At Moto Central, based in Leicestershire, we are proud to offer some of the most innovative motorcycle gear on the market. One such innovation is the use of hydrophilic coatings, which have become a game-changer in the world of motorcycle clothing, helmets, and accessories. These coatings improve water management, visibility, and overall comfort, making them indispensable for modern riders. Here’s everything you need to know about hydrophilic coatings, the motorcycle brands that utilise them, and why they are worth considering.
What Are Hydrophilic Coatings?
Hydrophilic coatings are thin, water-attracting layers applied to various surfaces. When exposed to water or moisture, these coatings spread the liquid evenly, forming a smooth, transparent film rather than letting droplets form. This unique characteristic makes hydrophilic coatings essential in preventing fogging, shedding rain, and managing sweat in motorcycle gear.
Motorcycle Brands Using Hydrophilic Coatings
- SHOEI: Known for its high-performance helmets, SHOEI uses hydrophilic coatings on visors to prevent fogging and improve clarity in wet or humid conditions.
- Arai: Arai helmets often feature advanced visor technology, incorporating hydrophilic coatings for exceptional rain management and anti-fogging properties.
- Rukka: A leader in technical motorcycle clothing, Rukka integrates hydrophilic coatings into its waterproof layers to ensure riders stay dry and comfortable.
- Klim: Klim’s adventure-focused gear benefits from hydrophilic coatings, particularly in its rainwear and visors, delivering superior visibility and water-wicking capabilities.
- Pinlock: Though not a gear manufacturer, Pinlock inserts with hydrophilic coatings are widely used across brands for fog-free performance.
Why Do Brands Use Hydrophilic Coatings?
Hydrophilic coatings are utilised for their ability to solve common problems faced by motorcyclists. Here’s why brands rely on this technology:
- Enhanced Visibility: Clear vision is essential for safety. Hydrophilic coatings prevent fogging and improve rainwater dispersion, ensuring riders can focus on the road.
- Improved Comfort: By wicking away sweat and managing moisture, these coatings keep riders dry and reduce discomfort during long rides.
- Weather Resilience: Riders often face varying weather conditions. Hydrophilic coatings offer consistent performance in rain, humidity, and cold, making them ideal for all-season gear.
Benefits of Hydrophilic Coatings in Motorcycle Gear
Hydrophilic coatings provide several advantages:
- Anti-Fog Properties: Essential for helmets and goggles, these coatings eliminate the fog caused by breath or temperature changes.
- Rain Management: On visors and windscreens, water spreads evenly, reducing streaking and improving visibility during rain.
- Moisture Control: In textiles, hydrophilic coatings wick sweat away from the skin, keeping riders dry and comfortable.
- Easy Maintenance: Treated surfaces resist dirt and grime, making cleaning quicker and easier.
Potential Drawbacks of Hydrophilic Coatings
While hydrophilic coatings offer numerous benefits, they are not without limitations:
- Durability: Prolonged exposure to UV rays, abrasion, and cleaning chemicals can degrade the coating over time. Reapplication may be necessary for some products.
- Cost: Gear featuring hydrophilic coatings tends to be more expensive due to the advanced technology involved.
- Limited Use in Harsh Conditions: Extreme wear, such as consistent off-road riding, can reduce the coating’s effectiveness.
Moto Central: Your Destination for High-Performance Motorcycle Gear
At Moto Central, we stock a wide range of motorcycle clothing, helmets, and accessories featuring advanced technologies like hydrophilic coatings. Whether you need a fog-free helmet, moisture-wicking base layers, or rainproof jackets, we have you covered. Our showroom in Leicestershire is thoughtfully organised, offering dedicated areas for helmets, gloves, boots, and premium brands such as Rukka, SHOEI, and Belstaff. With female-friendly facilities and expert staff on hand, we ensure every rider finds their perfect gear.
Explore hydrophilic-coated motorcycle gear at Moto Central. Enjoy free UK delivery on orders over £25 and a 365-day return policy for complete satisfaction.
