The Best Motorcycle Sunglasses from Harley-Davidson

What Sets the Best Motorcycle Sunglasses Apart?

Lenses that effectively block the sun are a great place to start when shopping for men’s and women’s motorcycle sunglasses. That’s not the only concern, however. Unlike casual sunglasses, motorcycle sunglasses have to handle high speeds, changing light conditions, and road debris. They do this while being comfortable and durable. 

As you shop for sunglasses for your next ride, consider the following features:

• Impact resistance: Shatterproof polycarbonate lenses can help protect against road debris and unexpected impacts.
• Optical clarity: High-quality lenses can help prevent distortion and reduce glare to maintain clear vision in various lighting conditions.
• UV protection: Full UV protection can help reduce eye strain and long-term damage from UVA and UVB rays.
• Wind and debris protection: Wraparound designs or foam-lined frames can help shield your eyes from wind, dust, and bugs. 
• Anti-fog coating: Lens fogging can impede your vision. This coating helps in humid or cold conditions.
• Polarization: An optional upgrade, polarization can help reduce glare, but some riders prefer non-polarized lenses to better see digital displays on the dashboard.
• Fit and comfort: Rubberized nose pads and temple grips can help prevent slippage, especially during high-speed rides or sudden movements.

How Sunglasses Can Help Enhance Visibility and Protection

Motorcycle sunglasses can help maintain clear vision and protect against environmental hazards on the road. When you’re riding at high speeds, exposure to glare, wind, and airborne debris can strain your eyes and compromise vision.

A good pair of motorcycle sunglasses helps to reduce glare through tinted or polarized lenses, improving contrast and depth perception. Plus, UV protection can help prevents eye fatigue and long-term damage. Wind and debris resistance helps keep your vision clear.

The Role of Lens Technology in Rider Protection

Advanced lens technology can help ensure riders maintain clear vision in all conditions, and different lens types offer unique benefits.

Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like wet roads and car windshields. Photochromic lenses, meanwhile, automatically adjust to changing light conditions by darkening in bright light and clearing up in low light. Finally, an anti-fog coating prevents condensation buildup, especially in humid or cold conditions. That means less time wiping your lenses.

Picking the right lens technology enhances your ability to react quickly to your surroundings while enjoying a comfortable, obstruction-free view of the road.

Comparing Designs for Different Riding Conditions

Just as important as lenses, choosing a sunglass style depends on the type of riding you do.

Different features work better for different types of rides:

• Wraparound frames: These frames offer excellent wind and debris protection and ensure a secure fit at high speeds. They’re ideal for highway riders and sportbike enthusiasts.

• Foam-gasket sunglasses: Foam gaskets create a seal around the eyes that blocks wind, dust, and moisture. This style of motorcycle sunglasses is perfect for adventure touring and off-road riding.

• Interchangeable lenses: Can’t decide on a type of lens? Switch them out based on lighting conditions — a great choice for those who ride from dawn to dusk.

• Goggles: One of the most secure fits possible, goggles are made with foam gaskets and an adjustable strap for a perfect fit.

Choosing the Right Lens for the Ride

The right lens color and type can really make or break your riding experience. The best sunglasses for riding a motorcycle can help enhance contrast, reduce glare, and minimize eye strain in all light conditions.

How Lens Color Impacts Performance

• Gray lenses maintain true color perception and reduce overall brightness, which makes them great for bright, sunny days.
• Amber and brown lenses enhance contrast and depth perception. That’s ideal for low-light or overcast conditions.
• Yellow lenses work well in foggy conditions or at dusk.
• Clear lenses are best for night riding or heavily shaded areas.
• Photochromic lenses adjust to changing light for versatility in day-to-night transitions.

Mirrored, Tinted, and Clear Lenses — Which One Is Best?

In addition to lens color, you’ll have to decide on a type. Each one offers distinct advantages that can enhance visibility and eye protection.

Mirrored lenses, for example, reflect intense sunlight and reduce glare. That’s great for bright, open-road conditions. They also enhance contrast, which can improve vision on long daytime rides. Tinted lenses can provide consistent protection while reducing overall brightness. Finally, clear lenses are designed for low-light or night riding.

Choosing the right one ensures clear vision and optimal comfort no matter the time of day.

Finding the Best Lense Type for Your Needs

Ultimately, deciding on the best lens type for your needs relies on several factors. Your riding environment, time of day, and helmet compatibility will determine what kind of lenses you choose. If you have questions about how to find the right lens type, your local Harley-Davidson® dealer can help answer them.

Sunglass Standards That Matter

Sunglasses built for riding differ from those intended for casual use. Choosing a pair that meets motorcycle-specific certifications can help protect your vision. The best sunglasses for motorcycle riding often differentiate themselves by clearly labeling their certifications.

What Certifications Should You Look For?

Two of the most important standards to look for when shopping for motorcycle sunglasses are the ANSI Z87.1 and EN166 certifications. ANSI Z87.1 is a U.S. standard ensuring lenses meet strict impact resistance and optical clarity requirements ideal for high-speed riding. The EN166 certification is its European counterpart. Sunglasses that meet these standards typically withstand road debris and sudden shocks, which are common experiences when riding a motorcycle.

Why Impact Resistance is a Non-Negotiable

You may be tempted to buy a lower-priced pair of sunglasses to save money, but impact resistance isn’t something to skimp on. A rock kicked up at 70 miles per hour is no joke. Shatterproof polycarbonate or Trivex lenses could be the difference between a close call that scares you and a serious situation.

Choosing the right one ensures clear vision and optimal comfort no matter the time of day.

Breaking Down Sunglasses Rating Systems

In addition to impact resistance, UV protection is equally important. Look for sunglasses that have a rating of UV400. Sunglasses with this level of protection block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, which can cause long-term eye damage and fatigue.

Making the Right Choice – Fit, Style, and Common Misconceptions

Your motorcycle sunglasses need to fit properly. If they’re too loose, they may fly off. Too tight? You may not want to wear them for extended periods. As you look for the best motorcycle sunglasses to fit your unique needs, consider the following:

Prioritizing Fit and Function

Your sunglasses must do more than look cool with your motorcycle helmet and riding jacket. They need to fit well underneath and have the functions you need for your preferred type and times of riding. Please replace with All Harley-Davidson Branded Motorcycle Riding Eyewear is designed to fit comfortably under your helmet without pressure points.

Rubberized nose pads and temple grips will keep your shades from slipping or sliding, even in windy conditions or on high-speed rides. Foam gaskets, meanwhile, can block wind, dust, and insects. For full-face helmets, the right venting and anti-fog features will allow for proper airflow and prevent your lenses from fogging up.

Common Misconceptions About Motorcycle Sunglasses

Darker lenses don’t mean better protection, and any old pair of sunglasses won’t do. Invest in good quality motorcycle sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun, debris, and wind. Riding glasses are engineered to handle top speeds and hard impacts.

Protect Your Eyes and Enjoy the Ride

Investing in high-quality sunglasses isn’t a luxury. It’s a requirement for comfort and peak performance on the road. Finding the best sunglasses for riding motorcycles is just part of the journey. 

Prioritize function, fit, and lenses that work well for the types of riding you do and the locations you like to go. Clear visuals mean better control, after all.

You should never compromise on eye protection when hitting the road. If there’s anyone who knows a thing or two about uncompromising quality, it’s Harley-Davidson. We offer premium riding eyewear for motorcyclists. From goggles and wraparound styles to wayfarers, we have styles, materials, and shapes to suit any rider’s need. 

Shop for the best men’s and women’s motorcycle sunglasses today.