arai tour x4 vents

Arai's outgoing Tour-X 4 helmet is still a go-to adventure touring option - here's why

The highly acclaimed, top-spec Arai Tour-X motorbike helmet has been around for decades and I’ve been testing the fourth-generation Tour-X4 for the past three years. It’s designed for adventure and off-road riding, but with the peak removed can be used as a road helmet, or with goggles instead of the visor.

I’ve used it in all conditions on adventure bike launches and group tests in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Sicily and the UK.

It’s now been superseded by Arai’s new Tour-X 5 .

• Read MCN’s previous Arai Tour-X 4 reviews

Arai Tour-X 4

Tested by Michael Neeves for 4000 miles, three years

A clear visor and anti-fog Pinlock come as standard, but I mostly use an accessory dark tinted version. The visor has widescreen field of vision (although you can always see the peak, which I’m not keen on), a classy smoothness in the way it moves and is easy to crack open for extra ventilation.

It isn’t a two-minute job to change the visor, though, with fiddly plastic screws and fixing plates that need to line up with the visor and peak. The new Tour-X5 has a quick release system that gets around the problem. The Tour-X4 doesn’t have a drop-down visor.

Does the Arai Tour-X 4 have good ventilation?

For sweaty off-road rides or sun-baked road trips an adventure lid needs good ventilation. The Tour-X4 has seven strategically placed intake and five exhaust vents that do the job superbly. I’ve worn it as much in the cold and rain, too and it’s nice snug with no drafts or leaks.

Is the Arai Tour-X 4 a noisy helmet?

I’ve only used the Tour-X4 while riding adventure bikes, which have notoriously noisy screens. Despite the racket the bikes make the Arai manages to be surprisingly quiet, although the peak can cause some buffeting and catch in the wind. I wear earplugs so it’s never a problem. I’ve never used it without the peak or with goggles.

Does the Arai Tour-X 4 look good?

The Tour-X4 is a beautiful hand-built creation, as much as a safety device. I’m not a huge fan of the off-road style in general and it looks too storm-trooper-ish with the peak removed. I’d always choose to wear a conventional road helmet, regardless of the style of bike and only pick something like this for practical reasons.

Is the Arai Tour-X 4 good quality?

It’s hard to fault the Tour-X4’s first class build quality, from its plush interior fabrics to the deep, durable white paintwork and the way the vents and trims fit perfectly. There’s nothing about this Arai that feels cheap or plasticky.

Does the Arai Tour-X 4 offer good value for money?

Arai’s Tour-X 4 is unashamedly premium, but now it’s been replaced by the Tour-X 5 there are some stonking deals to be had from retailers’ existing stock.

If the Arai isn’t floating your boat, there are plenty of other adventure helmets available on the market.

The Klim Krios Pro combines cutting edge technology and lightweight materials in a comfortable and great-looking package.

Klim Krios Pro

Tested by Ben Clarke for 4000 miles

Once upon a time, riders looking for a comfortable, peaked adventure-touring helmet pretty much had two choices, an Arai Tour-X or a Shoei Hornet ADV. Like the Arai, the The Shoei is still available on the market today.

Shoei Hornet ADV

Tested by Richard Newland for 5000 miles

Portuguese brand Nexx might not be on the tip of every British biker’s tongue, but their X.WED2 is a really great dual-purpose helmet with very little to be found in the way of negatives. We included it in our adventure helmet product showcase back in 2020 and it won the test with a maximum 5 stars.

Nexx X.WED2

Tested by MCN

Arai Tour-X 4 verdict

If you ride off road, a peaked adventure lid is useful to protect yourself from flying rocks, dust and dirt from other bikes and to keep the sun out of your eyes. The Arai Tour-X4 ticks those boxes, while being every inch a premium helmet that’s as beautifully made and comfortable as any of their top-level road offerings.

But do both on and off-road jobs it’s a compromise. It’s heavier, slightly more fatiguing to wear and the peak is ever-present in your vision and sometimes whips in the wind. Changing the visor is tricky, too, but the updated Tour-X5’s quick release system gets around that problem.

Wearing an adventure helmet is part of my road tester’s ‘dressing-up box’ and useful on the dirt, but I wouldn’t choose to wear one purely for the road just for its looks, even on an adventure bike.

Got an Arai Tour-X 4 of your own? Why not get in touch and find out how you can give an owner review for inclusion on this page!

What our other testers said about the Arai Tour-X 4

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for two years, 5,500 miles Quality 5/5, Value 5/5

Just opening the Arai Tour-X 4 box is an experience in itself. Cleverly packaged without the need for tape or staples, it’s a masterclass in simple origami and opens to reveal the helmet cocooned in a neatly tied, fleecy storage bag, along with stickers, instructions (including a small bottle of silicone lubricant for the visor mechanism) and the Pinlock anti-fog insert.

Slipping it out of the bag and seeing the graphics in the flesh for the first time actually drew oohs and aahs, and then there’s the smell when you first put it on – new Arais have a unique aroma that immerses the wearer in a sensation of quality and craftsmanship.

I’ve yet to find a helmet that is as pleasant to wear as an Arai, and with that cavernous opening, the Tour-X 4 may well be the best in the range. The weight distribution is so good, that it barely feels like there’s anything on your head, even after a full day on the trails.

And that’s from a helmet weighing 1670g (on our scales), hardly the lightest in its class. The double D-ring strap ensures an infinitely secure fit and the extendable chin spoiler does a great job of keeping the wind out when you don’t want it. There’s also very little drag from the aerodynamically designed peak.

The Tour-X 4 isn’t the quietest of helmets, especially with the peak in place, but if you wear earplugs when riding (as I do) wind noise shouldn’t be a problem.

I tend to use goggles when riding off-road and like the fact that the strap fits with the visor installed, regardless of whether it’s open or closed. However, if the going gets messy it can also be removed entirely to prevent damage from mud and grit, turning the Tour-X into a traditional off-road style lid.

It may not be the cheapest, but consider that it’s essentially three helmets in one and the value should become clear – for trail riding, touring or even tearing up the track, the Arai Tour-X 4 could well be the only helmet you’ll ever need.

Tested by Michael Guy for five years, 8400 miles Quality 5/5, Value 4/5

The Tour-X 4 has certainly been my go-to helmet for a significant chunk of riding I’ve completed over the last five years. While Arai claim it works as a grand tourer, adventure helmet and for use on naked bikes with the peak removed the vast majority of my riding has been using it for off-road and adventure.

From events in Italy, to riding the Trans Euro Trail in Northern Spain and most recently a trip to Iceland it’s been my helmet of choice for when I need something I can completely trust and rely on. After all your helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment we all wear.

This is actually my second Arai adventure helmet, I ran the previous X3 model for the five years prior to getting the X4. One of the key factors that keeps me coming back for more is the fit. I wear an XS and unlike other helmets Arai have different outer shell sizes meaning that I’m not wearing a helmet with a large outer shell and lots of padding to make it fit correctly. This in turn makes it feel and look better.

I’ve used the helmet with both clear and a light smoke visor and both give excellent vision and minimal glare. The light smoke visor gives the same quality and contrast as a decent pair of sun glasses. Compared to a motocross helmet the peak is short but it’s enough to act as a sunshade when the sun is low in the sky or give protection from rocks roosted up by the rider in front by simply dropping your head.

Despite the peak the smooth lines of the outer shell make it more than acceptable for sustained motorway speeds. I always expect the peak to make it feel worse than a regular road helmet but in reality, when riding a big adventure bike, it’s the flawed aerodynamics/screen of the bike that are the issue rather than the helmet. My only real gripe is that changing visors is a slow and laborious task which requires removing four easily lose able screws and the peak.

- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us .

By Michael Neeves

MCN Chief Road Tester, club racer, airmiles millionaire.

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Is The Arai Tour X4 ADV Helmet A Cut Above The Rest?

This Arai Tour X4 is the most recent version of the Arai adventure helmet. It’s been in their range for nine years already, but it’s still going strong, making many riders very happy.

Some of those riders are on their second or even their third Arai Tour X4, which shows it has a very loyal following.

Arai Tour X4 Review

Table of Contents

Shell Construction

The shell on this helmet is Arai’s super fiber laminate. It’s a composite of fibers designed to deliver the strength needed for the Arai protection philosophy. 

Our eye shells tend to be stronger than many other fiber shells, allowing them to use a softer eps impact liner.

Arai strongly believes this makes the helmets more protective than the alternative method, which has a lighter shell and a harder eps impact liner behind it.

Having a stronger shell does mean Arai’s tend to be a little heavier than many other lids. For example, the Tour X4 in a medium-size weighs 1683 grams/3.7 lbs on our scales. But, of course, that’s with the peak and the visor fitted.

It’s not light, but neither is it the heaviest adventure lid, and at least Arai has a solid reason to explain why their helmets weigh a little bit more than your usual helmet.

Ventilation

Venting on an adventure helmet like this is important because if they’re going to be used off-road, airflow is crucial for riders who aren’t just plonked in the saddle all day.

There are two vents behind the peak with simple rocking switches, and then there are two exhaust vents at the rear, which can be opened and closed on these rocker switches.

Arai’s trademark brow vents come on the visor, delivering more cooling air. They come through the vents on the top of the visor, and then they are channeled into ducts at the top of the interior.

The air then flows down the side of your temples, giving you a good amount of inflowing air as you ride along.

The last venting area on this helmet is the one that takes the most description as there are three stages to the chin venting. First, the central vent opens in two stages.

There’s one external shutter on the chin part of the helmet, and then there’s one on the inside of the helmet right in front of your chin. Having both of these open allows air to flow directly to the rider’s mouth.

If you have the outside shutter open and the inside shutter closed, the air forces air up through the chin bar towards the inner surface of the visor. 

In addition, air can flow through the grills on the front of the helmet. You operate those with sliding vents just on the inside by your chin.

Anti-Fogging

The Arai Tour X4 adventure is pin lock protected. There’s a pin lock 120 insert in the box. That’s the middle of the three levels that they provide. 

Some owners found the pin lock tricky to fit on this helmet, which is understandable on an adventure lid because the curve of the visor is much more exaggerated than normal.

Straightening the visor to fit that insert takes a lot more effort. However, once it is inserted, many people are happy about the anti-miss properties.

First, remove that visor; you need to take off the peak. Unfortunately, there’s no quick-release attachment for the peak on this helmet; you need a screwdriver or a coin to undo the screws holding it in place.

Somewhere along the line, this Tour X4 design has been changed to make removing and refitting the peak easier. When you undo the screws on the side of the helmet, they don’t fall away.

A little retainer plate keeps the retainer in one piece with the peak, making it easier to replace.

You can put the peak back on without refitting the visor, which means you can use this helmet with goggles.

The frames fit snugly in the eye-port, and then there’s room for the straps just underneath the mounting for the peak. You can also put the visor back on without the peak, which gives you a street-styled helmet.

To do that, first, you need to remove the screws. You’ll also need to free them from that retaining plate, and then you have additional pressure plates to refit the visor without the peak being in place.

Peaks like this sometimes cause problems when you’re riding along, and you’ve got drag and some aerodynamic problems, although there’s a fairly clear consensus among the customer reviews for this helmet that it’s not a big issue with the Tour X4 . 

I have seen some customer reviews who preferred removing the peak for long journeys, so it is a handy option.

There’s no internal sun visor with this helmet. Aria doesn’t believe in them and doesn’t fit them, so you can’t have one with this. Some Arai’s have the option of an external sun visor, but even that’s not an option with this helmet.

A light reactive pin lock insert is available, but the customer reviews I have seen aren’t great, so you’re likely to want a tinted visor if you need protection from glare. That will mean switching from dark to clear visors depending on the light conditions.

It’s typically an Arai. It’s soft, comfy, and moisture-wicking, so it suits active riding rather than just laid-back touring. It’s fully removable, and you can do a certain amount of tailoring. 

There’s a five-millimeter layer of foam on the outer surface of each cheek pad which you can remove, which creates a bit more room on either side of your face.

It’s best to be sure that you need that extra room before removing the layers, as I’m pretty sure you’re not going to be able to put those bits of foam back in there if it turns out you preferred it when it was thicker.

The removable skull pad around the top also has some removable sections. Arai calls them temple pads, which can be taken out to create more space at the side of the head.

The owner’s manual for the helmet says you can stick those back in if you use some double-sided tape, so if you prefer it before, there is at least the option to go back to the original setup.

There’s no official intercom for this helmet, but there’s nothing that I can see to stop a universal intercom from being used. There are plenty of customers amongst the reviews who’ve done that.

Cena also makes an Arai-specific kit that will fit neatly to this helmet. However, it is worth noting that Cena themselves doesn’t recommend the kit for smaller sizes of this helmet.

There’s one neat addition to this lid, and that is a chin curtain. The chin curtain can be pulled down, acting as a wind-deflecting spoiler. This helps keep that cold and noisy air away from the base of the lid.

Safety Straps

The final piece of the interior puzzle is the strap fastener. Again, this is an Arai, so you’ll get a sporty D-ring strap.

One neat touch with that, though, is the covers that protect your skin from wear against that strap can be taken off and washed.

Safety Ratings

As you’d expect, this helmet is fully road approved to ECU 2205 as a full-face helmet. It also has ACU gold approval for use in competitions or on track.

It’s not rated by the UK government’s sharp impact testing program. That’s not unusual as sharp doesn’t appear to have ever tested a helmet that comes supplied with a peak.

For the American market, it is Snell M2020 approved.

In Conclusion

The Arai XD-4 Helmet is a fully adjustable helmet for all types of riding. It has a comfortable headliner fully removable interior with replaceable cheek pads, chin cover, and chinstrap. 

In addition, it features Dry Cool technology, which keeps you dry and cool for greater comfort. 

The Arai XD-4 Helmet also has FCS (Facial Contour Support) cheek pads with a 5mm peel-away layer that allows easier cleaning and replacement. In addition, the helmet is Snell M2020 approved.

Where To Buy

MotorcycleGear

Keith Mallinson has been a motorcycle enthusiast for the past 20 years. He has owned a variety of bikes during this time, ranging from sport bikes to cruisers. Keith has a passion for all things motorcycle related, including riding, maintaining, and customizing his bikes.In addition to his personal experience with motorcycles, Keith has also kept up to date with industry news and trends. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and insights with others through his motorcycle blog.When he's not out on the open road, Keith can be found tinkering in his garage, planning his next road trip, or spending time with his family.

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Arai Tour X4 helmet review

Customer rating:

Arai’s Tour X4 is the latest version of the incredibly popular adventure helmet, with a redesigned shell shape and added ventilation over the previous Tour X3.

The most immediately obvious changes on the Arai Tour X4 are a whole array of front and rear vents, which provide enough air flow to keep you ice cold when required.

The chin vent is fantastic even when used on its own but there are also metal mesh panels to each side, which are opened from the inside to allow more air to flow into the front of the helmet.

Arai have also added the brow vents that can be seen on most of their range of helmets. On the Tour X4 these work amazingly well, allowing the air to be channelled directly around your head.

There are also top vents to make sure every part of your head is getting blasted with air, and exhaust vents to draw out any warm air rather than letting it get stuck inside.

There is a downside to all of the vents and extra bits stuck on to the shell – the noise. In my experience Arais are noisy and the Tour X4 is no different.

I dislike wearing earplugs and prefer to ride without them, but I’ve had no choice when wearing the Tour X4 because of the noise levels.

The peak creates a lot of the wind noise, which seems to get in and around the peak and causes it to whistle like a camping kettle.

I also found that even with the chin curtain pulled out there was still a lot of wind noise coming through the bottom of the helmet. This was nice in the summer but left me reaching for a neck scarf during the winter months.

The peak can be removed, which does reduce the noise considerably and makes the helmet look incredibly aggressive. Combine that with a dark visor and you’ll look like you’ve escaped from Call of Duty.

The difficulty in removing the peak has to be one of my biggest annoyances and one of the reasons I feel this Arai looks a little antiquated. Arai don’t do quick-release and you need a screwdriver to remove the four plastic bolts holding the peak on.

You need to remove the peak to change the visor, slowing it down even more. I also detest the idea of taking a metal screwdriver to an expensive helmet and I’m not sure everyone has access to a plastic screwdriver.

On the plus side, the wide and deep visor and aperture offer amazing optical clarity and field of vision, which means I can perform a blindspot check with the smallest of head movements. Compared to the Tour X4 the view from a standard road helmet is like looking through a letterbox.

But perhaps the biggest advantage of the large aperture is that it has room to fit goggles. You don’t even have to remove the visor as raising it leaves enough room for the goggles, which is great.

Fitting a dark lens to my goggles and leaving the clear visor on the helmet meant I didn’t need to go through the slow visor change so frequently. As soon as the sun went away I took the goggles off and flicked the clear visor down.

The goggles sit really well and seal perfectly to my face. Although it creates loads of extra wind noise, my eyes are protected.

The visor comes with a Pinlock insert, but the shape of the visor means fitting the insert can be tricky.

It’s a challenge to get it to sit tight to the visor without being too tight, which causes a strange streak to appear, or having it too loose and being useless at stopping visor misting.

Once fitted and adjusted correctly I had no problems at all and it did exactly what you’d expect and kept my visor fog-free.

I found the biggest drawback to the helmet was weight. I’ve used the Tour X4 as a dual-sport helmet and after a few hours on the road or some green laning, its weight does become noticeable.

Having said that, it feels lighter on your head than when carrying it around and it’s nicely balanced so it doesn’t pull your head down while riding.

The weight is because Arai’s philosophy is to make a very robust shell and their argument would be that a lighter shell would be thinner and not as strong or safe – though other brands seem able to make a lighter adventure helmet.

An important feature of the helmet to me, is emergency-release cheekpads. Having had a previous helmet removed by paramedics, I feel this is an overlooked and underrated feature on a helmet.

The orange tabs allow the cheekpads to be removed whilst the helmet is still on. Once the cheekpads are out the helmet just rolls off the rider’s head without putting strain on the neck.

The cheekpads don’t have a pocket or removable foam to fit intercoms speakers, but underneath the cover of the cheekpad there is a recess that’s the perfect shape to accommodate speakers.

The skullpad has a 5mm section that can be removed if the helmet fits too closely – but once it has been torn out it doesn’t go back in, so give it time before ripping this out as you may find the helmet beds in quite nicely without removing it.

The fit on mine loosened to the point where I needed new, thicker padding to restore a close fit, so it’s definitely worth waiting before taking out that section of skullpad.

Overall, the Arai Tour X4 is a seriously good helmet that takes the best bits from its predecessor and builds on it.

It’s not perfect but it’s very well made and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. If you are looking for an adventure helmet you have to consider the Tour X4.

The visor is huge and the field of vision fantastic. Sometimes you can see the edge of the Pinlock insert and at night, the Pinlock causes distortion to appear around the headlights of oncoming cars.

Ventilation

This is one of the best-ventilated helmets I’ve used. There are many little vents and they’re in awkward places, but they are easy to operate once you know where they are.

Fit & Comfort

I’ve gone for my usual size and it fits me bang-on. The helmet is comfortable, but the weight and noise impede a little.

Build quality

The shell of the helmet and interior are some of the best available. The peak is also very robust, however the vents are glued on and feel a little flimsy.

The features that Arai have added to this helmet are amazingly well made. There are a few things missing that you would expect at this price point.  

Arai Tour X4

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Arai's outgoing Tour-X 4 helmet is still a go-to adventure touring option – here's why

• February 18, 2024

The highly acclaimed, top-spec Arai Tour-X motorbike helmet has been around for decades and I’ve been testing the fourth-generation Tour-X4 for the past three years. It’s designed for adventure and off-road riding, but with the peak removed can be used as a road helmet, or with goggles instead of the visor.

I’ve used it in all conditions on adventure bike launches and group tests in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Sicily and the UK.

It’s now been superseded by Arai’s new Tour-X 5.

• Read MCN’s previous Arai Tour-X 4 reviews

MCN’s guide to adventure bike helmets

Is the Arai Tour-X 4 comfortable?

I’ve worn Arai road and racing helmets for most of my biking life and the Tour-X 4 is instantly familiar and a joy to use. From the way it cossets your head, to its soft interior and even the way it smells, it’s textbook, quality Arai. It’s easy to slip on and feels like a conventional helmet, which is the biggest compliment I can give.

It has the same rounded R75 shell shape as the Japanese firm’s road helmets (for ‘glance-off’ impact protection) and it fits perfectly out of the box (I’m a medium). 5mm layers of foam in the removable cheek pads and skull cap can be peeled away, if it’s too tight and cheek pads can also be replaced with slimmer/thicker accessory versions.

Weighing 1670g the Tour-X 4 is quite heavy, especially at the front, due to the peak and extended off-road chin bar. It’s slightly more tiring to wear as a result, but I’ve worn it on day-long rides without a problem.

What’s the Arai Tour-X 4 visor like?

A clear visor and anti-fog Pinlock come as standard, but I mostly use an accessory dark tinted version. The visor has widescreen field of vision (although you can always see the peak, which I’m not keen on), a classy smoothness in the way it moves and is easy to crack open for extra ventilation.

It isn’t a two-minute job to change the visor, though, with fiddly plastic screws and fixing plates that need to line up with the visor and peak. The new Tour-X5 has a quick release system that gets around the problem. The Tour-X4 doesn’t have a drop-down visor.

Does the Arai Tour-X 4 have good ventilation?

For sweaty off-road rides or sun-baked road trips an adventure lid needs good ventilation. The Tour-X4 has seven strategically placed intake and five exhaust vents that do the job superbly. I’ve worn it as much in the cold and rain, too and it’s nice snug with no drafts or leaks.

Is the Arai Tour-X 4 a noisy helmet?

I’ve only used the Tour-X4 while riding adventure bikes, which have notoriously noisy screens. Despite the racket the bikes make the Arai manages to be surprisingly quiet, although the peak can cause some buffeting and catch in the wind. I wear earplugs so it’s never a problem. I’ve never used it without the peak or with goggles.

Does the Arai Tour-X 4 look good?

The Tour-X4 is a beautiful hand-built creation, as much as a safety device. I’m not a huge fan of the off-road style in general and it looks too storm-trooper-ish with the peak removed. I’d always choose to wear a conventional road helmet, regardless of the style of bike and only pick something like this for practical reasons.

Is the Arai Tour-X 4 good quality?

It’s hard to fault the Tour-X4’s first class build quality, from its plush interior fabrics to the deep, durable white paintwork and the way the vents and trims fit perfectly. There’s nothing about this Arai that feels cheap or plasticky.

Does the Arai Tour-X 4 offer good value for money?

Arai’s Tour-X 4 is unashamedly premium, but now it’s been replaced by the Tour-X 5 there are some stonking deals to be had from retailers’ existing stock.

If the Arai isn’t floating your boat, there are plenty of other adventure helmets available on the market.

The Klim Krios Pro combines cutting edge technology and lightweight materials in a comfortable and great-looking package.

Once upon a time, riders looking for a comfortable, peaked adventure-touring helmet pretty much had two choices, an Arai Tour-X or a Shoei Hornet ADV. Like the Arai, the The Shoei is still available on the market today.

Portuguese brand Nexx might not be on the tip of every British biker’s tongue, but their X.WED2 is a really great dual-purpose helmet with very little to be found in the way of negatives. We included it in our adventure helmet product showcase back in 2020 and it won the test with a maximum 5 stars.

Arai Tour-X 4 verdict

If you ride off road, a peaked adventure lid is useful to protect yourself from flying rocks, dust and dirt from other bikes and to keep the sun out of your eyes. The Arai Tour-X4 ticks those boxes, while being every inch a premium helmet that’s as beautifully made and comfortable as any of their top-level road offerings.

But do both on and off-road jobs it’s a compromise. It’s heavier, slightly more fatiguing to wear and the peak is ever-present in your vision and sometimes whips in the wind. Changing the visor is tricky, too, but the updated Tour-X5’s quick release system gets around that problem.

Wearing an adventure helmet is part of my road tester’s ‘dressing-up box’ and useful on the dirt, but I wouldn’t choose to wear one purely for the road just for its looks, even on an adventure bike.

Got an Arai Tour-X 4 of your own? Why not get in touch and find out how you can give an owner review for inclusion on this page!

What our other testers said about the Arai Tour-X 4

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for two years, 5,500 milesQuality 5/5, Value 5/5

Just opening the Arai Tour-X 4 box is an experience in itself. Cleverly packaged without the need for tape or staples, it’s a masterclass in simple origami and opens to reveal the helmet cocooned in a neatly tied, fleecy storage bag, along with stickers, instructions (including a small bottle of silicone lubricant for the visor mechanism) and the Pinlock anti-fog insert.

Slipping it out of the bag and seeing the graphics in the flesh for the first time actually drew oohs and aahs, and then there’s the smell when you first put it on – new Arais have a unique aroma that immerses the wearer in a sensation of quality and craftsmanship.

I’ve yet to find a helmet that is as pleasant to wear as an Arai, and with that cavernous opening, the Tour-X 4 may well be the best in the range. The weight distribution is so good, that it barely feels like there’s anything on your head, even after a full day on the trails.

And that’s from a helmet weighing 1670g (on our scales), hardly the lightest in its class. The double D-ring strap ensures an infinitely secure fit and the extendable chin spoiler does a great job of keeping the wind out when you don’t want it. There’s also very little drag from the aerodynamically designed peak.

The Tour-X 4 isn’t the quietest of helmets, especially with the peak in place, but if you wear earplugs when riding (as I do) wind noise shouldn’t be a problem.

I tend to use goggles when riding off-road and like the fact that the strap fits with the visor installed, regardless of whether it’s open or closed. However, if the going gets messy it can also be removed entirely to prevent damage from mud and grit, turning the Tour-X into a traditional off-road style lid.

It may not be the cheapest, but consider that it’s essentially three helmets in one and the value should become clear – for trail riding, touring or even tearing up the track, the Arai Tour-X 4 could well be the only helmet you’ll ever need.

Tested by Michael Guy for five years, 8400 milesQuality 5/5, Value 4/5

The Tour-X 4 has certainly been my go-to helmet for a significant chunk of riding I’ve completed over the last five years. While Arai claim it works as a grand tourer, adventure helmet and for use on naked bikes with the peak removed the vast majority of my riding has been using it for off-road and adventure.

From events in Italy, to riding the Trans Euro Trail in Northern Spain and most recently a trip to Iceland it’s been my helmet of choice for when I need something I can completely trust and rely on. After all your helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment we all wear.

This is actually my second Arai adventure helmet, I ran the previous X3 model for the five years prior to getting the X4. One of the key factors that keeps me coming back for more is the fit. I wear an XS and unlike other helmets Arai have different outer shell sizes meaning that I’m not wearing a helmet with a large outer shell and lots of padding to make it fit correctly. This in turn makes it feel and look better.

I’ve used the helmet with both clear and a light smoke visor and both give excellent vision and minimal glare. The light smoke visor gives the same quality and contrast as a decent pair of sun glasses. Compared to a motocross helmet the peak is short but it’s enough to act as a sunshade when the sun is low in the sky or give protection from rocks roosted up by the rider in front by simply dropping your head.

Despite the peak the smooth lines of the outer shell make it more than acceptable for sustained motorway speeds. I always expect the peak to make it feel worse than a regular road helmet but in reality, when riding a big adventure bike, it’s the flawed aerodynamics/screen of the bike that are the issue rather than the helmet. My only real gripe is that changing visors is a slow and laborious task which requires removing four easily lose able screws and the peak.

– Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.

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Arai Tour-X 4 Review

Hirotake Arai was a successful hat maker in Japan during the 1950s. He was also a keen motorcycle rider, although it wasn’t the safest hobby to have at the time. With no legal standards for helmets, and no manufacturers producing helmets anyway, it was hard to keep yourself adequately protected when going out for a ride and even a minor spill could be a life-threatening affair .

Hirotake was a problem solver though, and he set about designing and constructing helmets for him and his riding mates with the sole intention of keeping their noggins safe. Fast forward 70 years and it’s clear he succeeded in doing that, and then some.

The mark of true quality is when your name becomes a recognised description. When you set a benchmark that all others in your field strive to achieve. Think commentators describing a goal as “Messi-esque”. And, in the motorcycling world, Arai is now synonymous with high standards of quality and attention to detail; the premium of motorcycle helmets.

Which leads us on to the adventure-styled Arai Tour-X 4. Arai’s range of adventure helmets have been firm favourites at ABR Towers, coming out top in the many helmet group tests we’ve conducted over the years and worn regularly by ABR staff at bike launches and on our ride outs since we first went to print. So, when the Tour-X 4 arrived on my desk in the new ‘Cover – White’ colourway, I was excited to see just what all the fuss was about.

Now, before we get started, it’s impossible to write about the Tour-X 4 without mentioning the elephant in the room. It’s an expensive lid. Arai have priced the colourway I’m reviewing at £579.99 and, while there are discounts to be found online, it’s undoubtedly a hefty sum.

So much so that, taking into account the rock-bottom fuel prices at my local Sainsbury’s, I could use the same amount to travel over 5,000 miles on a BMW R 1250 GS . The bottom line is, the Tour-X 4 needs to perform exceptionally well to justify that price and convince you to cough up your hard-earned cash.

Arai Tour-X 4 – First Impressions

Immediately it’s clear the Arai Tour-X 4 is a high-quality lid. It feels bulletproof and sturdy, there’s no clunkiness or cheap-sounding creaking as you get to grips with the components, visor and peak.

A quick play with the various vents (more on them later) also gives the reassuring impression of premium quality. The visor offers a vast field of vision and closes securely with a satisfying snap. It also comes Pinlock-ready with a Pinlock insert in the box, a touch which is much appreciated.

The initial evident quality of the helmet is hardly surprisingly – Arai helmets are built almost entirely by hand. Each takes around 18 man hours and passes five separate inspections before being boxed up for shipping. An unparalleled commitment to maintaining those lofty standards.

On the slightly superficial front, it also looks fantastic. Arai have really nailed the subtle styling of an adventure helmet with the Tour-X 4. It steers clear of the sharper lines and aggressive chinbars of competitors that scream ‘moto-cross hero’, instead capturing the versatility of our adventure bikes by looking ready to take riders on and off the tarmac.

The ‘Cover-White’ colourway that I have (pictured) combines a black/grey digital camo pattern with attractive white stripes. The only complaint I have is that Arai use their more artistic colourways to stick a couple of larger logos on the sides of the helmet, alongside the standard one on the peak.

It’s a minor grievance, I am splitting hairs, and dependent on what graphics you purchase (they’re not present in the plain white or black helmets) but it seems like an uncharacteristic departure from Arai’s usual subtle, premium styling.

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We’re offering this all to you for half price at just £16.49 (usually £32.99). To take advantage of this offer SIGN UP HERE and apply discount code SUMMERSAVE50 at check-out.

Since slipping on the Arai Tour-X 4 for the first time I can confidently say, out of the many motorcycle helmets I’ve tested since starting at ABR, it’s the most comfortable yet. Perhaps I’m lucky enough to have the perfect head for an Arai, but it fits like a dream.

The 1.65kg weight (size M) is average for an adventure helmet, but the weight is distributed evenly across the top of the head, while the cheek pads combine with the cushioning at the back of the helmet to ensure that the helmet fit is just right, snug without ever feeling tight or uncomfortable.

This snug fit, particularly around the lower part of your face, is provided by the Facial Contour System. In layman’s terms this is a small foam spring support included in each cheek pad that compresses to shape around your face, providing just the right level of pressure to ensure safety and a comfortable fit.

It’s a testament to this intricate balancing act that the helmet feels much lighter than others in class, despite being the same weight. Indeed, it’s so comfortable and easy to wear that I popped it on as I began writing this review, and only took it off an hour later when I couldn’t find a straw to drink my tea. And, while riding, it’s easy to almost forget you’re wearing a helmet at all.

If the Tour-X 4 doesn’t fit perfectly out of the box straight away, Arai provides a number of options to tailor the fit to you. The cheek and temple crown pads feature a 5mm ‘peel-away’ layer to give you more width to work with, while all the interior parts are removable and can be replaced with alternative sizes depending on your head shape.

Performance from the saddle

Comfort doesn’t just come from the fit of a helmet though. When you’re in the saddle ventilation, noise and aerodynamic stability can turn an otherwise comfortable helmet into an unbearable one.

Once again, the Arai Tour-X 4 excels in these areas. It boasts more ventilation than a chemistry lab, seven drawing air in at the front and six exhaust vents enabling a delightful breeze to run through the helmet on hotter days. The brow vents, located at the top of the visor, are particular favourites, helping to avoid the soggy fringe that usually accompanies a day riding in the sun.

The main chin vent, and two smaller ones on either side, also help to compensate for the chin bar, which is less aggressive and doesn’t come out as far as those on other adventure helmets, by keeping your lower face cool. Every vent is closeable should the temperature drop, while an extendable chin spoiler directs wind away from your neck. And, if you’re getting into some gnarly trails, there is the option to lift up the visor and slap on some goggles.

For an adventure-style helmet it’s also pretty quiet, even with the vents open. I still wear earplugs when I ride (I do with all my helmets) but the usual rushing wind at motorway speeds is muted enough for me to comfortably listen to a podcast or music over my intercom system.

High-speed performance

Speaking of motorway riding, aerodynamically the helmet is stable and comfortable up to, and even beyond, legal speeds. The peak is barely noticeable, even during shoulder checks, and certainly one of the best I’ve ridden with. ABR editor Bryn reckons that the peak on the Arai Tour-X 4 is the best on the market (over the years he’s tested every adventure helmet going) when it comes to aerodynamics, and I’m inclined to agree with him.

I’m yet to hear the whistle that some users complain of, but there’s always the option to entirely remove the peak should you wish on those longer runs, transforming it into a mean looking streetfighter helmet.

You may want to keep it on though, as the peak is the only form of sun protection offered for riders, which is a slight disappointment. Unlike many competitors, Arai refuses to include an internal sun-visor. For them it represents an unacceptable compromise on safety.

To make life easier, the inner lining features neat cut outs that make it more comfortable to wear sunglasses all day while riding, but this could be a slight problem if you’re diving in and out of Alpine tunnels while touring. Still, above all Hirotake Arai emphasised the safety of the rider and if Arai says it’s better to not feature an internal sun-visor, I’m not going to argue.

Safety and protection

Rider safety has always been a hallmark of Arai helmets, and the Tour-X 4 is no exception.

The outer shell is formed of a Special Fibre Laminate (SFL) which is designed to disperse any impact energy over the widest area of the shell, while the softer inner shell combines three to five layers of EPS foam to then absorb the rest of the energy from an impact. There’s one shell size for each two sizes of helmet, so if you wear a small or a medium you won’t look like a bobblehead with a ‘large’ outer shell.

The core philosophy of all Arai helmets is evident in the clean, smooth lines of the helmet too. These are designed to encourage ‘glancing off’, meaning that the helmet will decelerate as little as possible upon impact with the road or an object.

Should a slide occur, the vent covers and external fittings will rip off with ease while the shell remains un-compromised. This helps to stop the rotational forces these could generate if they were fixed from being transferred to your neck. Finishing off this ensemble is a bulletproof D-ring clasp and an emergency release system.

Arai’s commitment to the safety of the rider extends to ensuring their helmets pass their own penetration testing, which involves dropping a 3kg test cone from a height of three metres (even though it’s not required for European safety standards).

The safety features included in all their helmets are the same as those worn by professional riders on the racing circuit, as President Mitch Arai says, “How can you say one person’s head is worth more than another’s?”

The fastening system for visor and peak is another area where the Arai Tour-X 4 has come under some criticism, but where the recurring theme of prioritising rider safety is evident. It’s fair to say it’s anything but ‘quick-release’; you need a screwdriver or coin to loosen the screws at either side, but after practice it’s easy to do.

Loosening the screws allows you to adjust the angle of the peak, or you can remove it altogether as mentioned earlier. There’s no quick release system, as seen in other helmets, as any recesses in the outer shell naturally require a compromise in shell thickness or foam density, something which Arai were not prepared to do.

ABR Verdict – Arai Tour-X 4

If you were a fly on the wall in the ABR office on any given day you’d witness a phenomenon that I like to call ‘the grab test’. It’s the kit each rider instinctively, and subconsciously, grabs when they head off on a quick blast, perhaps to grab some lunch or even for a quick photo run. In the evenings we may deliberate for longer on what we’ll ride home in to assess and review, but for those quick jaunts we’ll naturally grab what we favour and what’s most comfortable to us.

With my riding time agonisingly reduced recently, us British riders have spent the majority of the last three months under varying forms of lockdown, most of my rides have fallen into this quick jaunt category. And, for every single one of them, I’ve instinctively grabbed the Arai Tour-X 4. It’s been my go-to for everything: shopping trips, supply runs and longer blasts down to south London to have a socially distanced chat with friends and family.

Ultimately, it performs excellently in a number of key areas. It’s the most comfortable helmet I’ve worn, the ventilation is fantastic and well-appreciated during the recent heat wave and Arai’s commitment to rider safety and confidence in their approach is reassuring.

Sure, it’s not perfect, but boy does it come close. For the very few downsides, there are clear explanations and workarounds. The fiddly peak and visor system undoubtedly helps it stay stable and perform well at speed and the ease of slotting in a pair of sunglasses partly makes up for a lack of internal sun visor. Yes, it’s expensive but as ABR Editor Bryn once wrote during a group test of adventure helmets:

“Put simply, if money is no barrier, the Tour-X 4 is a helmet that you’ll be proud to own and happy to wear. If money is tight, then get yourself a piggy bank and save up, you won’t be disappointed.”

For more information about Arai helmets and their commitment to higher standards of rider safety, check out the video below:

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Arai Tour X4 adventure motorcycle crash helmet review

Page Contents

Arai Tour X4 Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmet review – Arai’s most verstaile helmet ever?

Arai has designed the Arai Tour X4 to be probably the most versatile helmet in their range.

Out of the box, it looks like a regular adventure helmet , with sun/roost peak and large visor giving it the look of a helmet that should work nicely off road. But, like many adventure helmets, you can remove the peak entirely to make what looks like a more-or-less regular full face helmet . Or you can remove the visor, bung on some goggles and hey-presto, you’re in a motocross helmet . Which makes the Arai Tour-X 4 one of the most versatile helmets on the market.

And as usual with Arai helmets, their design goal – alongside making a helmet that’s as safe as possible – has been to produce a nice round helmet with any vents or spoilers being as low and close to the helmet as possible to increase ‘roll-off’ during an accident and reduce noise created when air flows over the helmet.

Worthy aims indeed. But have they pulled it off?

• Adventure helmet
• Fibreglass  shell
• D-ring fastener
• Snell m2015 certified (US)
• Not SHARP tested
• Great ventilation and comfort
• Sizes XS-XXL
• MCN Rating: Quality 5/5, Value 5/5
• 5 year warranty

The Arai Tour-X 4 is, like most new Arai models, very much an evolution of what’s gone before. Check it out alongside the Tour-X 3 and you’ll be hard-pressed to spot much difference. But that can very much be a good thing as it means Arai have taken their well-regarded adventure helmet and improved its performance where they (and their customers) think it needs it.

Best places to buy an Arai Tour X4?

Please click below to visit the Arai Tour X4 helmets pages at our recommended stores . And if you buy from one, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).

Helmet Configs

As we mentioned, the Tour-X 4 is a properly versatile adventure helmet. As you can see below, that means you can wear it in regular dual-sports mode with visor and peak (which is how it comes in the box), or you can pull off the visor and re-fit the roost guard/peak and you’ve now got a full-on motocross helmet which will even fit goggles inside that nice wide visor opening.

Of course, if you’re intending doing some serious miles on tarmac, you might want to use it in conventional mode. That means, pulling off the peak, transforming it into a more regular full-face helmet.

All you need to do to make the transformation, is unscrew the peak by taking out a couple of nylon screws on either side. If you’re happy with that, you can bung up the holes using the replacement side-pieces that come in the box, so you don’t have unsightly holes in the side of the helmet. Or you can remove the visor and screw the peak back on to make the motocross version.

All of which makes the Tour-X 4 one incredibly versatile helmet!

Arai goes to massive lengths to make helmets that are as safe as possible. The Arai Tour X4 is ECE 22-05 tested/approved, and the version sold in the States is both DOT certified and has been tested/certified by the Snell Foundation . All of which is very good and exactly what you want to hear when you’re buying a helmet.

Arai has also designed the Tour-X 4 to share its R75 helmet form which is supposed to improve ‘glancing off’ performance so the helmet skids rather than grips during an impact (though as we’ve previously found on this site, there doesn’t appear to be much actual science to back this up) and they use one-piece multi-density polystyrene linings inside the helmet to give improved shock absorption at different speeds. This last point is something you find in the best performing helmets.

Unfortunately, all this careful safety design isn’t always reflected in great SHARP safety ratings. You can read all about SHARP here , but in a nutshell, even though Arai obviously works its little socks off to make amazing, premium helmets, that doesn’t always translate into the safest helmets – at least as far as SHARP safety test results are concerned.

Over the years, 12 Arai helmets have been tested and their average score is 3.4/5. Not poor by any standards, but not the best either – which is kinda what you’d expect from expensive helmets like Arais!

The Arai Tour-X 4 hasn’t been tested by SHARP yet so it’s impossible to say how well it’ll perform in an accident (so we’ve given it our default safety score of 3 stars until we know for sure). However, if you want to make sure any helmet is going to give you maximum protection, when you buy your next helmet, first-off, make sure it fits right. According to experts – including the SHARP testing labs – a  great fit is the number 1 factor in getting a helmet that’ll give you the best protection.

Where there’s a decent SHARP score, you know it’s a helmet that’s going to offer as much protection to your head as possible. But since it hasn’t been tested by them yet, there’s a few other things we can look at.

That Shell is made of what Arai call their CLC complex laminate construction – including materials Arai calls ‘superfibres’, which are essentially high-grade  fibreglass layers designed to offer more strength and bending resistance. All of which points to a more rigid shell – something that’s not necessarily a great feature in a crash helmet that needs to absorb and dissipate energy rather than simply repel it, and may point to why Arai doesn’t score top marks in SHARP helmet tests (but scores well in Snell tests which have a penetration test)?

On the flip side, Arai produces five different helmet shell sizes for the Tour-X 4, which we reckon will contribute to improved safety compared to helmets made with fewer shells. It’ll also make for a helmet that looks better and more in proportion to body size for the wearer. So that’s good.

A few final points on safety is that, like all other Arai helmets, the Tour-X 4 uses a traditional double-d ring fastener (absolutely fine though can be a bit fiddly compared to micrometric fasteners ) and comes with EQRS built in – for quick helmet removal in an emergency.

Helmet Noise

The new Arai Tour-X 4 has more ventilation holes than the outgoing Tour-X 3. More vents can mean more ways for sound to penetrate the helmet; but it also has a redesigned interior which was designed to keep more noise out. So has it worked?

Well, there’s a wide variety of opinions out there. A couple of owners reckoned it’s easily the quietest adventure/dual-sports helmet they’ve ever used and another said it’s on-par with Arai’s road helmets.

On the flip-side, a couple of people said it’s really noisy. Also, a few have said they’ve suffered from a whistle or hum that seems to be coming from the peak – possibly from vibrations somewhere on the peak. It’s not an insurmountable problem – one guy cured it by adding lots of duct tape and weights to the bottom of the peak and another used lolly sticks – but it can be really irritating while it’s there.

Other than that, the bottom line – as is usual with nearly all helmets – is that how noisy you find the Tour-X 4 depends on lots of factors like how fast you ride, your riding style, what bike you ride, whether you ride a naked or fairing bike – and how quiet your last helmet was (i.e. if it was a real old bucket, then the X-4 will probably feel really quiet).

Plus, if you’re taking your Tour-X 4 off-road, you might want a bit of noise coming through to hear the revs and chat with other riders. It all depends.

And if you’ll be using your Tour-X 4 mostly on the road mostly, then stick in some decent ear plugs and you’ll find it a nice quite helmet anyway!

Ventilation

Ventilation on the Tour-X 4 has been increased from the old X3. You’ll find vents aplenty – 3 in the chin, two brow vents in the visor itself and a couple of large scoops up top. All these aren’t going to be much use unless the air can escape the helmet too – so there’s four large exhaust vents in the shell to the rear, plus there’s a large collar exhaust in the padding at the back.

All input vents on the front can be closed off (the bottom chin vents with the gauze over them can be opened/closed/directed from inside the helmet) and the two large top exhausts can be opened/closed too.

So far, so many numbers. But do they work?

As it turns out, yep they do!

Lots of folks say they’re outstanding or very good, offering lots of air to keep visors (relatively) fog free and your head cool. They can be a bit tricky to locate and operate, but then that goes for most helmets (so stick it on and practice before you go out) but they’re decent to use in gloves and some of the vents give a nice positive ‘click’ so you know you’ve just used them.

One person said the vents can be a bit fragile, but that’s more a design feature for Arais – all the external bits and pieces are designed to break off easily so they don’t dig in and rotate the helmet during an accident. Usefully, most of these external vent covers are available to buy should you drop your helmet or if they snap off.

Visor & Goggles

The visor is large and contoured to the shape of the helmet and has integral venting in the form of brow vents directly in the visor. It also has Arai’s usual visor lock to keep the visor locked and closed (though there’s no cracked-open position on the lock like you find in some Arais). It isn’t a quick-change visor either which is a shame, but it is Pinlock-ready so you can add a Pinlock anti-fog  insert to stop steaming on cold/rainy/humid days.

And because the visor aperture is so large, if you do take the visor off there’s room in there for a pair of goggles. By the sound of it, not many people actually bother, but one guy who did said they took his Scott OTG goggles, though it was pretty tight.

Peak/Roost Guard

That Peak works as both a sun visor and, if you take the helmet off-road, as a roost-guard to stop dirt and stones thrown up from other bikes from hitting your goggles/visor.

Like most external bits on an Arai helmet, the peak is designed to break off in an accident and so it’s only secured by a couple of nylon screws on either side. And according to one or two owners, that can mean it’s a bit wobbly.

If you’re not used to dual-sports helmets, you’d be forgiven for thinking that peak will act as a sail when you’re riding – particularly in a cross-wind or looking back over your shoulder. And truth be told, you will notice it’s there and it can take some getting used to. However, reports are that the peak on the Arai Tour-X 4 is very aerodynamic, with a couple of owners saying it’s OK for up to about 90 MPH before the drag gets really noticeable.

It also gives great shade, especially if your visor’s a bit mucky or scratched where one owner said it’s great for stopping sunlight whiting-out the visor by casting shade over it.

And apart from the possible whistling noise mentioned in the noise section above, both visor and peak are reported to work very well.

Comfort & Sizing

Like many Arai helmets, the overall internal shape of the Tour-X 4 is medium oval – which should suit all but the roundest head shapes.

That’s helped by an innovative fitting system that Arai uses to help owners tailor the fit.

First off, there’s Arai’s FCS or facial contouring system – which is essentially a pair of carefully sculpted cheek pads with additional springing to gently push the cheek pads towards your face to give a nice firm fit.

Inside the helmet, the comfort lining has several removable panels – one in each cheek pad and another couple for either side of the head. These 5mm foam panels can be removed to give more room if required. And, like all Arais, you’ve always got the option of buying replacement internals and larger/smaller cheek pad sizes to more fundamentally adjust the fit still further.

The foam pads are covered by Dry Cool material which is essentially a nice and comfortable moisture-wicking fabric. And of course everything is removable and washable.

You’ll also find Arai’s usual pull-down chin curtain on the inside of the chin guard. There’s mixed reviews on how effective it is – for some it’s useful, for others it gets in the way when you put your helmet on.

But all in all, the internals of Arais are usually very plush and very comfortable – and the Tour X-4 is no different. As long as the fit’s right for your head in the first place, most owners find their Tour-x 4s are extremely comfortable helmets .

Looks & Graphics

Like most helmets, the plain solid colour designs are the cheapest – so if you’re after a plain gloss white or black (Diamond white/black in Arai-speak) or matt (Frost) black, you’ll find these versions cheaper than the rest.

If you’re after a choice of graphics, then there’s heaps of options for the Arai Tour-X 4. There’s the Vision, Move, Mesh, Desert, Detour and Route designs available – all coming in a range of different colours. That’s a lot of helmet designs to choose from – plus there’s new ones coming out all the time (and some being withdrawn) – so to see the latest range of designs and the latest Tour-X 4 deals, please click through to the Arai helmets pages of our recommended shops  below.

Best places to buy an Arai Tour X4 helmet?

Arai Tour-X 4 Video

Other stuff – audio, weight, glasses, aero & buffeting, build quality, warranty

Word is that the Arai Tour-X 4 should be great for most bluetooth communicators. There are large ear pockets inside the helmet and one owner said his Scala Rider Q3 fitted well, as did another owner with a Sena SMH-10.

The Tour-X 4 isn’t the lightest helmet in the world, but then it wasn’t designed to be. It weighs around 1.65 Kg (3.6lbs) so is pretty hefty compared to your average full face helmet at 1.47Kg (though about average for a dual sport helmet). But no owners commented on it feeling too heavy – just that it’s very comfortable – so I guess it’s not an issue. Either that or most owners don’t expect an adventure helmet to be featherweight.

A couple of owners said that the Tour-X 4 is comfortable if you’re a glasses wearer and it’s easy to slide glasses on while wearing the helmet. As for aero, Arai has carefully designed the Tour X4 to keep the shape as slippery and quiet as possible. And on the ‘slippery’ front at least, they seem to have done well because, while you will notice that peak in the air if you’re not used to a dual-sport helmet, it’s good for stability and lack of buffeting.

All round build quality on the Tour-X 4 is universally praised. Much of an Arai helmet is hand made and, together with their five-stage QC inspection process, one of the main reasons we buy Arais is because we expect that amazing Arai build quality. With the Tour X 4, a few things can feel a bit wobbly or plasticy, but that’s probably because some parts are designed to break off during an accident. All the rest feels well put together with quality materials.

One slight quibble with the X-4 is that the double-d ring fastener , while it works well, it could be longer (and so could the padding on the strap). It’s a very little quibble for most folks and just makes it a bit more fiddly to tie up the helmet.

And finally, all Arais come with a 5 year warranty as standard. That’s as long as motorcycle helmet warranties come so far and should last the suggested lifetime of the helmet.

Overall/Summary

The Arai Tour-X 4 has a legion of faithful followers – and it’s not hard to see why.

It’s got Arai’s legendary build quality, coupled with tremendous versatility that delivers a full face, motocross and dual-sports helmet all in one package.

OK it’s not the lightest helmet around and possibly won’t give the best impact protection (though we’ll have to wait for a SHARP test to find that out) but if you’re after a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ type of helmet that’ll be comfortable for all day riding and with superb ventilation, then the Arai Tour-X 4 has to be toward the top of your list. Owners love it and we think it’s great.

Crash Helmet Buying Guides & Top 10s

For (hopefully!) other useful information to help you when buying your next helmet, check our various Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guides - or have a look at our Top 10 best helmet lists where we've got the top 10 best rated helmets overall along with Top 10 Best Budget / Top 10 Safest / Top 10 Best Full Face / Top 10 Best Modular/Flip-up / Top 10 Best Sportsbike/Track helmets.

Alternatives to the Arai Tour-X 4?

It might be a great adventure bike helmet, but the Arai Tour-X 4 has lots of worthy competitors.

Of the big-hitting brands, there’s the Shoei Hornet ADV ; that’s another versatile fibreglass helmet with big visor and EQRS that’s around the same price as the X-4.

Or for a smidge less money, you could buy an AGV AX-8 Dual Evo , which is a cool-looking dual sports helmet that’s lighter than the Tour-X 4; though if you’re planning on using goggles you should check it’ll work with yours before you buy (read the review for more info).

If you’re on a much tighter budget, the Bell MX-9 dual sport is a cheaper polycarbonate helmet, but still offers great ventilation and lots of comfort, plus it comes with Bell’s 5 year guarantee – so it’s well worth a look.

And finally, how about something a bit more unusual?  X-Lite’s X-551 is about the same weight as the Arai Tour-X 4 but it’s cheaper and comes with a Pinlock anti-fog and has an integral drop down sun visor. X-Lite are made by the Nolan Group too who are known for great helmet safety (though the 551 hasn’t been SHARP tested).

Definitely want an Arai?

Here you'll find all our Arai crash helmet reviews and previews  including full face, flip-up and open face helmets.

Other Adventure/Dual-Sports helmets?

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Arai Tour-X4 helmet review

The Arai Tour-X4 is an excellent, top-spec ADV helmet with a couple of quirks.

Published on May 12, 2020 09:00:00 AM

29,772 Views

The visor removal process is tedious.

An ADV helmet is one that combines the best attributes of an MX helmet and a traditional full-face helmet. In other words, amazing ventilation and sun/roost protection, along with high-speed aerodynamics, and general comfort and practicality. The Arai Tour-X4 does this amazingly well, at least for the most part. 

Aside from the extended jaw, its rounded shell keeps with the company’s philosophy that a round shape glances off surfaces, thereby reducing the force of impact. As you’d expect, quality is top level, particularly the paint thickness and lustre. The removable/washable interior material feels luxurious against the skin. Arai’s Facial Contouring System for the cheekpads ensures a snug, super-comfy fit and the 5mm ‘peel-away’ pads allow you to further refine the fit if needed. Built using Arai’s proprietary Special Fibre Laminate material, this is a hefty thing at 1.64kg, but it is so well balanced that all-day comfort is guaranteed. 

With a total of 14 intake and exhaust vents (of which 11 are controllable), the Tour X-4 is a breezy dream. The three big jaw vents provide exceptional airflow, and they can be fully closed off, insulating the helmet quite well in the cold. There’s even a retractable chin spoiler for improved air deflection. Another impressive factor is that despite its extreme curvature, the visor displays no visual distortion, and with the included Pinlock anti-fog lens inserted, there’s no issue with fogging either

The Tour is extremely versatile in terms of what kind of helmet you’d like it to be. For aggressive off road riding you can remove the visor and use a pair of goggles. When out on the highway, you could use the plastic blanks fitted to remove the peak and turn it into a more traditional road helmet. While the plastic peak’s aerodynamics are a lot better than an MX helmet’s at highway speeds, the Tour does start to lift a little once you cross 100kph. I find that large windscreens on ADV bikes can mitigate this to a large extent, but the peak is certainly not intended for sustained high speeds on bikes without wind protection.

Here’s where the problem arises: Arai visor removal has always been a fiddly affair, but the Tour’s system is downright tedious. You have to remove the two screws on the sides while being careful not to remove the thin plastic screw retainer. This can’t be done by hand, but a coin will work. Reinstallation demands careful alignment of the visor and peak, along with an even tightening of the four screws. Arai doesn’t sell one of those fancy transition-style visors either and a quicker, simpler solution is much needed for the next generation model. 

Safety-wise, the Tour is ECE 22-05 rated, but it also complies with Arai’s own internal test regimen which is said to be stricter. Fully handmade, it goes through five different inspections before being deemed fit for sale and it comes as no surprise that this is a very expensive helmet. Rs 60,000 gets you solid colours, while most graphic schemes, like the Catch Red seen here, cost Rs 66,000. This is what you have to pay for a top-tier helmet and the price is between the top-spec RX7v and the midlevel Chaser X.  

The Tour-X4 undoubtedly pairs up well with an ADV bike, but pure road riders may find Arais like the Chaser X or QV Pro to be the more appropriate choice

Where: www. performanceracing.in

Price: Rs 66,000

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Arai Tour-X4 review | Versatile adventure touring motorcycle helmet

We spent the last few months riding with the Arai Tour-X4 motorcycle helmet, putting the versatile adventure lid through its paces.

If after a versatile do-it-all motorcycle helmet for adventure riding, the Arai Tour-X4 ticks all of the boxes. With a removable peak, interchangeable visors, and the option to remove the visor altogether and run goggles instead, this lid is well worth a look. 

Packed with features and designed to the current ECE 22-05 safety standards required in 50 countries, the TX4 certainly meets the high standards set by Arai as a premium supplier.

I ‘debuted’ this helmet on the launch of the Zero DSR/X in Italy, and have since been riding with it on numerous adventure touring rides - including the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R . 

Arai Tour-X4 Price & Availability

The Arai Tour-X4 is priced at an RRP of £599, though you tend to regularly find deals online that place it from £400 - £500. It’s certainly a pricey option, but for those looking at the premium brands for protecting your noggin, it’s money spent in the best place.

Available in a huge array of colours, including Diamond White (as pictured), Frost Black, matt colours and colourful variations, even a special Honda Africa Twin design, the TX4 can be grabbed in sizing XS through to XXL - with an outer shell for every two helmet sizes.

Arai Tour-X4 Features

Jumping to the features, the Arai has plenty to note. We’ll start with the peak, which as an adventure lid is one of the more prominent features. I found that the peak itself is fairly lightweight, well-shaped to block glare from the sun, and works in unison with under-peak forehead vents to direct plenty of the captured wind from the peak to your head. 

On the point of ventilation, it’s a very well-vented helmet. Dual intakes on the forehead, a three-position chin vent with an inner shutter to block any debris, and side exhausts keep everything nice and cool. There is no chin-curtain, mind, which does mean in adverse weather you can become a bit exposed to debris and water from below.

With an outer shell of Complex Fibre Laminate (CFL) to deliver structural strength and integrity, plus providing impact flexibility to spread any impact force to the entire shell, and though not required for European standard accreditation, Arai performs a 3kg test cone penetration test to ensure safety. Fitted also is an Emergency Release System if things do go south on a ride.

The total weight (with peak and visor installed) is around 1710g. Though not a lightweight, I’ve had no complaints wearing this lid on full-day tours - no neck-ache in sight.

Visibility is top, here, and the visor (which comes with a pinlock) can be removed if you prefer to ride with goggles. I will note that removing the visor for attaching the pinlock is a right faff, where you need to remove the plastic screws for the peak, the peak itself, and pop out the visor before doing it all again to re-install the visor and peak.

Also, when screwing the plastic screws back in, take real care not to over-tighten them with your coin.

Arai Tour-X4 Comfort & Fit

If riding with glasses or sunglasses, there is plenty of room inside, and whilst researching I noted other owners & wearers commenting that specs will fit fine and comfortably.

Riding at normal speeds has a little bit of wind-noise seep in, so riding with earplugs (as always) is recommended, but buffeting is only really noticeable if riding at higher speeds and turning your head to the left or right.

Wind can catch the peak, naturally, but not to the extent you think your head is about to pop off - you can just as easily point your head down to keep everything stable. 

Of course, it goes without saying that you’re well advised to test for size in person before purchasing, as sizes vary between manufacturers.

Arai Tour-X4 Verdict

I’d absolutely recommend adventure and touring riders to consider this helmet. Though a high ticket price, it’s up there as one of the best on the market for adventure and touring riders - in true Arai fashion - and many riders will swear by them. 

In terms of specs and features, the versatility of the lid is top - you could ride with this on any bike, removing the peak if you’re after a more street-wise lid. If riding off-road or touring, the peak does a lot of work to ensure ventilation and protection, and in any situation the visibility is superb. 

Simply put, the Arai Tour-X4 gets the Visordown stamp of approval for adventure and touring riders. There’s a reason they are Japan’s most famous motorcycle helmet manufacturer.

More info found on the Arai website .

Watch the Arai Tour-X4 in action in our Zero DSR/X review.

2023 zero dsr/x review | electric adv in sicily.

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Shoei Hornet ADV vs Arai Tour X4 + Video

Both of the Arai Tour X4 and the Shoei Hornet ADV are top of the line adventure helmets meant to give you strong performance on your bike whether you’re touring on the road or off of it. Both road helmets allow multiple configurations including riding with or without the peak and with or without the visor, when paired with a pair of goggles. While the Arai Tour X-4 is coming in at about 650 Euros, or around 720 US Dollars, the Shoei Hornet ADV will be coming in at 519 Euros, or around 600 US Dollars, so that’s 130 Euro difference, which is really big considering both helmets are already coming in at top of the line. Though not in today’s road test, the Schuberth E1 and the AGV AX9 also compete with these two helmets in the adventure category.

Arai Tour X4 Specs

To start off with, just a few quick facts on the Arai TourX4 . The Arai TourX4’s shell is made of Arai’s Complex Fibre Laminate construction, which gives you an average weight helmet of 1620 grams in a size M with all the extras. This Arai helmet also comes in 5 shell sizes, which is a lot. This means you’ll get a better fitting and more compact outer shell so it will match you better. It also has a round profile to maximize its glancing off ability. For ventilation, you’ve got a chin air intake that you can adjust, two visor forehead vents to let air in, two adjustable brow vents on either side, and you can open or close the exhaust at the top of the helmet. The Arai Tour X-4 also has 2 side extractors and an exhaust under the neck roll. The visor is pinlock prepared with the anti-fog pinlock insert in the box though to remove the peak of the visor, you need to use a screwdriver. The peak has been designed in such a way as to not lift when at high speeds and the visor has a large knob to make visor opening easier. The liner is removable, washable, moisture wicking, features Arai's facial contouring system, has foam layers in the cheek pads and temple for a better fit, and has emergency release cheek pads. Now, let’s see how it does on the road. The Tour X4 can even fit a communication system where an ear pad would be.

Arai Tour X4 Road Test

Just a quick note for how we measure our data for our road test. To measure the temperature, we used a thermometer placed in the top of the helmet taking measurements in degrees Celsius. For the helmet’s noise level, we used a decibel meter taking readings from a microphone inside the helmet. Lastly, to find the day’s wind speed we used an anemometer mounted on our rider’s bike.

When we took the Arai Tour X4 out, it was a sunny Autumn day, so we really got to test out the helmet’s peak. The day’s wind speed ranged from about 110-130 km/h while the helmet’s internal temperature was about 8 degrees Celsius and the external temperature was about 7 degrees Celsius. So, that’s a difference of 1 degree, which is excellent. For noise, the Arai Tour-X Four did average with about 102 decibels of noise.

Our rider found the helmet was very comfortable and performed well. During the ride, the peak did not show any predisposition to lifting and it shielded the sun effectively. Though comfortable, our rider found the Shoei Hornet ADV to be slightly more comfortable, though the Tour X4 also seemed a bit quieter. But before we give out our rankings, let’s see how the Shoei Hornet ADV did.

Shoei Hornet ADV Description

Now, just a few facts on the Shoei Hornet ADV. The shell is made of fiberglass and uses Shoei’s advanced integrated matrix to reduce weight and increase strength and this helmet is related to the Shoei Hornet DS dual sport helmet. This helmet also comes in 4 shell sizes, which is also excellent. For weight, the Hornet ADV also comes in weighing in at about 1525 grams with all the extras attached, so also good. For ventilation, the Hornet has a small chin vent, a thin vent in the brow, a vent on top of the helmet, and it has exhausts behind the peak and the neck. The visor is pinlock prepared with the insert in the box. One additional feature is you can use the ADV with goggles without having to remove the visor, remove the visor without having to remove the peak, and you don’t need to use any additional tools to do so like with the Tour X4. The liner is removable, washable, moisture wicking, and it also has quick release cheek pads. Now, let’s see how it does out on the road.

Shoei hornet ADV Road Test

We also collected data on the Hornet ADV while travelling at 130km/h along the highway. The windspeed was between 110 and 115 km/hr. For temperature, the external temperature was about 25 degrees Celsius while the Hornet’s internal temperature was about 31, so a very hot 6-degree difference. For noise, we recorded about 102 decibels in the helmet, which is about average for most helmets out there, and isn’t bad since this helmet also doubles as an adventure helmet.

Our rider’s comments agreed with our data saying that the Hornet’s comfort was reduced due to the poor ventilation but that it was otherwise it was a very comfortable helmet. He also found it to be fairly quiet for an adventure helmet. Now, let’s see how the two helmets stack up.

Champion Helmets Score

For material, both helmets do well with multiple shell sizes and high-quality materials so that’s 4 stars for the Arai, while the Shoei gets 4.5. For weight, since both helmets were on the heavier side at about 1600 grams, each gets 3 stars. For the visor, since both helmets come with pinlock prepared visors with the anti-fog insert in the box, that’s 4 stars each. For ventilation, the Tour X4 did very well with a 1-degree difference, so that’s 4 stars, while the Hornet ADV performed worse with a 6-degree difference, so that’s one star. For noise, both helmets did well at about the 102-decibel mark so that’s 3 stars each. Lastly, for comfort, both are very comfortable helmets giving both the Shoei and the Arai 4 stars. This leave the Tour X4 with a total of 3.5 stars at 30 Euros/star, which is decent considering the many features this helmet is bringing to the table including high quality safety. Meanwhile, the Shoei Hornet ADV gets 3 stars at 26.5 Euros/star, mainly since it was brought down by its poor ventilation. However, this is an excellent value for money helmet especially given how user friendly it is.

If you’d like to purchase the Shoei Hornet ADV or the Arai Tour X4 , make sure to head to ChampionHelmets.com where we have a lowest price guarantee and bundle deals including adventure boots, comms systems, and visors.

So, now we’ve seen how these two helmets stack up against each other. While the Tour X4 is bringing premium Arai protection and a very strong ventilation system, the Shoei Hornet ADV shows a more value for money focus with great ease of use and high-quality construction, though it is brought down by its poor ventilation. If you’re still curious about either of these helmets, make sure to check out our Arai Tour X4 vs Shoei Hornet ADV Road Test video , our Arai Tour X4 Video Review , and our Shoei Hornet ADV Video Review , and don’t forget to subscribe while you’re on our YouTube channel .

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Arai Tour X-4: looking for owner feedback

Discussion in ' Equipment ' started by EastRoad , Mar 11, 2021 .

EastRoad Road Viking

Ok ... I'm still on the long boring hunt for a new bucket. I come from the Schuberth E1... they seem to no longer be made or at least no longer offered over the counter here.... also I wouldn't mind something with a tad more ventilation and a larger view port. the new schuberth stuff does really not fit me (their damn shape change for the C4Pro series is highly annoying for me... meaning my usual 59 tries to crush my skull - and the next size up (61) spins freely . the Shoei hornet was / is on my list too - but it's oddly not available anywhere here. and I'm not keen on ordering helmets from outside the country over the internet, simply because of the extraorbitant shipping fees if I have to return it. Anyhow... that sort of leaves the Arai Tour X-4. I've tried one on today (size L) - and the fit was quite good. but here's a few questions to owners of the X-4: There seems to be almost ZERO chin curtain... how much wind does get in from underneath in cold weather.... The seller said, that arai has an add-on chin curtain that can be added - but my google-fu tells me that the only one I can find, doesn't work with the X-4.. Riding with / without the peak. I often have to do highway rides at roughly 80-90mph tops .... how good/annoying is the peak? I know this is highly personal... comparatively on the Schuberth E1 the peak is surprisingly ok up to 60 mph... after that it can get annoying - but it's pretty "soft/flimsy" compared to the one on the Arai X-4. Ear-Pockets: now this is my "only" fitment gripe with the X-4. the ear pockets seem to be a far too much to the back of my head - at least for my ears. But according to the info I've gotten, you can easily customise the foam a bit ... what's your experience? No internal sun visor and of course the Arai PSS isn't going on the X-4... how effective is the peak on it. has anyone experience with the auto-darkening pinlock? does it even work behind the visor? how quick/easy is it to switch the visor to a dark one for day riding? Overall experiences? annoyances? would you buy it again? I think I might be looking at a two helmet system... one for touring, one for my day to day commuting... but I still hope to find one that does it all.

Rusty2000 Adventurer

EastRoad said: ↑ Ok ... I'm still on the long boring hunt for a new bucket. I come from the Schuberth E1... they seem to no longer be made or at least no longer offered over the counter here.... also I wouldn't mind something with a tad more ventilation and a larger view port. the new schuberth stuff does really not fit me (their damn shape change for the C4Pro series is highly annoying for me... meaning my usual 59 tries to crush my skull - and the next size up (61) spins freely . the Shoei hornet was / is on my list too - but it's oddly not available anywhere here. and I'm not keen on ordering helmets from outside the country over the internet, simply because of the extraorbitant shipping fees if I have to return it. Anyhow... that sort of leaves the Arai Tour X-4. I've tried one on today (size L) - and the fit was quite good. but here's a few questions to owners of the X-4: There seems to be almost ZERO chin curtain... how much wind does get in from underneath in cold weather.... The seller said, that arai has an add-on chin curtain that can be added - but my google-fu tells me that the only one I can find, doesn't work with the X-4.. Riding with / without the peak. I often have to do highway rides at roughly 80-90mph tops .... how good/annoying is the peak? I know this is highly personal... comparatively on the Schuberth E1 the peak is surprisingly ok up to 60 mph... after that it can get annoying - but it's pretty "soft/flimsy" compared to the one on the Arai X-4. Ear-Pockets: now this is my "only" fitment gripe with the X-4. the ear pockets seem to be a far too much to the back of my head - at least for my ears. But according to the info I've gotten, you can easily customise the foam a bit ... what's your experience? No internal sun visor and of course the Arai PSS isn't going on the X-4... how effective is the peak on it. has anyone experience with the auto-darkening pinlock? does it even work behind the visor? how quick/easy is it to switch the visor to a dark one for day riding? Overall experiences? annoyances? would you buy it again? I think I might be looking at a two helmet system... one for touring, one for my day to day commuting... but I still hope to find one that does it all. Click to expand...

AndyE_UK Expendable

I've got both the E1 (actually on my 2nd one now) and an Arai Tour-x 4. I tend to use the E1 for everyday riding and on-road touring, and the Arai for trail riding when I want the option of visor or goggles. The Arai has a small pull-down curtain, it's not as effective as the E1 curtain. It is noisier than the E1. I've not found the Arai peak a problem at motorway speeds. I also didn't find the Arai speaker pockets to be anywhere near my ears so ended up doing some carving work. I've not tried the auto-darkening pinlock but the Arai visor change is not convenient - undo 2 plastic screws on each side, take off a plastic plate, then the peak, then the visor. Change visor and reassemble! Having said that I found the Arai and the E1 equally comfortable, the Arai is due for replacement and I'll probably pick up another one fairly soon. Hope that helps!

Rusty2000 said: ↑ Arai Tour-X is overpriced and underspecced in my view. I bought a NEXX X1D which has so many features I cannot think of them all, including a sun visor, two sets of vent attachments for serious off road work in higher temperatures, funky colours and best of all it fits round style heads like Arais! Click to expand...

AndyE_UK said: ↑ I've got both the E1 (actually on my 2nd one now) and an Arai Tour-x 4. I tend to use the E1 for everyday riding and on-road touring, and the Arai for trail riding when I want the option of visor or goggles. The Arai has a small pull-down curtain, it's not as effective as the E1 curtain. It is noisier than the E1. I've not found the Arai peak a problem at motorway speeds. I also didn't find the Arai speaker pockets to be anywhere near my ears so ended up doing some carving work. I've not tried the auto-darkening pinlock but the Arai visor change is not convenient - undo 2 plastic screws on each side, take off a plastic plate, then the peak, then the visor. Change visor and reassemble! Having said that I found the Arai and the E1 equally comfortable, the Arai is due for replacement and I'll probably pick up another one fairly soon. Hope that helps! Click to expand...

EastRoad said: ↑ Ah thanks. good to hear about highway speeds and comfort.... and thanks for the details on the visor change... I thought I had missed something, but alas, I did not.... on the other hand the screw system probably is the reason why the peak feels solid... pros and cons I guess. good to know about your modifications to the ear pockets. If I get the X4, I look at doing that too. one thing about noise: I'm rather sensitive to noise. that's why I've invested some money in high quality moulded ear plugs, rated for motorcycling etc.... the bonus is: I don't much care about helmet noise anymore. it used to be completely nasty - I've had a few helmets considered "noisy" and a few considered "quiet" - never did work well for me ... until I got the plugs... Sure if the helmet is just shrieking ,.. no thanks Click to expand...

PSYOP SGM Happily Riding Along

XD-4 owner here. I didn't find an abundance of cold air coming in despite the lack of a curtain. Like the other posters said, I didn't have any issues with the peak or head whip at speed when checking for traffic (I did find this as a problem with a Sedici Viaggio). My biggest beef with the XD4 is it's tendency to fog up quickly. I do find the helmet to be a bit noisier than I'd expected for a brain bucket that costs that much. It is comfortable on my ovalish melon and I've been using mine for nearly a year now.

pwh Just Farkin' GO

I currently have a Shoei RF1200 street helmet and an Arai XD4 for supermoto and off road. Pros: - The XD4 flows a ton of air (edit: it's loud with earplugs) - 90 mph or so is fine with the peak Cons: - It fogs up fast (no pinlock), even with the fancy anti-fog shields - I hate the chin strap as it cut into my jaw / cheek. It felt fine trying it on and wearing it around the house, but on actual rides it's seriously annoying. I find I can wear my Shoei literally all day, drink out of a camelback tube and never feel the need to take it off. It's that comfy. The XD4 needs to come off at every gas stop or water break. I wish I would have gone for the Shoei Hornet X2. Maybe I just have a Shoei head and not an Arai melon.

swimmer armchair asshole

EastRoad said: ↑ Ear-Pockets: now this is my "only" fitment gripe with the X-4. the ear pockets seem to be a far too much to the back of my head - at least for my ears. But according to the info I've gotten, you can easily customise the foam a bit ... what's your experience? . Click to expand...

swimmer said: ↑ ........I bought this helmet as I have always been an Arai user and figured it was a safe bet. After now owning a Shoei RF-1200 I wish I would have bought the Hornet X2 and plan on replacing the XD4 with the Shoei when I can afford it. Click to expand...

jb882 13HP of fury.

I have ridden with an XD4 for the last 7 years. Overall great helmet but as other mentioned the fogging is an issue and i even tried a pinlock in mine which is really hard to fit properly due to the complex bend of the shield. This helmet does move a lot of air and i personally don't consider it a very good helmet in the cold. The little pull down curtain is minimally effective in my opinion. I also found it a tricky helmet to put a comm system in because it does not really have speaker pockets. I ended up putting them under the felt layer on top of the foam in the ear pocket. It works ok but the speakers do sometimes move around a little. It also think as do others that its a noisy helmet. It may sound like i am disappointed in mine but that is not the case. I have really enjoyed owning it and for me its mainly an off road and around town helmet and i would buy another. I am in process of replacing mine since its 7 years old and due and i actually ended up going with a Shoei Hornet X2 this time. All indications are it will be quieter which i'm looking forward to and i also fit better in a Shoei than i do in an Arai. I can tune the Arai to fit me better but cannot get it quite as comfy as a Shoei fits me right out of the box. Here is a shot of how i mounted my speakers. I had to put the spacers under them too to get them close enough to my ear that i could hear them well. They just sit on the foam in the ear pocket and get covered by the cheekpad liner fabric.

cblais19 Long timer

You can wedge a Arai chin curtain in there, kinda. I've ridden in temps down towards freezing a moderate amount in mine, and it was ok once you get all the vents closed. This will depend on how your windscreen directs air assuming a ADV style bike. I take a size small in most other Arai (including the VX Pro), but had to go up to a Medium in the XD4 to avoid a bad forehead hot spot - not sure why, but I don't find the XD4 to fit at all like their other "intermediate oval" helmets. This involved also buying the thicker crown piece to get a more secure fit. I've finally managed to move the speakers right on top of my ears after a fair bit of fiddling with them, but I didn't personally find any cutting of the foam to be required. Noise level is also going to depend on the way your bike shapes airflow. The visor has those eyebrows vents which really help with cooling, but also introduce some noise. So does the lack of a chin curtain, and the multiple vents there. On the other hand, you get the best venting Dual Sport helmet for your pains - that may or may not be a priority for you. The eye port is also big enough to fit larger goggles - I can get my Scott Prospects in there with no issue. I live in VA, where the humidity is routinely > 70%, often higher. I only get fogging right around the very bottom of the visor sometimes, using the Pinlock visor + insert - which is alas an additional expense. However, you do get an absolutely expansive field of view.

Ok .... I've found a shop "locally" who has ONE hornet X2 in stock in my size and offers free returns... Placed an order... at least this way I can see if the X2 is a better fit for me or not.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon