Visors
About Visors
A helmet visor is the part that closes over the eyeport, and it is the piece that takes the scratches, the bugs and the glare. Riders replace one when it is scratched, cracked or fogged, or switch to a different tint for a new kind of light.
Listings use the word in two senses. Outer shields or face shields cover the face on street and sport helmets, and visor peaks are the fixed brims on dirt and adventure helmets, as the Visor Peak items here show. Tint is the first choice: clear for night, smoke or dark tint for bright sun and mirrored finishes, such as the chrome and gold shields listed here, which reduce glare as well.
Some shields are made for an anti-fog insert, as in the Pinlock-ready listings. After tint, fit is decisive, because shields are model-specific and sometimes size-specific, so match the helmet name and generation. Bubble shields suit open-face helmets, as the Bubble Shield listings show. Check that a tinted shield is suitable for riding at night before relying on it. See also Visor Inserts and Helmet Parts.
Brands in this category include THOR, AGV, Biltwell, Scorpion EXO and GMAX. Related categories are Helmet Care & Cleaning and Helmet Accessories, all under Helmets Parts & Accessories. If you are unsure which part is yours, this guide on avoiding fitment mistakes walks through the checks.
FAQs on helmet visors and face shields
How do I know which visor fits my helmet?
Use the helmet's model name and, where listed, its size range or generation. Shields are made for particular shell shapes and pivot designs, so a shield from another model may not seat, seal or lock. If the listing does not name your helmet, do not assume it fits.
Can I ride at night with a tinted shield?
A dark tint reduces how much light reaches your eyes, which can make night riding unsafe. Use a clear shield after dark. If you ride in changing light, carry a clear shield, or use a helmet with a drop-down sun shield.
What does Pinlock-ready mean?
It means the shield has the two pins that hold an anti-fog insert, so you can add one. The insert is sold separately and must match the shield. A shield without the pins cannot take an insert.
Do mirrored shields help in the sun?
Mirrored and iridium finishes reflect part of the light and reduce glare, which helps in bright sun. They are a type of tint, so the same night-riding caution applies. They also scratch like any shield, so clean them with a soft cloth.
How do I change a helmet shield?
Most shields detach at the pivot points with a lever, tab or screw. The method varies by helmet, so follow the manual or the maker's instructions. After fitting, check that the shield opens, locks and seals fully before you ride.
