[briderdt]

Only in the last 5 years or so, the Washington State Patrol, when they have the motorcycles out, use flip-up helmets. Local police, though, still go with the half helmets.

[owlie]

Okay, so while it always bothers me (and has for years- even before I knew anything about riding gear), at least now I know what’s going on. In Alaska, there is no helmet law for the driver, but there is for the pillion passenger. I can only assume that these guys are carrying the unused helmet for their girlfriends (or simply hoping to get lucky). Doesn’t make them any smarter, but it is something of an explanation.

[owlie]

+1 – very true that gear doesn’t make the rider.

[owlie]

Dude, I totally feel cheated now! Gotta plan another trip to Seattle….

[Munch]

Rider #1 non sex specific, non bike style specific-
“Man I know they got to be hot as all get out under all that gear. Had to cost them a fortune too… or mom and dad…. can’t tell their so decked out in the latest and greatest its hard to see what they are….gotta be limiting in movement and visibility too….. god I know it’s gotta suck at a red light for them….bet all the kids smile at them too thinking they look all Power Ranger-ish……..and that one over there in the day glow…… they looking to be a moving target for something above…. maybe they are running from Grape Ape……….”

Rider #2 non sex specific, non bike style specific-
“Look at the idiot. All they have on is a helmet and some gloves…. what good is that going to do them if they go down?…..betcha they think they look badd ass in those sunglasses to…..what happens if a bug smacks ’em right in the forehead while riding?….. what about weather…. oh I see the full face on the sissy bar….fat lot of good that’s going to do him if he has an unscheduled get off…. you’d never catch me in some thing like that on my bike………”
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Common denominator between the two riders…… both are so busy JUDGING the other that they have effectively become just as much danger to themselves and said rider by paying more attention to the other rather then what is in front of them…….. Ride your own ride, carefully, attentively and for the best reason…. for the enjoyment. Let THEM worry about what their risks are!

[eternal05]

Just remember to bring the bike this time. Somehow. From Alaska…

…ok maybe not, but it would be cool!

[gitchy42]

I thought that the reason they wear 3/4 helmets was because it is easier to talk to someone and have them hear your instructions and you hear what they say clearly. Here in Oregon, most of the police use flip-up helmets.

I don’t really care what kind of gear or helmet they are wearing, personally I think that all motorcycle police are about as intimidating as Cadet/Officer Hightower from Police Academy would be if he pulled you over.

[Author]

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