Fog Riding - Can't See

[dcarver]

Off of work at 0430. Slight to Very foggy conditions..

Visor on Arai XD wets up quickly. Can't see jack cr$@p.

Open visor. Prescription glasses get wet. Can't see Fred, Jack's brother.

Remove glasses. Now I'm blind as a bat + can't see. Very scary. Not good. No fun. Makes the 1 ton dually seem like a GREAT idea, screw the 17 mpg problem.

Try 'Fog Pruf'. No good.

Try Rain-X. No good unless it's really heavy fog.. then the water droplets are big enough to get blown off. Kind of.

Try Lemon Pledge. No good either.

Play with windscreen. Find a sweet position where the wind blast is directly on face shield. Great. Now the *inside* is wet. Can't see George, Jack Shi@t's other brother.

Put soft cloth rag in riding jacket. Try to wipe face shield from time to time. Kind of works, but only for a while.

Seriously.. when you have no choice but to ride through fog, what techniques / products do you use? I can't be the only fool dealing with this problem.

TIA - Don

 

[Randy]

Some use this

https://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s...mberId=12500226

I use this

https://www.zooke.com/shop/detail.php?id=12 (some have reported customer service problems)

Some use this

https://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=FC (I tried it and didn't like it. I think one of the secrets to having it work is to not wait until you're in a foggy situation to put it on as it will just trap the moisture).

If you have a local dive shop, go in and ask them what they recommend divers to use on their goggles to keep them from getting fogged up when they dive.

They'll probably recommend something like this:

https://www.diversmarket.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=433

or one of these:

https://www.mcnett.com/page.cfm?pageID=677

Another product to consider...

https://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/produ...p?Item=GL-SWIPE

 

[radman]

Divers spit on the inside of their goggles/mask to prevent fogging. This is not a solution for our problem though. Some gloves have a wiper built into the right glove which works to a degree. Sometimes, ya just gotta pull over and give it a rest.

 

[antvq]

when you have no choice but to ride through fog, what techniques / products do you use?

Personally, I just fire up the FLIR and use the HUD.....oh, sorry, I forgot that only the faster '05 models came with that option :lol:

 

[radman]

Found these at Aerostich-

Can be found here

 

[evil_henchman]

I use a Fog City Hyper Optiks visor insert and would not be without it. Randy mentioned it and provided a good link to a source (cyclegadgets.com). He's right about not waiting till you're fogged up to try it. It won't work that way. In fact, you want to install it on a new visor. That way the sticky will stay stuck and there's no moisture trapped. Not only do I never have fog inside the visor but it's light sensitive and I never have to wear sunglasses or change visors.

For fog/water on the outside of the visor I have a pair of Tourmaster gloves with a built in squeegie on the left thumb. Sorry I dont have the model cuz I ripped the liners out. I tried the strap on squeegies that cyalegadgets sells and it snapped off almost immediately. Not recommended. The ones Radman came up with look a lot better but I'd get spares anyway. You need some kind of squeegie.

 

[twowheelnut]

Divers spit on the inside of their goggles/mask to prevent fogging. This is not a solution for our problem though.

But, in a pinch, it does work. Had to do it this AM as the, um, marine layer, as they call it here, was sitting at ground level and creating massive foggage to my visor and glasses. Pulled over - even had Mr. CHiPs pull over to check on me and run his lights while I worked - spit on the visor, glasses, wiped in with fingers and off I went, thanking Mr. C as I pulled away. Was fine for the next 20 miles...

 

[chickey191]

used to live in Fresno - home of central valley Tule Fog - the freekin Worst

First - I would NOT recommend rain X - on the inside of anything. IT FOGS UP. The rain X anti fog never worked for me.

I wouldn't trust rain X on a windshield without testing it - for an extended test period - as some folks have reported that it has ruined their plastic. Same for face shield.

Second - when it is that bad - your really shouldn't ride. I know a rider that was cut in half and lit on fire by a car ramming him into a truck in such fog. You just don't have the conspicuity - sufficient lights (no one does) and your vision sucks.

prudent behavior is to GET OFF THE ROAD _ WELL OFF THE ROAD. Do NOT turn lights or flashers on - because another car may see them and think they are following you - and run off the road and ram you. Get OFF the side of the road and as far away as possible.

IF YOU HAVE TO RIDE -

I always road with my flashers on

I frequently rode with my headlights on HIGH. I know that you have been told that you can't see with them on high - but for me - I was able to see marginally better and cars could definitely see me better. Test this out for yourself - it may not work for you and I don't know if it will work with FJR lighting. You do have the ability to lower your beam - so you might be able to fine tune your headlight for the situation.

As for glasses and such.

Sorry that you have to wear glasses to see - I only need them to read - so I take off mine and just raise the windshield. that might still be a better solution for you than fog covered lenses - but that would depend on your vision (or lack of).

For the shield and you might try on your glasses -

Try soap. I used this on ski goggles and it worked pretty well - a drop of soap - washed over your shield and your glasses ought to help - Some folks swear by a drop of oil. I think it is just something that changes the condensation rate or the droplet size. Rub it on both sides of everything.

I also carried several paper towels in my stich pocket and would pull them out at stop signs (providing I could see the stop sign) and do a quick wipe when I could. Since I would be riding VERY slowly - this usually wasn't a problem.

The fog in Fresno got so thick that it was hard to see your speedometer!!! and would roll in so fast in the winter (actually - come up out of the ground) that I would often get trapped at work and since it was winter it would be dark for the commute home. NASTY STUFF.

 

[zzkenoman]

Out of all the helmets I've had, plus wearing glasses, I swear by this companies product, its really good.

https://www.scorpionusa.com/technology/faceshield.html

Since then, I've had lasik, and my helmet continues not to fog up "Ever" when riding thru very dense fog. I grew up in Northern Cal and live here in SoCal, so when I go back and forth up the coast I hit some of the heaviest fog you can run into. Sometimes you are only able to see a few feet at a time, the visual advantage of there visors are absolutely excellent when going thru this thick stuff. Besides the coating on the visor, they have a nose guard that directs the heat of your breath away from the inside of your visor. When I was shopping for a new helmet, one of the reps of Scorpion, demonstrated the helmets with a steamer against the visor, and it never created condensation. That itself sold me, and the fact the lenses are optically correct helped my night vision with the gauges. There are reasonable priced under 2 bills.

As far as what techniques work in the fog, well what works best for me is trailing a good bright tail light, preferably a truck ( cause there going slow anyways, and can't slow down as fast as a car) I keep the low beam on, because it keeps me looking for the next set of brake lights to follow. Always, making sure I have a safety buffer between the vehicle, but never out in front alone.

 

[radman]

Second - when it is that bad - your really shouldn't ride. I know a rider that was cut in half and lit on fire by a car ramming him into a truck in such fog. You just don't have the conspicuity - sufficient lights (no one does) and your vision sucks.

Kinda redundant, don't ya think? Talk about a tough ride.......... :blink:

 

[HIGHLANDER]

Well on my 04 I have a duct pipe routed from where the heat comes from up to the helmet.. well not really but... The combo of a Foggy Mask and a finger wipe works pretty good. I have an old neoprene ski mask that I use, but it's the same idea as a Foggy mask.

https://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Respro...sk--502324.html

 

[skyway]

Don, I'm taking delivery of one of these today for my upcoming SS1K ride and will report on its performance when I return. I saw them at the bike show this past winter and I hope it will put an end to the fogging shield problem.

www.pinlockusa.com

Though they are being sold on the Shoei line of visors, I think they can be had as a kit as well.

 

[DocDanDC]

I figured out an easy technique for Foggy rides on the FJR. Just simply turn your head/helmet to the right and left. The water blows off sideways immediately. In a pinch, it will be the fastest thing you could do. It really works enough to see out the face shield.

 

[radman]

Don, I'm taking delivery of one of these today for my upcoming SS1K ride and will report on its performance when I return. I saw them at the bike show this past winter and I hope it will put an end to the fogging shield problem.
www.pinlockusa.com

Though they are being sold on the Shoei line of visors, I think they can be had as a kit as well.

My Nolan had a Pinlock provided with it, worked damn nice in Minnesota 25 degree cold. You'll like it, though they can be a pain to get on.

 

[FlyingLow]

The prescription glasses would be the key here. Take them off, you can't see. Fog them up, you can't see.

What Chickey said: if it's that bad don't ride. Save the sickle for another day. And your Dually gets 17 MPG?

Not a bad second choice at all.

 

[odot]

Luke says...."use the force".

 

[chickey191]

Second - when it is that bad - your really shouldn't ride. I know a rider that was cut in half and lit on fire by a car ramming him into a truck in such fog. You just don't have the conspicuity - sufficient lights (no one does) and your vision sucks.

Kinda redundant, don't ya think? Talk about a tough ride.......... :blink:

yeah - d@ckwad

and his funeral was kinda redundant, too.

ya know - wise *** comments about a dead rider aren't really appropriate, appreciated or necessary.

 

[dcarver]

Randy:

https://www.zooke.com/shop/detail.php?id=12
https://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=FC (I tried it and didn't like it. I think one of the secrets to having it work is to not wait until you're in a foggy situation to put it on as it will just trap the moisture).

Ordered the Zooke stuff, going to order the FogCity thing today.
Rad

Found these at Aerostich-

Ordered these too!
Evil Henchcman

I use a Fog City Hyper Optiks visor insert and would not be without it. Randy mentioned it and provided a good link to a source (cyclegadgets.com). He's right about not waiting till you're fogged up to try it. It won't work that way. In fact, you want to install it on a new visor. That way the sticky will stay stuck and there's no moisture trapped. Not only do I never have fog inside the visor but it's light sensitive and I never have to wear sunglasses or change visors.

I ordered a new visor today so that when the Fog City arrives I'll be ready.. :clapping:
chickey191

First - I would NOT recommend rain X - on the inside of anything. IT FOGS UP. The rain X anti fog never worked for me.

AMEN. The rain X sucked. Waste of time, money, effort.

Second - when it is that bad - your really shouldn't ride.

If it's nasty when you leave to work I understand. I'm faced with a very nice afternoon ride to work (229 to 58 to 101 in CA).. then sometimes, not all the time, a nasty fog will roll in. The local weather guys are useless in predicting the fog quotient..

GET OFF THE ROAD _ WELL OFF THE ROAD. Do NOT turn lights or flashers on - because another car may see them and think they are following you - and run off the road and ram you.

Dude, that's the best advice I've heard in a very long time. That NEVER would have occurred to me. Thank You!
zzkenoman

Out of all the helmets I've had, plus wearing glasses, I swear by this companies product, its really good. https://www.scorpionusa.com/technology/faceshield.html

I called them today to see if it would fit an Arai XD helmet. The XD isn't all that popular. I'll post back with the info. Arai XD Clicky

As far as what techniques work in the fog, well what works best for me is trailing a good bright tail light, preferably a truck ( cause there going slow anyways, and can't slow down as fast as a car) I keep the low beam on, because it keeps me looking for the next set of brake lights to follow. Always, making sure I have a safety buffer between the vehicle, but never out in front alone.

Exactly what happened last night. The 'leader' car slowed down to 12 mph! I was concerned about being sandwiched by a faster car behind so got into the fast lane. It was all bad after that..
HighLander

The combo of a Foggy Mask and a finger wipe works pretty good.

Hmm. and my nose would be toasty warm too. Another farkle for the body. This actually may work really well.
Skyway

Don, I'm taking delivery of one of these today for my upcoming SS1K ride and will report on its performance when I return. I saw them at the bike show this past winter and I hope it will put an end to the fogging shield problem. www.pinlockusa.com

I put a call into these folks to see if it will fit my Arai. Looking at it, I don't think it will. Please post back when you finish the big weekend ride!

In summary, I'm going to try:

1. Zooke grease

2. Face mask

3. Fog city shield.

I'll post back with what does / does not work. I'll be facing on/off again fog for the summer months.

THANK YOU all for the great input. What a great forum, made great by it's members and admins too!

 

[radman]

yeah - d@ckwad and his funeral was kinda redundant, too.

ya know - wise *** comments about a dead rider aren't really appropriate, appreciated or necessary.

Yeah, though the families of the seven riding friends I've helped bury over the years appreciated my sick brand of humour-in fact looked forward to it, a consistency in a suddenly inconsistent world, knowing I cared as much or more than anyone else there. Don't look for offense when none was intended. Oh, and it's "dickwad"-you must have mistyped.