Balaclava: Motorcycle Helmet Accessory
Just what exactly is a MOTORCYCLE BALACLAVA?
Well, if you simply go by how it looks, it would probably not be well received in most social circumstances.
Their most apparent use in popular media is by ninja bad guys (or sometimes very stealthy good guys) who wear black ones over their heads with only their eyes visible while they’re carrying high-powered weapons to sneak up on their enemies.
(How many guys like that would you like to see invade your Saturday BBQ?)
OK, enough of that: You are more likely to be wearing a balaclava under your motorcycle helmet than at a BBQ.
So, What is a Balaclava Really For?
Well, specifically, in terms of motorcycling, a balaclava serves two purposes:
1) When it’s cold out, it keeps your face and head warmer.
2) It makes you look like a bandit on a motorcycle. (Which may or may not be a benefit, depending upon your fashion preferences).
Of course, if you wear a full-face helmet, you lose the fashion benefit, since your motorcycle balaclava will not be that noticeable under the helmet.
If you are a motorcyclist that keeps on riding when the weather gets cooler than most other riders will tolerate, then you owe it to yourself to check out the added warmth and comfort of a balaclava.
They come in a variety of fabrics. Mine is silk, and is quite comfortable. It’s thin enough that it’s easy to put my helmet on over it.
For long hours in the saddle in cooler temps, or for shorter rides when it’s just darn cold out, this is part of my regular riding gear.
