Why do some motorcycle riders think safety gear is stupid?

Mostly because it does not fit the image they have decided someone riding a Harley should project. They wear the shirts that say Live Free, but what they mean is live the way I have decided too. Only a really dedicated rider will face the road with no protection in their minds, so you are just a wanna-be.

Ignore them. Everyone rides for their own reasons. Some people do not wear the equipment for lots of reasons other than the above as well.

Jackets and helmets are hot. Or at least they can be if you do not buy good vented stuff. That is a reason a hear a lot.

All the protection equipment is too expensive is one I hear a lot as well. So you have a $15-20k bike, you then spent another $5-10k on more chrome and accent pieces plus some engine work, then you paid some guy a couple of grand for lots of leather and some paint... and less than a grand for really good safety equipment is too much? If your head is worth $5 to you than cover it with a bandanna and shades. Mine is worth a bit more to me so I cover it with a helmet.

Last is the invincible attitude. I am a great rider and will never have an accident. Tell that to the old lady not looking for you when she makes the left into your lane. A friend of my Dad's when I was 17 died exactly this way with us three car lengths behind him when it happened. We actually made it to him in the road before he took that last breath. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

And lastly is just the guy that has it all and wears it most of the time, but today was just a quick run to the grocery store. I have done this one as well. I am aware of the risks, but I choose to accept them. This guy will never give you a hard time for suiting up all the way to ride 200 feet.

So ride for your reasons. I would never want it to happen to anyone, but they may learn their lesson the hard way one day. Be it them or just someone they know.

Before you hit the road after a long winter, give your bike the once-over. Test the lights, brakes, and turn signals. Check the oil and fuel levels. Make sure the mirrors are positioned correctly. Check the cables to make sure they aren't worn or frayed. Lube the chain and adjust it according to the manufacturer's specs. Try a rider-training course to brush up on your skills. When you're on the open road, there's not much between you and the pavement. Wearing tough gear is always a smart move. Pick a high-quality helmet that fits well. If it doesn't have a face shield, pair it up with goggles or glasses with safety lenses. Use safety as your excuse to shell out for that leather jacket. Get the pants while you're at it. (We know black and bikes are a perfect match, but a bright color will help other drivers see you better.) Wear durable non-slip gloves. Invest in boots or sneakers that cover your ankles. Let's be honest: There's a lot of stuff out there that's bigger than your bike. But there's a lot you can do to help keep yourself safe while riding. Always wear a helmet that fits right. Pick one that has the DOT label, which shows that it meets federal safety standards. Know your bike's limits. Stick to the speed limit. Don't tailgate other vehicles. Use your signals. Be respectful of other drivers. Don't weave through traffic or drive on the shoulder. Make sure other drivers can see you. Don't ride in blind spots and always use your headlights. Brake smart. Use both brakes at the same time, slow and steady.

Everyone choses their form of conformity. In order to be an rugged individualist in the Harley crowd, you have to act, dress, ride and drink just like all the other Harley guys. And good on them. Their money keeps my sport going. Hope they have good insurance.

Good on you for choosing to wear all the gear all the time. ATTGATT.

They look at me strangely too, but I put that to the dayglow green jacket I wear.

We really aren't all that different. Some just want to pretend they are. I was at a gas station on my Triumph a few years ago in the middle of nowhere, fully geared up and hotter that hell. One of the Harley crowd that had stopped there came over to talk to me about these new Triumphs. He'd ridden several back in the 60's. As he turned to walk away I finally noticed he was wearing Hell's Angels colors. Nice Guy.

I think you are wise to wear the gear in case some idiot runs into you.

I recently saw a guy wearing the gear that you usually see dirt bikers wear (knee & shin guards) and it makes good sense to me. If you're going down, you know your knees are gonna hit that pavement hard and possibly ruin your knee for the rest of your life. I have a really nice reflector vest too that i wear when i ride the motorcycle.

I recently saw a guy on a cruiser wearing flip-flops going 90+ on the highway !

If he went down, he might easily lose his feet or toes to amputation.

It stinks having to wear all that protection, especially in the hot weather, but it's smart.

Some guys don't want to look like a coward and will say stuff like, "Hey, a jacket ain't gonna save your life", and that may be true in a big crash, but in a smaller crash, knee pads and elbow pads, and a good jacket, boots, gloves, and full face helmet might save the rider from multiple surgeries and lots of pain.

Why do you assume they are looking at you weird? When you go down, as long as you have leather, or some kind of jacket designed for riding it will help keep you from getting road rash.

If you think an armored jacket will save your life in a crash you are in desperate need of a motorcycle safety class.

It's your choice to wear gear, just the same as someone who doesn't choose to. Worry about yourself and not what other people are doing.

Some of them don't care,some have wasted their brains with drugs & some just have low IQ's,take ur pick when 1 gives u the idiotic stare,& keep using brain buckets at least,I do.U will notice in my picture my bike isn't moving,when it rolls I've got my brain bucket on my head.I trust my riding but there r many people who can't-won't watch 4 bikes.

Let those who ride decide what/ if any gear to wear. Who cares what anyone else thinks, you ride how you feel comfortable.

You sir are a motorcyclist not to be confused with the costume party crowd. Good on ya!

Just look at where that crap is coming from.Stupid is as stupid does.