Motorcycle balaclavas under helmet

Cut the wind that gets in under the helmet

Even with a full-face helmet, cold air rises from the bottom of the helmet and travels down the neck: this is where the balaclava makes a difference. Worn directly against the skin, it covers the head, ears, neck, and lower face, leaving only an opening for the eyes. Windproof models, like the Rev'it Micro and Tracker, combine a fine fabric on the crown and a membrane that blocks air on the neck and upper chest, the areas that face the wind on the motorway. The flap that goes down under the jacket eliminates the draft at the collar without adding bulk under the helmet.

Against rain and cold

Rain and cold gear comes in various forms:

• Neck warmers.
• Underwear.
• Heated gloves.
• Rain gear.

All the gear can be found on the rain and cold page.

Cotton, silk or thermal fibre: what material

The material is chosen based on the season. Cotton, like that of the ADX balaclava, absorbs sweat, feels nice to the touch and withstands washing well: a good choice in summer and mid-season. Silk, very fine, slips under the foams, regulates temperature, and can be forgotten about all year round. Synthetic thermal fibres, like those from Ixon Thermal, soft against the skin, keep a layer of warm air against the body and dry quickly when you sweat. The Zan Headgear, printed with a glowing vampire pattern, adds a quirky touch that reveals itself at nightfall.

A thin balaclava for a well-fitted helmet

A balaclava should never alter the fit of the helmet: if it’s too thick on the crown, it compresses the forehead and temples, and if a larger helmet is chosen to accommodate it, it floats and offers less protection in case of a fall. So, thickness should be reserved for the neck and a fine fabric maintained on the top of the head. Flat seams prevent pressure points on long rides. From a hygiene standpoint, the balaclava acts as a barrier between the skin, sweat, and the foams of the helmet, which stays cleaner for longer: a real plus for a helmet loaned to a passenger.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year come in a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

Is wearing a motorcycle balaclava prohibited?

No, under the helmet it is allowed and very common. Once the helmet is removed, it can be pulled down around the neck: the law of 11 October 2010 prohibits concealing one's face in public spaces, particularly to enter a shop.

Should you wear a motorcycle balaclava in summer?

Yes, a thin cotton or silk balaclava absorbs sweat before it soaks into the foams and makes putting on the helmet easier. It also reduces friction from hair against the lining during long rides.

What size balaclava for a small head?

Most balaclavas come in a stretchy, one-size-fits-all design. For a small head, check that the fabric doesn’t create any folds on the forehead or around the eyes, otherwise it will create pressure points once the helmet is on.

How to wash a motorcycle balaclava?

In the machine, at thirty degrees, in a washing bag and without fabric softener, which clogs the technical fibres. Let it dry flat, away from a radiator, to ensure the elastane retains its elasticity.

Which motorcycle balaclava to choose for winter?

Look for a balaclava that protects the neck and upper chest with windproof fabric, while remaining thin on the crown. The Rev'it with membrane or the Ixon Thermal will meet this requirement, depending on the cold and speed.