Keeping visors clean inside and out

[Glencoe]

Having just replaced a couple of visors. What is recommended for keeping clean the anti mist surface without scratching it?
I used Rain X for the outside on previous visors, but see some unmovable marks on the inside from whatever I used to wipe it with, and I was being careful.
For the time being I only use warm water to clean the inside but it still needs some wiping to clean off the water marks when it is dry. For the outside I am now trying BMW visor cleaner, it is extremely good water repellent, but the inside is my concern. Not wishing to upset the anti mist properties. Any suggestions please. be

[guest2360]

Much depends on the visor.  On the System 6 both the inside and the outside of the main visor are anti scratch but the insert is definitely not. 
When my insert gets a bit mucky I firstly take it off.  I then wash it under running luke  warm water having first gently covered it with hand wash.  I don't dry it.  Just leave it off until it dries. I wouldn't use any type of anti mist solution on either part and on the insert it would be ruined by it. As you point out a good visor cleaner on the outside will help with water dispersal.

[richardbd]

Much depends on the visor.  On the System 6 both the inside and the outside of the main visor are anti scratch but the insert is definitely not. 
When my insert gets a bit mucky I firstly take it off.  I then wash it under running luke  warm water having first gently covered it with hand wash.  I don't dry it.  Just leave it off until it dries. I wouldn't use any type of anti mist solution on either part and on the insert it would be ruined by it. As you point out a good visor cleaner on the outside will help with water dispersal.

Same here.  Seems to work reasonably well.


Mind you, when I went on my tour to Africa a couple of months ago, I took a brand new Arai TX4 and because it was going to be sunny and dry, I didn't fit the pinlock.  What a forgotten pleasure - riding with a brand new visor and no multiple layers.  It was as if like Saul on the road to Damascus - the scales had fallen from my eyes...

[smileymiley]

Same here.  Seems to work reasonably well.


Mind you, when I went on my tour to Africa a couple of months ago, I took a brand new Arai TX4 and because it was going to be sunny and dry, I didn't fit the pinlock.  What a forgotten pleasure - riding with a brand new visor and no multiple layers.  It was as if like Saul on the road to Damascus - the scales had fallen from my eyes...

Cripes that's a bit deep  :kacsint2:

[richardbd]

Cripes that's a bit deep  :kacsint2:

Joking aside, it made me realise how much our vision is normally impaired by well-worn visors and pinlocks.  I take care of my kit but haven't bought a new helmet for a couple of years and haven't ridden in the UK without a pinlock for probably five or six.  The difference was extraordinary...

[guest2368]

I clean the outside surface with Shift-it visor and helmet cleaner & then treat it with Visorvision Rain Coat Pro.  The Pinlok inserts only get dusty so just blowing it clean with compressed air does the trick.  I tend to fit a new visor & Pinlok every spring.  For a quick clean at the roadside, I have found the Visorvision V-Sponge to be excellent.
Taking a tip from my photo days, the main thing is not to wipe the visor with a dry cloth or sponge.  Make sure whatever you use is moist or use a cleaning fluid.

[elephant8869]

I used to only use muck-off visor cleaner with a micro fibre cloth but now, since I do a lot of miles on the bike (12k a year), I use a drop of washing up liquid and cold water to clean the outside of the visor and just plain water to clean the inside face and pinlok when it's still fitted. I wipe the clean visor with kitchen towel. I only use the muck off cleaner when I'm on the road and need to clean the visor. Every two to four weeks I remove the pinlok clean the visor in soapy water and wipe dry and clean the pinlok just in cold water and allow that to drip dry. It does the trick. I replace the pinlok in the autumn each year and replace the visor every one to two years. I find the key to maintaining a good visor is never wipe with your glove on the move. It smears and scratches it. Better to stop and clean it properly

[Glencoe]

Thanks all, it seems we agree, plenty clean water and maybe some soap. Think I shall invest in a V sponge, it has good reports.
Take care.

[beemer dood]

Been using Clearshot Lens Cleaner for visors, pinlocks and my coated scrip glasses with microfiber cloths for several years.  No issues yet. 


It comes in a gizmo that holds both the liquid, in a spray bottle, and two microfiber cloths, one rough, for scrubbing which I haven't ever used, and one smooth for general cleaning. 

[Glencoe]

Sounds good beemer, thanks for the info.

[arkmark]

I use eyeglass cleaner wipes.  they are made for plastic lenses and individually packaged, so I just keep them in my top box.  I've also had good luck with nicwax visor proof for water repellent since rain-x is not for plastic (unless they have a new product out)

[Sprintgull]

+1 for Nikwax visor proof.  Seems to build up a good coating after a few uses too.

[guest3091]

The thread is a bit old, but the topic is always fresh.  I've got a Schuberth.  My visor is now over three years old. Maybe four.  I try to clean my visor after every ride, which means a lot of wiping and drying.  My rides include torrential rain, highway grit, grime and dust, summer rides and a lot of wiping away water and crap with my glove while riding.  Visors take a lot of use (not necessarily abuse).  My cleaning routine is almost always the same. Run it under luke warm water to remove dust and grit.  Then just a touch of bar soap and i wipe with a bare hand to remove oil and bugs and stuff.  I usually dry with a clean paper towel.  Works great.  If I have lots of bug guts I will lay a damp towel over the visor for a while to soften the crap.


I have a spare visor, but I've been waiting on my current one to expire before I fit the new one.  Visors are replaceable.  Don't try to make it last forever.  I will take my own advice and replace my visor before summer gets here.  I have kept the pin lock insert in for most of the time.  Took it out for a while, but in the evening or early morning I can get some moisture in there even in the summer.


What will the next generation of visors bring.

[guest2360]

Sounds like a very good way to,preserve your visor.  I know on my Pinlock the pegs each side have a groove where the Pinlock sits.  The pegs are eccentric.  Over time the groove can get bigger resulting a a slightly loose fit.  Try giving them a twist to tighten up the fit.  Might just get another four years out of it.

[Taz]

At the risk of being called a Moron, what is the pin lock?