I think all things need to be considered equally here
We all know how seat belts were viewed when first introduced into cars. Companies felt they would make people think cars were not 'safe' We also know people who opposed safety devices like Dale Earnhardt with the hans device could have had their lives saved with such a device. There is no mystery there the hans device would have saved his life, his refusal to move into the now was what got him killed. He was another 'old school' guy who refused to wear safety equipment or contribute to safety equipment development. Such is the tough guy, I guess he never changes until he is dead
Things are not equal. Back in the day your dirt bike or quad was a slow, poor performing piece of machinery. This is not the case with new school bikes. Back in your day MX riders were not doing double back flips, forward flips, or Hart attack seat grabs in a backflip.
Yes, safety equipment has been a big deal lately and some of it is overkill, but please tell me the disadvantage of wearing a helmet or other safety equipment? Or teaching your kids to protect themselves
In my opinion, anyone who rides a bike without a helmet is just following natural selection. The single biggest cause of motorcycle related injuries and deaths are helmetless riders and these people make all riders look bad. I have never felt wearing a helmet was such a big deal, call me a wuss if you want to, I just think it makes sense to protect your body with the tools and technology available