Same here. I can't even ride right without gear. I like the bug protection, too. I have to say that if I had a Harley, Star, Victory etc. cruiser, I wouldn't feel right WITH gear. The two just don't go together - Maybe that's it. Cruisers are about just getting on and going, not riding to limit and flirting with a crash. It's about freedom, not confinement. It's an awesome feeling, too. Still, when I see a guy on a cruiser in full gear, I'm very impressed.