Mark Roberts wrote:
Keith whaley wrote:
Speaking of helmets, our local motorcycle shop has about 8
"used" helmets hung up above their accessories counter,
showing how much abrasion a helmet takes.
A couple of the full face helmets which were almost
completely worn thru by rough pavement make you a real
believer! Had that been a helmetless rider, if he didn't die
from the terrible road contact, he would have been disfigured
and have gone thru so much plastic surgery!
No, helmets are truly essential pieces of gear.
People, even bikers, tend to assume that helmets are only for impact
protection. Man, *friction* can be a killer too! I crashed my FZR 400 at
Pocono Raceway once and, though I didn't hit my head hard, I'd have
shaved off my beard and then some without that helmet!
Your points are all well taken.
I've read in serious cycling magazines about how many riders wear a full set
of leathers all summer long too. Screw the heat! It's losing yards of skin
that gives you the willies!
All you need is once. Doesn't really matter who was at fault, does it...
keith
when I think of the years before general public availability
and acceptance of helmets, back when I wore a Harley Davidson
soft cap and moccasins... well, it just makes me shudder to
think of how vulnerable I really was!
At the beginning of every race weekend you have to take your motorcycle
to tech inspection so they can certify that it's raceworthy. One weekend
I was camped right next to the tech inspection area so I just hopped on
and rode it up there without putting my helmet on. Maybe 50 yards
distance at about 5 mph, mostly over grass but it still gave me the
creeps. I walked it back!
