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Helmets
Sept 8, 2007 19:53:34 GMT -5
Post by fulltimerart on Sept 8, 2007 19:53:34 GMT -5
We just moved to Florida a couple weeks ago and its real hard trying to get used to seeing bikers/scooterists riding without helmets---its legal if you have a certain amount of insurance. I feel guilty if I go out without a leather or padded jacket, but I always wear my helmet. I mentioned this to a friend and he said, "Do you know what they call someone who rides without a helmet? An organ donor." Art
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Helmets
Sept 9, 2007 23:24:42 GMT -5
Post by Aerostudent on Sept 9, 2007 23:24:42 GMT -5
Too true. I would wear my full-face helmet even if it weren't required by law here in California. The other day I actually did ride without it for about 300ft on private property (a small local airport called Flabob int., you might have heard of it.) when I was just running to the Cafe to get change, and I felt really weird and vulnerable (didn't get past 15mph though, for that reason). I also think that full-face is the way to go (maybe 3/4) I have a friend (HD rider) that only likes the 1/2 helmets, he feels too constricted in a full-face, whatever, it's his choice, and atleast he wears one. Keep it shiney side up!
Aero
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Helmets
Sept 12, 2007 12:44:21 GMT -5
Post by scooterlizard on Sept 12, 2007 12:44:21 GMT -5
fulltimerart
Hey I just live just a couple hours east of you. Don't feel bad about wearing a helmet in florida. I have insurance on my scoot but still wear the brain bucket and body amour as well. I see all kinds of bike riders go without the protection here. you see it on the evening news where one has wrecked and they mention that individual was not wearing a helmet. Here is something else to be aware here in Florida, there are so many using their cell phones and not paying attention where they are going. I've had a few that cross the center line for no reason at all and when they pass by they have phone a stuck in their ear. I've had them run off the road and snatch the vehicle back on to the road ahead of me and comming at me and you know full well that they are running their mouths on their phones.
Areo,
I just got back from SoCal, I am supprised that they don't scrape up more of the roads, I went down the 5 and it's just totally crazy. Motorcycles splitin' the lanes, zig zagging in and out, doing wheelies at 70mph. I will stick to riding on the East Coast for a while. I rode around in cage over there and that was bad enough, I also let somebody else do the driving as well. I think driving in Oregon was safer than where I was. I only do this kind of travel once in a while.
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Helmets
Sept 12, 2007 15:40:35 GMT -5
Post by Aerostudent on Sept 12, 2007 15:40:35 GMT -5
Yeah, some of the bikers (crotch-rocket-ers) here are pretty crazy, and it showes in our insurance prices (I'm paying about $350/year for a 150 with 15-30-10 liability, I hate to see what it will be like when I get a bigger bike). No theft or unisured motorist). In Cali lane splitting is legal (one of just a few states) I only do it if trafic is stoped or so close they might as well be stoped (maybe 3mph or less). I don't blame you for not wanting to drive here, but for me, I'm stuck with it for a while (note the latter part of my name "aeroSTUDENT" which implies that I'm in college=>no money or ability to leave current location).]
Aero
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Helmets
Sept 12, 2007 17:12:58 GMT -5
Post by earlwb on Sept 12, 2007 17:12:58 GMT -5
Most of the people I have known of personally who tested out how effective a helmet is, did it amazingly enough in zero mph crashes or close to zero speed. Several people so far fell over at intersections and hit their heads on the curb in the right lane. They put their foot fown into some greasy oil and ziippp!! down they went. Another one wasn't watching where they were going (first time on a motorcycle) and rode off into a tree. Two more, husband and wife had a head on collision at about 5mph (they both rode off in opposite directions in the neigborhood and on the back street both turned into each other was they were approacing). My best friend though, had to lay his Harley down on its side and slide into a motorist who pulled out in front of him. He wacked his head on the driver's side window and broke the glass. Then the slime drives off before he could get the license plate number. But the helmet saved him. I have gone down on several occassions over the years and the helmets have saved me too.
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Helmets
Sept 12, 2007 18:36:37 GMT -5
Post by scooterlizard on Sept 12, 2007 18:36:37 GMT -5
Yeah, some of the bikers (crotch-rocket-ers) here are pretty crazy, and it showes in our insurance prices (I'm paying about $350/year for a 150 with 15-30-10 liability, I hate to see what it will be like when I get a bigger bike). No theft or unisured motorist). In Cali lane splitting is legal (one of just a few states) I only do it if trafic is stoped or so close they might as well be stoped (maybe 3mph or less). I don't blame you for not wanting to drive here, but for me, I'm stuck with it for a while (note the latter part of my name "aeroSTUDENT" which implies that I'm in college=>no money or ability to leave current location).] Aero I was also told that if you whacked a motorcycle you are going to be in deep dodo as well. Sounds like some of the motorcycle laws are somewhat on the biker side to some extent. lane splitin' here is not an option here, it's ilegal to do, you either get smashed or you have a trooper superglued to your butt. I have driven in Northern Cal, much nicer, more civilized.
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Helmets
Sept 13, 2007 19:02:46 GMT -5
Post by WarrenS on Sept 13, 2007 19:02:46 GMT -5
On the news I heard the NHTSA is trying to get states to mandate helmets. Their argument is that 50% of those in a fatal motorcycle accident weren't wearing helmets. HMMM. That means 50% were wearing helmets.
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Helmets
Sept 13, 2007 21:20:31 GMT -5
Post by rerun2 on Sept 13, 2007 21:20:31 GMT -5
Same thing with seat belts Warstein! The law here say you have to wear one (helmet), twenty miles south in SC it is optional if you are over 18 (I think it is 18 might be 21) but if you want to go without, they don't force the matter. Personally, I would not ride bare headed at all.
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Helmets
Sept 14, 2007 11:50:47 GMT -5
Post by earlwb on Sept 14, 2007 11:50:47 GMT -5
Well so far all the squids out here who are getting killed are riding sportbikes and not wearing helmets or much in the way of riding protection either. Strangely enough apparently they all seem to lose control on off ramps or turns. You don't think they are going too fast do you? (sarcasm intended). Anyway I figure if they are stupid enough to kill themselves on a sport bike doing stupid stuff and it doesn't involve endangering anyone else, heck let them go for a Darwin Award. Sometimes I am thankful that in my stupid youth days, motorcycles couldn't go as fast as they can go nowadays.
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Helmets
Sept 23, 2007 8:45:45 GMT -5
Post by 90GTVert on Sept 23, 2007 8:45:45 GMT -5
Maybe my area is different, but I don't see the sport bikes being the whole problem. I tend to see sport bikes driving faster in my neck of the woods. I live just outside of a town, where the speed limit is just changing to 50mph, so I see a lot of people accelerating. The thing is, the Harley's try, they just suck. Tons of Harleys gas it coming by here, they just don't have the ass to be fast. The sport bikes gas it and they are rolling already. From what I see, the Harley guys would do the same thing, if they weren't driving big slow hogs.
The Harley guys are the worst for lack of driving ability around here too. Go to a bike show, like Delmarva Bike Week that just passed, and watch the riders. I noticed a lot of sport bikes going on about their business with little trouble, I noticed a lot of Harleys struggling to find the shifter or brake and weaving around and various things that don't look safe to me. I've seen sport bike riders make wheelies look safe compared to some of the guys just trying to get their hogs moving.
Harley guys also tend to throw the skull top helmet (that would do wonders protecting your face I'm sure) off at the Delaware line (Maryland has a helmet law, Delaware doesn't), while the sport riders are still wearing their full face helmets.
There are many exceptions to every rule in these cases, but I don't see why sport riders get all the blame. I still believe Harley guys would kill themselves way more if most of them weren't slow.
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Helmets
Sept 23, 2007 12:56:36 GMT -5
Post by newc77 on Sept 23, 2007 12:56:36 GMT -5
we live in the country--very rural. I would NEVER leave home without my riding jacket, boots and helmet (I have a full face and a 3/4). Even in rural areas you see some terrible dare devil crotch rocket riders with nothing on and I mean no helmet, jacket, etc. Even in shorts and sleveless shirts with tennis shoes. Even if I lived in warm climes I would wear the correct gear---thats why they call them things like "mesh", "air intake" and "vented". I'd prefer to live to ride another day.
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Helmets
Sept 23, 2007 16:12:03 GMT -5
Post by scooterlizard on Sept 23, 2007 16:12:03 GMT -5
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Helmets
Sept 23, 2007 16:33:55 GMT -5
Post by 90GTVert on Sept 23, 2007 16:33:55 GMT -5
I wrecked at 35mph ro so with no helmet. Just jeans a t-shirt and some sneakers. Over two months later I still hurt. I know if I hit my head I would have been much worse off. Since then I have ordered a riding jacket with armor, boots, and dusted off my helmet and gloves. As has been said before, people think gear is a joke on a scooter, especially the 50cc, because they are slow compared to big bikes. Mine does 55mph, and even at 35mph the asphalt did not feel like a joke. I had actually wrecked midbikes before on dirt and asphalt and never been hurt at similar speeds. Just takes one time to change your mind, or if you really do it right, your life.
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Helmets
Oct 8, 2007 14:41:32 GMT -5
Post by newc77 on Oct 8, 2007 14:41:32 GMT -5
My wife fell in our yard on a scooter going about 6mph and broke her shoulder just that quick. She was in helmet, long pants, boots and jacket or you can imagine what could have happened even worse. There is no safe place or spped where it is safe to be out of your gear.
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Helmets
Oct 27, 2007 3:08:58 GMT -5
Post by sicily150 on Oct 27, 2007 3:08:58 GMT -5
Well put Mr. Earl!!!!! I've never believed in the brain cap and I'm not crazy about the 1/2 helmet and I still cant believe that people still insist on riding w/o shields. I learned my lesson riding with shorts, got popped in the leg by a yellow jacket or wasp, I'm thankful I was only a half-a-block away from my home. I ride with a full face Shark RSI, shielded of course and a Joe Rocket UFO series armored mesh jacket. For glasses I switch between the UVEX's and a pair of AOS brand safety glasses that I purchased from Lowe's for $9.99 and are very comfortable and both have the UV protection lenses and look just as good as a $120.00 pair of Oakleys which are made very frail and are less protective. For gloves I have several pairs, one of my favorites is a brand called Red Rock, they can be purchased from Wal-Mart for only $9.99 and are located in the tool section of the store and they're padded and they look just as good as any $50.00 pair that you would find in a cycle shop. These are red and black and have the velcro strap on top. I'm not trying to brag, I just want to help!!!!
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Helmets
Nov 9, 2007 13:23:03 GMT -5
Post by schoei1 on Nov 9, 2007 13:23:03 GMT -5
I lived in the state of Rhode Island for 10yrs and got my motorcycle license as a teenager back in the 80's. Rhode Island only has a helmet law for the passenger, but not the driver. As a youngen', I loved riding without a helmet. But, as most of us know, it is most common to learn the hard way. I moved to LA back in the early 90's and was in my first and only accident, one month after arriving. Because it was legal to drive through traffic, I was doing about 20mph through stopped traffic, when another car crossed the traffic and I didn't have enough time to stop. After hitting the car, I went flying about 12ft and head first through a car's back windshield. Luckily, the law in CA had been changed already and I was wearing a helmet. Ever since, I have always worn a full face Shoei helmet.
Brooke Schoenbucher
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Helmets
Jan 8, 2008 18:05:47 GMT -5
Post by tyrssen on Jan 8, 2008 18:05:47 GMT -5
This argument has been going on for a long time, and both sides are right. Out here in the sticks of Georgia, it would be perfectly safe to ride without a helmet. In Savannah, I almost got splattered by an ambulance one night, because I couldn't hear him coming! On the flip side, those big ol' June bugs that are out at night would feel like a rock bouncing off yer head. And the one time I did seriously go down, I was glad I had one on. Full-face helms can break your neck, under the "right" circumstances. I wear a Brand X half-helm; the cheap ones are just as good as the expensive ones. They all use crushed styrofoam (coffee cups) as their main ingredient. ABATE of Florida did an extensive study, anyone interested should contact them.
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Helmets
Jan 8, 2008 21:56:04 GMT -5
Post by leo on Jan 8, 2008 21:56:04 GMT -5
i went riding today. i was getting "suited up" when a friend said "it's 65 out there, why are you putting on that heavy jacket and leather gloves?" all i said was "i'm no fool" and put on my full face helmet.
helmets aren't required here and i used to ride without one. then the cold came. i discovered just how much a FF helmet will cut down on the wind blast, so i bought one with 2 spare lenses. sometimes i'll go out without it but i feel naked if i do and usually go back and get it.
i've already taken a spill on my bike, stupidity on my part. if it wasn't for my leather gloves my hands would be a mess. and yes, i too live in a rural locality. do you really believe stupidity only lives in urban areas? wear the right gear and save your hide.
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Helmets
Jan 13, 2008 8:39:50 GMT -5
Post by newc77 on Jan 13, 2008 8:39:50 GMT -5
Tyrssen you are braver than me. When I hop on my bike, I am always in full gear. Tom
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2wheelsnhooked
Big Dawg
lance vintage 150-it's pink so noone will steal it!
Posts: 25
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Helmets
Jan 13, 2008 18:21:32 GMT -5
Post by 2wheelsnhooked on Jan 13, 2008 18:21:32 GMT -5
i wear a ff helmet and would like to know how to keep from getting the shield fogged up in winter weather. i rode with the vent closed-it fogged. then i opened it and it fogged more. is it something that i'm doing or is it the helmet. it was a fifty dollar helmet from scootersfactory and it matched the scoot. i you guys say to trade up that's no problem. i think helmets are the real insurance policy.
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Helmets
Jan 13, 2008 19:24:11 GMT -5
Post by Dennis D on Jan 13, 2008 19:24:11 GMT -5
Depending on the humidity it can be difficult to keep even a "fog free" shield from fogging up some. You may have to keep the shield cracked open a bit, that works for me. If that doesn't work, I think RainX makes a product ot keep windhields from fogging up that some folks use.
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2wheelsnhooked
Big Dawg
lance vintage 150-it's pink so noone will steal it!
Posts: 25
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Helmets
Jan 13, 2008 20:08:40 GMT -5
Post by 2wheelsnhooked on Jan 13, 2008 20:08:40 GMT -5
thanks, i'll give rain-x and a slightly open shield a try. humidity makes sense since today it was sprinkling and chilly.
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Helmets
Jan 29, 2008 12:15:50 GMT -5
Post by earlwb on Jan 29, 2008 12:15:50 GMT -5
Very important, do not sneeze inside your helmet with the visor down.
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Helmets
Jan 29, 2008 17:29:35 GMT -5
Post by jwinri on Jan 29, 2008 17:29:35 GMT -5
Depending on the humidity it can be difficult to keep even a "fog free" shield from fogging up some. You may have to keep the shield cracked open a bit, that works for me. If that doesn't work, I think RainX makes a product ot keep windhields from fogging up that some folks use. If you want to scoot in the winter without fogging get a Respro Anti-Fog mask (http://www.streetandcomp.com/mcart/index.cgi?ID=XP4GQB&task=show&cat=Respro+Foggy+Mask)I started using one about a month ago and have had no fogging, even at temps down to about 24 degrees. It works really good. I use it on a Scorpion EXO-400 helmet.
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Helmets
Mar 4, 2008 20:58:50 GMT -5
Post by lancecharming on Mar 4, 2008 20:58:50 GMT -5
I`ve been riding my bicycles around town here for 5 years without a helmet (hate them-don`t own a hat and hate messing up my hair...)It`s a historic district that looks like 1865 with slow-moving traffic around 22 squares that`s more horse carriages and bikes than cars. Scooters have gotten really popular in the last couple years and there are now scooters everywhere. I talked to a guy with one a month ago and as of last weekend I`m riding one. What sold me was no registration or insurance required by state law if 50cc or under, and being able to park on sidewalks locked to parking meters like a bike. The only problem was that Georgia requires a helmet (unlike with bikes where none is required.) I thought it`d be a real pain, but I bought one and was wearing it reluctantly with the visor up strap dangling. After reading all the wisdom you guys (and girls) have written here, I`m now wearing it right and tightening the chin strap every ride. Thanks for the life-saving advice. I hope everybody reads and heeds it.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Helmets
Mar 5, 2008 23:42:36 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2008 23:42:36 GMT -5
... Out here in the sticks of Georgia, it would be perfectly safe to ride without a helmet. ... Yep, no deer out in the sticks...or drunks driving pickups.
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Post by thornvilleloboy on May 4, 2008 4:42:02 GMT -5
I have always had an attachment to my head ! One of my friends a hard headed soul , thought it was his right not to wear a helmet ! He is now alittle more hard headed with his mental plate , no right ear and one hundred and some stitches on his head ! Now he wears a helmet , why ? ? ?
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