Topic: Riding into the sun

[cookindaddy]

I had a great ride this weekend, 250 miles round trip on my 750 K8.

Coming home was toward the west, into the setting sun in a clear sky. I was wearing sunglasses of course, but as the sun got closer to the horizon, it was progressively harder to see. I would have to say that I was getting blinded. I stopped for a coffee for the last 1/2 hour of sunset to let my eyes recover for the last hour of the trip which was largely in darkness.

I suppose there is no "solution" to riding into the sun but to wait it out.

Last night I watched a video of an X2 spy plane flight and noticed that the pilots had flip down visors on the outside of their helmets for the same problem. I wondered if visors like this were available for bikers?

The video is worth watching anyway.

http://www.wimp.com/breathtakingfootage/

[DavePhipps]

Yes they make that style of motorcycle helmets. I got my son one off ebay.
Here's one like it
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-BLACK-MOTORCYCLE-JET-PILOT-OPEN-FACE-FLIGHT-HELMET-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4cf23942ccQQitemZ330481353420QQptZApparelQ5fMerchandise
My son's looks more like a star wars rebel pilot helmet

[cookindaddy]

Thanks! Are they DOT approved? The ebay ad doesn't say they are.

[tortelvis]

I put a couple of strips of black tape all the way across the top of my visor so when the sun is low I just tilt my head down a bit. The tape blocks the worst of the sun.

[bollingball]

How about those autodarkening welding hoods now that would be nice. I use the top edge of my helmet just like the tape. On a long trip I still take a dark&clear shield.

[drones76]

I recently purchased a helmet that has a clear shield and a sunshield inside that can be slid down as needed.  You just reach up on top of the helmet and there is a slide for the sunshield.  Very convenient.  No need to always remember sunglasses. 

[Frostyboy]

I haven't had a chance to use it in anger yet cos the bikes not a runner yet, but I got one of these. 
I agree that early morning/late afternoon can be a real pain. 

http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-gear/helmets-modular/74317.php

I got it local, not from that site. Just wanted to show which one is all.

[rhos1355]

Also try Schuberth Helmets....expensive, but good

[cookindaddy]

Great! Thanks for all the suggestions.

[CycleRanger]

Thanks! Are they DOT approved? The ebay ad doesn't say they are.

At $24 "buy it now" what do you think? 

[cobra2411]

I have a G Max gs55 half helmet with a pull down visor that works pretty good. I think I would add some black tape to it so you can tilt your head and block the sun like BB said.

[cookindaddy]

Cycleranger - at $24 *seems* like a great deal. I asked the vendor if they are DOT approved and will report back any answer I get. I believe that here (Ontario, Canada) at least, we can't use helmets that are not approved. Also, I'm a bit wary of buying a helmet that I can't try on before buying. Maybe my head is a funny shape? But the dark pull down visor looks interesting. I wonder if the red star peels off?

[Mavryk03]

In one of my wired magz i saw a visors that when riding in the sun it automatically darkens or tents to block the sun and at night goes back to clear i will look at when i get home and put the link up for it i think it was $100.

[weekend_junkie]

http://www.nolanhelmets.com/

I have tried on Nolan helmets before at dealerships and bike shows, they seem to have the flip-sunglass-thingie down pat.

[Alan F.]

Looks like a knock off of a chinese air force helmet, the real ones were fiberglass at least.
you can find them here if you scroll way down, thanks google. http://www.yoygle.com/f/e/Blended/Communist/

[cookindaddy]

Here's the answer I got back from shenwei11182, the seller of the chinese helmet suggested by davephipps:

Hello
This style helmet was not approved by DOT.
This style helmet was approved by GB811-1998(China moto helmet approved )and F-2008-2(China military helmet approved) and ISO9001(world Motorcycle helmet approved).
It is high quality.Please visit my feedback.

What do you all think?

[Skunk Stripe]

It seems that a country where a whole family will ride 1 bike...at a time, I am not sure I would go for it. That's just my thoughts.

[Damfino]

Sure, go for it. But only if you intend on wearing it around the house or in the shower. I would never wear a $24 non-DOT approved helmet for riding my bike. Not even a bicycle! 

[Skunk Stripe]

in the shower. That made for a funny visual!

[Spanner 1]

This time of year I plan a ride to go West outward earlier in the day and Eastward ( return ) later in the day.
Except need extra vigilance with cars at intersections who need to look into the sun before pulling out!! At least your not blinded 

[steel_horse]

gmax makes a flip down tinted visor that is on the outside of the main visor, here is the link

http://g-max.com/gmax/gm44s.html

also, hjc makes a new 'pinlock' series with removable visors.
hope it helps

[Gaither]

FWIW

Might take a look at this.

It is supposed to adhere to the upper, inside of the face shield. Applies like window tinting. Just shades the upper portion of the shield. Says easily applied, easily removable and transferable.

At $17.95 delivered, 'can't go too wrong. I just ordered so I can't say how well it'll work since it ain't here yet.

If you want to look, search < http://super-visor.com/sunblocker.htm > and look for: 
"Sunblocker Motorcycle Helmet Tint".

Good or not, we'll see when it arrives.
 

[roadkng48]

I make static cling shield strips that I put across the top 1-1/2" of the shield like the one post that uses tape. You can buy the dark window tint at most auto parts stores or WalMart. I usually cut several and keep a couple of spares with me to give to friends. You will have to experiment a little to get the shape because it needs to be cut on a radius to account for the radius of the shield. Works really well and is really cheap. I think there is a vendor that sells them for about $10. You can makes dozens for that price.... Just saw Gaithers post. this is what I am talking about, but you can make it easily yourself from window tint. Install the same way, mix a dish washing /water solution and spay on so you can slide it in place. It peels right off if you don need it. I leave it on all the time.

[mgbgt89]

This time of year I plan a ride to go West outward earlier in the day and Eastward ( return ) later in the day.
Except need extra vigilance with cars at intersections who need to look into the sun before pulling out!! At least your not blinded 

I thought about this the other day while riding into the sun. I would rather be blinded by the sun than riding away from it. Some idiot in a car won't think twice about making a left in front of you if he can't see well.

[Gaither]

Roadkng48

'Wish I'd know that b4 I bought. Too late now. However, I'll be caught trying your idea anyway. I could likely use the one I bought as a pattern [?].

Would this be a good one to post in "Tips" etc?

Late-day sun is particularly bad this time of the year.

Thanks!