Neck Warmers & Balaclavas
Under the helmet and around the neck, a large part of riding comfort is determined: a neck warmer blocks drafts entering through the collar, while a balaclava absorbs sweat, keeps the padding clean, and makes it easier to put on and take off the helmet. At Moon Bike, you'll find 52 available items, including summer neck tubes, windproof balaclavas, and helmet liners made of cotton, silk, or straw, from brands like Macna, Dane, Hevik, Booster, Difi, Tucano Urbano, and Givi, with prices ranging from €2.55 to €47.90.
Motorcycle Neck Warmers and Balaclavas: Guide, Tips, and FAQs
How to choose
The first criterion is the season. In summer, light and breathable fabrics are needed: multi-functional neck tubes like Macna Summer Tube, Dane Summer Tube, and Hevik tube weigh just a few grams, can also be worn as a headband or bandana, and cost around €10-13. Cotton or silk helmet liners — Booster Original Cotton Balaclava, Tucano Urbano Brancaleone — are suitable all year round, as they protect the inside of the helmet from sweat and reduce friction when you put it on. In winter, the requirements change: thermal fleece like the Dane Thermo Tube and Macna Thermo Collar are important, and especially the Windstopper windproof membrane of the Dane Arre 2, Lagom 2, Maribo 2, and Saksun 2, which stops cold air in the exposed area between the helmet and the jacket collar.
The second criterion is how much coverage you want. A neck tube only covers the neck; a balaclava covers the head and face and is worn under the helmet; a face mask protects the nose and mouth while leaving the head free. Those who ride in the city with a jet helmet often keep two items on hand: a summer straw helmet liner, like the Tucano Urbano Panama, and a winter neck warmer.
Types compared
| Type | Season | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-functional tube | Summer and mid-season | €8-15 |
| Cotton or silk helmet liner | All year round | €3-26 |
| Straw or wicker helmet liner | Summer | €10-12 |
| Fleece neck warmer | Winter | €13-21 |
| Windproof Windstopper | Winter | €25-48 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a neck warmer and a helmet liner?
A neck warmer only covers the neck and stays outside the helmet, often tucked over the jacket collar. A helmet liner covers the head, and in many models also the face, and is worn before the helmet. Several neck tubes do both: they can be unrolled over the head or stay around the neck.
Does the helmet liner make the helmet tighter?
A thin cotton, silk or airmesh microfibre helmet liner takes up very little space and does not change the fit. If the helmet is already at the limit of its size, it is best to stick to lighter models and avoid fleece and neoprene, which are thicker and should be considered as half a size larger.
Can they be machine washed?
Yes, almost all cotton, microfiber, and fleece models can be washed at 30°C on a delicate cycle. For garments with a Windstopper or waterproof membrane, it is advisable to follow the label and avoid fabric softener and tumble drying, as they can damage the membrane and reduce wind resistance.
What size should I get?
Neck tubes and most neck warmers are one-size-fits-all and elastic. Pre-shaped balaclavas and helmet liners, however, come in sizes from S to XXL: measure your head circumference above your eyebrows and choose the size indicated by the manufacturer, without tightening.
Is it really needed in summer?
Yes, for two reasons. The first is sweat: a light neck tube or helmet liner absorbs moisture and keeps the helmet padding dry, which would otherwise become soaked. The second is the sun: on an exposed neck, on the motorway or ring road, the neck tube acts as a barrier against sunburn and insects.
Are straw helmet liners approved?
No, and they don't have to be: they are not protective equipment. The Tucano Urbano Panama straw or wicker helmet liners only serve to keep the head cool and to insulate the head from the inside of the helmet on hot days. The protection is provided by the helmet, which remains the only approved item.
