Riding a motorcycle into bright sunlight can produce some dire outcomes, and though there are some manual solutions which significantly reduce the risk, there's never before been a solution quite like this one. This year’s Intermot Motorcycle show in Koln will see a significant and long awaited “first” for motorcyclists – a “variotronic” helmet visor. This double lens visor from UVEX can be electronically switched from light to dark by pressing a button and it can even be switched to automatic mode, where the lens is controlled directly by an integrated photo cell.
We'll need to wait another week for the the fine details but UVEX has already publicly stated that in direct sunlight, the visor can automatically reduces light transmission from 65 to 25 percent. The new visor will initially be one of two visors which will ship with the company's range-topping GT500 model helmet, though logically, they'd be mad not to make the visor available for other models in the UVEX range, and indeed, as an aftermarket accessory for other helmet brands. Helmets are a very personal item that need to fit comfortably for often very long hours, so although the undoubted quality of UVEX helmets might be perfect for many, it won't suit everyone – so let's hope they make the special visor available to all.
The UVEX gt 500 helmet will be sold as a package with the variotronic visor plus a clear double visor for riding in the rain and at night.
