Sunglasses for Motorcycling
Motorcyclists are known for their unique style on and off the bike, and this style includes an edgy pair of motorcycle sunglasses or goggles. Sunglasses for motorcycling are more than just a fashion statement, though. They are also a statement of safety and comfort. The following seven qualities are what serious motorcyclists look for in a pair of sunglasses:
Good fit
Sunglasses for motorcycling must fit well, otherwise they’ll bounce and vibrate on your face, distorting vision. Goggles that fit snugly on your face and are held in place with an elastic strap provide optimum security. Sunglasses with gripped, adjustable nose pads and ear pieces will stay secured as well. Face-hugging, wrap-around styles are the best for motorcycling.
Bud Miller, BudCAD.com‘s The Commuting Motorcyclist
UV protection
The best motorcycle sunglasses provide 99 to 100 percent UV protection. They should also shield your eyes from wind, bugs, rain, sand, dust, and stones that get kicked up by vehicles ahead of you.
Goggle ventilation
If you prefer to wear motorcycle goggles, a pair with minimal ventilation will protect your eyes from wind on a long ride. However, a short ride through high traffic calls for goggles with more ventilation to avoid fogging.
Polarization
Polarized motorcycle sunglasses are good for reducing glare off wet roads, bodies of water and glass. However, be warned that some motorcycle instrument lights cannot be seen through polarized lenses.
Shatterproof
Due to the dangers of shattering lenses from flying debris, motorcycle sunglasses should be equipped with shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses. This is essential for safety; do not wear sunglasses with lenses that could shatter.
Scratch-resistant
A scratch-resistant coating on your motorcycle sunglasses will protect them from debris-caused scratches.
Lens tints
Many motorcyclists have several pairs of motorcycle sunglasses that accommodate different weather conditions.
Brown, green, and amber tints: Good for overcast days because they create contrast in hazy conditions.
Gray and rose tints: Heightens contrast; great for riding on bright or partly-sunny days.
Clear lenses: Necessary for night riding or riding in the rain to keep debris and precipitation out of the rider’s eyes.
