Many riders like open-face helmets for a variety of reasons; they like the feeling of air on their face, the bike they ride looks best with an open-face or they are off-roaders and a motocross or enduro-style helmet works best.
And while some open-face helmets may include a visor, for those that don’t, some form of eye protection is essential.
There are numerous styles of googles around, notably for MX or enduro helmets. But there are also lots of retro-style goggles though finding a set that will look after your eyes is trickier than you might think.
And there are goggles that include a mask to not only keep insects and debris out of your eyes but your mouth too.
Like helmet visors, goggles should conform to British Standards EN 1938 which is the UK standard that sits alongside the EU regulations and as such, should be CE marked or wear a BS kitemark. This ensures they won’t shatter in an impact and harm your eyes.
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In addition to construction standards, there are also standards regarding light transmission and tinted goggles and like visors, any that transmit less than 50% of the light are deemed unfit for use on UK roads.
In addition to goggles, there are also various sports sunglasses, with changeable lenses that will help keep your eyes safe in an open-face helmet. The choice, as they say, is yours...
Evomosa Retro
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These retro flying-style goggles are Amazonu2019s Choice for u2018Motorcycle gogglesu2019 and with the reviews they get, itu2019s not hard to see why. There is no mention of whether they are CE approved, so itu2019s best to assume not but if that doesnu2019t bother you, then these will look great on a retro bike with an open-face lid.
The lenses are optically correct and ‘impact resistant’ and the wide PU leather face-frame looks very comfortable. Also available in yellow and tinted.
CE certified: Unknown
Thor Youth
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Aimed at younger riders, these motocross-style goggles are designed for open-face off-road helmets and come in a variety of colours, including plain black to lairy orange.
The polycarbonate lens is optically correct and is both scratch-resistant and anti-fog, with foam ventilation sections. The lens also offers UV protection and comes with dual posts for tear-off covers for racing and a storage bag.
CE certified: Yes
Oxford Assault Pro
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A fairly basic pair of goggles from kit giant Oxford but with all the right spec; TPU frame and three layers of foam for a soft and comfortable fit against the face. The lens is scratch-resistant and anti-fog and cuts UV light and the goggles come with a storage and carry pouch.
They also come with a clear tear-off lens protector for use in muddy or race conditions and they are also ready for roll-off lens-clearing systems. Various colours of frame and lens are available.
CE certified: Unknown
Oakley Frontline With Roll-off
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These goggles from Oakley feature an extended frame to fit most MX helmets and are designed for medium to large faces and the lens itself can be changed depending on the conditions.
There’s a removable nose guard and these particular goggles come with Oakley’s roll-off cleaning system, which means if the lens gets covered in muck when racing, the roll of plastic can be moved on to provide clear vision again.
CE certified: Unknown
Birds Two-Pair
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The manufacturer describes these goggles as u2018Red Baronu2019 style and they are definitely minimalist. Halfway between sunglasses and proper goggles, they look more like swimming eyewear and come with wide headbands for a comfortable fit.
You get a regular pair of tinted goggles and a pair of yellow ones for night-time or poor weather. They are described as ‘shatterproof’ and cut UV light to the eyes.
CE certified: Unknown
Dexter Hannibal
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This goggles-and-mask combination from Dexter may not be road legal (the iridium-tinted goggles are the reason) but they look like they would go well with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
They are a universal fitment, so will work with any open-face helmet and come with a wide securing strap, plenty of ventilation and despite the tinted visor, are CE certified.
CE certified: Yes
Daisy Glasses
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Not strictly goggles but these sports glasses from Daisy come with very close-fitting interchangeable lenses, including polarising, mirror, yellow and clear so you can choose what to wear depending on the conditions.
They also come with a carry case to store the extra lenses, a strap and a cloth. I have these and they work well, though the mirror coating is a bit fragile.
CE certified: No
Skull Mask
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If, like Nicolas Cage, youu2019re a huge Ghost Rider fan (he had to have a tattoo of the Devilu2019s bounty hunter covered up to play the character in the 2007 movie), then this skull mask may be for you.
The description says it’s for motorcycling but it will make a statement as you cruise around the mean streets of Chipping Norton looking for sinners.
CE certified: No