Harley-Davidson Face Protection

Balaclavas & Face Masks

Balaclavas (also known as ski masks) are a form of headgear developed to protect the face, and as such only leaves the eyes or upper face exposed. It is named after a town in the Ukraine, Balaklava, where British soldiers fought in the Crimean War (1854). Balaclavas were knitted and sent to the troops to protect them from the extreme cold, especially to prevent frostbite. Today balaclavas are made from a variety of materials, from cotton to fleece, and are used in a variety of outdoor sports such as skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding.

Balaclavas and face masks are often used by motorcycle riders not only to keep their face, neck and ears warm, but also to keep out dust and insects. This is especially needed if using a helmet that does not cover the lower half of your face or your ears, such as the puddin’ bowl or the half helmet. Of course, these can be worn under a helmet as well for warmth. A variety of face masks and neck tubes have been developed to replace cotton bandanas, as they are more effective at keeping you warm and actually staying on. Additionally, balaclavas help to keep the inside of the helmet clean.

Harley-Davidson Balaclavas

Harley-Davidson Motorclothes offers a variety of motorcycle gear, including leather jackets, helmets, pants, riding armour and gloves. They also provide a wide variety of gifts and accessories with Harley-Davidson logos, such as the eagle, skull, flames or bar & shield. Various face protection pieces are also sold, from balaclavas to neck tubes and face masks, all featuring wind resistant fleece to keep you warm:

• Bar & Shield balaclava- stretchable balaclava featuring Windpro fleece that is 80% resistant to wind and soft to the skin. Wear alone or under any helmet.
• Bar & Shield / Skull Essential Neck Tube- lightweight necktube that can be worn just around your neck to keep it warm or pulled up to cover your mouth, ears and nose as well. The Windpro fleece is 80% wind resistant.