          By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


          VIEW MORE
          story-6
          Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

          Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

          By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


          VIEW MORE
          story-7
          10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

          Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

          By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


          VIEW MORE
          story-8
          10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

          Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

          By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


          VIEW MORE
          story-9
          Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

          Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

          By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


          VIEW MORE