Goggle search: Best motocross and dirtbike googles

A pair of motocross goggles is essential to maintain vision and protect the rider’s eyes when wearing certain types of helmet. Goggles are preferred to visors here as they allow that airflow to keep the rider cool and also move the dirt and debris barrier closer to the rider’s eyes so it is easier to see out past any mud or water, for example, that might end up on them.

We all know that whenever we’re riding our bikes, we need to see where we’re going – it’s a given. And while some casual greenlaning or occasional off-road excursion is perfectly enjoyable with an adventure-style road crash helmet, for more serious ventures off the beaten track, a proper off-road or dirtbike helmet is needed.

We’ve looked at motocross, enduro or dirt bike helmets before with their huge aperture for maximum airflow. However, that comes at a price – and that price is no visor.

Where visors would have vents to prevent them from fogging up, goggles may have vents to allow air in for the same reason and will generally be foam-lined, for comfort, moisture-wicking and for additional airflow. Generally so the warm, moist air generated by the face can be replaced by cooling and demisting air from outside.

It’s also worth considering some anti-fogging solution inside the goggles; the age-old use of saliva can work but generally a proper spray is more effective for longer.

And while some MX or dirt bike goggles may double up as skiing goggles (or vice versa) if you’re serious about your off-road riding, then a proper pair, potentially with roll-offs to quickly clear your field of vision when they get dirty, are worth investing in.

Finally, for use on the road, look for goggles that feature shatter-resistant lenses to EN1938:2010 standard so that in the event of a bit of solid debris hitting them, they don’t break into multiple pieces and risk harming your eyes.

Here is a selection of motocross goggles that will have you seeing right.

About the author: After qualifying as a mechanical engineer, Jim Blackstock began working on magazines in the early 1990s. He remains passionate about product testing to ensure readers know what products offer good value and why. He relishes torrential rain to see if riding kit keeps water out and an hour or two to tinker on a project bike in his workshop.

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