Shield Helmet

Don't ride a motorcycle with impaired vision - clean your SHIELD.

Shield Helmet - Does it need cleaning?

The shield (visor) part of a motorcycle helmet tends to need the most cleaning; after all it is what you see through. You should expect to have to clean your shield after riding in the rain, riding in muddy conditions, riding in dusty conditions, riding where there are bugs, or simply after a sustained period of riding without cleaning.

The safest test of when to clean your shield helmet is when visibility is not perfect. If you cannot see through your shield perfectly, then clean it. Even if there is just a little dirt on your shield we recommend you clean it off at the earliest opportunity, the longer you leave it the harder it can become to clean. To make matters worse, road grime and dirt left on your shield may damage it and will increase the possibility of scratching when you finally do get around to cleaning.

If your visibility is still impaired after cleaning the shield, perhaps due to scratches, then you should consider replacing the shield. Do not ride a motorcycle with compromised vision.

Shield Helmet - How to clean?

Different manufacturers use different materials in their shields, most helmets will come with care instructions which we recommend you follow. If you do not have specific instructions we recommend in the first instance you just use water and a very soft cloth or your finger tips to clean off dirt. If there is heavy stubborn dirt you can try a soft toothbrush or other soft brush, or perhaps a cotton swab. You should avoid using any cleaning substances which are solvent based as these can be absorbed into the shield helmet material and can damage it over time - weakening the plastic or impairing vision through the build up of a discolored film.

There are certain specialist shield cleaning kits and products available if you would like something a little more sophisticated than water and your finger tips, many of these have the added benefit of anti-fogging products.

Are tear-off's right for me?

If you find yourself having to pull over frequently while riding to clean your shield, for whatever reason - dust, bugs, dirt - you should consider trying helmet visor tear offs. These are just plastic layers (films) which you put on your helmet shield, generally around three at a time so that they do not distort vision. When you find your vision has become impaired due to muck and grime build up, you simply tear off the outer layer, and presto, you have clear vision again.

We cannot emphasize it enough, clear vision is so important for safe motorcycling. Clean your shield helmet!