Helmet Adventures

[King Orry]

Hello people.. Got to a question re Adventure Style helmets.

I’m due a new helmet, and like the sun shade option the peaks of the Adventure style helmets offer.
I do like Arai’s, and have ‘nearly bought’ an Arai XTour on a couple of occasions, but baulked each time at the price. £450+.
Any recommendations.?  (other than, ‘stop being a tight wad’).

[SimonW]

Take a look at the X-Lite X-551. It's a quality lid and a bit cheaper than the Arai. https://www.webbikeworld.com/x-lite-x-551-review/
From £312 at Sportsbikeshoponlinecominternetshopping dot com or whatever: https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_cat/1795. Other places might be cheaper.

[James59]

I have an Arai X4. Certainly, it is a good helmet and the peak is great in the low winter sunshine. It is very expensive, as you rightly said. A helmet is one area I will not compromise on as I know from experience how vulnerable the head and neck is. It is very comfortable and a quality bit of kit. There are many other very good helmets, I like the Shoei Hornet, but set a budget and see what you are comfortable with.
Best wishes.

[Freddyfruitbat]

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I really don't know why more helmets don't provide for detachable peaks as standard fittings - as I've got older I've found my eyes adapt much more poorly to the dreaded low winter sun, and I've had one or two truly buttock-clenching moments when I've been taken unawares by it at speed and momentarily been 100% blinded.  I've taken to using a strip of duct tape along the top edge of my visor these days, which helps but is far from ideal.  Thinking of buying another (peaky) helmet especially for winter rideouts.

[Kikken]

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I keep a roll of electrical insulation tape in my pocket for this use - usually I use two or three strips slightly overlapping, and fold the left end so I can tear it of easily if needed.

[James59]

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Great idea.

[King Orry]

Thanks for the feedback chaps.
I’ve employed the strip of tape on the top of my visor for a while now too. I first added it as my ride home from work was eastward bound, and in winter after nightshifts, the low sun was a real pain. A strip of tape does a pretty good job most of the time. Try it.
The other great addition is a photochromatic Pinlock, ace piece of kit. Got my last one from the Arai service stand at the rear of the TT Grandstand for £20, bargain.
R-kid has an Arai with the added Pro Shade sun visor, says it works well without ever feeling it’s about to fly off.
I quite like the Bell MX9, looks like a decent option, but will probably keep my eyes pealed for a reasonable priced Arai Tour-X. 

[pegemc]

Can vouch for the Bell MX-9, its a great looking helmet and comfy too. Bought mine from Sportsbike shop £99.99 few weeks ago. Got the greyish one with the Hi-viz detail, although it did look more black in the pics it still looks the biz.

[Mark Shelley]

I have had a couple if Tour X and still own one. I have also owned an X-Lite X551 for a few years and prefer the X551.

[King Orry]

Wifee bought me a strange looking Easter Egg..
It’s not what you’d call a ‘reserved’ paint scheme, but at £99 (inc free next-day delivery from Sportsbikeshop) it’s got to be worth a try.


First impressions are pretty good.