Why Do Dirt Bike Helmets Have Visors?
Dirt bike helmets, also called motocross helmets, protect the rider’s head during competitions and practices. They are highly specialized in providing maximum protection while still being lightweight and cool in hot weather conditions.
You may be asking yourself, “Why do dirt bike helmets have visors?” Honestly, I didn’t know either until I bought my dirt bike helmet. For me, it was just a fashion statement.
Visors are not only eye-catching but there is a logical reason behind them. They provide additional protection from dirt and mud.
This article will look at some of the key reasons why dirt bike helmets with visors are so popular among riders.
What is the Dirt Bike Helmet?
A dirt bike helmet is a helmet used for off-road racing. It is characterized by a hard polycarbonate shell and differs from a traditional motorcycle helmet due to its ability to handle impacts at longer distances.
Typically, dirt bike helmets are lighter, safer, and more comfortable than standard helmets, essential when competing for long periods.
The helmet provides good protection for the rider’s head, ears, face, and mouth. The chin guard does not go very far down, but it will protect your mouth if you are knocked down. The helmet is designed to don’t have to bend your head down so far to see where you are going.
Why do Dirt Bike Helmets have Visors?
Dirt bike helmets come in various styles and colors to match your personality and riding style, but a feature that is often overlooked is the visor. While you may not think much about it when you’re getting ready to go out on the trail.
The right visor can add extra protection, keep your face shaded from the sun, and even help reduce how much dust gets into your eyes while you’re riding. It is now clear that the visor is a safety feature, but how does it aid safety? Continue reading to find out!
1. Protects from Sun
Dirt bikes are usually raced in bright sunlight. You could get sunstroke if you ride in an open area with no shade and your helmet does not have a visor. Sunstroke occurs when you are overexposed to direct sunlight without enough time to cool down, usually sweating.
This is where the visor of the dirt bike helmet comes in handy. A dirt bike helmet’s visor shields your eyes from bright sunlight, allowing you to see clearly even when glare is present.
On a bright summer day or during long rides that last into dusk, you might think your eye protection is inadequate if you don’t wear goggles. However, your helmet visor will effectively reduce glare and make riding outside more enjoyable.
2. Dust Protection
The visor on a dirt bike helmet not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also serves an essential purpose in protecting your eyes and face from dust.
Whenever you ride your motorbike off-road, whether on trails or through open terrain, there is always some level of dust. It is especially dangerous when riding at higher speeds due to the wind’s strength.
That’s why having a dirt bike helmet with a built-in visor is essential for protection from debris that could get in your eyes.
3. Protection against Bad Weather
Most of us are unaware of helmet visors, but dirt bike riders know their importance. It keeps water and debris from splashing in your face while you’re riding in mud and water, as well as preventing dust and sweat from getting into your eyes.
Dirt bike riders tend to spend a lot of time outdoors in every type of weather, so having a strong visor can be just as essential as having good rain gear.
4. Protects from Bugs
Dirt bikes don’t just ride through grass, mud, and trees, and they also go down roads. If you’re riding down a busy highway at 30 mph, it doesn’t take much for a bug or rock to fly into your eye. If one hits you, your first reaction will likely be to close your eyes.
A helmet visor can be handy in these situations. The clear piece of plastic keeps debris out of your eyes.
5. Protection against the Branches of Trees
Another reason why dirt bike helmets have visors is that they provide an additional layer of protection from branches and leaves. In nature, you’re likely to find trees, especially if you’re trying to race through a jungle.
When traveling at high speeds, it can be challenging to see these obstacles immediately. With a built-in visor on your helmet, you don’t have to worry about not being able to maneuver just because there’s foliage in your way.
Best Selling Dirt Bike Helmets
A quality dirt bike helmet is essential for your safety and your ability to ride well. Here are the few best-selling dirt bike helmets that you may consider.
Why Don’t Dirt Bike Helmets have Face Shield?
Often, there is no face shield over your eyes on a dirt bike helmet. It might seem unsafe or inconvenient, but sometimes it’s safer for riders to ride without one.
In windy conditions, they can quickly become dislodged and fly off, and if you’re racing at high speeds, you don’t want anything blocking your view.
Furthermore, this face shield can fog up in bad weather conditions, which isn’t very helpful when making quick decisions while off-roading.
Why Do Dirt Bike Helmets Have a Long Chin?
Most dirt bike helmets feature a long chin guard to protect your face from branches and other objects. This guard will keep you safe if you fall off your bike.
Dirt bikes often go through forested areas, where there are often branches and other things lying around that could strike your helmet or face without warning. The chin-guard also protects against debris flung up from other vehicles after an accident.
A good chin-guard will keep everything out of your mouth so that you don’t choke on your own blood when inhaling it after getting hit in the face with something very hard.
Conclusion
Now you know why dirt bike helmets have visors. The visor offers many benefits. It gives you a little shade from the sun, can aid in keeping objects from getting into your eyes, and can even help keep your vision clear during the rain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can You Wear a Dirt Bike Helmet on the Road
Yes, you can wear a dirt bike helmet on the road. The most important considerations are comfort and safety. If it isn’t comfortable, you won’t wear it. If it’s not safe, you might get hurt if you crash while wearing it.
Additionally, each state has its own rules for biking. If your helmet meets the required criteria, there is nothing wrong with wearing it.
Q. Is a Dirt Bike Helmet Visor Necessary
Helmets are primarily designed to protect your head in case of an accident. The visor on your helmet serves several purposes, which is why it is often a vital part.
It most commonly protects you from objects that might come flying at you, like rocks and mud. It also prevents debris like bugs and small branches from hitting your face.
