Tinted visors, good or bad?

[bosslady]

I thought good. But noticed everywhere I go 90% ++ of riders have clear visors? I've got both for mine and if I'm going far enough away from home I take both, just in case the weather packs up or the sun comes out.

[GrayWolf]

I thought good. But noticed everywhere I go 90% ++ of riders have clear visors?

Tinted, smoked, mirrored etc.. the downside is they do, even with a very light tint reduce the amount of light that passes through the perspex. So even if its as low as 10%... thats now a noticeable 'darkening' of the visible surroundings at night.
Graduated visors used to be available, in effect a 'sun strip' part way down. Best option is a clear Visor with a sun visor that can be flicked out of the way when not needed. Seems even lots of the 'cheapy helmets' have this option nowadays.

[nerrrd]

I thought good.

I've never ridden with a fully tinted visor, but my last couple of helmets have had drop down sun visors which have been really good and much more convenient.

[Lelitu]

graywolf has a good point about the reduction in available light
however, there are times when that's exactly what you need for optimum visibility.

Since I've got bad eyes I just have two pairs of glasses, one clear, one tinted
I find they're a lot quicker and easier to swap than visors. they also take a lot less room.

[willytheekid]

Tinted, smoked, mirrored etc.. the downside is they do, even with a very light tint reduce the amount of light that passes through the perspex. So even if its as low as 10%... thats now a noticeable 'darkening' of the visible surroundings at night.
Graduated visors used to be available, in effect a 'sun strip' part way down. Best option is a clear Visor with a sun visor that can be flicked out of the way when not needed. Seems even lots of the 'cheapy helmets' have this option nowadays.

THIS +1 :niceone:

I too used to carry two visors, a clear and a smoked for sunny days...worked out fine, but a bit of a hassel to carry around (without scratching them etc) and not the best for morning/afternoon riding (Just as the sun is rising or setting...resulting in blinding glare at some angles)

I now have a LS2 helmet with a internal sun visor (like sunnies that flip down when required)...MUCH better system IMHO :yes:
Mornings I like to just use the clear visor for aided visability, but when the sun rise's, and im hit by the dreaded glare...."click"...I drop sunnies down to save the old retina :niceone: (LOVE IT!)


Good point about Graduated visors GW...I havn't seen one of those for ages! (can you still get them??)

[Road kill]

I've never ridden with a tinted visor,,,,and don't like them.

[unstuck]

Shades.:cool:

[TheTengTheory]

Shoei has graduated visors but they're about 60bucks more than the tinted...I bought the tinted visors for my qwest soon after and they're brilliant for long rides on good days. Abit of a worry if I intend to ride into the night but patchy cloud days, they work fine. I just bring my clear visor along if I intend to ride close to dusk. They even come with the pinlock studs so you can put the anti fog inserts which are so freaking handy. Have yet to experience any fog on my clear visor.

Gotta remember to raise the visor if you're entering a tunnel though....Went into the tunnel halfway through SH43 and didn't raise it...was wondering why my lights weren't working haha.

I've found they reduce the stress on the eyes on sunny days. I'm not squinting as often as such have better concentration on hazards and I don't have to worry too much about getting sunburn on my face :)

Abit of a hassle I guess bringing two visors but the benefits so far have made them worth my investment.

PS: Tinted visors also make you look pretty fucking cool.:love: Even better if they're those blue reflective ones :Punk:

[xXGIBBOXx]

Hey have any of you tryed coloured visors ? I have a "gold" tint its like wearing blueblockers . Haven't put a clear on for years . :Punk:

[Grizzo]

Shades.:cool:

Yep, the way to go.

[actungbaby]

I thought good. But noticed everywhere I go 90% ++ of riders have clear visors? I've got both for mine and if I'm going far enough away from home I take both, just in case the weather packs up or the sun comes out.

[R RATED][/R RATED]

Am riding with helmet brought first tinted visor i ever had , i always doubtfull about the need

its fine for day riding makes things very dark even bright sunny day seem dull

at night i flip it up too dark mind you very dark tint light one whould be better

[bosslady]

can't stand sunnies hence the visor also I too was told they look cool lol

[Ender EnZed]

Sunglasses.

Easier and smaller to carry and quicker to put on or take off.

[imdying]

Hey have any of you tryed coloured visors ? I have a "gold" tint its like wearing blueblockers . Haven't put a clear on for years . :Punk:

Yeah, I'm a fan too :yes:

[Lelitu]

Sunglasses.

Easier and smaller to carry and quicker to put on or take off.

also available in prescription varieties for those of us with fucked eyes and no contacts

[slofox]

I use a dark tint visor for most riding. I also have clear visors for night time riding.

Certain ocular problems mean I have a slightly lowered ability to see through areas of high contrast, A dark tint visor helps with this. e.g. Riding in early morning (something I do a lot), the sun is low and there are times when I move from bright sunlight into deep shade. I get better vision into the dark patch with a dark visor - seems to lower the level of contrast. The clear at night is pretty obvious.

Although. I did once ride up to Auckland and came back at night. Dumbarse forgot that it would be dark on the return journey so forgot the clear visor, eh...had to ride all the way home with the dark one. Tried to ride with it open but is was a hell of a stormy night (some of the worst weather I ever rode in) and the rain made my glasses impossible to see through with the visor open. So closed it had to be. To be honest it wasn't as bad as I expected. The night vision kicked in after a few minutes and it wasn't too bad - especially on the highway. Mind you, it was a pretty slow ride home.

Oh and of course, wearing a dark visor puts doubt into the minds of errant motorcar drivers as to just how mean a muthafucka you actually are in there...when you are an ole grampa man like me, that's probably a good thing.

[bosslady]

Oh and of course, wearing a dark visor puts doubt into the minds of errant motorcar drivers as to just how mean a muthafucka you actually are in there...when you are an ole grampa man like me, that's probably a good thing.

haha I think the ponytail, the bike and the L plate ruin it all for me lol

[FJRider]

haha I think the ponytail, the bike and the L plate ruin it all for me lol

ONLY ... if there's a pink ribbon in the ponytail :psst:

L plate riders are fearless .... <_< and GN's are BOSS ... :Punk:

[TheTengTheory]

ONLY ... if there's a pink ribbon in the ponytail :psst:

L plate riders are fearless .... <_< and GN's are BOSS ... :Punk:

Too bloody true. I've seen some GN riders own the street dam any cars near them. RIde it like you stole it :D

There's something very intimidating about not see the eyes. Its not the same with those flip downs....no offence to you flip visor owners but lets face it...Visors make you look like a Boss.

[R650R]

Tinted visors rock. Sometimes wear my prescription sunnys underneath also in HB summer! Being a former night driver I could ride home with no lights anyway as I've learnt how to really see in the dark.
Even adventure riding I take the tint, you can have it half open when riding into the sun to use it like a sunvisor while everyone else has one hand up and blinded. Also find tint gives more contrast on wet roads.
On a long trip if your struggling for nightvision... take the time to clean your headlight at the garage when you fuel up, a lot of people don't realise the difference that makes.

[FJRider]

Too bloody true. I've seen some GN riders own the street dam any cars near them. RIde it like you stole it :D

There's something very intimidating about not see the eyes. Its not the same with those flip downs....no offence to you flip visor owners but lets face it...Visors make you look like a Boss.

The really tough chick around here ..... have barbed wire instead of a ribbon ... :blink:

[TheTengTheory]

The really tough chick around here ..... have barbed wire instead of a ribbon ... :blink:

Grandma Cagers beware! :2guns:

[\m/]

Haven't used a regular tinted visor so can't comment. Dual visor helmets are great however, flick the visor down when the sun is low, flick back up when it gets dark.

[Wingnut]

Cant stand using sunnies.

Full dark visor is ideal in my experience. Have taken a clear as well if on a multi day ride....

[FJRider]

I often read in these forums ... about riders returning home later than they expected. The last few hours riding with the visor up. Forgot their visor was tinted.

Even on the dark/wet and stormy days riding ... the tinted visor can make it difficult.

[Woodman]

Used to think that the drop down sunshades were good too until last week when I had a wee spill and landed on my head. All ok but the sunshade that was in the down position sliced the end of my nose off and took a chunk out of the side of my nose.:facepalm:

Prior to that i thought they were great.

[DEATH_INC.]

I hate jamming sunnies inside a helmet too.
I use, and have done for 15+ years either dark tint, or more often these days an iridium tint visor.
The dark one's can be a bit of a challenge when it's dark and shitty, but lets face it, even clear ones suck with lights and shit reflecting off raindrops.
The Iridiums though, are still good to see out of , the only thing I notice is you don't see the oncoming cars lights lighting things up before they get to you.
But, be aware that I have very good night vision, and struggle with bright sunny days....so this may not be for every one.

[Zedder]

I do the sunnies thing, too poor to do anything else...

[bosslady]

I'm not even allowed to ride when it's super dark anyway

[caspernz]

Well it comes down to what works for you Bosslady, try the various methods and you'll find the one that suits you best.

I used to run only with sunglasses, but found that a pain. Switched to tinted visor and I actually liked that, but it got to be a nuisance to carry the clear visor all the time when out on those epic, just around the block in about 900 kms kinda rides...so when it came to replacing the last helmet I went for a Shoei Multitec with the internal flip down visor. Suits my 24/7 riding hours :2thumbsup

Quite apart from the colour of the visor, all my visors have had a strip of electrical tape applied to act as a kind of sunvisor for when the sun is close to the horizon. That bit of electrical tape, quite innucuous in itself, makes riding at dawn and dusk much easier :woohoo:

[DEATH_INC.]

Quite apart from the colour of the visor, all my visors have had a strip of electrical tape applied to act as a kind of sunvisor for when the sun is close to the horizon. That bit of electrical tape, quite innucuous in itself, makes riding at dawn and dusk much easier :woohoo:
Too true that. I used to do the same....

[bosslady]

I do the sunnies thing, too poor to do anything else...


Used to think that the drop down sunshades were good too until last week when I had a wee spill and landed on my head. All ok but the sunshade that was in the down position sliced the end of my nose off and took a chunk out of the side of my nose.:facepalm:

Prior to that i thought they were great.

I had always wondered about that... and now I know. Glad you're otherwise OK but sorry to hear about your nose :(
Think I'll stick with what I have, was happy enough with swapping when I needed to anyway... I don't wear sunnies anyway find them terribly uncomfortable and they often give me headaches, my eyes will thank me when I'm older I guess... or not...

[Grashopper]

Used to think that the drop down sunshades were good too until last week when I had a wee spill and landed on my head. All ok but the sunshade that was in the down position sliced the end of my nose off and took a chunk out of the side of my nose.:facepalm:

Prior to that i thought they were great.

Ouch! I was always quite happy with my flick-downs. Maybe I should rethink that. Did they break?
Anyway, glad that you're ok otherwise.

[FJRider]

Think I'll stick with what I have, was happy enough with swapping when I needed to anyway... I don't wear sunnies anyway find them terribly uncomfortable and they often give me headaches, my eyes will thank me when I'm older I guess... or not...

I get all my sunnies from the $2 shop. They have a good selection. I take my helmet in and try the sunnies on with the helmet on. Had no issues with them.

Try the same "try on" method wherever you buy yours ... if you can.

[bosslady]

I get all my sunnies from the $2 shop. They have a good selection. I take my helmet in and try the sunnies on with the helmet on. Had no issues with them.

Try the same "try on" method wherever you buy yours ... if you can.

I don't wear sunnies, hate em, always found them uncomfortable, give me headaches.

[caseye]

Used to have an Osse flip front lid ( Italian made, nice and comfy, one release point) until my wife was brought down on her bike and her flip front Nolan split and caused her to be pretty nastily cut from her top lip down to her bottom lip in the corner of her mouth.
Went out and bought two bell full faces, older and quite cheap, but genuine Bells and they've both never given us an ounce of trouble.
No flip down visors in em either, thought , why? the more that c an go wrong the more will go wrong, haven't regretted this decision yet.

[bosslady]

Used to have an Osse flip front lid ( Italian made, nice and comfy, one release point) until my wife was brought down on her bike and her flip front Nolan split and caused her to be pretty nastily cut from her top lip down to her bottom lip in the corner of her mouth.
Went out and bought two bell full faces, older and quite cheap, but genuine Bells and they've both never given us an ounce of trouble.
No flip down visors in em either, thought , why? the more that c an go wrong the more will go wrong, haven't regretted this decision yet.

that's exactly why I didn't get a flip front even though I saw one in a colour I really wanted... just SEEMED unsafe to me as you said, one more thing to go wrong, come apart etc.

[Zedder]

I had always wondered about that... and now I know. Glad you're otherwise OK but sorry to hear about your nose :(
Think I'll stick with what I have, was happy enough with swapping when I needed to anyway... I don't wear sunnies anyway find them terribly uncomfortable and they often give me headaches, my eyes will thank me when I'm older I guess... or not...

Interesting about you getting headaches from sunglasses, it usually points to a bad fit. Poor quality sunglasses though are worse for your eyes than not having any from what I've read/been told as is wearing sunglasses/tinted visors unnecessarily.

[tnarg]

Used to think that the drop down sunshades were good too until last week when I had a wee spill and landed on my head. All ok but the sunshade that was in the down position sliced the end of my nose off and took a chunk out of the side of my nose.:facepalm:

Prior to that i thought they were great.

What brand helmet was it? I just checked my Shark helmet that has the flip down visor and it doesn't lock down (Just a spring) so any force against it would just push it back up.

[Woodman]

What brand helmet was it? I just checked my Shark helmet that has the flip down visor and it doesn't lock down (Just a spring) so any force against it would just push it back up.

Was an HJC, and the sunshade stayed down. The outer visor broke the pivot bolt. Now have a Shoei without sunshade:woohoo:

[bosslady]

Interesting about you getting headaches from sunglasses, it usually points to a bad fit. Poor quality sunglasses though are worse for your eyes than not having any from what I've read/been told as is wearing sunglasses/tinted visors unnecessarily.

I dunno, just always been the way, I just don't see how I could get comfortable with them but I do need to get some, must be ruining my eyes, surely

[jellywrestler]

can't stand sunnies hence the visor also I too was told they look cool lol

ridings not about fashion it's about safe gear. i wear $2 shop kiddies sunnies when riding that way when you suddenly go from bright light to dark a quick flick will get them off your eyes and when you come out of the shade you can pop your visor and push em back up. may sound odd but it works a treat
dark visors leave you with less options unless you want to change them depending on conditions, not always practical

[bosslady]

ridings not about fashion it's about safe gear. i wear $2 shop kiddies sunnies when riding that way when you suddenly go from bright light to dark a quick flick will get them off your eyes and when you come out of the shade you can pop your visor and push em back up. may sound odd but it works a treat
dark visors leave you with less options unless you want to change them depending on conditions, not always practical

but.. but.. I wanna look BOSS :laugh:

[_Shrek_]

Used to think that the drop down sunshades were good too until last week when I had a wee spill and landed on my head. All ok but the sunshade that was in the down position sliced the end of my nose off and took a chunk out of the side of my nose.:facepalm:


:spanking: but wasn't your helmet up & just the tint visor down like I saw you Saturday,




I thought good. But noticed everywhere I go 90% ++ of riders have clear visors? I've got both for mine and if I'm going far enough away from home I take both, just in case the weather packs up or the sun comes out.

this is my 2nd HJC with internal sun visor & I was KO'd & few years back with internal down it didn't touch any part of my face but I hit the ground hard enough to brake clear external visor
& I wear sonnys as well

mrs S has the same helmet, coz she can't wear sunnys, so the internal gives you the best of both worlds

[Zedder]

I dunno, just always been the way, I just don't see how I could get comfortable with them but I do need to get some, must be ruining my eyes, surely

I have a HJC full face and wear my sunnies very comfortably. They're not large lensed ones (like aviator type) but do combat Ultra Violet light. The Ultra Violet light is the bad thing. However, if they're not good quality lenses to start with they can strain your eyes.

[FJRider]

but.. but.. I wanna look BOSS :laugh:

An old style black leather jacket would get that look. Google "The Fonz" (Happy Day TV series) :laugh:

And stop wearing those pink ribbons ... <_<

[bosslady]

An old style black leather jacket would get that look. Google "The Fonz" (Happy Day TV series) :laugh:

And stop wearing those pink ribbons ... <_<

everyone knows who the fonz is :P

[Woodman]

:spanking: but wasn't your helmet up & just the tint visor down like I saw you Saturday,

The flip front was definitely down but the outer visor was up. Just got me stitches out today, gonna be a cool scar.

[FJRider]

everyone knows who the fonz is :P

I have a similar jacket to his. No padding or armour. I wear it "for Appearance value" now and then ... I've had it 18 years now. Wasn't new when I got it.

[_Shrek_]

The flip front was definitely down but the outer visor was up. Just got me stitches out today, gonna be a cool scar.

maybe it's coz your nose is to big & you need a new shape :bleh:

[Ocean1]

What brand helmet was it? I just checked my Shark helmet that has the flip down visor and it doesn't lock down (Just a spring) so any force against it would just push it back up.

Yeah? I bought 'Er indoors an Evoline because in a UK test they were the only flip-face that didn't open on impact. The lock's fairly substantial.

[Gremlin]

I've never gotten used to the NZ glare which is present all times of the year. For the vast majority of time I use tinted visors, so much so I have brand new clear visors lying around (helmets always come with clear visors). For evening riding, like commuting etc no problems with tinted visor. Sure, at times the shadows are almost black, but then I'm not blinded by oncoming headlights either. I've got good night vision so my eyes adjust. I do put a clear on when riding for extended hours at night, usually country riding (the lack of ambient light makes everything dark). Your eyes work less with the clear on so for hours upon hours the clear makes sense.

I like the full coverage a visor offers. Sunnies had gaps and often the internal visors don't come down far enough. I carry the 2nd visor (clear or tint) in an Oxford visor bag.

FYI: The mirror visors can scratch very easily

[Ender EnZed]

To the people that never wear sunglasses: What do you do when driving a car long distance on a bright, sunny day?


Yeah? I bought 'Er indoors an Evoline because in a UK test they were the only flip-face that didn't open on impact. The lock's fairly substantial.

Presumably he was talking about the internal sun visor rather than the whole flip front.

[bosslady]

To the people that never wear sunglasses: What do you do when driving a car long distance on a bright, sunny day?



Presumably he was talking about the internal sun visor rather than the whole flip front.

I don't use them, clearly. I use the flip down thingy, whatever you call it only for really bad glare. Otherwise nothing, yup.

[TheTengTheory]

To the people that never wear sunglasses: What do you do when driving a car long distance on a bright, sunny day?



Presumably he was talking about the internal sun visor rather than the whole flip front.

But remember in a car we don't don a helmet which presses in snug on the sides. Its another added pressure point on our head. I like the dark visor. yes its abit of a hassle if riding at night for long periods but the benefits you get when riding in the day makes up for the hassle. If you get caught out once you'll learn from experience and unless its a freak accident it won't happen often. I also find its one less thing to shatter or snap if I am unfortuante enough to have an accident. I've seen mountain bikers that crash while wearing sunglasses. Its amazing how easily some glasses crack or shatter.

[KiWiP]

Its not the same with those flip downs....no offence to you flip visor owners but lets face it...Visors make you look like a Boss.

Oh it is, when you're looking at someone in the eyes, hit the button, visor flips down and you disappear to them pilot style, that's cool :cool: BTW do we need a 'visor' emoticon?

I love the pilot style when going through different terrain, sunny flats to wooded twisties. Nice to just flip and keep going

[caspernz]

The flip front was definitely down but the outer visor was up. Just got me stitches out today, gonna be a cool scar.

Chicks dig scars...just tell the story right...or was it tell the right story...to go with the scars?:eek:

[f2dz]

I wear a 30% smoke tinted visor all the time, ever since I started riding. I've ridden with a clear visor before but didn't find much of a difference between the two at night time. The clear was slightly brighter but not by very much at all.

The time you run into problems is if your visor is tinted too dark and you're riding at night you're kinda screwed. A guy at work rides with a 100% tinted visor 24/7, and in winter time on his rides home if there aren't any streetlamps around he has to ride with it up so he can actually see.

Sunnies are fine too, easier than swapping visors, but seeing as I wear glasses already I kinda have to have a tinted visor to save my eyes. But I've noticed the same thing, quite a few people just rock clear visors lately. Either that or lame gloss black Shoei lids with black visors..

[slofox]

I tried my prescription sunnies once. They have polarising lenses. Which makes for "interesting" vision through a visor. Which is another reason why I went to a dark visor.

[swtfa]

Haven't used a regular tinted visor so can't comment. Dual visor helmets are great however, flick the visor down when the sun is low, flick back up when it gets dark.

I had problems wearing sunnies under the helmet, sore nose, ears etc so got one of these dual helmets - yes they are great :)

[chasio]

A guy at work rides with a 100% tinted visor 24/7

:eek:

Surely 100% opacity means no light is transmitted. I don't think you can mean that; or he has the spidey-sense to beat all spidey-senses.

[chasio]

Interesting about you getting headaches from sunglasses, it usually points to a bad fit. Poor quality sunglasses though are worse for your eyes than not having any from what I've read/been told as is wearing sunglasses/tinted visors unnecessarily.

Yes. $2 shop sunnies cut visible light so your pupil dilates, allowing a lot more UV to come in and damage your eye.


I dunno, just always been the way, I just don't see how I could get comfortable with them but I do need to get some, must be ruining my eyes, surely

To the best of my knowledge, eye damage is irreversible.

When was the last time you had an eye test? They check for health as well and if you haven't been for a while, I'd recommend a visit. They may also be able to advise why you struggle with sunglasses.

Personally I have a pair of frameless Silhouettes that are the most comfortable pair of sunnies I have ever had. They do suffer a bit behind a visor though (slightly unusual effects, as mentioned above, but nothing to worry about).

When riding in my XR1000 with the tinted visor, I either carry a clear one or if space is tight, some clear safety glasses. Then if I have to ride with the visor up unexpectedly, I can keep the wind blast out of my eyes with the glasses.

However, I mostly ride in a dual sport helmet with an integrated visor and that is my pick. I am not unduly concerned about the end of my nose and if I did lose it, I'd be able to claim I was a stunt double in a remake of The Pink Panther when the stunt went wrong...

[f2dz]

:eek:

Surely 100% opacity means no light is transmitted. I don't think you can mean that; or he has the spidey-sense to beat all spidey-senses.

Oops yea sorry, I meant 70%. He tells me it's 100%, but like you say, 100% would be a bit dark eh.

[Gremlin]

Oops yea sorry, I meant 70%. He tells me it's 100%, but like you say, 100% would be a bit dark eh.
Yeah, Shoei have a smoke visor that looks like it's a dirty clear. Utterly useless I reckon, but comes standard as the second visor for the Multitec. The shop nicely replaces it for me with a dark smoke which actually looks like a tinted visor :msn-wink:

[bosslady]

To the best of my knowledge, eye damage is irreversible.

When was the last time you had an eye test? They check for health as well and if you haven't been for a while, I'd recommend a visit. They may also be able to advise why you struggle with sunglasses.

hmm don't think I've had a test ever? or maybe primary school...

[chasio]

hmm don't think I've had a test ever? or maybe primary school...

So not super-recently :)

Actually I meant to say UV related eye damage, but my recommendation is the same: please go and get them checked by an ophthalmologist and ask them about sunglasses. Not for riding (most visors provide UV protection - I know Shoei's and Nolan's do, for example) but for general use.

Specsavers often have coupons available that make it cheap enough, but there are plenty of other places to go.

[Gremlin]

Specsavers often have coupons available that make it cheap enough, but there are plenty of other places to go.
Specsavers also have a deal for AA members. A free eye check every two years.

[bosslady]

it isn't a bad idea, but I won't lie, the likelihood of me getting an eye test anytime soon is pretty slim..

[chasio]

it isn't a bad idea, but I won't lie, the likelihood of me getting an eye test anytime soon is pretty slim..

Well, the chance of injury from riding a motorbike is certainly higher than from not protecting your eyes from UV damage, I guess. I just like to reduce risks I can do something about. This is probably because I am getting old...

[Jerry74]

Gold mirror tint here, not actually too bad in low light I find.

[wasiler]

it isn't a bad idea, but I won't lie, the likelihood of me getting an eye test anytime soon is pretty slim..

You know, I had an eye test about 4 years ago and they said I should see someone about getting glasses. Me being stubborn and thought I could see just fine, disregarded it. This last month I failed my eye exam on my license so, had to get glasses. Wow, I did realize the difference. I no longer have to squint and strain my eyes. It is much more relaxing now. There are a couple of websites on how to make an eye chart at home. You might want to give them a try if you think you might need your eyes checked.

Oh, to the original poster, I normally wear shades because a tinted visor is a pain to change out at night. I like to sometimes flip my visor up to cruise at moderate speed with less eye irritation from the wind bothering my eyes. That is why we all bought motorcycles right? This is also why a dog sticks his head out the window.

[BigAl]

Yeah I use iridium right up until dusk it is lighter than my mirrored visor but still great in bright sunlight.

Have same helmet with a clear to use when I go out at night.

Sun glasses like corrective glasses are a pain, contacts are way to go.

[bosslady]

Well, the chance of injury from riding a motorbike is certainly higher than from not protecting your eyes from UV damage, I guess. I just like to reduce risks I can do something about. This is probably because I am getting old...

that's true but doesn't diminish the importance of getting my eyes checked... on the to do list perhaps, spending all my cash money on other things at the mo, lol.


You know, I had an eye test about 4 years ago and they said I should see someone about getting glasses. Me being stubborn and thought I could see just fine, disregarded it. This last month I failed my eye exam on my license so, had to get glasses. Wow, I did realize the difference. I no longer have to squint and strain my eyes. It is much more relaxing now. There are a couple of websites on how to make an eye chart at home. You might want to give them a try if you think you might need your eyes checked.

Oh, to the original poster, I normally wear shades because a tinted visor is a pain to change out at night. I like to sometimes flip my visor up to cruise at moderate speed with less eye irritation from the wind bothering my eyes. That is why we all bought motorcycles right? This is also why a dog sticks his head out the window.
passed the eye test to get my learners no problem, but I know those tests aren't exactly hard. oh and I am the OP lol

[Gremlin]

This last month I failed my eye exam on my license so, had to get glasses.
I failed the eye test when doing the paperwork for my upcoming class 1 restricted test. Breezed through a proper eye test, so don't trust the eye test machines ... plenty of people have said the machines do not compensate for having a dominant eye.

[Maha]

I used both, I say used because I no longer need to, I have the best of both worlds with the new helmet.
Even when I used a tinted visor, I still had the patented insulation tape sun deflector, also used on the clear visor.
Was only ever caught once in the dark with a tinted visor, but I swapped lids with Anne (she was pillion at the time)..that is the only arse thing about them from personal experience.
I couldn't wear sunny's with the tinted, but had to with the clear...damn! so much to think about :confused:...but like I said, no longer.

[TheTengTheory]

I failed the eye test when doing the paperwork for my upcoming class 1 restricted test. Breezed through a proper eye test, so don't trust the eye test machines ... plenty of people have said the machines do not compensate for having a dominant eye.

Completely agree....Apparently you're suppose to see three columns for the eye test at my local AA (now sure if this applies to others). I only saw two. Had to close my right eye to get the last column using my left.

[Gremlin]

Completely agree....Apparently you're suppose to see three columns for the eye test at my local AA (now sure if this applies to others). I only saw two. Had to close my right eye to get the last column using my left.
I played around with it as I'd never had a problem in previous tests. It seems the three columns somehow get merged into 2 (and explains why I thought the goddamn letters kept changing). Other suggestions like looking from a distance didn't work either... there was only ever two columns.

As you say, close an eye and you get the other column. I think it's the middle column that is visible with either eye, then left or right depends on the eye that's closed.

[GrayWolf]

Used to have an Osse flip front lid ( Italian made, nice and comfy, one release point) until my wife was brought down on her bike and her flip front Nolan split and caused her to be pretty nastily cut from her top lip down to her bottom lip in the corner of her mouth.
Went out and bought two bell full faces, older and quite cheap, but genuine Bells and they've both never given us an ounce of trouble.
No flip down visors in em either, thought , why? the more that c an go wrong the more will go wrong, haven't regretted this decision yet.


that's exactly why I didn't get a flip front even though I saw one in a colour I really wanted... just SEEMED unsafe to me as you said, one more thing to go wrong, come apart etc.

the SHARP site is your friend, I think the early flip fronts all had some issues.. however Nolan 102/103 are one of the few flip fronts that had a 100% pass rate under their testing regime. many cheaper helmets (or poor manufacture) have plastic locks, the nolan's now use stainless steel mechanisms. Think you'll find Shoie's etc are the same.

[BoristheBiter]

Hey have any of you tryed coloured visors ? I have a "gold" tint its like wearing blueblockers . Haven't put a clear on for years . :Punk:


I use a dark tint visor for most riding. I also have clear visors for night time riding.




I often read in these forums ... about riders returning home later than they expected. The last few hours riding with the visor up. Forgot their visor was tinted.

Even on the dark/wet and stormy days riding ... the tinted visor can make it difficult.

I have the Shoei blue iridium visor. fantastic even in low light and cuts the glare (even sun strike) to basically nil but if i know i will be returning close to dusk I will just change it to the clear and wear sunnies (my sunnies are the Oakley equivalent)


Completely agree....Apparently you're suppose to see three columns for the eye test at my local AA (now sure if this applies to others). I only saw two. Had to close my right eye to get the last column using my left.

I had problems on my last test and the lady said just open both eyes, fix on to it then close one eye. It worked but I wondered how many do this? and how many should be driving with glasses but don't, and why do they not check your long sight ability when redoing your licence?

[TheTengTheory]

I had problems on my last test and the lady said just open both eyes, fix on to it then close one eye. It worked but I wondered how many do this? and how many should be driving with glasses but don't, and why do they not check your long sight ability when redoing your licence?

See I think while the eye test has it's problems it still checks for the visual strength of your eye. It would imagine it would be about how clear you can see road more than which eye is your dominant. As long as you can see the road clearly to the standards of LTA, they assume you will be able to identify hazards. IMO :)

[oneofsix]

See I think while the eye test has it's problems it still checks for the visual strength of your eye. It would imagine it would be about how clear you can see road more than which eye is your dominant. As long as you can see the road clearly to the standards of LTA, they assume you will be able to identify hazards. IMO :)

Mrs had problems with the test. We discovered that it is designed to test long sight in both eyes separately and if long sight in one eye fails it is off to get a full eye test with you. Turns out she could see to drive as one eye was compensating for the other but the simple test doesn't allow for this. She is getting classes as it will improve her sight, she was legal for a car, class 1, but not a truck, class 2. Just remember that the car driver you are hoping can see you only has to be able to read the middle line on the eye chart, not the little ones, truck drivers require better eyesight.

[ckai]

Always had mirrored tinted visors. And I look fucken cool when I'm riding...hell even if I'm just standing there in my kit I look like the ducks nuts :Punk:

:laugh:

Seriously though, I can't be without a tinted visor. The darker the better. My eyes don't dig the sun too much. Personally I can't see how people can ride in clear visors in the sun without shades. Madness!


I tried my prescription sunnies once. They have polarising lenses. Which makes for "interesting" vision through a visor. Which is another reason why I went to a dark visor.

I have a new pair of specs with the flash new transistion lenses that tint and polarise. It can do some trippy 3d effects with the road at times.

[Swoop]

Opening statement: Everyone's eyes are different.

Personally I have tinted + clear visors. Wear the clear visor 2-3% of the time MAX.
I also have tinted and clear wraparound safety glasses (NZ Safety shops sell these).
Tinted is worn all the time unless REALLY shitty weather OR night.

Tinted visor + tinted sunnies is the norm. Summer or winter.
If caught out at night, reach under seat and pull out clear wraparounds. Ride with visor open if needed or simply remove.
Foggy morning = clear visor + clear wraparounds.


For those new to the game: PLEDGE your visor!
This helps rain "bead" and run off.

[3umph]

I use a tinted visor most of the time. If I am going away of may end up riding at night I take my clear one as well...

Usually I wear my prescription sunnies under the tinted visor and even sometimes use the internal sun visor down as well... like it dark lol

[TheTengTheory]

Opening statement: Everyone's eyes are different.

Personally I have tinted + clear visors. Wear the clear visor 2-3% of the time MAX.
I also have tinted and clear wraparound safety glasses (NZ Safety shops sell these).
Tinted is worn all the time unless REALLY shitty weather OR night.

Tinted visor + tinted sunnies is the norm. Summer or winter.
If caught out at night, reach under seat and pull out clear wraparounds. Ride with visor open if needed or simply remove.
Foggy morning = clear visor + clear wraparounds.


For those new to the game: PLEDGE your visor!
This helps rain "bead" and run off.

Pledge huh? I shall have to try that....I find turning my head at 100kph to be a good rain remover haha. Haven't tried tinted at night yet....I generally wear my clear if I'm coming back after dusk. But if its a day ride. tinted everytime including cloudy days. need to invest in another pinlock piece for my tinted.

Does anyone find bugs seem to have a gravitational effect on clean visors?....they seem to avoid your visor once it's become a visible massacre of insects and the occasional bird in my case. :shifty:

[Ender EnZed]

Does anyone find bugs seem to have a gravitational effect on clean visors?....they seem to avoid your visor once it's become a visible massacre of insects and the occasional bird in my case. :shifty:

I think they just don't stick to the corpses as well as they do to clean plastic.

[Swoop]

Pledge huh? I shall have to try that....I find turning my head at 100kph to be a good rain remover haha.
Try the spray can, spray on and wipe off. You'll notice the water bead up and roll off really quickly.

[tail_end_charlie]

+1 on the tinted visors

I've always worn a mirrored visor for the daytime (any weather) and have a clear one with me for a possible night ride. I have a Shoei XR1000 with a mirrored and clear visor as well as one pinlock liner. Any longer rides that I might be coming back after dark I'll carry my clear visor in a nice soft sleave and stick it inside my jacket (or leathers). Piece of piss to change them out. It takes me literally a minute to stop, take off the helmet, switch visors, helmet back on, and back on the road. Tack on another 30 seconds to change the pinlock over if need be.

I've tried wearing sunnies under the helmet, but found them to be very uncomfortable (creates pressure points over the ears and gives me a headache). I also have a Scorpion helmet from the states that has a drop down sunvisor that is very handy. Still run it in conjunction with the mirrored visor though.

And I do like the fact that when I'm wearing a mirrored visor, cage drivers can't see my eyes. The only time I have been run off the road by a SUV I was wearing a clear visor and the SOB was looking me straight in the eye when he took my lane.
With the mirrored visor it gives a little more of an 'intimidating' appearence. :2guns:
(Although the use of 'intimidating' when referencing my scrawny ass in any way is a bit of an oxymoron. :no::facepalm:)

[steve_t]

I just got a mirrored visor too. It's a nice middle ground between the dark smoke and the clear visors; so much so that I can ride in the early morning or at dusk with the mirrored and still have good vision. I really wish I'd got one earlier

[onearmedbandit]

Good and bad. It depends. But I mostly wear a tinted visor, but if I'm going on a ride that will possibly see me riding at night I'll change it over to a clear one before I leave.

[dukestraykker]

I changed from a clear visor to a tinted visor around the middle of last year. I havent looked back! Amazing to ride in at all hours. It can be a little dark during the night hours, but it helps me be able to see at all, as I am quite sensitive to the light, hazy grey skies moreso than the bright sunlight.

Although there is one downside I have found, my headlight bulb must of blown sometime between last friday and tonight, as its out and I didnt notice due to the visor being dark enough to hide most light on the road from myself and other cars..

[discotex]

I also have tinted and clear wraparound safety glasses (NZ Safety shops sell these).


Hmm interesting idea.. I hate carrying my clear visor just in in case. Any of these the ones you use?

http://www.nzsafety.co.nz/servlet/Srv.Ecos_Signon?CN=15366&AC=185E7D4D361E7D4D&UC=NZSGUEST

[Swoop]

Hmm interesting idea.. I hate carrying my clear visor just in in case. Any of these the ones you use?

http://www.nzsafety.co.nz/servlet/Srv.Ecos_Signon?CN=15366&AC=185E7D4D361E7D4D&UC=NZSGUEST
This is what I have. Very thin and close fitting, so very little notice when worn under the helmet.
Bolle Extreme - Clear (Each) code:402190

Probably best to pop along and have a look at their range and see what fits you best.

[george formby]

I've been caught out by sunnies & tinted visors in the past. Entering an unlit tunnel with sunnies on and a blown headlight:shit: and riding home on a winters night after a breakdown with me visor up & nose getting frost bite. Admittedly very rare problems.
Used a helmet with a flippy up & downy internal sunvisor for awhile now & it is the mutts nuts.
My next lid will have a peak & an internal sunvisor. That will get rid of the glare from low sun too.

[Monkfish]

I just changed from a clear to a Light Smoked visor.

I love it, when riding in the city at night I cant even tell the visor is tinted.

and during the day its good and takes the edge off.... However i still have to wear sunnies onder it, on those Blazing (not a cloud in the sky) days, as the light smoke dosent cut it. but thats all good IMO.

[The End]

Speaking of those insert-pulldown sunglass things.

How useful are they? Do they block the sun 100% or does it sneak through the nose section and blind you? And would they still fit for someone wearing glasses?

I'm due for a new helmet soon and would rather get one that has an internal dark visor that I can pull down, rather than have to worry about switching from dark/clear visor when commuting.

[pritch]

I'm due for a new helmet soon and would rather get one that has an internal dark visor that I can pull down, rather than have to worry about switching from dark/clear visor when commuting.

There'a a new AGV out that has the internal dark visor. Saw one yesterday and was impressed.

[Dangsta]

I rock an iridium visor on my shoei with a pinlock and its awesome. I've got a clear visor and a graduated smoke visor but just don't use them. Come winter when it gets darker I'll swap them around. No biggie, dead easy to change and for me, better than sunnies.

[meteor]

I had a clear visor but also a mirror or iridium (I think) one. Great but meant carrying two if I knew a change of light would occur during my ride. The mirror one was dangerous at night as too dark but fantastic during the day. I now have a clear one with an 'in vision' poly carb insert that is light sensitive and I think that's just the bees knees. I paid about $30ish on trade me from a guy in Pt Chev. I still carry sunnies on the really bright days but nothing is perfect. So happy tho with the insert especially for hitting that morning sun or sudden change of light conditions.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/helmets-clothing-footwear/helmets/auction-562415976.htm

[caspernz]

Speaking of those insert-pulldown sunglass things.

How useful are they? Do they block the sun 100% or does it sneak through the nose section and blind you? And would they still fit for someone wearing glasses?

I'm due for a new helmet soon and would rather get one that has an internal dark visor that I can pull down, rather than have to worry about switching from dark/clear visor when commuting.

The internal visor in my Shoei Neotec is about the same darkness as the dark visor on the previous Shoei Multitec, so yep it works well. I went this way for the commuting thingee, always doing one trip in the dark was a nuisance for sunnies. Just try a few lids on, I wear glasses and the internal sunvisor clears them nicely.

Oh and regardless of what I've used helmetwise, all have had the obligatory strip of electrical tape across the top as a sun blind :2thumbsup

[Maha]

Speaking of those insert-pulldown sunglass things.

How useful are they? Do they block the sun 100% or does it sneak through the nose section and blind you? And would they still fit for someone wearing glasses?

I'm due for a new helmet soon and would rather get one that has an internal dark visor that I can pull down, rather than have to worry about switching from dark/clear visor when commuting.

They are brilliant, my new HJC has one.
I use to find that, even when I had a tinted visor, I would still lift it for clearer vision when riding though an area where is has that strobing effect...a line of tree with the sun behind etc?
Or in shaded areas, now its just a touch of a button and everything is clear without the without the wind in my eyes.

[mulletman]

Heres what ya's need.

http://www.transitions.com.au/Products/Transitions-Performance-Sunwear/Bell-Helmets/?gclid=CK2z673V0bUCFYUa6wodyjcA6A

[PrincessBandit]

Heres what ya's need.

http://www.transitions.com.au/Products/Transitions-Performance-Sunwear/Bell-Helmets/?gclid=CK2z673V0bUCFYUa6wodyjcA6A

I wonder though...I had transition lenses for my third-to-last pair of spectacles and they were useless as. Although they went really dark and looked like awesome sunnies the reality was I still had to squint because the glare was just as bad as ever from the "eye" side of the lens. I also believe the tint stuff in the glasses lens only has a "best" life of about 2 years. Don't know if that translates to the product mentioned above or not, but I'd check it out before parting with the dosh (I'd imagine they'd carry a nice price tag).

[Ocean1]

There'a a new AGV out that has the internal dark visor. Saw one yesterday and was impressed.

I've got one, works well. It replaced an HJC item which also had an internal shade, that also worked OK but I could never fix the apparent upward breeze over my eyes.

[Reubix]

I have the exact same helmet and yes a drop-down visor is a brilliant option and the primary feature I wanted when buying a hlemet. Do you know if it's possible to get a darker tint internal visor?


They are brilliant, my new HJC has one.
I use to find that, even when I had a tinted visor, I would still lift it for clearer vision when riding though an area where is has that strobing effect...a line of tree with the sun behind etc?
Or in shaded areas, now its just a touch of a button and everything is clear without the without the wind in my eyes.

[Maha]

I have the exact same helmet and yes a drop-down visor is a brilliant option and the primary feature I wanted when buying a hlemet. Do you know if it's possible to get a darker tint internal visor?

Its my understanding that you can, they are removable.
Contact Darbi and ask the question...http://www.motorcyclegearnz.com/street_categories/1-helmets-street/

[mulletman]

I wonder though...I had transition lenses for my third-to-last pair of spectacles and they were useless as. Although they went really dark and looked like awesome sunnies the reality was I still had to squint because the glare was just as bad as ever from the "eye" side of the lens. I also believe the tint stuff in the glasses lens only has a "best" life of about 2 years. Don't know if that translates to the product mentioned above or not, but I'd check it out before parting with the dosh (I'd imagine they'd carry a nice price tag).

$180 me thinks so yes its up there.(visor)

CC Rider has one and reckoned it was pretty good, if anyone was interested further they could PM her.

[Disco Dan]

During the day I wear tinted visor all the time. No problems. Just carry clear visor in tank bag for when it gets dark. Not flipping rocket science....