MCN's step-by-step Pinlock insert fitting guide: keep your vision clear and avoid mist opportunities

Visor misting is can be a real pain for motorcyclists. After all, if your visor is foggy, how on earth are you going to see where you are going? There are a few ways that riders combat this: some people use anti-misting sprays, but more commonly these days, a Pinlock visor insert.

What is Pinlock?

The adoption of the Pinlock anti-fog visor insert has been huge – virtually all helmet manufacturers now offer this system to prevent the inside of the visor from misting and for some, an insert is included in the box while for others, it’s a virtual no-brainer accessory.

The technology relies on two principles: the visor absorbs the moisture that potentially forms droplets, and hence the misting on the inside of the visor; while it also acts like double glazing, effectively insulating the inner surface so that the rider’s breath doesn’t condense on the colder, inner surface of the visor.

However, they are not infallible. They need to be fitted and – more importantly – adjusted correctly to make sure that they work efficiently and give long service and safety.

Watch our video how to

How to fit a Pinlock visor insert

Step 1:

The first thing to do is to remove the visor from your helmet. We’re using a Shoei, but to do this you may need to reference the packaging depending on which helmet you have.

Step 2:

To prevent scratching the outside of the visor itself, we always use a piece of cloth or fabric to work on. The carry bag for your helmet is ideal.

Step 3:

These are the locating posts on the helmet. You can see here that they are eccentric, so you can move the mounting point by rotating the posts themselves.

Step 4:

Time to get the insert out of the packet. It’s worth one last check if it didn’t come in the box with your helmet, that it is the right version for your lid.

Step 5:

On one side of the Pinlock insert is a flexible rubber seal. This goes against the inside of the helmet’s visor.

Step 6:

Before fitting the insert, it’s worth giving the inside of the visor a quick clean. We never use any fluid; just a wipe over with a clean microfiber cloth – this will get rid of any dust or foreign matter.

Step 7:

We always start by locating the visor insert on the peg on the right-hand side of the visor as if we were wearing it. No reason why – just feels ‘right’, if you’ll pardon the pun. Make sure the insert prongs sit against the centre of the post.

Step 8:

You then need to locate the insert on the post at the other end. It helps to rest the end of the visor you have already located against your leg and straighten it slightly while locating the insert’s tab.

Step 9:

Once you have located both ends, the insert will likely snap into place. If not, and it is now bowing outwards away from the visor, simply bend the visor straight slightly and give the insert a push in the middle and it should snap into place.

Step 10:

This Evo version is shaped to fit perfectly within the Shoei’s visor. If yours is the same, check along the top edge that it is sitting evenly across the width of the visor.

Step 11:

Now do the same at the bottom, to make sure that the gap is even and equal to that at the top, indicating the insert is correctly located.

Step 12:

Now it’s time to check the tension across the insert. If this isn’t correct, the silicon seal may leave gaps and air can enter, affecting the insert’s efficiency. We usually slide the corner of a piece of paper or thin card (like the envelope the insert arrives in) between the visor and insert all the way round. If the paper/card goes past the seal, it needs adjusting.

Step 13:

The pegs have hexagonal forms on the inside which you can use a tiny spanner on which, for this Shoei lid, is supplied in the box. If not, you can carefully use a pair of small pliers to help turn the peg to change the tension.

Step 14:

Turning the post this way increased the tension across the insert slightly and pushes it against the visor for a full seal all the way round.

Step 15:

Having adjusted the tension, go round and check the full circumference of the seal again to check it is snugly against the inside edge of the visor. It now is, so we’re all good.

Step 16:

All that remains is to remove the protective layer of plastic that is fitted to the inside of the lens.

Now you’re ready to ride

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Frequently asked questions

Are Pinlock inserts universal?

No, you will need to check and find the correct insert for your helmet and visor as they are all slightly different to allow for the perfect fit.

Does fitting a Pinlock reduce the clarity of vision?

There may be a fractional reduction in the how crystal clear your vision is, simply due to the fact that you are adding another layer to your visor, however the marginal loss of clarity is worth the pay off of not misting up.

Why are some Pinlock inserts not clear?

Some Pinlock inserts may come with tints or reactive treatments, allowing for the insert to aid in bright riding conditions.

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