I think the danger of riding is what lures some people to it.
That’s the only way I could explain people riding down the street with sneakers, jeans, a t-shirt and an unhelmeted head. Or even worse, down the interstate! (I actually saw this once… a squid on a CBR)
For me, the danger is what I want less of. I ride with a decent amount of gear (although a Forcefield Pro Sub-4 back protector is in my future) because I know the danger exists. Statistics don’t lie — for the first 6 months, I’m at a higher risk of fatal accidents being a new rider. That’s why I make sure I have good gear. Not as insurance to go nuts in the twisties, or zip around traffic on a city street going over 10 over, but because if the @#@# hits the fan, it’s better to have it, than not.