08-20-2006, 06:19 PM
My preference is for full face helmets (my favorite is an old Simpson, no longer made for the street) but I have some three quarters as well.
Most of my bikes have always had a fairing and windshield, which makes a 3/4 very comfortable. With the 3/4, I use a visor and half-shield. I *always* were eye-protection, even when I didn't where a helmet.
I've never had a noise problem with them compared to most of my full face versions.
Also, for long rides at speed (>40mph) I wear foam ear plugs. Though not legal in CA, these provide low level isolation and eliminate most of the howling wind noise. This means I really can hear better. (Try shouting at a riding partner wearing a full-face, and lifting the visor up to "talk".
You can wear battle dress every second you're on two wheels, but even that doesn't mean much if you don't ride well, defensively.
I've very comfortable with a 3/4 helmet. Yes, any number of vortexes, confluences, gods, and idiots in other vehicles can injure, maim, or kill you, regardless of the precautions you take.
Life is a continuing series of compromises. Motor officers compromise with 3/4 helmets, whether working surface streets or freeways. Their visibility as police officers and their continuing bike training (though not as frequent as it should be) do much to offset the danger of wearing a 3/4. But somewhere, sometime some officer will/could have benefited from a full face helmet.
For most, that has never made a difference.
Again, the care you exercise will probably serve you as well or better than [which] helmet you decide on.
"Live to ride, ride to live" sounds trite, but it's a great guide.
Most of my bikes have always had a fairing and windshield, which makes a 3/4 very comfortable. With the 3/4, I use a visor and half-shield. I *always* were eye-protection, even when I didn't where a helmet.
I've never had a noise problem with them compared to most of my full face versions.
Also, for long rides at speed (>40mph) I wear foam ear plugs. Though not legal in CA, these provide low level isolation and eliminate most of the howling wind noise. This means I really can hear better. (Try shouting at a riding partner wearing a full-face, and lifting the visor up to "talk".
You can wear battle dress every second you're on two wheels, but even that doesn't mean much if you don't ride well, defensively.
I've very comfortable with a 3/4 helmet. Yes, any number of vortexes, confluences, gods, and idiots in other vehicles can injure, maim, or kill you, regardless of the precautions you take.
Life is a continuing series of compromises. Motor officers compromise with 3/4 helmets, whether working surface streets or freeways. Their visibility as police officers and their continuing bike training (though not as frequent as it should be) do much to offset the danger of wearing a 3/4. But somewhere, sometime some officer will/could have benefited from a full face helmet.
For most, that has never made a difference.
Again, the care you exercise will probably serve you as well or better than [which] helmet you decide on.
"Live to ride, ride to live" sounds trite, but it's a great guide.