As a motorcyclist, I love finding out about innovative products on the market that can help make my riding experience that bit easier and enjoyable so when I came across motorcycle helmet visor cleaning technology Visorcat, I decided to discuss the product with Visorcat’s co-owner, Jill Boulton, to find out more.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a former newspaper journalist turned entrepreneur, mum and occasional motorcyclist. I’m Yorkshire born and bred, now living in Scotland. Got the bike bug when my brother turned up on a Suzuki GP100 when he was 17, and that was a long time ago! I’ve owned and ridden a few bikes in my time including a Honda CD250, a grey import Honda GB250 Clubman, a Kawasaki GPZ500, a BMW F650, a Yamaha SZR660, and a Suzuki SV650. I passed my advanced test a few years ago with IAM RoadSmart and I’m still looking for the perfect bike – I’d like a sub-600cc, fun, lively bike that’s low, narrow and lightweight. Any ideas?
How did you come up with Visorcat?
It was my brother’s idea. He was riding his Honda Fireblade (the original one) along a narrow rural road in Warwickshire in November 1999, and found that the car behind was catching him up. He pulled over to let the car go past, his ego a little dented – why did an experienced motorcyclist riding one of the most powerful bikes available have to give way to a car?
A thin film of road grime had built up on my brother’s visor, restricting his view to such an extent that he could not ride to his – or his bike’s – capabilities. It struck him that, while motorcycle technology had come on leaps and bounds in the past 20 years, the technology that allows the motorcyclist to see clearly had not moved on at all.
I understood what he meant when he told me about his idea – I’d once had a nightmare ride on my little GB250 in the dark, when my visor was covered in flies. I couldn’t see a thing except the starring effect of headlights shining on the flies.
Eventually we did some formal market research into the concept of a product that would fit over the motorcyclist’s glove and could wash as well as wipe the visor. I won a £10,000 business award to build prototypes and file a UK patent, so Visorcat was on the road.
Can you tell us how Visorcat works and how to use it?
- Fill the tank
- Wash
- Wipe
There is a sponge covered by a flap, which automatically opens when you move the Cat one way across your visor, so you can wash your visor with the wet sponge. When you wipe your visor in the opposite direction, the flap stays closed and any residue is removed with twin wipers.
The whole unit fits over your glove, and there is also a tank you can top up with fluid, which feeds through to the sponge. You can remove the sponge to wash or replace.
Were there many designs of Visorcat before you settled on the final product?
Every product, if designed properly, has to go through various stages of design and development before launch. So yes, many prototypes were made, but each one led to the development of the final design.
What sort of testing has Visorcat undergone?
We extensively tested it on the road with a testing team of advanced motorcyclists, but we also tested it for safety, to CE standards. And we also carried out our own risk assessment. However, Visorcat cannot be CE marked because there isn’t a category that covers what Visorcat is or does. But the best testing has been carried out by our customers. We know the Cat last for years even with heavy use – one customer has just replaced his after 50,000 miles, and another has used his for 100,000 miles. It’s for this reason that we will guarantee if for two years, no matter how many miles you do.
Which types of motorcyclist is Visorcat aimed at?
I would say it’s for someone who likes long rides, or is a commuter or professional rider, or tourer.
What makes this a better alternative to other products on the market?
It’s simply because Visorcat allows the rider to wash, not just wipe, the visor while riding. So it can get rid of the stuff that would normally smear across your visor if you try to wipe it without moisture. It’s the application of moisture that’s the special thing – no other product we know of can do that.
What feedback have you had on the product to-date?
As soon as we launched we received a road safety accolade from IAM RoadSmart, who said “Visorcat provides the rider with better vision, which leads to greater safety”. We’ve had 5* ratings on Amazon, lots of great reviews from the likes of MAG, BMF, Overland magazine, Adventure Bike Rider magazine, and Motorcycle Monthly, for example. One customer said it’s the best motorcycle accessory ever and another said it was the best invention since the wheel! We’d just say it was the best invention since the motorcycle … or maybe sliced bread.
Have you any other products planned or is your sole focus on Visorcat?
Well, we have a technology here that has different applications, so there is the possibility of other products using the same technology. Watch this space.
How long does Visorcat cleaner usually last?
Customers say it generally lasts between fuel stops. So when you check your fuel, check your Visorcat tank too.
Back in 2014, you showcased Visorcat on investment TV show Dragon’s Den. Although you didn’t secure funding from the Dragons, do you think the appearance benefited your company and product?
Definitely! It was a great experience. We sold out of stock in the same month we appeared in the Den, and lots of people told us they’d seen us on the show.
Where can riders purchase Visorcat?
It’s available from our website at www.visorcat.com, from Amazon UK, our Facebook shop, on e-Bay, and from some retail shops – contact us for current stockists.
Many thanks, Jill, for your time.
You can also follow Visorcat on Twitter.
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