883 down. No helmet!

[_Sheffjs_]

So this is one of my reports at work.  He is one of the hardest workers I have!  He rides an old 883 7.2 miles to work every day saving the worst of weather. He might have a brain bucket on but yesterday he did not wear a helmet. I have tried to get him to a full face but no luck.  Leaving shortly after 5a for work as he is usually the first one in, he was in his neighborhood and an critter darted out in front of him, and he slid quite the distance. Well eye surgery, broken thumb, arm out of socket (he described the hospital workers popping it back in). And quite the road rash. He told me no more bike! I would love to ride without a helmet but no matter how hot or humid, that FF Schuberth is on!   He will make a full recovery but will be sore for quite some time and now a hospital bill.   

[da prez]

It is a shame. Just a little prevention.

                                           da prez

[Squirrel]

So sorry to hear that.  I hope he makes a full recovery.  As far as not riding again, I can respect his decision. My wife thinks I’m crazy for still wanting to ride after I had my accident a few years ago.  But I get pleasure from it.  Be safe out there, everyone. 

[John Schmidt]

I've had so many tell me they don't wear a helmet because it's too restrictive. My answer is always that it's not nearly as restrictive as a wheelchair...possibly the rest of your life. I know that wasn't the case with this rider...but could have been much worse.

[Jess from VA]

Ouch!  

I've worn helmets my whole life.  I spent 2 hours in Arizona once with no helmet law, and took it off and it made me very nervous and sunburned my nogin. I've always lived in helmet states.  And I've never since taken it off riding through no helmet states.

I started out on 3/4s (and with all my dirt and motocrossing), but went to halfs (DOT) for 40 years.  I've been down just one time sliding down the road (not counting drops and tip overs), and never touched my helmet.  From playing hockey on ice as a youth (with no helmet), I learned to always tuck my chin into my chest hard whenever I fall, so I don't bonk my head (and whiplash my neck).

Course, if you're doing the rag doll tumble, there's no telling what may happen.

A helmet may or may not save your life.... but you'll almost certainly look better in the casket.    

My favorite helmet saying (about those novelty skid lids).......... Yeah, get a $5 helmet for your $5 head.

[DD]

wish him a speedy recovery.  If he changes his mind about riding, I'll gladly give him the full-face helmet. 
I rode without a helmet many of times and know I was lucky. But after a few years and more traffic I wised up and always wore it.  If I ever rode again, I'll NEVER be without one. 

[Squirrel]

I've had so many tell me they don't wear a helmet because it's too restrictive. My answer is always that it's not nearly as restrictive as a wheelchair...possibly the rest of your life. I know that wasn't the case with this rider...but could have been much worse.

I have heard people say the same thing about seat belts, John.  But the majority of the time, they do same lives.  As much as I would love to go without one, I think of the consequences.  So, the helmet goes on. 

[Tundra]

I heard of a wise Valkyrie rider stating he wouldn't ride to his mailbox without a helmet. Hopefully we grow in wisdom with age. There was a time when I wouldn't wear a helmet if you paid me. Now i won't ride without one. I just can't take the Florida heat anymore, especially with a helmet and gear. I remember a day when the hotter the better. Now my riding season ends when the rest of the country is just beginning. 85° and up you'll find me at the pool or in the AC
Heal fast, heal well

[MotoRod]

I new a gal that was backing a 4 wheeler out of the garage.  The faucet caught the throttle and kick it up and she died there.  Never thought of putting the helmet on.

[Pappy!]

How is he doing?

[_Sheffjs_]

Finally better but not back to work yet.  He had some pins put near this thumb and shoulder trouble as it was forced out of the socket.   Amazing how much grief from a lay down at 35ish.