[milani]

So, my wife jumped off the bike yesterday, and took her brand new (worn twice) helmet off and dropped it visor down on the concrete. It left some scratches in the visor:

Before I decide to go at it with multiple W/D sandpaper grits, a heat gun, and polish, does anyone else have any good techniques for removing the scratches?

If it doesn't work, I'll just have to fork out the $25 for a new shield, but I figured I might as well try to fix it the best I can first.

Any help would be great...

 

[SmokenJoe]

Maybe some headlight restorer???????????? But by the time you spend money on different experiments, might as well by the shield. THEN experiment.

 

[mikoloe]

Take your helmet to a crotch rocket place, they run through those like a fox in a forest fire. You should be able to pick 2 up for $30. Get you a tinted one while you are there. You can never have too many of these laying around. The reason I say take your helmet is because you want to buy the right one. I have even bought one with a little scratch for $5.
If your not scratchin , your not ridin!:tsk:

 

[WildFan]

I agree with Joe - get the new shield first. The biggest issue you're probably going to have if you are actually able to sand the scratches out and polish it clear, the shield surface will no longer be the same thickness throughout. This will end up giving you a wavy surface to look through. IMO, don't bother trying to fix it.

 

[bozzly]

Same thing happened to me on my last ride of the season last year. Dropped it when I was putting it away in the Garage and left a few scratches like that. I bought a new shield over the winter.

 

[kraaazymike]

+1 on a new shield. So much work involved and the vision through the visor will most likely be wavy at best. You'd easily spend the cost of a new shield in sand paper, cutting compounds, and polishers.

 

[Strykeback]

I am frugal as anyone but not sure I would bother for $25. I like the headlight polish idea from Joe but even after using this on my lights it still never looks as clear as new. Luckily it happened on a replaceable part!

 

[BillyD66]

I am frugal as anyone but not sure I would bother for $25. I like the headlight polish idea from Joe but even after using this on my lights it still never looks as clear as new. Luckily it happened on a replaceable part!

+1 Agree.

Since it is your wife's helmet and she is a passenger only she can also look into a shaded version of the visor if she wants. Riders are supposed to have clear for night riding.

After getting the new one when you have time you could always try the resurfacing since nothing to really lose but time. I did my headlights on the cars but I wouldn't use that approach here since I believe they are different. By that I mean the headlight scratches are finer, the material is harder and generally flatter. I'd use a flexible hand pad and rubbing/polishing compound. Maybe also use something like a basketball to back up the shield and follow the contour.
In the end it depends on what you have as far as tools, time etc. Might be hard to get it anywhere close to "factory" new...