The Best Motorcycle Glasses for Protection on a Budget

You’re here because you don’t want to rock those cheap gas station sunglasses on your ride anymore. And I don’t blame you – they’re about as effective as a screen door on a submarine when it comes to protecting your vision on the open road. 

The best motorcycle glasses aren’t just about looking good (though they definitely can!). They’re about safety, comfort, and making sure you don’t miss a single breathtaking vista on your next tour. 

Spending a little extra on quality eyewear made for motorcycle riders can reduce fatigue and make those long days in the saddle way more enjoyable. Intrigued? You should be. 

Here’s what the team at It’s Better On The Road, from crossing the locust hordes of Wyoming to the mosquito-dense jungles of Thailand have found for you as the best motorcycle glasses money can buy. 

Let’s dive in.

Finding Your Perfect Motorcycle Glasses

Riding a motorcycle is all about soaking in the scenery, feeling the rumble beneath you, and enjoying the freedom of the open road without walls and windows. But that freedom brings the elements, which can be a real buzzkill for your eyes. Wind, dust, debris, bugs and glare can turn a ride into an irritating, eye-watering mess or worse. 

Motorcycle glasses are not just about style or sun protection – they’re essential gear for any rider without a full face helmet who doesn’t want to ride blind. But you need to find ones with a strong frame and lens material (shatter-proof), the right sun protection (or “transitions” photochromic lenses), a fit that’s designed to work with a motorcycle helmet, and possibly a foam or rubber gasket to keep out dust and rain. 

But the perfect motorcycle glasses for you will depend on a few key factors: 

1. The type of riding you do most
2. The conditions you typically encounter
3. Whether you wear prescription glasses 
4. Your personal preferences for fit and style

Are you mostly cruising during the day? Do you often find yourself riding at dawn, dusk, or night? Do you wear prescription lenses? These are all important questions to consider.

Here are your top contenders in a few important categories for our readers and riders: 

• Best Overall: Bobster Force Convertible Sunglasses – Comes with photochromic “transitions” lens plus magnetic snap-in foam gasket, and convertible from glasses to goggles with included strap for increased comfort. 
• Best Value: Bobster Fat Boy Photochromic Sunglasses – A less versatile but cheaper option than the Force Convertible, still sporting the photochromic lenses. 
• Best for Low Key Look: Wiley X Gravity – Striking design that hides the foam gasket, plus they’re made to take prescription lenses. 
• Best for Maximum Protection: Bobster Night Hawk II Photochromic OTG Goggles – Large goggle-style photochromic lens can fit over your prescription lenses, and seals out wind, rain and dust.
• Best for Night Riding: Bobster Charger – Available in clear or yellow tint, these come at an affordable price for a second pair to keep in your saddlebag for night rides. 

Best Overall: Bobster Force Convertible Sunglasses

For the absolute best overall motorcycle glasses that offer incredible versatility and performance, look no further than the Bobster Force Convertible Sunglasses. These shades are packed with features that make them a true workhorse for any cruiser rider.

Bobster Force Convertible Sunglasses

Bobster Force Convertible Sunglasses offer versatility, easily switching between sunglasses and sleek goggles depending on conditions.

Pros:

• Anti-fog photochromic lenses adapt to light conditions
• Shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses ensure durability
• Removable foam provides comfort and protection - easy to snap in with magnets
• Swappable between sunglass arms and goggles strap

Cons:

• Not recommended for nighttime use

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The standout feature here is the anti-fog transitions lens. This lens intelligently adapts to changing light conditions, shifting from 20% tint in low light to a dark 86% tint in bright sunlight. Imagine starting your ride in the early morning and having your glasses automatically adjust as the sun gets stronger – pure convenience! These lenses are also made from shatterproof polycarbonate, ensuring your eyes are protected from impacts. The frame is constructed from durable Grilamid, built to handle the demands of the road.

Comfort and adaptability are key with the Force Convertible. They come equipped with a magnetic foam gasket that seals around your eyes, keeping out wind, dust, and rain. What’s brilliant is that this gasket is quickly removable thanks to its magnetic attachment. Need more airflow or a different fit? Just pop it off!

Plus, you get both regular sunglass arms for a more casual look and a goggle strap that can be easily swapped in. This strap provides a more secure fit, especially useful under tighter helmets or on those long, high-speed stretches. Just remember, these are for daytime use only due to the high tint level at their darkest.

Best Value: Bobster Fat Boy Photochromic Sunglasses

If you’re looking for a fantastic pair of motorcycle sunglasses that won’t break the bank but still offer essential features, the Bobster Fat Boy Photochromic Sunglasses are a top-notch value pick. While they might not have all the bells and whistles of the Force Convertible, they deliver where it counts for a very reasonable price.

Bobster Fat Boy Photochromic Sunglasses

Bobster Photochromic Fat Boy Sunglasses adapt to changing light conditions for all-day comfort.

Pros:

• Photochromic lenses adjust to different lighting environments
• Closed cell foam enhances comfort and wind protection
• Durable polycarbonate lenses provide impact resistance

Cons:

• Not recommended for nighttime use

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The main attraction here is the photochromic lens, which, like the Force Convertible, adapts to changing light conditions. This means you get good sun protection during the day that adjusts as the light shifts. The lenses are made from durable polycarbonate, providing the shatter resistance you need on the road.

The Bobster Fat Boy offers a comfortable fit designed to work well with motorcycle helmets. While they don’t feature a removable foam gasket, the wraparound design often provides good protection against wind and debris for most cruiser rides. If you’re after reliable eye protection with the convenience of a photochromic lens at an accessible price point, these are a solid choice.

Best for Low Key Look: Wiley X Gravity

For riders who want high-performance motorcycle glasses without the overtly “goggle-like” appearance, the Wiley X Gravity is an excellent choice for a low-key look. These sunglasses cleverly integrate protective features into a stylish design that looks great on and off the bike.

Wiley X Gravity Sunglasses

Wiley X WX Gravity Sunglasses provide superior UV protection and durability for extreme activities.

Pros:

• Low key look with hidden gasket
• 100% UV protection blocks harmful rays
• Wraparound gasket prevents wind and debris from disrupting your vision
• Shatterproof lenses ensure long-lasting safety

Cons:

• Higher price compared to other options

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The Gravity features shatterproof lenses and a robust frame, both built to handle the demands of riding. They often come with an anti-fog coating, which is a huge plus in varying weather conditions. You can also find versions with transitions photochromic lenses, giving you that adaptive tint for all-day riding. Comfort is also a priority with rubber nose and temple pads that ensure a secure and comfortable fit, even on long hauls. Plus, they are prescription-ready, making them a great option if you need corrective lenses.

But the real magic of the Gravity for a low-key look is the hidden foam gasket. Unlike some other motorcycle glasses where the foam is very visible, the gasket on the Gravity is neatly integrated behind the frame design. From the outside, you might not even realize these are essentially motorcycle goggles, offering excellent protection without sacrificing style.

Best for Maximum Protection: Bobster Night Hawk II Photochromic OTG Goggles

When you absolutely, positively need the maximum protection from wind, dust, and debris, the Bobster Night Hawk II Photochromic OTG Goggles are the way to go. These are technically goggles, but they boast a slim profile and a crucial feature for many riders: they’re designed to fit comfortably over most prescription glasses (OTG – Over The Glasses).

Bobster Nighthawk II Photochromic OTG Goggles

Bobster Nighthawk 2 Goggles provide seamless OTG compatibility with adaptive photochromic lenses.

Pros:

• Fits over most prescription glasses for convenience
• Photochromic lens adjusts to changing light conditions
• Dual-layer foam enhances comfort and blocks wind and dust

Cons:

• Bulkier design compared to standard goggles

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The Night Hawk II features shatter-resistant and anti-fog polycarbonate lenses, ensuring clear and safe vision. The flexible polyurethane frame provides a comfortable and secure fit, and the foam padding creates a tight seal around your eyes, effectively blocking out dust and other irritants. The photochromic lens adapts to changing light conditions, offering good visibility in various daytime scenarios. They also come in a clear lens option, which is fantastic for night riding or very low-light conditions where you still want that maximum protection from wind and debris.

While they are goggles, their slim profile makes them less bulky than traditional goggles, and the OTG design is a lifesaver for riders who wear prescription glasses. For ultimate protection without having to switch to contacts or special inserts, these are a top contender.

Best for Night Riding: Bobster Charger

Night riding presents its own set of challenges, and having the right eyewear is just as important as during the day. For the best glasses specifically for night riding, the Bobster Charger is an excellent and affordable choice.

Bobster Charger Sunglasses

Bobster Charger Sunglasses combine safety, style, and comfort in a sleek wraparound design. Available in traditional tinted sunglass style or yellow tint for night riding.

Pros:

• Yellow lens option
• Cheaper than lunch in a major American city
• Anti-fog, shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses

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When riding at night, you’re looking for glasses that don’t darken your vision but rather enhance it or simply protect you from wind and debris. The Bobster Charger comes with both clear and yellow lens options, catering perfectly to these needs. Clear lenses provide protection without altering your vision, while yellow lenses can enhance contrast in low-light conditions, helping you spot potential hazards on the road.

The Charger offers a comfortable fit and a durable frame. While they might not have all the advanced features of some of the daytime options, they provide the essential protection you need for night riding at a price point that makes it easy to keep a second pair in your saddlebag. Having dedicated night riding glasses can significantly improve your safety and comfort after the sun goes down.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick comparison of our top picks, all available on Revzilla.com:

Buying Guide

When choosing the right motorcycle glasses for your adventures, keep these points in mind:

• Lens Technology is Key: Consider transitions (“photochromic”) lenses for all-day riding convenience or dedicated tints for specific conditions.
• Protection Matters: Look for shatterproof lenses (polycarbonate) and frames that can withstand the rigors of the road.
• Comfort Under Your Helmet: Think about how the sunglass arms and temple area will fit in to your helmet. This is why most motorcycle sunglasses are a more form-fitting “wrap around” style, and why our top pick is the Bobster Force Convertible: you have the option to slide the strap on for more comfort in more types of helmets. 
• Gaskets for the Elements: If you frequently ride in dusty or wet conditions, a foam gasket is a game-changer.
• Prescription Needs: If you wear glasses, prioritize options that are prescription-ready or designed to fit over your existing eyewear (OTG).
• Night Riding Considerations: Don’t forget about dedicated clear or yellow lenses for safe and comfortable night rides.
• Read the Reviews on Revzilla and Amazon: Other riders’ experiences can provide valuable insights into the real-world performance of the glasses you’re considering.