Motorcycle helmets

[krazyburro]

I am curious how many people wear helmets that are not DOT certified (skull caps etc)? I am considering getting one that is not DOT certified, but here in California you can be pulled over for not having a DOT sticker on the helmet.

[blackie1491]

That brain bucket is to protect your brain.
Spend your money wisely. You may only get one crack at it.

[Don M50limited]

Originally Posted by blackie1491

You may only get one crack at it.

Had to laugh, even at a serious matter such as a helmet.
I grew up riding in the dirt always with a helmet, and then when I was old enough to ride street the helmet law wasn't in effect yet. I only wore one in the rain or down the freeway (sometimes). When the helmet law was first passed I wasn't happy, even made remarks about my rights Now that I'm older and only slightly smarter I don't mind the helmet law, it's just good protection. I remember also seeing a display at the local bike shop years ago that showed a helmet very wore down by impact/slide....the guy lived with only minor injuries elsewhere.

[Uncle B]

Per AMA

California State Laws

Safety Helmet Required by law

State Funded Rider Ed Available for all eligible applicants - required under age 21

Eye Protection Not Required

Daytime Use of Headlight Required by law-modulating headlight permitted, required for vehicles manufactured during or after 1978

Passenger Seat Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Footrest Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Age Restriction None

Helmet Speakers Single earphone only

Periodic Safety Inspection Required by law – random

Mirror Left(L) Right(R) One required by law

Radar Detector No Restriction

Turn Signals Required by law

Muffler Muffler required. No muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device (27150. Adequate Muffler Required).

Maximum Sound Level Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel:1)Pre-1970..92dba; 2) After 1969, and before 1973...88dba; 3) After 1972, and before 1975...86dba; 4) After 1974, and before 1986...83dba; 5) After 1985...80dba (27201-27202. Motorcycle Limits).

State Insurance Requirements Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/5) - Financial responsibility requried. A driver involved in an accident who fails to prove existence of financial responsibility at time of accident shall have driver's license suspended for 1 year.

Handlebar Height A person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.

Earplugs No Restriction.

Rider-Education Waiver Skill Test

Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States Yes

Accept RiderEd Completion Card From Other States No

Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

Lane Splitting Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

[DS06C50T]

KrazyBurro,

I have a non-DOT skid lid that I used to wear when I lived in CenCal. Lots of wide-open highways and backroads, so I'd wear it when it was hot out. I know, I know... "something could still happen"....

You can buy a DOT sticker online, BTW. I also have a full-face KBC helmet for when I'm in my correct brain!!! Where in SoCal are you? I'm in Ventura County now...

cheers,
Daryl

[Clint]

The cops are educated about those stickers now.

[Iceman99]

Originally Posted by DS06C50T

KrazyBurro,

I have a non-DOT skid lid that I used to wear when I lived in CenCal. Lots of wide-open highways and backroads, so I'd wear it when it was hot out. I know, I know... "something could still happen"....

You can buy a DOT sticker online, BTW. I also have a full-face KBC helmet for when I'm in my correct brain!!! Where in SoCal are you? I'm in Ventura County now...

cheers,
Daryl

Hi Daryl, Valencia , Ca. here

[krazyburro]

I am in San Diego waiting to see if the wall (border fence) will come down or get bigger.

[Ext1jdh]

Save yer brains, get a DOT lid. You can get a Scorpion full face for under $200.

[Joe Ward]

Originally Posted by krazyburro

I am curious how many people wear helmets that are not DOT certified (skull caps etc)? I am considering getting one that is not DOT certified, but here in California you can be pulled over for not having a DOT sticker on the helmet.

Burro- After a long time spent on the Calif. Hwy Patrol I have scraped a lot of brain mass from the highway and investigated a lot of M/C deaths from the lack of no helmet. Why bother wearing a helmet unless it is a DOT approved helmet. I rode motors on the CHP and still ride to this day. I will not straddle a M/C without proper head gear. Buy the best you can get and if the day comes you'll be thankful you spent your dollars wisely. Best of luck in your riding and stay safe. Joe Ward

[SoCalCruisin]

Joe, your reply reminds me to ask you a question I have thought of often, but I've never heard a reply to. You ride CHP and talk about proper head gear. First of all, thanks for the work you folks do on our freeways. You guys have quite a job out there, and I have a lot of respect for you. I've often wondered why CHP motor officers wear open face helmets (versus full face), and so often (even when it's chilly) short sleeves. As you yourself said, you see all the MC accidents. I myself wear a full face (HJC Modulated) when it's cold and/or raining, otherwise I normally wear the open face (that's what we used to call 3 quarter helmets). I sometimes wear a half helmet also. All are DOT approved. I have my leathers for the winter, and I try to stick to the mesh with armor in the summer, but I do go without when it's real sticky hot. One reason I feel okay about not wearing all the protective gear you hear so much about in this forum is from seeing CHP officers and the gear they wear. Also I've been comfortable with what I do wear for many years and miles.

Sorry for going off subject on this thread, and I don't mean to put you on the spot regarding my observations of CHP motor officers. I'm just curious of your thoughts on it.

[Clint]

HP riders have two things you don't: 1) the need to have their faces exposed for communication and sensory reasons, and 2) copious amounts of training. You can wear whatever you like, but I don't think your logic floats.

[SoCalCruisin]

I agree with the communication need. Regarding the sensory need, maybe for periphial vision, but you hear better with the full face. The training, well that's kind of my point. With all that training and experience, they should know better than any of us what the protection offers. I am thinking more of the short sleeve shirts than the helmets tho. Here in Southern California, I'm amazed at how many CHP motor officers and the city motor officers are in short sleeves. And at best, long sleeve shirts. I rarely see any type of jacket. Your suggestion that all that training somehow justifies the need of less protection, well I don't buy that. I tend to wear more protective gear now than I did 25 years ago, and that's because of what I have learned and experienced in those years. And of course we didn't use to have armor and mesh and a lot of what we have today. As I said, I'd like to hear what an actual CHP officer has to say about it.

[plasma800]

Ive wondered that about the sheriffs here in Houston. If half helmets are so dangerous, why do THEY wear them? Same with the short sleeve shirts.

You do have to admit though, that the cops have to be excellent riders and they do train hard and all the time. Plus, It would seem to me that they do a lot or slower speed in street riding. I don't know, but I've wondered.

To boot, there job is dangerous enough as it is, what's a little elbow scrape chance when the next driver you pull over might shoot you in the face. I think the job just warrants the extra risk that they are accustomed to anyway.