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Pairing your motorcycle helmet with a high-quality visor will help reduce glare and provide you with relief from the bright sun.
If you constantly squint and shield your eyes while you ride, you will be less focused on the road.
If you are interested in improving visibility and safety during your next ride, read through this useful guide that will tell you everything you need to know about motorcycle helmet visors.
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Helmet Visors
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Factors to Consider Before Buying a Motorcycle Helmet Visor
There are plenty of aftermarket motorcycle helmet visors on the market today, so finding the right one for your needs can be a little bit confusing. Whenever you are planning to buy a new visor, you should consider the following factors:
Choose a Compatible Visor
Make sure that any visor you consider is compatible with your existing motorcycle helmet. The majority of visor manufacturers will list which types of helmets are compatible with their products. If you are replacing your helmet’s existing visor, it is also important to make sure it is removable.
Fog Resistance
Keep an eye out for visors that have been giving an anti-fog treatment. If your visor is constantly fogging up, your visibility and safety will suffer. The best visors have long-lasting anti-fog coatings on their interior and exterior surfaces.
Photo credit: WebBikeWorld.com
Eye Protection
Make sure that you are choosing a helmet visor that offers good eye protection. You should keep an eye out for visors that have a durable, shatter-proof construction. A motorcycle helmet visor is not just for style and visibility. It should also protect your eyes from the wind, rain, and potential pieces of flying debris, like stones, twigs, dirt, and dust.
The best visors also feature integrated UV protection, which will help protect your eyes from sun damage during lengthy rides on sunny days.
Style and Appearance
You have likely invested a significant amount of money into your motorcycle, helmet, and all of your other riding apparel. You should also choose a visor that compliments the look of your existing gear; otherwise, you may grow sick of it, and it will end up being a waste of money.
Tint and Color
Visors are available in many tints and colors, from mirrored and reflective lenses that prevent others from seeing the wearer’s face to completely transparent styles meant to be as crystal-clear as possible. Choose a visor that matches the conditions where you will be using it the most. Reflective tints are better for areas that receive significant amounts of sunshine, while clear visors work better in low-light conditions.
Review of the Best Visors for Motorcycle Helmets
As mentioned above, there are plenty of motorcycle helmet visors to choose from. To help you choose the right product for your needs, we have reviewed some of the best visors on the market today.
Best Overall:
Shoei CWR-1 Spectra Motorcycle Helmet Visor
PROS
CONS
Durability and Eye Protection
All of Shoei’s motorcycle helmet visors comply with the US Federal Motor Safety Standards. They are DOT certified, which means they are safety-rated and off a reasonable level of eye protection.
Visibility
Each visor is designed to improve visibility. The visors also have fog-resistance, so you will not have to worry about losing visibility in either warm or cold riding conditions.
Color Options
Shoei offers the visor in a variety of colors and tints. Whether you are looking for an eye-catching, colorful mirrored finish or prefer a more subtle clear visor, you will be able to find exactly what you need.
Compatibility
The visor uses pin lock pins to attach to RF – 1200 motorcycle helmets. It features a one size fits all design, so it will not matter what size your helmet is, as long as it is an RF – 1200 style helmet.
Review
These visors are available in a variety of tints and colors, which is ideal for those who want the perfect lens to match the light where they ride. The tinted lens options reduce eye-strain in bright conditions. On the other hand, those that choose a clear or smoky lens will benefit from wind and debris protection without having their visibility hindered, even in low-light conditions.
Bottom Line
No matter which color you choose, you will be happy with the overall quality. For those who are looking for an adaptable motorcycle helmet visor that they can use in all conditions, it is worth mentioning that the photochromic lens option will darken and lighten depending on the amount it is exposed to. However, it is worth noting that this option is significantly more expensive than the other options.
Runner-up:
HJC HJ-09 Face Shield
PROS
CONS
Durability and Eye Protection
Each HJC helmet visor uses durable, impact-resistant material.
Visibility
Buyers can choose between a variety of tints, which makes it easy to find the exact visor they require. Match the visor to the light conditions you encounter the most. Best of all, the visors are so affordable that you could buy more than one lens, so you always have the right tint for your needs.
Color Options
The visors are available in thirteen unique colors and tints, so it is easy to find one that matches your exact style and preferences.
Compatibility
These visors install quickly and easily, and they are compatible with a wide variety of motorcycle helmet brands and styles. The visors will fit HJC AC-12, CL-15, 16, 17, and SP helmets, as well as CS-R1, R2, R3, FS-10, FS-15, and IS-16 motorcycle helmets.
Review
This is a great visor option for those that are looking for a safe option. They protect the rider’s eyes from rain, dust, and glare while being durable enough to withstand a direct impact from a larger piece of debris, such as a stone or twig. Each lens has an anti-fog coating, so you will not have to worry about your visor fogging up on humid days.
Bottom Line
Whether you want to change the look of your helmet with an eye-catching lens, or you need something that will protect your eyes from sunshine and glare, HJC offers exactly what you need. They are affordable enough that you could even buy more than one visor to suit the exact riding conditions each day you take your motorcycle out.
Best for the Money:
AFX 3-Snap Flip Shield
PROS
CONS
Durability and Eye Protection
Each of their motorcycle helmet visors features a scratch and impact resistant design, which protects the wearer’s eyes, as well as the lens itself. As long as all of the snaps are properly connected, the visor has a secure fit.
Visibility
Each visor is UV treated, meaning it protects the user’s eyes from sun damage.
Color Options
The visors are available in six distinct color options.
Compatibility
The simple design means that it is compatible with most three-snap motorcycle helmets. It will even work with a variety of snowmobiles, scooters, and ATV helmets.
Review
As our choice for the best visor for the money, it is no surprise that the main selling point for these visors is their affordable price. Aside from the low price, what stood out to us was the variety of tint options available, which is not always the case with visors at this price point. You can choose from a clear and fully transparent lens or one of their more tinted options. They even offer a gradient lens, which is perfect for those that ride when the sun is directly overhead.
Bottom Line
These are surprisingly well-made visors for the price, making them the perfect option for the price-conscious motorcycle rider. We liked that the anti-fogging treatment can prevent fog buildup in both hot and cold riding conditions and that the wide profile of the lens ensures the user has a broad field of vision.
Best Mirrored Visor Motorcycle Helmet:
Kask WV100002 Polycarbonate Visor
PROS
CONS
Durability and Eye Protection
The visor uses extremely durable polycarbonate material.
Visibility
The visor lens has an anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment, so it will remain crystal-clear, even after heavy use.
Color Options
The Kask visor is available in a mirrored finish, clear lens, or a smoky tint. All three options significantly reduce glare and make it much easier to ride in bright, sunny conditions.
Compatibility
The visor is compatible with any Kask motorcycle helmet and fits most standard motorcycle helmet styles.
Review
The thing that stood out the most about this visor is the material. The polycarbonate material is tough for impact resistance, even at extremely low temperatures, which can often cause cheaper lenses to crack. Tear-proof seals also ensure the user’s eyes are fully protected from airborne dust, debris, and water. Despite the high price, it is a great option; however, it may not be what those on a tight budget are looking for.
Bottom Line
if you have the money to spend on a higher-quality visor, this is a great option. You will enjoy the extra-wide panoramic lens, which is designed so users can wear glasses underneath. If you need to wear corrective lenses, this visor is perfect. The panoramic lens also offers users a wider field of visibility than most visors out there.
Best Dual Visor Motorcycle Helmet:
1Storm Dual Visor Helmet Shield
PROS
CONS
Durability and Eye Protection
Uses a durable and shatter-proof material.
Visibility
Despite the mirrored and tinted finish, users will have a crystal-clear view of the road ahead.
Color Options
The visor comes in an eye-catching, multi-colored finish, which works well with any helmet color. It is also mirrored, so users can see through the lens perfectly without others being able to see their faces.
Compatibility
Unfortunately, this mirrored helmet visor is only compatible with 1Storm motorcycle helmets. More specifically, it will only work with the Model HB89. That said, the HB89 is an excellent motorcycle helmet that is available at an affordable price point, so it is a perfect option for anyone that is in the market for a new helmet.
Review
This is the perfect visor for those that are into dual-sport riding, as the visor can withstand significant impacts without cracking or shattering. It also has a scratch-resistant coating, which means users can be rough with their helmet without having to worry that they will cause any noticeable damage to the surface of their visor. Users also appreciate the anti-glare mirrored finish, which helps with visibility when riding in the bright sun.
Bottom Line
If you enjoy dual sport riding and want a visor that can keep up with you, this is a great option. Not only is it incredibly durable, it offers excellent visibility, as an anti-fog treatment also keeps the lens clear in both high and low temperatures.
Best Gold Visor Motorcycle Helmet:
ScorpionEXO R420 Shield
PROS
CONS
Durability and Eye Protection
ScorpionEVO thoroughly inspects each lens to ensure that they have a consistent thickness.
Visibility
ScorpionEXO applies a unique ‘EverClear’ coating onto each of their visor shields to make sure they are flawlessly transparent. The coating is heated to ensure it bonds to the surface of the visor, and the process is always carried out in a dust-free environment, which prevents imperfections in the surface.
Color Options
In addition to a mirrored gold lens, ScorpionEXO also offers its visor shields in five other colors and tints, including eye-catching silver, blue, and ruby options, all of which are mirrored.
Compatibility
It works with the ScorpionEVO R420 Hel motorcycle helmet, but the snap-in installation will work with other helmets.
Review
The shields use an extremely durable material designed to protect the wearer’s eyes from flying debris. They also feature UV protection, which is great for eye protection, especially during long summer rides. The anti-fog system the visor uses is also one of the best in the industry. It is a great option for those that like the look of a gold motorcycle helmet visor.
Bottom Line
This visor works incredibly well, and the EverClear coating ensures it will always perform no matter what abuse you throw at it. It is an excellent visor that looks great and gets the job done.
Best Tinted Motorcycle Helmet Visor:
ICON Optics Face Shield
PROS
CONS
Durability and Eye Protection
The visor is fitted to the helmet with a shield lock, ensuring it will stay in place securely. A secure fit is a safer fit, as there is no threat that the lens will pop out of place while you are riding. The lenses themselves use durable materials, so they have strong resistance against scratches and impact damage.
Visibility
An anti-fog treatment and a variety of tints help improve visibility in all sorts of riding conditions.
Color Options
The visors are available in eleven color options. Whether you would like a straightforward clear visor or are more adventurous and would prefer one of their mirrored green or chameleon lenses, it is easy to find the exact color to match your style and preferences.
Compatibility
The ICON Optics Face Shield fits the Icon Airmada, Airframe Pro, and Airform Helmets. For those that would like to add side plates, Icon sells them separately, and they work with the face shield to give the helmet a more complete look.
Review
This visor is available in a wide variety of tints and colors, so it is perfect for those that ride all year in different weather conditions. For those who purchase multiple lenses to match the weather conditions, the lenses are easy to change. Choosing a mirrored lens for bright days and one of the more transparent lenses for riding on overcast days or at night is one of the easiest ways to ensure you always have perfect visibility.
Bottom Line
These visors offer an excellent tint, and they are incredibly easy to change. Users will appreciate their anti-scratch properties; however, it is worth noting that they will only work with Icon motorcycle helmets.
Best Red Visor Motorcycle Helmet:
OZ - USA Iridium Red Helmet Visor
PROS
CONS
Durability and Eye Protection
All of OZ – USA’s aftermarket motorcycle helmet visors use high-quality, shatter-resistant polycarbonate material.
Visibility
A three-dimensional injection molding process ensures users will experience a distortion-free field of vision.
Color Options
The visor is available in a fashionable and attention-grabbing ruby red finish. Depending on what angle it is being viewed from, the colors will range from dark reds to softer orange tones.
Compatibility
The visor is compatible with a wide range of motorcycle helmets, but it was specifically designed to fit the X-14, RF-1200, and RF-SR. It is also compatible with a Pinlock EVO for the Shoei CWR-F helmet.
Review
These visors are perfect for those who are looking for something a little bit more durable than a standard motorcycle helmet visor. The polycarbonate material also gives the lens an impressive level of scratch-resistance. Not only is the lens designed to last, but it also provides users with an outstanding level of eye protection.
Bottom Line
If you care about eye-protection, you will appreciate these visors. Not only will they protect the wearer’s eyes from flying debris, but the lens is also designed to prevent glare and, more importantly, protect the wearer’s eyes from 99 percent of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Top Brands in the Motorcycle Visor Space
As mentioned previously, there are plenty of manufacturers that are now offering aftermarket motorcycle helmet visors. Choosing the right one for your needs can be somewhat difficult, which is why it is useful to be familiar with the top brands. The following brands have strong reputations for offering high-quality visors:
Shoei
Shoei is one of the largest players in the motorcycle helmet industry. They are a Japanese company that has been making helmets and helmet accessories specifically for motorcycle enthusiasts since 1958. Their visors offer outstanding quality at a reasonable price point.
Photo credit: MotorcyclistOnline.com
Kask Sport
Kask is an Italian company that specializes in developing, designing, and manufacturing high-quality safety helmets. They offer helmets for a variety of uses, including skiing, cycling, search and rescue, and, of course, motorcycling. Their products are designed for comfort, performance, and safety. Their motorcycle visors combine eye-catching aesthetics with flawless visibility.
ICON Motorsports
ICON Motorsports began in 2002, and since that time, they have quickly made a name for themselves by offering motorcycles and motorcycle accessories that cater to performance-minded riders. While style is important to ICON, its commitment to safety makes its helmets and visors stand out. All of its visors prioritize rider safety, so if you are looking for one that will keep your eyes safe, consider their ICON Optics line of helmet shields and visors.
Types of Motorcycle Helmet Visors
Motorcycle helmet visors can be categorized into several different types. The following are some of the most common styles:
Photo Credit: AkashKalita.com
Full-Face Visors and Shields
Full-face visors protect more than just the rider’s eyes. They extend down the front to just above the helmet wearer’s jawline to protect the chin, which is vulnerable during head-on collisions.
Half-Face Visors
Some motorcycle helmets do not have an open-face design, which means the opening exposes only the wearer’s eyes. In these situations, the visor is shorter, as there is no room for it to extend below the bridge of the nose.
Mirrored Visors
As the name suggests, mirrored visors feature a mirrored exterior surface to reflect light. With less light passing through the lens, it protects the rider’s eyes from glare. Not only does this improve visibility in bright conditions, but it also helps keep the helmet wearer’s face cool. Mirrored visors are available in both full-face and half-face styles and are a popular choice for those that ride on sunny days.
Drop-Down Visors
Drop-down visors can be raised or lowered depending on the rider’s preference. Most of the aftermarket visors you will find today follow a drop-down style, and it is quickly becoming the standard. They allow the wearer to raise the visor and cool off while they are stopped or riding at slow speeds.
Photo credit: rideapart.com
Do All Visors Fit All Helmets?
Motorcycle helmets are available in a wide variety of styles, which means most visors will only fit specific helmets. Because different helmets will have different dimensions, it is impossible to make one visor with a universal fit.
With that said, many visor manufacturers will design their products to fit as many helmets as possible by making sizes that work with the most popular types of helmets. The best thing you can do before purchasing a new visor is to check the manufacturer’s compatibility guide to see if it fits your specific helmet. Most companies will make this information clear and easy to find.
Price Points of Motorcycle Helmet Visors
As with any piece of motorcycle gear, prices for helmet visors vary depending on the quality, brand, and features. We have provided a basic price range to give you a rough idea of what you can expect from visors in each price range:
$20 - $50
Visors in this price range are generally considered replacement lenses, as they tend to be similar in quality to the stock visors most helmets come with. That said, you can still find great visors in this range. Look for anti-fogging treatments and a tint that matches your particular preferences. Some people will purchase a cheaper visor in a unique color to alter the look of their helmet.
Photo credit: TechCrunch.com
$50 - $100
More often than not, these mid-range visors will be an upgrade over a motorcycle helmet’s stock visor. When you are shopping in this bracket, you can expect visors to feature anti-scratch treatments and UV ray protection. You will often find mirrored options within this price range, which can be ideal for those that ride on bright, sunny days.
Over $100
Visors that exceed the $100 mark usually offer the highest level of eye protection. They are considered high-performance lenses, so they are almost always constructed from durable materials that will not crack or shatter on impact. You can also find photochromic visors at this price point, which will adapt according to the amount of sun they are exposed to. These are perfect for those that want the ability to ride day and night without having to change their visor.
Motorcycle Helmet Visor Laws
Most of the laws regarding motorcycle helmet visors have to do with the amount of tint the visor can have. In most states, helmet visors must allow a light transmission rate of at least 50 percent, which means the visor cannot block out more than half the light the rider would see. This law is to do with visibility and safety for both the rider and those around them.
However, it is worth noting that tinted visors are considered legal throughout the United States. Some local jurisdictions have rules that prevent riders from leaving their visor open at certain speeds. Laws like this are not common but are intended to prevent the rider from being distracted by oncoming wind. For those who live in an area with wind-related visor laws, it is worth investing in a clear visor if you plan on riding at night.
California Motorcycle Helmet Visor Law
California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a safety helmet at all times. In regards to visor-specific laws, the State of California prevents riders from using any lens or visor that could obstruct their vision, which means tints must allow at least 70 percent light transmission. This law is stricter than other parts of the country, but it still gives California residents plenty of options for choosing a helmet visor.
Who Should Not Buy a Motorcycle Helmet Visor?
While aftermarket helmet visors are a great way to improve visibility and increase eye protection, they are not for every type of helmet. For starters, some lower-end motorcycle helmets do not have removable visors, and an aftermarket visor wouldn't fit.
You should also hold off on purchasing a new helmet visor if you are unsure about which type of helmet you own. As mentioned above, helmet visors work with certain types of helmets. Buying a visor that is not compatible with your specific helmet will only end up being a waste of money.
Photo credit: RedHillMotorcycleWerx.com
You should also avoid buying a dark-tinted or mirrored visor simply because you like the look of it. These visors block out a certain amount of light, which can be an issue if you prefer to ride at night or in low-light conditions. While a new visor can add plenty of style and personality to your helmet, it is not worth reducing visibility just for looks. Before you purchase a new helmet visor, make sure it is appropriate for the type of riding you do.
You should also avoid purchasing a high-end helmet visor if you plan to use it with an entry-level helmet. In many cases, you are better off investing in a new helmet as most mid-range helmets have well-made visors.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you could be in the market for a new helmet visor. If you are looking to improve visibility, prevent glare, and increase the amount of eye protection your helmet offers, a new visor could be just what you need. Any of the visors we reviewed above are a great place to start, just make sure you are choosing one that is compatible with your helmet and fits your needs, style, and budget.
People Also Ask
Why Are Dark Visors Illegal?
There are tint restrictions on visors to ensure the rider’s visibility is not reduced to a dangerous level. For the safety of the rider, their passenger, and those around them, visibility must remain at an acceptable level.
Are Mirrored Visors Illegal?
As long as the user’s visibility is not reduced to a dangerous or illegal level, mirrored visors are legal. Most of the mirrored visors you will find are designed to meet road safety laws. Even if a mirrored visor is legal, it is worth taking some time to consider the practicality if you tend to ride in low-light conditions. Mirrored lenses can be great on bright days, but they can obstruct your vision at night.
What Are Motorcycle Helmet Visors Made of?
Motorcycle helmet visors use a variety of materials. The type of material a manufacturer uses will determine the quality of the visor. Cheaper visors use low-quality acrylic materials, which are susceptible to cracking, scratching, and shattering, while the higher-end visors use far more durable polycarbonate materials.
Photo credit: MotoEst.com.au
Why Do Motorcycle Helmets Have Visors?
Helmet visors protect the rider’s eyes and help them with visibility. They block the wind, debris, rain, and more. Visors can also offer protection during collisions as they withstand impacts. Tinted visors also help reduce eye strain from bright sunlight.
How Hard is it to Add/Change the Visor on Your Motorcycle Helmet?
How difficult it is to replace a visor will mostly depend on the type of helmet you're using. While some require tools and can be quite a hassle, most of the newer models make it so visor alterations can be completed in less than a minute. Simply consult the manufacturer’s instruction manual and read the section on visor removal.
Can You Add a Visor to Any Helmet Type?
No, you cannot always add a visor to a motorcycle helmet. Some models, particularly less expensive ones, do not feature a removable visor. With these helmets, the owner is stuck with the stock visor. However, most visors can be changed and replaced. One way to check is to read through the instruction manual that would have been included with your helmet.
