I grew up on a dirt bike and your right, dirt is much more forgiving, however I am smart enough (okay some may argue that point) to know there is a huge difference between a dirt bike and a sports bike. I am not new to bikes or the safety issues of bikes. I am however semi-new to sport bikes. Wearing the gear isn't a question for me, I will wear it. As someone once told me, while buying a 700.00 helmet............
" I think my head is worth $700.00" ~ya gotta wear the gear and you have to ride defensively. BTW Cecil throw your 2 cents in anytime~