Getting the most out of Pinlock

[Fullook]

I bought a new helmet (HJC) with pinlock insert about 2 years ago. It worked pretty well - I rode alot through last winter, all conditions, and don't remember having any particular problems with fogging etc.

Now, riding in any coldish, drizzlyish conditions, the whole visor is fogging.

I've refitted and adjusted the insert, and when. I do the breath test it doesn't seem to be a problem with the seal around the edges - fog is just appearing on the surface of the insert itself.

A new insert is in the region of £40+, not the end of the world but if I can avoid the cost, that would be nice.

Is there a way anybody has found of restoring performance of a pinlock insert to something like a new one?

[MOBB]

Where do you store your helmet?

If I leave mine in the garage it fogs next time I ride, if I take it indoors it doesn’t. Seems they need to dry out in a fairly warm environment

May or may not be relevant to you :-)

[CaiosH]

My HJC & pin lock lasted years, it started to have same issue just as it was time to replace the helmet.

I tried cleaning everything very thoroughly & drying, which improved things a lot. Took a few attempts, I think the air gap needs to be very clean and no contamination.

I did find the issue in the end. The pin lock has a hard rubber / silicone border that stops it touching the visor. Where it’s been under the most pressure, center top. The rubber had deformed and flattened out & that’s what the issue was.

Have a good look at that & I think if it’s flattened anywhere you’ll need to replace the pin lock.

[Biker 1]

One of mine has started to fog. I store my lids in a home office, which is only heated to 15C at this time of year.
I think you need to take the insert out & dry it + lid in a dry/warm atmosphere for a while, then reassemble.

https://pinlock.com/support

Edit: this is quite a good guide: https://www.beginnerbiker.com/2017/01/pinlock-fogg...

Edited by Biker 1 on Friday 9th February 15:31

[Fullook]

Good advice all - thanks.

Helmet is stored in the house the moment, but I'm a tight arse and it's probably not much warmer than the garage...

Will see if a bit of warmth & proper drying helps out

[Billy2023]

I take my of the visor every so often and leave it in the airing cupboard overnight which seems to help it start being efficient again.

[Biker 1]

Since the weekend weather is rubbish yet again, this thread has reminded me to do some lid maintenance. Thanks OP!

[Biker 1]

Update: took my lid apart & cleaned everything to the max.
Ponlock left out overnight - hard to tell without a shakedown ride, but the plastic definitely seems a little more pliable, which will hopefully improve the seal....