If you ride in winter or in damp weather, it has surely happened to you: your helmet visor fogs up right when you most need to see. That is why many riders end up wondering what the Pinlock is, what it is for and whether it is worth fitting to their helmet.
In this article we explain it plainly: what it is, what levels there are and which one suits you, and which lens each MT helmet needs.
You will also see how to fit and remove it, how to clean it so it does not scratch, and when it is time to replace it.
What is the Pinlock?
The Pinlock is a transparent lens that fits on the inner face of the helmet visor and is held in place by two pins, one on each side. Between the lens and the visor there is a sealed air chamber that insulates from the cold outside, so your breath no longer hits a cold surface and the visor does not fog up.
It does not work on just any helmet: it can only be fitted to Pinlock-ready visors, the ones that come with the pins and a contour designed for the lens to seal properly. If your visor is not ready, the solution is a compatible visor for your helmet model.
What is the Pinlock for?
It keeps your helmet visor from fogging up. With the Pinlock fitted you can keep the visor closed in the cold, in the damp or stopped at a traffic light, without having to crack it open or wipe it with your glove.
And it is not just about comfort: on a motorcycle, a second without clear vision is a second of risk. Compared with anti-fog spray, the Pinlock is more stable: it does not depend on how you apply it and it does not wash off with rain or cleaning.
What types of Pinlock are there?
There are three levels: Pinlock 30, 70 and 120. The higher the number, the greater the anti-fog capacity. Choose according to the climate and how much you ride with the visor closed:
- Pinlock 30: basic use. Mild climate and occasional fogging.
- Pinlock 70: the most widespread and the balanced choice for most riders. Daily use and changeable weather.
- Pinlock 120: for those who demand more. Lots of winter kilometres, very humid areas or city riding with the visor closed for hours.
Besides the level, two other things matter. Each visor has its own lens, so it has to be the one for your helmet. And there are clear and tinted lenses: at MT you will find them in clear, yellow, black and dark, depending on the model.
One detail that matters as much as the level: a good Pinlock badly fitted performs worse than a more basic one that is well tensioned and clean.
Which Pinlock does my MT helmet take?
Find your helmet in the table. The KRE 2 Plus FIM, KRE 2 Plus, KRE 2 and KRE+ S come with the Pinlock as standard; for these, the lens in the table is the replacement. The rest of the models come with a Pinlock-ready visor and the lens is bought separately.
Can't find your helmet? Write to us with the model and we will tell you which lens you need.
| MT helmet | Visor | Pinlock lens |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder 4 SV, Stinger 2, Stinger 2 Kids, Braker SV | MT-V-28B | DKS 435 clear |
| Thunder 4 R SV | MT-V-28C | DKS 435 clear |
| Jarama, Jarama SV | MT-V-32 | DKS 479 clear |
| Genesis SV | 935 | DKS 002 clear |
| Exodus | WJ-19 | DKS 002 clear |
| Genesis R SV | 935 | DKS 279 clear |
| Atom SV, Optimus SV | MT-V-16 | DKS 193 clear · yellow · black |
| Track SV | HS-12 | DKS 623 clear |
| KRE 2, KRE 2 Plus | MT-V-40 | DKS 689 Pinlock 70 · Pinlock 120 XLT |
| KRE+ S, KRE GP, KRE+ S GP | MT-V-29B | DKS 409 clear · yellow · black |
| KRE | MT-V-09 | DKS 155 clear · yellow · dark |
| Thunder 3 SV | MT-V-12 | DKS 157 clear · yellow · black |
| Stinger | MT-V-12B | DKS 157 clear · yellow · black |
| Blade 2 SV, Targo, Revenge 2, Hummer, Rapide | MT-V-14 | DKS 209 clear · Max Vision clear · yellow · black |
| Targo S, Revenge 2 S, Hummer S | MT-V-14B | DKS 209 clear · Max Vision clear · yellow · black |
| Segment | MT-V-18B | DKS 218 clear |
How do you fit the Pinlock?
You fit it at home, in about ten minutes and with no tools: you flex the visor a little and slot the lens between its two pins. The only rule: do not force anything; the fit works by tension, not by pressure.
- Wash and dry your hands. A fingerprint inside the lens is very hard to remove later.
- Rest the helmet on a stable surface and open the visor.
- Check that the side pins are in position to give the right tension.
- Gently flex the visor, without over-bending it, and slot the lens onto one of the pins.
- Without releasing that curve, slot the other end onto the second pin.
- Check the contour: the lens should sit evenly all the way around the edge. If any area is not in contact, adjust the pins.
- Close the visor and look at it against the light: no dust should be trapped between the two surfaces.
And how do you remove it?
Flex the visor first, then pull. Pulling the lens with the visor under tension is what marks and warps it. Hold the visor open, flex it just enough for the lens to come loose, unhook one pin and then the other, and remove it slowly, without fingernails or tools.
How do you clean the Pinlock?
With lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap if needed and a clean microfibre cloth, without pressing. Or let it air dry.
- Wet it before wiping. If there is dust or grit and you rub it dry, you will scratch it.
- Clean the visor first and the lens afterwards. The other way round you drag grease between the two and a halo appears that shows up especially at night.
- No alcohol, glass cleaner, kitchen paper or anti-fog spray on the lens: they mark it or leave a film.
- When you are not using the helmet, store it with the visor closed so dust does not get in.
How long does a Pinlock last?
It has no expiry date: it lasts until it loses effectiveness, and that depends on how much you use it and how you clean it. In the city with the visor closed it works harder and wears out sooner than on weekend rides. Replace it when you notice any of these signs:
- Properly fitted, it no longer clears the fog like it used to.
- It has micro-scratches or a film that will not come off with gentle cleaning.
- The edge no longer sits evenly or the lens has warped.
- It has been in contact with chemicals, strong heat or harsh cleaning.
