First 3/4 Helmet

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I guess I'll see how I feel while wearing the 3/4 helmet. I've always worn full face ones. I'm looking forward to trying it out and am aware of the increased risk to my mug, jaw and teeth should I face plant. I wouldn't consider riding with a 3/4 helmet reckless. I suppose "recklessness" falls upon a broad continuum. I look at the guys in half helmets, t-shirts, shorts and sandals riding down the road, and inside I shake my head in disbelief and judgment. I, myself, usually wear a full face helmet, leather jacket, gloves and riding boots but I also usually wear jeans. And not even Kevlar-lined ones. I wouldn't be surprised if there are riders who see me and shake their heads in judgment, thinking to themselves, "If he goes down, he'll be enjoying weeks of skin grafts after they scrub the denim out of his skin." I suppose we could all wear full face helmets, full leathers, armored boots and gloves, along with hi-viz inflatable vests. Even then, there would undoubtedly be motorists passing in cars, shaking their heads and thinking to themselves, "Look at that guy. He thinks he's safe because of all that stuff."

We're all aware of the risks associated with the decisions we make when it comes to motorcycling. Being the different people that we are, we have different tolerances for the amount of risk we're willing to take, be it for vanity, for comfort, or any of the other many reasons we crazy bunch do what we do. I don't mind and actually appreciate learning about new gear that makes doing what we love safer. You can't fault a man who has the available information then makes an informed decision. Even if it's a decision you wouldn't make yourself. Even if it's a decision he later comes to regret.