Every rider who faces winter or early morning humidity knows that feeling of vulnerability: one breath, a red light, or a sudden temperature change and, suddenly, a white curtain takes over your visor. Fogging is not simply an aesthetic inconvenience; it is the number one enemy of your safety. Cutting your visibility in half while riding through traffic is a risk you should never take, and this is precisely where the Pinlock becomes the most critical accessory in your gear.
This clever system is not just a plastic film; it is a high-engineering thermal barrier that acts as double glazing for your helmet. By creating an airtight chamber between the outside and your face, the Pinlock breaks the thermal shock that causes condensation, letting you breathe freely without compromising your vision. In the following lines, we will break down everything from its technical workings to the different intensity levels (30, 70 and 120) so you can understand which one truly fits your riding style.
But having the technology is useless if you do not master its use. That is why we have put together a practical guide walking you step by step through installation and pin adjustment, avoiding the common mistakes that end up scratching the visor or letting air in. You will learn to handle the lens with the care that an optical component demands, ensuring the seal is always airtight and the clarity is absolute from the first kilometre to the last.
To wrap up, we tackle the part most users neglect: maintenance and durability. A poorly cared-for Pinlock is a Pinlock that stops working, so we will cover how to clean it correctly, when exactly to replace it, and answer the most common questions about compatibility with other helmets and cleaning products. Get ready to discover how to turn your helmet into a precision tool that lets you master the road in any weather condition.
What is a Pinlock on a motorcycle helmet?
If you have been riding for a while, you have surely experienced this: you stop at a traffic light, breathe inside your helmet and within seconds the visor fogs up until it is almost opaque. You crack the visor open to let air in, you lose warmth and comfort, and as soon as you close it again the cycle repeats. It is not a new problem, and it does not have to be inevitable.
The Pinlock is the answer to that problem. It is a transparent lens that sits on the inner face of the visor, anchored by two side pins (hence the name). Once fitted, it is held under slight tension and between the two surfaces a small air chamber forms, acting as a thermal insulator. That chamber breaks the mechanism that generates fog: the warm, humid air you exhale no longer hits a cold surface, and the misting disappears. It is not magic — it is physics applied to a very specific problem.
What is the Pinlock system for on my motorcycle helmet?
One might think fogging is a minor issue, something solved with a bit of skill or by opening the visor. But any rider who has crossed a winter morning with the visor closed knows it is not that simple. Fogging gives no warning, does not wait for a convenient moment, and does not distinguish between a mountain pass at seven in the morning and rush-hour traffic in the city centre.
The Pinlock acts in exactly those moments: when cold and humidity combine, when constant city stops build up the heat of your breath, when a sharp temperature change covers the visor in seconds. And here something more than comfort comes into play: one second of poor vision on a motorcycle is one second of real risk. With the Pinlock installed, you no longer need to crack the visor open, touch it with your glove, or improvise solutions that often make things worse — marks, halos, dirt on the inside. The visor does its job, and you can focus on the road.
Pinlock types: Intensity levels
When choosing a Pinlock, the first thing that catches your eye are the numbers: 30, 70, 120. To someone unfamiliar with the system, it might seem like an arbitrary classification. In reality, it is a performance scale: the higher the number, the greater the anti-fog capacity. The key is understanding that not every rider needs the same level, because not everyone rides in the same conditions.
The Pinlock 30 covers basic use: mild weather, occasional fogging, leisure rides where the issue only shows up now and then.
The Pinlock 70 is the sweet spot for most riders (daily use, changing weather, variable conditions), which makes it the most widely used.
The Pinlock 120 is for those who push the system hardest: many kilometres in winter, high-humidity areas, or city riding with the visor closed for hours.
At MT Helmets we have the Pinlock 70 available, a very complete option for urban use and rides in variable conditions. One important nuance here is also how it is installed. An excellent Pinlock that is poorly fitted can perform worse than a lower-grade one that is properly mounted. Correct tension, cleanliness, and the condition of the visor matter just as much as the model you choose.
How to install the Pinlock system on your helmet?
One of the advantages of the Pinlock is that you do not need to take it to a workshop or have any technical knowledge. It is something you can do perfectly at home in ten minutes, with clean hands and a little patience. The only rule that matters before you start: do not force anything. The lens is flexible by design, and the fitting is based on tension, not pressure.
The goal is for the lens to be evenly tensioned and sealed against the visor, with no gaps around the edge. To achieve this, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry your hands before touching the lens (fingerprints are very hard to remove once it is inside).
- Place the helmet on a stable surface and open the visor.
- Check the side pins: they must be in the correct position to generate the right tension.
- Flex the visor slightly (without bending it too much) and hook the lens onto one of the pins.
- Maintaining that slight curve, hook the other end onto the second pin.
- Check the perimeter seal: the lens should rest evenly all around the edge. If there are gaps, adjust the pin position to correct the tension.
- Close the visor and check it against the light: it should be clean, with no dust trapped between the two surfaces.
How to remove the Pinlock
Removing the Pinlock is just as straightforward as fitting it, but there is one mistake almost everyone makes the first time: pulling on the lens before releasing the tension. That is where marks and deformations appear that cannot be undone.
The trick is always to flex first, then pull:
- Open the visor and hold it with one hand.
- Flex it slightly (just enough for the lens to lose its tension).
- Carefully unhook one side from the pin.
- Repeat on the other end and remove the lens slowly, without fingernails or tools.
Pinlock lens maintenance
The Pinlock is a component that works quietly in the background and is only remembered when it fails. And most of the time it fails prematurely it is not due to natural wear, but a bad cleaning habit: dry rubbing, using harsh products, or ignoring dirt built up on the visor before cleaning the lens. With basic care, it can last many months in perfect condition.
Cleaning is simple: lukewarm water and, if needed, a drop of mild soap. If there is dust or grit, wet it first and then clean (never the other way around, as abrasive particles can scratch the lens easily). To dry, leave it in the air or use a very clean microfibre cloth without pressing hard. Anti-fog sprays should not go on the lens: some products leave a haze or affect the factory treatment.
There is a detail that makes a real difference and that many people overlook: if the inside of the visor is dirty, clean that first and then the lens. If you do it the other way around, you drag grease between the two surfaces and a distracting halo appears that is especially noticeable at night. And when the helmet is not in use, it is better to keep the visor closed: it protects the inside from dust and extends the life of the whole assembly.
How long does the Pinlock last once fitted?
There is no expiry date for the Pinlock, and that sometimes raises doubts: when should it be replaced? How do you know if it is still working well or has lost its effectiveness? The answer is not in the calendar but in how it performs and how it looks.
There are clear signs that it is time to replace the lens: if the Pinlock no longer eliminates fogging as before despite correct fitting, if micro-scratches or a permanent haze appear that does not go away with gentle cleaning, if the perimeter seal loses uniformity or becomes wavy, or if it has been in contact with chemicals, extreme heat, or aggressive cleaning.
The rate of wear varies greatly depending on use. Riding in the city with the visor closed (many stops, a lot of accumulated breath) puts more demand on the Pinlock than occasional weekend trips. Good cleaning habits and avoiding unnecessary contact when handling it will significantly extend its useful life.
MT helmets with Pinlock-ready visors
At MT Helmets we work with two scenarios when it comes to Pinlock: helmets that already include it as standard (with the visor prepared and the lens included) and helmets that come ready to fit thanks to pins already on the visor, but where the Pinlock is added separately. This is useful because, depending on your riding style (urban, touring, winter, or competition), you can choose the anti-fog level you need without giving up a compatible visor.
In the competition range the approach is clear: maximum visibility and performance from day one. That is why these models already come with a Pinlock included from the factory:
- KRE 2 PLUS FIM
- KRE 2 PLUS
- KRE 2
- KRE + S
If your priority is riding hard, training, or dealing with temperature changes, starting with the complete system already installed is a real advantage in both comfort and safety.
In the following helmet models, the visor already comes with pins ready to insert the Pinlock lens, so fitting is straightforward and hassle-free. Simply choose the compatible Pinlock and fit it when you need it:
Full Face
- Thunder 4 SV
- Thunder 4 R SV
- Jarama SV
- Braker SV
- Targo S
- Stinger 2
Modular
- Atom 2 SV
- Genesis SV
- Genesis R SV
Dual Sport
- Track SV
This format has a practical advantage: you can adapt the anti-fog system to the climate where you ride and the type of use of your motorcycle helmet. And if you want a well-rounded option for everyday riding, remember that our store has the Pinlock 70 available, ideal for urban use and variable conditions.
FAQ about Pinlock
Can you fit a Pinlock on any helmet?
Not on any helmet. To fit a Pinlock you need a compatible visor: usually one with pins (or prepared for them) and with an edge designed so the lens seals properly.
If your visor is not Pinlock-ready, the safest option is to look for a compatible visor for your helmet model or an alternative anti-fog solution (though it will not have the same stability as a properly fitted Pinlock).
What is the difference between Pinlock 30/70/120?
It is a way of classifying the anti-fog performance level (from lowest to highest):
- 30: basic, occasional fogging.
- 70: intermediate, frequent and varied use.
- 120: high, demanding conditions (cold/humidity, intensive use).
The choice depends on your climate, your schedule and how much you ride with the visor closed.
Pinlock or anti-fog spray: which is better?
If your visor is compatible, the Pinlock is usually the better option: it is a stable system and handles real humidity better.
Spray can be useful as a quick fix or on incompatible visors, but it is more sensitive to cleaning, rain, gloves, and sometimes leaves a haze if not applied perfectly. For daily use, Pinlock wins on consistency.
Take a look at all the Pinlock lenses we have at MT.
How does the helmet Pinlock work?
It works by creating a double visor: the main visor + the inner lens. Between the two sits a small insulating air chamber that reduces the thermal difference and prevents moisture from condensing as fog. That is why, when it is properly sealed, the improvement is noticeable from the very first traffic light.
How long does the Pinlock last?
It depends on use and care. With occasional use it can last a very long time; with intensive daily use (city, winter, rain) it wears faster.
It will last longer if you clean it with lukewarm water and a microfibre cloth, avoid dry rubbing, and steer clear of harsh products. If you start to see a permanent haze, scratches, or a clear loss of anti-fog effect, it is time to replace it.
What types of Pinlocks are there?
They vary mainly by:
- Compatibility with the visor (shape/size/model).
- Level (30/70/120).
- Some versions may have tints or variations depending on the manufacturer or market, but the key is that it is the right Pinlock for your visor and the right level for your riding.
How to clean the Pinlock?
- Remove it if needed (easier to clean properly).
- Rinse with lukewarm water to remove dust.
- If necessary, use a very small amount of mild soap.
- Rinse and leave to air dry, or dry with a clean microfibre cloth without pressing.
Avoid alcohol, strong glass cleaners, or paper towels: they can mark the lens and worsen night vision.
