Arizona used to have a helmet law. It was repealed several decades ago, after intense lobbying by Harley groups.
Freedom of choice is an interesting argument, but in my opinion fails to get to the heart of the matter.
I believe the real passion behind the desire to ride helmetless has to do with ego and image. I mean, what's the use of me spending 20K for a Harley if I ride it and no one knows who I am because I'm wearing a helmet?
A Harley rider doesn't want to be anonymous, he or she wants to be seen.
I must admit, I too would like to be seen, especially in a smaller town where I know most of the residents and we could wave at each other, but not at the expense of a major skull fracture. It should follow that riding without a helmet in a large city, where you are essentially anonymous anyway, makes even less sense.
The cruiser crowd plays an image game. It also plays a ride slow game. As if that could justify riding without a helmet. Hitting a curb with your
head at 15 mph ends the game.
It's like spending $1000 for a new dress and then wearing a veil, as a woman friend of mine put it, adding, but there's no risk in a dress.