Service station helmet removal??

**Deano** · 19th May 2005, 16:02

Originally Posted by Quasievil

Helmets arent so cool if your running from the cops as a helmet is a perfect way to bring someone down real quick, grab it (head high style) and throw em down, nothing easier, I did some work with the cops a few years back and we chased a guy on a VTR1000, he parked up after a long highspeed chase, the cop (my mate) said jump out and take him down by the Helmet, the guy didnt have a chance, no way.Therefore if your robbing a gas station or whatever a helmet would not be the way I would go.

Ive mentioned that a few times before.

Although a sawn off shottie would even things up a bit.

**The Tazman** · 19th May 2005, 16:20

I don't take mine off as a rule but would if asked. It is a shame that there are Muppets in this world that muck things up for others but you do have to respect the person doing their job. I try to live by "don't do to others you wouldn't like done to yourself" I find this answers most of your own ?'s on these things !!

**Ixion** · 19th May 2005, 16:23

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

I did say groceries and, though it's kind of you to imply it, I no longer look under 18.

Eh - what groceries do you need ID to buy ?

**ManDownUnder** · 19th May 2005, 16:31

Originally Posted by Ixion

Eh - what groceries do you need ID to buy ?

The usual, ciggies, spirits, air rifles...

... oh and those Weapons of Mass Destruction, ... BRUSSEL SPROUTS!

**inlinefour** · 19th May 2005, 16:35

But if I do get asked, I understand and remove my helmet and not have a cow like this turkey that started this thread. Been asked to hop off my bike while filling it, was really ironic because the same turkey that told me to get off was also witnessed smoking in the frount of the shop (within the forecourt) and people wonder why I never ever use Mobil

**Lou Girardin** · 19th May 2005, 16:39

Originally Posted by Ixion

Eh - what groceries do you need ID to buy ?

Paid by cheque, you remember those things, write on 'em then the bank holds your money for 7 days.

**Wolf** · 19th May 2005, 16:43

I normally roll up to the bowser, shut down the engine, put the bike on it's side stand, unlock the tank, fill up, close the tank flap and return the handpiece to its cradle then just wander into the building, stand in the queue if there is one and pay for the petrol. I have the visor up and always attempt to make eye-contact with the attendant - through the thick lenses of my glasses.

No one has complained to me yet - perhaps they all perceive that it would be a hassle removing glasses, helmet etc and cut me some slack - or perhaps I'm such a short arse that even bulked out in black motorcycle armour I totally fail to look intimidating...

Fair enough not wearing helmets in banks - but banks aren't Service Stations, i.e. they aren't in the business of providing service to motorists. All motorists, even the "scummy second-class citizens" on bikes.

OK, so most servos aim to be trendy cafes and supermarkets rather than Service stations - as evidenced by the fact they don't sell motorcycle-grade oil (take note pretty much everyone but Mobil on that score) or handy replacements for things that can fail unpredictably (like flasher units) - but seriously, if they feel intimidated by bikers, then they shouldn't be in business.

We are their clients, we pay their wages, we are the reason they are there. If the Kiwi Host course says I have to be polite to a person who is actively swearing at me down the telephone (because I won't give him an internet without porn), then the servo staff have to put up with "scary-looking" bikers who are merely "there" and not actively making threats.

The service station exists for my convenience as a client. As it is not convenient for me to remove my helmet, they have two choices - serve me politely and take the money I am carrying, or provide some way I can pay without damaging the delicate psyche of the PFY behind the counter.

As I said - I've had no probs. Wander up, say g'day, say "$10 on pump 5" or whatever - if it's not busy they normally are already asking "just $10 dollars on pump 5, is it?" as they've spotted the bike by the pump, seen me in front of them and made the logical leap with no apparent effort - smile (as I smile properly, not just a "PanAm smile", they can see the crow's feet around my eyes increase) hand them the money or my EFT-POS card, transaction is completed, we exchange "have-a-nice-day"s, and I leave.

**Biff** · 19th May 2005, 16:45

Originally Posted by Waylander

And y'all mock the states for thier false freedoms.

I heard that there's a bank in Northern Michigan that offers new customers a free gun with every account they open. Sweeeeeeeeet.

**Lou Girardin** · 19th May 2005, 16:53

I wonder how many robbers gas up before they rob the place?

**Waylander** · 19th May 2005, 16:57

Originally Posted by Biff

I heard that there's a bank in Northern Michigan that offers new customers a free gun with every account they open. Sweeeeeeeeet.

That's Texas mate.

**Paul in NZ** · 19th May 2005, 17:21

usually I rumble up on my old crock...

Heave it onto the main stand piss about with gloves, flaps, caps and stuff, move the tank bag etc etc fill up and walk into the station...

They only ever once ask me to remove my lid...

After that (and screaming of no no no put it back on for pitys sake and oh that poor poor man and dogs howling and little children crying etc ) they are even happy for me to leave my tinted visor down and post the money in next week..

Meh! Works for me...

Paul N

Pretty on the inside...

**crazylittleshit** · 19th May 2005, 17:29

Originally Posted by LB

.
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Generally always leave helmet on when paying, though make sure wallet and money are out when I go through door, and always make eye contact as soon as I can.

Only once have I been asked to remove helmet, that was at Fox Glacier in March. Apparently they had been robbed fairly recently by guys wearing helmets, so I had no problem in taking my helmet off (though it's a pain in the ass as you have everything just so and comfortable.......). It is their prerogative.

there's an earlier thread with a lot of posts on this, if I get time I'll try to find the link.

However, I find the best solution is to let the husband go in and pay.
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I do this also And have had very little to no problems