Epic Helmet Law Protestor is Epic

[azoomm]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

I've met plenty who are terrified of the front brake. Almost all of them have wrecked at least once by getting into situations where they were not able to stop fast enough.

Scared of it, using both, all this I've encountered. But to never touch it? No wonder they aren't confident riding, they aren't ever sure they are going to stop.

[derf]

Originally Posted by '73 H1 Triple

From this same news story on a kawi triple forum


I'll concede helmets can save lives, but do the proper research and you'll find that an overwhelming percentage of deaths involving motorcycles - wearing a helmet would not have mattered anyway. In fact there is a small percentage where perception impairment was a contributing factor.
People pushing helmet laws are idiots because they're ignorant of real facts or they live in a state where if injured the state will carry you for life so it becomes a financial issue disguised behind a mandatory law. We don't have stupid laws like that where I live!

correct me if I'm wrong but this isnt true. My understanding is that the larger number of deaths are caused by head injuries that would have been preventable with a helmet

[derf]

Originally Posted by azoomm

Scared of it, using both, all this I've encountered. But to never touch it? No wonder they aren't confident riding, they aren't ever sure they are going to stop.

Just because they never touch it doesnt mean that they are not proficient at using the back brake. I would be willing to bet that the people you are refering to are all awesome at using the back brake, in fact I would be willing to bet in a rear brake only stopping contest they would kick most of our asses. The folks that I have met who only use the back brake because that is what they learned years ago quickly become very proficient at using it, to the point that in day to day riding their stopping is indistinguishable from people who use just the front or both.

[Avatard]

Originally Posted by '73 H1 Triple

From this same news story on a kawi triple forum
I've been riding continuously for 44 years youngster. It's my opinion you are 100% wrong but that's beside the point. This is America, I'm tired of loosing personal privileges to the fricking liberals who know everything that's for my own good. I left California for that very same reason. I live in a state where personal freedoms are abundant. We used to have a helmet law and it was repealed long ago. We have races up mountains where you can park your chair anywhere you want. If you get run over because you're stupid - tough but it's your life.

I'll concede helmets can save lives, but do the proper research and you'll find that an overwhelming percentage of deaths involving motorcycles - wearing a helmet would not have mattered anyway. In fact there is a small percentage where perception impairment was a contributing factor.
People pushing helmet laws are idiots because they're ignorant of real facts or they live in a state where if injured the state will carry you for life so it becomes a financial issue disguised behind a mandatory law. We don't have stupid laws like that where I live!

Myself and only for myself - I have a living will, a DNR, organ donor card, plenty of medical insurance and life insurance too. My kids are grown and I'm an adult. If I die tomorrow from ANY cause I won't be a burden financially to anyone or anything. I live my life the way I choose - not by somebody's sense of what's good for me or a hidden agenda.



To which this reply was made
It's not a political issue, or a personal rights issue. Driving is a priviledge, not a right! If you live in a country, and are allowed to leave, then it is your duty to that country to abide by it's laws.

The helmets law is for the the "ones" that don't have any common sense.

The ones that can truely, and morally, not wear a helmet when riding, are the ones with no family or friends. For the simple reason, if a person is so self centered they they don't care about their family/friends/and loved ones, the ones that will hurt for the rest of their lives because of whatever reason that person didn't wear a helmet.

It doesn't (or ever mattered) if it's a law or not, it's the respect for the people that know and love you. Family and friends will understand if you have a dangerous hobby/job, but never will, if they lose you out of you own arrogance.

The guy is dead, he is not suffering like the rest of his family will the rest of their lives...........

To which I offer this quote (emphasis added by me):

The object of this Essay is to assert one very simple principle, as entitled to govern absolutely the dealings of society with the individual in the way of compulsion and control, whether the means used be physical force in the form of legal penalties, or the moral coercion of public opinion. That principle is, that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in the opinion of others, to do so would be wise, or even right... The only part of the conduct of anyone, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.

-John Stuart Mill

[KSGregman]

Originally Posted by derf

Just because they never touch it doesnt mean that they are not proficient at using the back brake. I would be willing to bet that the people you are refering to are all awesome at using the back brake, in fact I would be willing to bet in a rear brake only stopping contest they would kick most of our asses. The folks that I have met who only use the back brake because that is what they learned years ago quickly become very proficient at using it, to the point that in day to day riding their stopping is indistinguishable from people who use just the front or both.

Not sure how that is possible given that 75% of the stopping power of a modern modern cycle is generated by the front brakes. My 109-R laughs at the rear brake. I seldom use it.

[Avatard]

Anyone who's ever watched MotoGP, and seen them braking for a turn with the back tire in the air should be able to figure out what wheel is doing most of the braking.

Again: Physics. It's the law.

[tallywacker]

Originally Posted by azoomm

Scared of it, using both, all this I've encountered. But to never touch it? No wonder they aren't confident riding, they aren't ever sure they are going to stop.

I can say I've never used the rear brake on a street going motorcycle.

['73 H1 Triple]

derf & avatard

Mr "Red" lives in CO and wants to do what he wants and how he wants to do it. He feels everything is under control when he has the bars and he is willing to take his chances.

Mr Blue races ( vintage ) and is a ATGATT guy.

( derf is correct, the helmet stats listed aren't totally true. but hey, he was on a roll )

I see both sides and fully respect both sides. I live in PA where helmets are optional. I never leave my driveway without leather jacket, full face helmet, boots and gloves. My choice and that's what I want to wear when I ride.

If you wish to ride without gear that improves your chances of survival, feel free to do so. Also make sure you have all your ducks in a row in case some inattentive person takes you out.

I don't want the .gov telling me what to do, I should be responsible for my own well being.

['73 H1 Triple]

Originally Posted by tallywacker

I can say I've never used the rear brake on a street going motorcycle.

I'll say 90% front brake and 10% rear brake. There are a couple S turns on my way to work where a light application of rear brake makes the bike even more stable and better tracking.

[Avatard]

Originally Posted by tallywacker

I can say I've never used the rear brake on a street going motorcycle.

I back shit in all the time. There's a time and place for the back brake. Most people would do well to stay far the fuck away from it, though.