New to the forum as six weeks ago I purchased my first Harley and big bagger to boot, 09 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Takes some getting used to but I love the bike.

Jumped on bike for a quick ride to the hardware store to get a few bolts and when I came out and got back on the bike, another guy approached me a gave me a butt chewing for riding with shorts and sneakers on.

Hey, I never intended to leave my shop today, but I needed some bolts and the bike was just sitting there, so I put on my full face helmet and rode over the two miles to the store. Didn't think to much about it.

Well, I sat there for a few minutes thinking I shoulda just rode off but as I sat there, he came out of the same store, jumped on his bike a few spaces down and rode off, without a helmet!

I always wear a helmet, between dirt bikes and snowmobiles, been there, wrecked that. But I'm thinking I'd rather have my head and face intact after an accident and my legs can deal with a little road rash.

Looking for some honest input on helments vs. shorts?

 

I don't like to see women on the back in shorts, and flip flops, but I don't wear a helmet unless I have to.
You know the risks as well as I do, so I say do what ya want.

 

I live in a state where the government actually treats us like adults. Wear a helmet if you want, don't if you that is what you want. For once I agree with the Government. I wear a helmet, because I want to. If the next person does not want to, good for them. Shorts, well I just do not have the legs for shorts, on or off the bike.

 

I don't do it but I see guys riding with shorts all the time - hell i don't care - if you go down with Levi's or shorts - not a whole lot of difference in road burn - I do wear a 1/2 DOT or full face all the time - If it's the law or not - tom

 

I wear a helmet all the time even thought KY repealed it some time ago, just feel strange without it. As for shorts, I too don't have the legs for them, but I don't think I would ride with shorts, to hot...
But if you and your family are ok with no helmet or shorts, well none of my business....

 

I wear a helmet all the time even thought KY repealed it some time ago, just feel strange without it. As for shorts, I too don't have the legs for them, but I don't think I would ride with shorts, to hot...
But if you and your family are ok with no helmet or shorts, well none of my business....

 

Your a big boy and can make decisions for yourself. I would never see a need to tell someone how they should dress. its your freedom of choice!

 

The older I get, the more I respect YOUR right to do what you want. I choose to wear a helmet, boots, and long pants. I'm kind of like the guy above, don't have the legs for shorts. But in direct response to your question. 100% yes on the helmet, your call on the shorts. A little road rash from a quicky trip to the Hardward store. OK. But the brain protection is a must. You made the right call under the circumstances. Prolly should have just told the guy, "you wear what you want, and I'll do the same".... These know it all's really blow my mind sometimes. I mean the gall of the guy, w/o a helmet ripping you for wearing shorts and tennies. forgetaboutit!

 

I say wear whatever you want. I've only ridden my bike in shorts twice to run to the gas station 2 miles from my house when I was in a hurry. I always feel a little stupid in shorts and a helmet.

I have to ask why did you let this guy give you a "butt chewing?" If someone wants to talk about my bike or riding, I'm happy to engage. If anyone even started to tell me what to wear or how to ride, I'd have two words for them: "F Off!" I wouldn't say it quietly or in a civil tone. No way I'd let anyone talk down to me except my own dad (and he's long gone). Just my opinion...

 

I would have told him to mind his own ****ing business.

These days my own personal philosophy is to wear almost all the gear all the time - helmet, long pants, boots, riding jacket most every time. But it would never occur to me to tell YOU what to wear.