The combination of an open-face motorcycle helmet and goggles lets you take your style to another level while keeping your vision clear. When it comes to riding in the open air, normal glasses simply won’t cut it, as they don’t block the wind or protect you from debris. Motorcycle goggles create a tight seal around your eyes, ensuring you’re protected from the elements. The lenses are designed to be shatterproof, so things like loose road rocks won’t be a problem. Like most motorcycle gear, you can wind up paying a lot for motorcycle goggles, but if you know what features suit your riding habits, you’ll only pay for what you need. We’ve made a list of solid choices for motorcycle goggles and ranked them under a variety of categories. Check them out below.
The Best Motorcycle Goggles
If you’ll be riding during the day and night, the Bertoni Motorcycle Goggles will have you covered. These goggles are fitted with the Sunsensor Photochromic Anti-fog Lenses, which are rated category 0-3. These lenses constantly react to light and UV rays. They can turn completely transparent (category 0) in low-light conditions to gray (category 3) in bright conditions. So, you can ride seamlessly into the night and never need to change your lenses after sunset. This model also offers 100 percent UV protection.
The frame on these goggles is made from thermoplastic polyurethane, so you’ll never need to worry about them shattering. A removable soft foam that runs along the inside of the front keeps these glasses windproof, and an elastic strap works in conjunction with a grip on the tip of the bridge to ensure these goggles stay in place. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t offer an option to use a prescription with these lenses.
- Brand Bertoni
- Model F366
- Photochromic Yes
Photochromic lenses, category 0-3
Anti-fog lens treatment
Expensive
Manufacturer doesn’t offer lenses with prescriptions
The Bobster Cruiser 2 Goggles aren’t the cheapest goggles on the market, but they’re easily the best value. Included in the sale are three tinted polycarbonate lenses: smoked, amber, and clear. These lenses are easy to change out and enable you to ride at any time of the day. Although interchangeable lenses aren’t as high-end as photochromic lenses, they’re much more budget friendly. Because the lenses are polycarbonate, they’re claimed to be 10 times more impact resistant than plastic or glass lenses. You also won’t need to worry about harmful rays from the sun since they block 100 percent of UV rays.
Ventilation slits on each side of the frame prevent the lenses from fogging up, and according to user reviews, they work quite well. If you need to wear eyeglasses, you’ll be happy to know all these lenses are prescription ready. The open-cell foam used in these goggles is light, soft, and sweat absorbent, and it provides a tight seal. An adjustable head strap ensures these goggles stay firmly in place while you’re on the move.
- Brand Bobster
- Model Bob01200-brk
- Weight 4.8 ounces
- Photochromic Yes
Fantastic value for money
Three different lenses included
Prescription ready
Style might not be to everyone’s liking
Not polarized
The Bertoni Aviator Motorcycle Vintage Goggles have a timeless design with lots of features. They’re fitted with photochromic lenses that can go from category 0 transparent (night driving) to category 2 (medium/high brightness), depending on how bright it is outside. Many users have reported that the relatively large leather frame fits over their eyeglasses, meaning they didn’t need to pay more for prescription lenses. The lenses are UV 400, so they offer 100 percent protection from harmful UV rays. An air control system prevents these goggles from fogging up on cold days and makes them a legitimate year-round option.
The adjustable strap means that this model will work with any open-face helmet. They’re arguably one of the best-looking products on the market, thanks to their vintage styling and leather interior. The only downside to these goggles is that they’re considerably more expensive than any other product on this list.
- Brand Bertoni
- Model AF188
- Weight 1 ounce
- Photochromic Yes
Photochromic lenses
Vintage style
Air control system
Highest price point on the list
A bit bulky
If glare is a major annoyance on your rides, Bikershades’ motorcycle goggles are for you. The lenses on these goggles have a polarized coating, so glare coming off water, windows, chrome, or anything else is mitigated. The lenses are also polycarbonate, which is impact-resistant and virtually unbreakable.
Keeping everything in place is an adjustable elastic strap, which works perfectly with open-faced helmets. Inside, there’s a sweatproof foam cushion, which ensures these goggles fit snugly and block out wind, dust, and debris. The only issue with this model is that it has a black tint, so it won’t be suitable for those who ride at night. Thankfully, you can buy combination bundles, which are meant for day and night riding.
- Brand Bikershades
- Model Motorcycle Goggles
- Photochromic No
Polarized lenses
Great value for money
Combination bundles available
Will need a combination bundle if you ride day and night
Some users have reported fogging
Anyone who wears prescription glasses and doesn’t want to spend more on custom prescription motorcycle lenses should consider the Bikershades motorcycle safety goggles. These goggles fit glasses up to 145 mm wide and 52 mm tall, so measure your glasses before buying. Both the frame and lens are made from polycarbonate, so you won’t need to worry about loose chippings or bugs causing any damage. There’s dual-density foam on the inside, which consists of a firm and soft layer. So these goggles will sit comfortably yet snugly on your face.
The lens has an anti-reflective coating that allows more light to pass through and simultaneously reduces glare. The goggles are UV 400 rated, meaning they’ll totally block UV-A and UV-B rays. Vents along the top and bottom provide airflow, meaning you shouldn’t suffer from fogging. There’s an adjustable two-piece strap that fits many helmet sizes. The only thing to note is that these goggles have a dark tint, so they aren’t suitable for overcast days or nighttime riding.
- Brand Bikershades
- Model Bomber cover over goggles smk
- Photochromic No
Can be worn with spectacles
Dual-density foam
UV 400 rated
Not suitable for nighttime riding or overcast days
Some users have reported poor fitment
How We Selected the Products
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. Although we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Before choosing our top contenders, we reviewed dozens of motorcycle goggles. Priority was given to well-known brands that have positive online user reviews to back them up. The main features we took into consideration were protection, price, durability, UV protection, lens type, style, anti-fog properties, and prescription options.
Best Motorcycle Goggles Buying Guide and FAQs
There are motorcycle goggles out there for every budget and type of riding. Having an endless array of options is wonderful, but it can leave you wondering which features you do and don’t need. For instance, motorcyclists who ride three to five miles each way on their commute through the city need different goggles than people who ride 500 miles along the coast in a day.
This guide will explain the benefits of motorcycle goggles and what to consider before purchasing and answer common questions.
Benefits of Motorcycle Goggles
Above all else, the top benefit of motorcycle goggles is that they protect your eyes. A loose pebble or even a bug hitting your eye at speed can cause catastrophic damage. Motorcycle goggles are stronger than regular plastic, so they will protect your eyes from whatever comes your way.
Motorcycle goggles don’t just protect your eyes from debris, though, they also protect you from the elements. Motorcycle goggles create a tight seal around your face, which stops wind, rain, and snow from making the ride impossible.
Not all UV rays emitted by the sun are harmful, but UV-A and UV-B rays can cause short- and long-term damage to your eyes. The majority of motorcycle goggles block 100 percent of harmful UV rays, so you won’t need to worry about hurting your eyes on a clear, bright day.
If you lose or forget your prescription glasses, it could bring a swift end to your riding trip, but with riding goggles, you can take your prescription on the road. Some manufacturers’ lenses are ready to accommodate your prescription, but other goggles are designed to fit over them. In short, motorcycle goggles are good for these reasons:
- Keep your eyes safe
- Protection from the elements
- Block harmful UV rays
- Take your prescription on the road
- Ride day and night
What To Consider Before Buying Motorcycle Goggles
There are a few key aspects to consider before choosing the right pair of motorcycle goggles. Get them right, and you’ll have everything you need without paying for anything unnecessary.
Materials
If you ride a lot, your motorcycle goggles are going to take considerable punishment. You can buy cheap ones and replace them as needed, but it’s easier and cheaper in the long run to buy a durable pair. Polycarbonate is a great material in terms of durability and can be used in the construction of both the frame and lens, so look out for this.
Photochromic Lenses
When a photochromic lens is exposed to UV light, the molecules in the lens begin to change their structure. This reaction causes the lens to darken as it’s exposed to more light and becomes more transparent when there’s less light. Motorcyclists who ride day and night will benefit the most from this feature, but it will significantly increase the overall price of the goggles.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses remove the glare from things like chrome bumpers, windows, windshields, and windows. But, where you might notice their benefit the most is when riding near water, as it removes all the glare from the ripples. Motorcyclists that ride near lakes or along coasts will find a lot of benefit in these lenses.
Lens Tint
If you don’t want to pay a premium for photochromic lenses, you’ll have to consider what kind of lens tint you’ll get. Those who ride mainly at night will want transparent lenses. But, if you usually ride during the day in an area where it’s quite bright, you’ll need darker lenses. Luckily, some motorcycle goggles come with different tint options included, for daytime and nighttime riding. So, if you’re liable to ride at any hour of the day, you should pick a pair of goggles with a mixture of lenses.
Prescription Goggles
You can get motorcycle goggles with prescription lenses, but not all manufacturers offer this service. Another option is to get motorcycle goggles that fit over your eyeglasses, which could be more suitable for people who wear glasses even when they’re not riding. If you go for this option, you’ll need to check the size of your glasses to make sure they’ll fit under the goggles.
Fit
Some riders complain about goggles being too tight around the bridge of the nose, while others complain about goggles being too loose. Before choosing your pair, read through user reviews to see if there’s a common problem regarding how the goggles fit. It’s worth noting that this issue seems to be more prominent with motorcycle glasses than motorcycle goggles. It also helps to go to a store to get a sense of how goggles generally fit your head and face.
Lens Durability
Poor-quality lenses tend to scratch more easily than others, meaning you’ll need to replace them frequently. Look for lenses that have anti-abrasion qualities if you want long-lasting goggles.
Best Motorcycle Goggles FAQ:
The best way to stop your goggles from fogging up is to treat the inside of them with an anti-fog product of your choice. You can apply the product with a wipe or spray it on.
There’s no one correct answer to this question. Because motorcycle goggles are curved, it can be expensive to have bespoke prescription lenses made. But if you don’t want to wear glasses or contact lenses, then this is an option. A much more financially viable option is to buy goggles that fit over your prescription spectacles.
Taking care of motorcycle goggles is fairly easy. Just wash them with light soap and warm water. Make sure not to use any washing products that contain ammonia, as this can make the lens brittle. Use a microfiber cloth to get rid of dust and, if you want to go the extra mile, apply some anti-static spray.
Final Thoughts
We’ve chosen the Bertoni Motorcycle Goggles as the best overall motorcycle goggles. These goggles have photochromic lenses, so you’ll be covered from sunrise to sunset and beyond. Because the lenses are rated category 0-3, they’ll cope with practically all lighting conditions. They’ll only suffer somewhat in extreme sunlight, as they don’t go up to category 4.
About the Author
Robert Bacon is a self-professed gearhead and freelance copywriter specializing in the automotive industry. From electric motors to two-stroke engines, he’s spent his life discovering new ways to get from A to B. He uses expertise gained from his time spent on wheels and under them to contribute to The Drive and Car Autance. He’s based in Athlone, Ireland.
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