RainX and helmets

[gkamer]

I haven't yet had the joyful experience of riding in the rain, but was wonder about that. Is it safe, or even needed to apply something like RainX or some other such product to the face plate of your helmet to help shed rain water? Will something like that have an adverse effect to the plastic such as get a dull coating on it.

[pegasus1300]

RainX will craze the plastic on either your faceshield of your windshield. There are antifog compounds that will for motorcycle face shields to keep them from fogging up.

[Gwolf]

NAPA got it. Lot of other places too. It brings the plastic shields and things back to a clear you can see through.

No need to worry about the rain. Just turn your head slightly to the side and the wind will clear your shield.

[jredman]

I haven't yet had the joyful experience of riding in the rain, but was wonder about that. Is it safe, or even needed to apply something like RainX or some other such product to the face plate of your helmet to help shed rain water? Will something like that have an adverse effect to the plastic such as get a dull coating on it.

They do make a safe rainx for plastic. I use it on face shields and windscreens.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

They do make a safe rainx for plastic. I use it on face shields and windscreens.

.....Maybe a year or so back " Rain-X " came out with a version that was specifically for use on PLASTICS, I use it and like it ...... Mike

[Steve W.]

I have not (yet) used the special Rain-X for plastics, but will pick some up when I see it.

The reason that you DON'T use the regular Rain-X on plastic is because most windshields have a hardened coating that helps prevent scratching. The alcohol in the Rain-X attacks that, leaving you with no scratch protection. Note that Windex and any other glass cleaner that has alcohol will do the same thing.

My usual go-to for windshield cleaning is a two-step process. I carry a water-soaked microfiber cloth in a sandwich-sized zip-loc bag in the saddlebag. When stopping for fuel, I drape the cloth over the windshield to soften the bug guts that have collected. By the time I am done fueling, I will use that cloth to wipe the shield clean. The second step is Meguiar's Cleaner/Wax. Wipe some off, let it haze up a bit, wipe it off. NOTE: When cleaning a windshield ONLY USE VERTICAL STROKES. That will prevent glare from any minor scratches.

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[gkamer]

.....Maybe a year or so back " Rain-X " came out with a version that was specifically for use on PLASTICS, I use it and like it ...... Mike

Thanks Mike, I'll keep an eye out for it on my next travels.

[ozarkryder]

+1 on Steve W. to use vertical strokes on the windshield, and I also apply that to the face shield on our helmets. Learned that from my motorcyclist ophthalmologist - seems the eye/brain recognizes horizontal lines better than vertical ones, so horizontal scratches are much less noticeable. He said never clean the screen in circular strokes, those will be the most annoying scratches or streaks.

As for cleaning, I don't use anything for normal cleaning except clean water. After cleaning the bike or trike I usually use a polish like Plexus, Novus or such. The polish helps the rain blow off, and makes it easier to remove other residue. I have known some folks to use furniture polish, but I don't know what is in some brands so I stick with the dedicated motorcycle windshield products.

In the "To each his own" department, I don't like using the fuzzy kind of microfiber to clean. The microfiber with a weave or a nap gets stuff like pieces of bug shells, dirt and such stuck into the fibers that may scratch. For cleaning I use clean terry cloth towels as stuff seems to wash out of them easier, and they are cheaper. Usually free as I use cloths that are cut from towels that the Admiral has deemed too worn for house use. I keep a few dedicated towels for the windshield and a small spray bottle with clean water in the frunk for windshield cleaning on the road. If the towel gets too dirty, it gets discarded, or I use it to wipe the brake dust from wheels or grease and throw them away. I use clean microfiber for drying cleaned surfaces and polishing.

Never use paper towels, they are like fine sandpaper and will eventually dull the finish on most plastics. Also Do Not ever use, not matter how dirty your windshield may be the cleaning wiper from the bucket at the gas pump. Pretty much guaranteed to scratch, and who knows what is in that solution.

[MONK]

I have known some folks to use furniture polish, but I don't know what is in some brands so I stick with the dedicated motorcycle windshield products.

Lemon Pledge. Specifically Lemon and specifically Pledge brand. Works very well HOWEVER it WILL attract bees.

[NoahMercy]

Rain X for plastic is never a bad idea, as it also makes it easier to get bugs off. Another option is an Aerostitch VeeWipe that you can put on a thumb or forefinger. Downside to that is the need to remove a hand from the bars, but beats not being able to see!

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[RogioS]

I heard that RainX is not good for the windshield. I use NexGen ceramic coating on my windshield. It does great repelling bugs and water. You can use the ceramic coatings on almost any surface. I use it to polish my Spyder and my cars.

[JayBros]

I tried the RainX for plastic on my windshield and found it difficult to get a good application without it streaking. I stick with Plexus or Lamonster's Black Diamond Detailer.

[Wahrsuul]

Lemon Pledge. Specifically Lemon and specifically Pledge brand. Works very well HOWEVER it WILL attract bees.

This ^^ I use the dollar store brand myself, but ti seems to work well. I use it on the windshield too - makes the bug/road grime easier to remove.