;^(

[cool runnins]

I have a question. I’ve always hated wearing a helmet I happen to agree with OregonVTX (Gary). Helmets suck, as a matter of fact I had a Yamaha Virago 1000 about 16 years ago and when they passed the helmet law I got pissed off and sold it swearing I would never ride again. Now don’t get me wrong sometimes even back then I would wear a helmet on possible poor weather days but if it was a bright sunny day you couldn’t get me to even look at the thing. But I’ve never had anything larger than a flying beetle (we always called them flying turtles) or a small rock hit me. Now what happened to the Warden has got me thinking. When I bought my VTX I looked for the smallest helmet I could find and then bought it. Now I’m wondering if that was a poor decision. I’ve been reading everyone’s posts about what happened to Jack seeing that there have been some bad hits and some really close calls. My question is what do you think the odds are of something big hitting you? Anyone other than the Warden thinking of getting a full face after this? Or do you already have a full face because of this type of thing.

Thanks for all your help.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4dd05b3127ccebb74679ea28f0000001610
My biker babe

[manwhorides]

I cant go with the full face myself. I've had a few small rocks, a few large bugs but nothing like Warden knock on wood. Full face helmets to me are too hot, and they mute the wind in your face experience, not mention the "looking cool" factor

[andyinc]

Bruce,

It's a personal thing and only YOU are going to be able to make the decision of what you feel comfortable with. If it makes you feel better to wear a full-face, and that allows you to enjoy the ride more, then wear it.

Personally, I wear my full face when the weather is cold, or rainy. But on hot and sunny days, I wear the half. I've been hit by bugs, and rocks, and yes it stings a bit - but to me it's all part of the experience. I hope that I never get hit by a bird, or anything bigger - but that is the risk, and I will take it for the reward.

So, enough psycho-babble, do what you feel most comfortable with. There is no way of predicting those odds.

[Pinefang]

Bruce I agree that it's a personal choice. However what is your head worth. To me it's worth giving up some wind and being a little hot inside the helmet. I vote for the full face.

[BlackJack21]

I agree it is totally up to how one feels, their personnel choice. I will continue to ride with my half helmet for awhile longer........Warden

[Pi]

I think a windshield makes a big difference. Warden do you have a windshield? When riding conditions get bad (such as Hay Trucks, Rocky Roads & Swarms of Bugs) I scrunch down behind sundance in order to receivce the full benifit of it. But otherwise I prefer the flexability of my Half Helment with the removable Storm Curtain I also have the option of adding a face sheild. The only time I wish I had a full face helmet is when its <40°F and the first 10 Minutes of the ride, after that my face is numb and it doesn't matter. :wink:

[weberrider]

I prefer to wear my shorty on 99% of the rides i go on , unless it is cold to freezing, or i am riding in the Oregon 500 which tends to be 100 mph + for the better part of 10 hours straight with the group i ride with. I like the freedom of my shorty, but respect the decision to wear whatever by anyone. Manwhore, wait till you see my full face hemet, it is all black chrome with a chrome shield and it looks awesome....
If anyone is looking to purchase a full face hemet, i have a shoei (ODIE) collectors series helmet with a custom shield for sale...
New $650.00 My price $200.00 (Quite colorfull)

Mike

[BlackJack21]

Yes I have a windshield, next I will have a bird shield........Warden

[Hap]

I have a wind screen but have been hit with all manner of flying debris! Birds, rocks from big trucks, sand from trucks, bees, Hail, cigarettes thrown from stupid cage drivers, wood chips from chip trucks, Geeze you name it! the windscreen helped in some but not all ! I wear a half helmet if I ride in slow or low traffic like mountain runs but if I'm going to be on the freeway or anywhere on the road for more than 2oo miles I wear a flip face. You can raise it at a light to talk , keep the visor up if you like or down if weather or other conditions make it safer or just more pleasant!