Motorcycles are just plain DANGEROUS! (Eventhough Im shopping for a 1000 this summer) As far as the helmet goes, most serious accidents results in death no matter if your wearing a helmet or not. When your head hits any opstacle at a fast pace, spinal injuries are of main concern. As a previous medic in the AF, it is much easier to maintain spinal traction without a helmet than with. Even still, I would only ride with. Hell...the way I drive I probably should wear a helmet when riding the X!