Motorcycle helmet visors: everything you need to know

The visor is the clear polycarbonate shield that hinges down over the front of your helmet and protects your face and eyes from wind and flying debris. It is impact-resistant and shatter-resistant.

In a full-face helmet the visor extends from the top of the helmet, locking into the chin bar. In an open face helmet the visor can sometimes extend down as far as the chin but is often only a half visor to protect the eyes. This provides no protection for the chin.

Visors can be upgraded and replaced, and should be replaced if they become scratched as scratches reduce visibility, especially when riding towards a low sun (sun dazzle). Check the manual to your motorcycle helmet to see how to remove the visor and what type of visors it is compatible with. You will need to get one of the right size and with the right fitments if you are replacing it.

Tinted visors are not recommended as they restrict visibility in situations such as overcast days, or at dusk. They should definitely not be used for riding at night. It's best to use glasses for riding, and you can read advice about what type of glasses to use when riding a motorbike here.

Visors should be treated with an anti-fogging product to stop them misting up.

Tear-off strips can be used if riding when it's particularly wet and dirty.

Even if you have a faring on your motorbike, and therefore your face is somewhat protected from the wind, you should still use a full-face helmet with visor or protective goggles because in up to 35% of motorcycle accidents the rider's chin takes some of the impact. If you don't have a chin bar, in a crash the edge of the helmet can catch, wrenching your head around and causing serious neck injuries or death. Facial injuries causing permanent disfigurement are common.