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  • Technical & Rider
  • Equipment & Toys
  • Bike Comm’s inc linking phones, music, I can’t hear anything

Best Intercom for Arai Helemts - Cardo or Sena?

  • Thread starter V2 TRV
  • Start date Nov 27, 2019

V2 TRV

Registered user

  • Nov 27, 2019

I am looking for the best intercom to use with an Arai helmet. I had initially looked at Sena integrated on Shoei GR Air but the glasses channel on the Shoei makes it a non starter so back to Arai it is. As far as I can see there aren’t neat solutions as per above for the Arai so iI’m considering a Cardo 4+ or a Sena 10V2. Both appear quite bulky compared to the above but it looks like that’s as good as it’s gonna get. Has anyone any experience of the above 2 systems? Cheers for any tips.  

Main question Trev: Are you using it, or see yourself using it for bike-bike comms on holidays etc? If not - there are perhaps no overriding reasons to differentiate. You can buy a good S/H Cardo G4/G9 for £60 upwards, that will BT connect to other equipment/phone - the module sticks/clamps to the LHS of the helmet at the lower edge, but in practice isn't much of an inconvenience and I have never had any problem with aerodynamics.  

RedRick Esq.

RedRick Esq.

Telling engineer to f**k off since 2023.

I have the sena 20S on my arai it works well My pal has the integrated sena on his shoei it does not work so well in as much as it is more limited to the number of other units it can link to the range is not as good and nor is battery life I know it is on a Shoei but it is the same system just a different shape for different helmet  

Hi Al Main usage is for FM on my commute as well as phone calls. I would do a couple of trips a year with my brother so that's as far as usage goes. Trev  

V2 TRV said: Hi Al Main usage is for FM on my commute as well as phone calls. I would do a couple of trips a year with my brother so that's as far as usage goes. Trev Click to expand...

JerseyNeil

Well-known member

  • Nov 28, 2019

I have the Cards Scala Packtalk on my Arai Tour X4 and am very happy with it. I also have a Schubert C3Pro with the integrated system (relegated to commuting as its getting on a bit). I was worried about having the Packtalk fitted on the outside (after a fully integrated system) but I can safely say after about a year of use you don't feel it there. I agree they can look a bit 'obvious' but, in my opinion, cause not ill effects what so ever. I love the Packtalk. the quality and volume is brilliant (on all bluetooth devices you need to spend time moving the speakers around to get the best results) and it is waterproof unlike a lot of the competition.  

Davy F

Trev, I’m now using the Scala Freecom in my Arai lids. I got the single kit, then bought their audio kit to fit to my other Arai so I can swop the main unit between helmets. The FM is pretty decent and the actual unit on the side of the helmet is quite slimline and much less bulky than others I looked at. So far, I’m very pleased with my choice.  

Both are shit. Get an Interphone.  

Davy F said: Trev, I’m now using the Scala Freecom in my Arai lids. I got the single kit, then bought their audio kit to fit to my other Arai so I can swop the main unit between helmets. The FM is pretty decent and the actual unit on the side of the helmet is quite slimline and much less bulky than others I looked at. So far, I’m very pleased with my choice. Click to expand...
The Nutty KTMer said: Both are shit. Get an Interphone. Click to expand...

Look at the 10U Slimline, good volume, loads of connections, etc.  

I’ve had two Interphones....both disappointing with connectivity and battery life being poor. They’d run out of puff before a long day in the saddle would be complete. I then had the Uclear which was a great item, long battery life, never dropped out but poor water resistance and both got drowned (the first one was replaced under warranty after water ingress, the second died this year, again death by water). The Scala seems totally waterproof and so far so good.  

Bart1664

Active member

  • Jan 26, 2020

I'm certain others will have a different view but this was my experience with Packtalk Slim and Tour X4. This is my first communication unit ever. So I have no reference to compare too however, I did a fair bit of research, reading reviews and watching youtube videos of which there are many that promote it as a top rated item….and some that suggest it isn’t quite that. It certainly wasn’t the cheapest at £412 for a duel set but I decided to come off the fence and picked PT Slim. Apart from the reviews I settled on this unit because it was unobtrusive on the outside of the helmet, voice controlled (in part), waterproof, simple to use and connected to your phone via the Cardo app. The unit was fairly easy to fit to my Arai Tour X4 and after I’d set mine up with a firmware update I sat in the living with my hat on and using the ‘app’ phoned my wife in the kitchen…the sound was excellent. Not that I bought it to do so I played a few tunes and the voice controls all seemed to work at advertised too. So far so good. The next day I went for a ride and used the telephone and music function again. At slow speeds (30-40mph) it was no problem to hear/communicate but at 60 -70mph it was a struggle to hear anything. Perhaps I could move the JBL speakers around and it would be better. I tried and it wasn’t. Perhaps I could adjust the audio settings and that would make things clearer. It didn’t. Even at full volume it was a struggle to hear when travelling at anything above 60mph but maybe they're all like that! I normally wear earplugs when riding but even at the lower speeds with the highest volume level it was still difficult to hear and even without earplugs it was a competition between road noise, wind noise and the speakers. I wear a helmet size that actually fits properly and my hearing is fine so that was a little disappointing. I returned home and then tried to pair it with my wife's helmet to test the intercom. No joy. The instructions were fairly straight forward but it simply didn’t seem to work very well at all. It really should be this difficult should it! I tried connecting them back up to the Cardo Community (the place where you can link the units via your computer and then make adjustments) to see if there were some alternative settings. However, neither unit was now recognised by Cardo. Strange I thought….maybe I was tired or the internet was playing up so I put my new toys down to return the next day. Refreshed and keen once more I tried connecting the intercom function….nope, nothing, zilch, nada. Bugger. I tried connecting them to the ‘community’ again and still they were not recognised. I know ... Factory reset - control alt delete …..standard operating procedure right. Wrong….nope, nothing, zilch, nada. Double bugger! I emailed Cardo and unexpectedly received an email back within a few hours stating that the ‘community’ was no longer used and that all adjustments were done via the ‘app’. A bit strange as the ‘community’ remains active and nothing on Cardo pages state this. Not to worry. I connected one device to the app…..nope, nothing, zilch, nada. I tried the other device….and you know what’s coming….triple bugger! So now neither device connects to the ‘community’ or the app rendering me unable to make any further adjustments to any of the settings. Maybe they were faulty units but it really shouldn’t be this difficult and in any event the sound quality was poor and not as expected at all but thankfully returned to Amazon for full refund. So back to the drawing board.  

Bart1664 said: I emailed Cardo and unexpectedly received an email back within a few hours stating that the ‘community’ was no longer used to update Packtalk and Freecom units and that all adjustments were done via the ‘app’. A bit strange as the ‘community’ remains active (but is still relevant for earlier units such as my Q1) and nothing on Cardo pages state this (registered Cardo users should have received an e-mail to this effect) . Not to worry. I connected one device to the app…..nope, nothing, zilch, nada. I tried the other device….and you know what’s coming….triple bugger! Click to expand...

Cheney Triumph

Cheney Triumph

  • Jan 28, 2020

Santa-2512

Omnipotent one

Ive got a Sena 30K It could be a lot better .. The mic is over sensitive, and keeps trying to intercom, mesh , whaterver if you have your visor up at all. Voice commands dont work. You can shout "hey sena" and i mean "feckin scream hey sena" and thats a feckin naf statement if ever there was one ..., and it does sod all Burp, and its trying to activate every command in its aresenal ffs earbits need driving hard to hear them through plugs & wind noise , which in turn meand the much touted super long battery life is halved  

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Bluetooth for new Arai XD4?

Discussion in ' Equipment ' started by 7kings , Mar 31, 2019 .

7kings

7kings Adventurer

I just picked up a new XD4 and I'm looking to install a bluetooth system in it. I was looking at the Cardo Packtalk Slim, but the battery pack looks like it covers a rear exhaust vent, so I'm leaning towards the Bold instead. The entire reason for an ADV lid for me is the impending hellish summer heat here in SW Florida and the huge increase in ventilation it provides, so I'm not interested in doing anything to block vents... Couple of questions: 1. The XD4 doesn't feel like it has real "pockets" for speakers, instead having a couple of depressions where I would expect them to go. Anyone have issues with this in terms of comfort? 2. My other helmet is a Shoei Neotech II, which uses the Sena SRL. I haven't been very pleased with the sound quality (and the buttons aren't easy to use with gloves, but that's another discussion). I've read and heard that the Cardo Packtalk series have much better overall sound and are easier to use with gloves. Anyone able to confirm or refute this? Any other opinions or feedback are welcome. Thanks!

SaAdvRider99

SaAdvRider99 Long timer

I use the Sena 20s in my Arai XD4. Have had no issues with this. Speakers fit in the space [pockets]. Even using ear plugs they don't press against the speakers. I don't even have it set at full volume to hear people talking.

cblais19

cblais19 Long timer

I use a Palktalk Bold in my XD4. The pockets are ok for speakers, but you may need to expand them a bit depending on how your exact head fits inside and where your ears line up.

Candubrain

Candubrain Been here awhile

uClear Plus in mine, no problem for the speakers and no boom mic to worry about as the mics (2) are velco'd to the liner above my eyebrows

elcabong

elcabong Been here awhile

I've got the Sena 20S EVO. I use the OEM speakers and tried the Uclear speakers as well. Both fit within the cheek pad depressions without any discomfort. I will say that I had to trim some foam to center the speakers with my ears. Centering them is critical for the best audio. I also installed the Cardo Scala Q3 prior to the Sena and always thought this unit outperformed the Sena in every way but YMMV.
Thanks everyone. I think I'll be picking up the Cardo. Appreciate the feedback.

Jsherman

Jsherman Adventurer

Well... I should've read this thread. I just received my arai xd4 and had already purchased the slim packtalk. Two things I don't like about this combination 1. Covers that rear vent 2. It isn't entirely comfortable on my neck with the bulky rear unit. Anyone have this same issue? Guess I need to send the slim back and get the bold.

Timps27

Timps27 Not sure if serious...

I have the slim in my XD4, I agree it is noticeable on the neck from time to time but for the most part no complaints. Since there isn’t any functional difference I might have gone with the bold if I had it all to do over again. But love the helmet and the functionality of the Cardo!
Jsherman said: ↑ View attachment 1751229 Well... I should've read this thread. I just received my arai xd4 and had already purchased the slim packtalk. Two things I don't like about this combination 1. Covers that rear vent 2. It isn't entirely comfortable on my neck with the bulky rear unit. Anyone have this same issue? Guess I need to send the slim back and get the bold. Click to expand...
7kings said: ↑ I've heard that concern about covering the rear vent on the XD4 before, but I took a good long look at the "vent" area that you're talking about and it looks like it's just a design in the rubber. At least on mine (about six months old), it's decorative. There are no air channels leading up to it and the vent "holes" don't even go all the way through the rubber. Click to expand...
Jsherman said: ↑ Documentation says that they are the for flow.. but, like you, how much is actually getting through is another question... Click to expand...

marsbeetle

marsbeetle Adventurer

Sorry to dig up an old thread but thought it better than posting a new one with the same question. I have a new Arai Tour-X4(XD) on its way to me after our local supplier finally got stock. I would like to now also purchase a bluetooth communication system for it. Is the Cardo Packtalk Bold still my best option for it ? I'm going to be using it with my '21 GS if that matters. Thanks.
marsbeetle said: ↑ Sorry to dig up an old thread but thought it better than posting a new one with the same question. I have a new Arai Tour-X4(XD) on its way to me after our local supplier finally got stock. I would like to now also purchase a bluetooth communication system for it. Is the Cardo Packtalk Bold still my best option for it ? I'm going to be using it with my '21 GS if that matters. Thanks. Click to expand...
Bold should be fine, just don’t get the slim. My XD4 has broken two already because the shell is too thick for the slim to slot in without being under constant strain.

Gadget00

Gadget00 Been here awhile

I have a XD4 and the Cardo Slim . If I were doing again I get the Cardo Bold . I do not like the battery in back and the extra wiring . The slim has buttons on the bottom which I hit with the collar of my jacket.

victor c

victor c Adventurer

I have Packtalk Slim on my Shoie Neotec and Interphone Active on my Arai X4. If you don't need mesh connection, the Interphone is far more reliable with the TFT. And fits the Arai perfectly.
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arai tour x4 cardo

arai tour x4 cardo

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 Visor Review

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. 

Spring Sale

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.

arai tour x4 cardo

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.

arai tour x4 cardo

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.

arai tour x4 cardo

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.

arai tour x4 cardo

arai tour x4 cardo

Arai Tour-X 4 Review

arai tour x4 cardo

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.

arai tour x4 cardo

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.

Arai Tour-X 4

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

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.

Arai Tour-X 4

Have a riding adventure from the comfort of your living room

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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.

Arai Tour-X 4

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.

Arai Tour-X 4

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.

Arai Tour-X 4

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 Tour-X 4

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

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:

Related posts:

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Arai Tour-X5 - Review and Road-Test

So, now that we’ve gotten the results of all of our testing, time to put them into perspective. It started relatively slow on material and weight, where it earned 3.5 stars for material and 3 stars for weight. Then the TourX5 did manage a series of respectable scores, earning four stars for its visor thanks to its stellar visor mechanism, and with an average measurement of 100 decibels it earns a nice 4 stars for noise isolation. It also performed well on ventilation, managing a difference with the outside temperature of about plus one degree Celsius. Then, as the only adventure helmet ever, it earned the full 5 stars for comfort, which was very impressive. And finally, for features, it earned 4 stars which is great, especially in the adventure helmet category. But, here comes the kicker. With an average of almost 4 stars, it has the highest price per star value. Obviously that comes from its high price tag of 880 euros. But then again, if you leave out the Value for money it has the highest score of all Adventure helmets. Aside from the price we honestly couldn’t find any weakness and everything is so well engineered. Arai is almost obsessed with safety and you can tell from pretty much all of the safety tests where they very often come out on top. And yes, that quality comes with a serious price tag. So with the Tour X4 seen by many as the best Adventure helmet available today, Arai has managed to even improve it and earn better scores on different aspect. SO if you have the money and you’re looking for the absolute best Adventure helmet available today when it comes to quality, then this is the helmet for you .

That’s it for the TourX5 road test. I’m curious to what you guys think of this helmet, let us know in the comments down below. Also don’t forget to check out champion helmets.com where we have the lowest price guaranteed and very sharp discount bundles. Like & subscribe for more content just like this, ride safe!

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  • Tested: Arai Tour-X5 Adventure Helmet Review

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Arai Tour-X5 review | Benchmark adventure helmet 1,000 mile test

John Milbank, BikeSocial Consumer Editor

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Consumer Editor of Bennetts BikeSocial, John's owned over 20 bikes, has been testing motorcycle kit for more than 25 years and is a member of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, and part of the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group.

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Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_01

Please note that the Kanji on the top of this helmet does not feature as standard

Date reviewed: October 2023 | Tested by: John Milbank | Price: From £599.99 | www.whyarai.co.uk

At the time of writing, the Arai Tour-X5 on review here hasn’t been officially released, but I’m among a handful of riders from across the globe to get hold of the first from the production line.

After over 1,000 miles in all weathers on a BMW R1250GS, a Honda Transalp and a Honda VFR800, I’m able to give you a full and honest opinion of whether it’s worth the money, or if you should pick up a cheaper Arai Tour-X4 (or indeed go for another brand altogether)…

  • A truly versatile helmet
  • Vastly improved visor mechanism with great field of view
  • Excellent ventilation
  • Like all peaks, it adds drag
  • Peak can drum slightly, though better than many others
  • No drop-down sunshield (which shouldn’t be a surprise)

1,000 miles with the Arai Tour-X5

An in-depth look at this new adventure helmet

Outer shell

While continuing with Arai’s ethos of keeping as round a shape as possible to the outer shell – in order to ‘glance off’ in an impact and reduce the energy transmitted to the brain – the Tour-X5 has been significantly redesigned.

One of the most obvious changes is the lowering of the visor mounting points, which is something that’s been done to most of the Arai range over the past few years (after which, they scored better in the SHARP testing methods). Interestingly, the ECE22.05 RX-7V had already had the mountings lowered, and that helmet passed ECE22.06 in the form of the RX-7V Evo with no significant changes.

Whether the new Tour-X5 would have passed this tougher standard without the changes isn’t known, and independent lab testing has occasionally highlighted areas in which some brands have beaten Arai. But with every crash being different it’s impossible to say with any authority whether Arai’s claims that it makes the safest possible helmets are true or not.

Designing protection for both high and low speed impacts is always going to be tricky, and Arai believes that, while it of course meets all the standards required by law, its own in-house testing, along with its decades of racing crash research, proves that its unwavering dedication to a very strong, hard outer-shell – and as soft as possible inner – is the best solution.

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_10

Paint finish is, as you’d expect, exceptional

The Tour-X5 uses Arai’s super-fibre shell construction, which is said to have 40% greater tensile and compressive strength than regular glass fibre, partly thanks to having much finer strands and a unique resin. It’s also got Arai’s Periphery Belt strengthening the area around the visor port; like all Arais, this is an incredibly strong outer shell.

Whether Arai does make the safest helmets is not something I can prove, but I would say that, having visited the factory in Japan and met Michio Arai – as well as his son Akihito – I am convinced that they believe they’re offering the best protection possible.

And they don’t make it easy on themselves. Arai is the only helmet manufacturer to make the EPS (expanded polystyrene) inner shell out of one piece of multi-density material. While all other brands use separate parts, each with a different density for different levels of softness, Arai has found a way to blend them into one piece with greater overall integrity yet very different levels of compression in the various areas. Not only is this far more expensive, it’s also a lot harder to get the inner shell inside the outer one, especially when that outer is so strong. But Arai believes this is the safer way to make its helmets, even if most buyers have no clue what’s going in inside.

Other noticeable changes to the shell include a rounder front, which carries on into the visor to have less of a pointed design. There’s also 10mm extra width at the cheeks due to this, which contributes to that ‘rounder, safer’ construction, as well as making it easier to pull on.

As you’d expect of a premium helmet – which is entirely hand-made, even down to the painting – the finish is excellent, the hand-laid decals on this graphics version, which costs £699.99, sitting under a metallic-fleck lacquer. Plain colours cost £599.99

The Arai Tour-X5 (sometimes known as the XD5) should be in dealers in December 2023 for plain colours, with graphics to follow in January. Prices in Europe are 879 Euros for plain colours and 979 Euro for graphics.

The Arai Tour-X5 uses three different outer shell sizes covering head sizes of XS to XL, so someone with a small head can buy a helmet that doesn’t look ridiculously big on them, and that’s designed to offer the ideal ratio of outer shell and inner EPS (expanded polystyrene).

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_31

The peak leaves enough space to tuck goggles, if you use them. The rear exhaust vent wing acts as a stopper for the goggles strap

Arai Tour-X5 peak

Being an adventure helmet, the Arai Tour-X5 does of course come with a peak fitted, which serves two main purposes:

  • To shield you from mud and stones that might be thrown up by a bike in front of you when riding off-road
  • To help prevent you getting dazzled by low sun, which is far more likely to be useful to the majority of riders.

Compared to the Tour-X4’s peak, this is new shape with a cut-out to the rear designed to allow smoother airflow. While it doesn’t look like it at first glance, I measured the new peak to also extend a useful 7mm further out from the top of the visor aperture, for even better sun protection.

But fitting a peak to a helmet will always have limitations, and at motorways speeds and above, the drag can be significant, depending on the screen fitted to your bike. On the Transalp and R1250GS (with standard screens) the Tour-X5 was fine for my 5’10” frame, but if I put my head out into the clear airflow there’s noticeable – and expected – drag when looking left, right or up.

On the GS, I also noticed that at high speeds behind the screen in its lowest position, a little pressure can be felt pushing down on the front of the peak, though not to any troublesome extent.

The Tour-X4’s peak used to drum a touch at speed, depending on the bike’s screen, and on the GS the Tour-X5 is no different. However, as with the previous lid, this can be reduced by adding some adhesive wheel weights.

Whether the drumming bothers you, or indeed if you notice it at all will depend on your bike and how you’re riding it, but it is to be expected with any adventure helmet.

Fortunately, like with the previous model, there’s no noticeable flapping or vibration of the peak to distract you – some adventure lids I’ve tried (like the Schuberth E1) flap around annoyingly while riding.

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_24

The Arai Tour-X5’s peak can be removed with just one plastic screw on either side of the helmet. Once taken out, no other parts are needed to replace the cover and screw, then ride with the peak removed. This really is a brilliant solution that makes it pretty quick and easy – as long as you have a small coin or a large, flat-bladed screwdriver such as on a penknife or multi-tool – to pop the peak off, or to refit it. My only criticism is that I’d have preferred the screws to have been in some way retained on the plastic covers as they’re a little easy to drop if you’re taking it off at the side of the road.

Using plastic means the screws can shear in the event of a crash – Arai designs all the external parts of its helmets to disconnect if there’s an accident –   but they’re plenty strong enough, despite being a little easy to mark with tools. Better this soft plastic showing some indentations than being brittle and snapping when tightening up.

The peak can be adjusted up and down, but I prefer it in the lowest position to best block the sun.

The weight of helmets in general has seemed to even out a bit since the introduction of the tougher ECE22.06 standard. While Arai has a reputation for being ‘heavy’, this is a bit of a trope, and I can honestly say that I’ve not used any helmet that’s weight has caused me any issues; aerodynamics are far more important.

At speed, any adventure lid is potentially going to cause more strain on your neck than a standard full-face, but even after a full day on the Transalp and the GS, I didn’t have any issues with the Tour-X5. And with the peak removed, it’s a sleek design that cuts through the air very easily.

I measured the Arai Tour-X5 to weigh 1,736g with the peak fitted, compared to 1,710g for the Tour-X4 and 1,601 for the ECE22.05 Shoei Hornet ADV .

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_11

The inner EPS has a total of eight ventilation ports to cool the head, which isn’t counting the mouth vent

Ventilation

Ventilation on the Arai Tour-X5 is excellent, with a two-position and closed chin vent that directs air up across the back of the visor and towards the brow. It also has a slider inside to allow air to blow straight to the mouth if you want it.

The forehead carries the open or closed Arai logo vent that was first seen on the Arai Quantic (review here) , and that delivers a very good flow of air to the head and across it, without creating the ‘cold spot’ blasts in localised areas of the head that some can. This vent is ideally positioned to scoop air in, my only criticism of it being that it can be a little trickier to keep clean during a summer thick with bugs.

At the top of the shell is a two-position and closed additional intake, with the two-position and closed exhaust vent in the rear spoiler revealing two ports that draw stale air out. Additionally, there are two small slots at the lower rear of the shell, to further pull air out.

Something I’ve really noticed while wearing the Tour-X5 is that I’m flicking the visor open a lot less. As a glasses wearer, I often pop the visor open as I pull to a stop at lights, but the airy feel of this Arai has really reduced that.

And yet it’s not too drafty. You can feel air moving around your face to some extent, as well as a light but comfortable breeze around the bottom (it’ll depend on your bike’s aerodynamics), but I haven’t felt cold in this yet. However, if you’re going to wear this through deep winter and want to seal yourself off more, an optional chin skirt – the same as is supplied with the Arai RX-7V Evo (review here) – can be bought separately, though it is about £30. It’s a shame it’s not included, though despite having one to hand, I haven’t felt the need to install it myself yet. The fitted small chin skirt also pulls down a little to further extend the wind protection around this area.

The visor vents that are typical of most Arais are gone on this new adventure helmet, but due to the effectiveness of the logo vent they’re not needed. Removing them has created more space in the visor port, making riding with goggles a lot easier.

Overall, the Arai Tour-X5 has excellent venting thanks to some cleverly positioned ports – there are eight in the inner shell, plus the mouth vent – and the well-designed lining, which allows the air to move freely around your head, not just blow onto one spot.

One relatively minor point to note about the rear spoiler vent is that it makes the overall size a little longer, which means it’s a tight fit to get it into my 52 litre Givi Trekker top-box, regardless of whether you have the peak fitted. It’ll go, but not as easily as the Tour-X4, and you might struggle to get two helmets in.

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_17

The Arai Tour-X5 visor mechanism is probably the biggest single improvement over the previous model thanks to the fact that it requires no tools to remove. The peak is held in place with two screws, but these are attached to the visor mechanism covers, so just open the visor, press the buttons on either side of the covers and they pop off easily. Then flick the visor out for easy cleaning, or to remove it altogether and run with googles. As with removing the peak, there are no additional parts required to carry, so this really couldn’t be any easier.

The visor mechanism has also been designed to resist scratching and jamming from any dust getting into it. As with most adventure helmets, the visor doesn’t open all the way up out of view – the bottom is visible, though not in your normal line of sight.

Refitting the visor is a technique you’ll quickly grasp, and just needs the pin on either side holding in as you rotate it into place. The covers need hooking in properly, but it’s obvious if you haven’t done it correctly, and after a few tries you’ll be whipping the visor out and back in in no time.

A Pinlock 120 XLT is supplied, the 120 meaning it’s the highest spec and most resistant to fogging, the XLT standing for ‘eXtra Light Transmission, and the new visor is more round than the previous, more ‘pointy’ version. It also has a double-curvature and is said to create less distortion than the old model (though I hadn’t really noticed a problem).

The field of view from the Arai Tour-X5 is outstanding; being an adventure lid, having such an immersive, panoramic view is great, whether you’re wearing the peak or not. As a helmet for getting out and enjoying stunning scenery, this is a great choice.

Of course, being an Arai there’s no drop-down sun-shield, and this will be a deal-breaker for some. Arai firmly believes that to fit one compromises ultimate safety (beyond the legally-required standards), but it’s a choice only you can make. You can of course buy a dark-smoke visor for it, which I prefer on very bright days as it means just one piece of plastic in front of my eyes, as opposed to the clear visor, Pinlock and a drop-down sun-shield I’d have otherwise.

But don’t underestimate the value of that peak, which is absolutely brilliant in low-sun conditions, especially in Autumn. Being able to block the sun altogether with a tip of the head is a huge safety benefit.

I’ve had no issues with the visor leaking on the road or during a hose test, but the visor fixing plates on the new Tour-X5 (XD5) are adjustable, so if this were ever to be an issue, you – or your dealer – should be able to reposition them for a perfect seal.

As mentioned, fitting goggles to the Arai Tour-X5 is easier thanks to the removal of the visor vents, but also due to a re-shaping of the nose guard, which is now flatter and doesn’t need pulling out to get my 100% Barstows inside.

Cleverly, the rear spoiler also acts as a retainer for your google’s strap, stopping it pinging off the top of the lid, while there’s just enough space under the peak for me to tuck the googles when taking the lid off, or if I just need them out of the way briefly (putting them over the chin always ends up in them getting fogged by my breath).

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_43

Arai Tour-X5: True versatility

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Arai Tour-X5 is four helmets in one, thanks to the brilliantly-designed new visor mechanism making it so easy to remove, and the simplicity of two screws to whip the peak off, without needing to carry any spare parts to swap out. Here are your options…

  • Adventure lid with peak and visor
  • Adventure lid with peak and goggles
  • Fast road helmet with visor
  • Street-style with goggles

The styling of the helmet is, to my eyes at least, so good that it can work as well on a scrambler in the city as it does on a trail bike on the Trans-European Trail, or indeed on a sportsbike on the open roads.

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_19

The cheek pads have been redesigned on the new Tour-X5 to hold against the base of the jaw more, creating a less tight, but still stable, comfortable fit, while the lining has a water-repellent finish and an ‘Eco Pure’ antibacterial, deodorising fabric that’s said to maintain your skin’s natural PH of around 4.7.

Sweat and soap can make your skin more alkaline, so this fabric is claimed to reduce smells and rough skin, as well as being easy to keep clean.

As to the effectiveness of that, I couldn’t promise you at this stage, but I can tell you that it feels good, and I haven’t had any problems with it getting damp from sweat or rain.

The cheek pads and skull cap have removable foam sections that are 5mm thick for a more custom fit. These are lightly glued in place, so take care if you pull them out, in case you end up wanting to put them back. If you still can’t quite get the perfect fit, different size cheek pads and skull cap can be fitted by good dealers, and should be done for free.

The Arai Tour-X5’s lining is fully removable for easy cleaning. It should be hand washed, but I tend to put the parts in the helmet bag, tie that closed and run a gentle wash in the machine. Just don’t blame me if that goes wrong for you!

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_18

As is the case with all Arais, the Tour-X5 is fastened with a double-D strap. While this can’t be opened or closed with gloves like the micro-metric ratchet straps fitted to some other brands, it does ensure a secure fit every time, and is comfortable and lacking in any unnecessary bulk.

Arai makes two different helmet shapes – a more round design for the Asian markets, and a narrower, longer one for the European and American riders. The outer shells are the same, but it’s the internal EPS liners that are slightly different.

Fit is utterly subjective. I’ve always found Arais fit me well, but this was the first one that didn’t seem quite right at first to me. Interestingly, a couple of other people who were with me when we collected them said that this was the first time an Arai had fit them so well straight out of the box; I had a red mark on my forehead after an hour or so of use.

I removed the additional inserts in the fabric liner to give it a bit more room, but usually an Arai Pro Shop dealer would swap the liner for an even thinner one altogether. These weren’t available this early in the production schedule, but an additional padded liner was added to the crown to lift the helmet up a bit on my head.

While this was more comfortable, I found that at high speed when on my GS the peak would cause the helmet to rotate downwards. I removed the additional padding and found that the helmet had broken in by this point – thanks no doubt to the extremely soft inner shell – and it now fits me perfectly as standard.

It’s always vital to have a lid that fits you properly, and the premium brands will do all they can to ensure that this is the case when buying. Given the extra force that can be applied by the wind to a lid with a peak, you must get one that’s tight enough.

Fit is of course very subjective, so try any lid before you buy, but the soft interior of Arais does tend to make them very compliant. Some cheaper helmets with harder inner linings can be a lot less comfortable, especially when new.

Arai Tour-X5 noise

A peak will always add noise to any helmet – at worst it’s a vibration that irritates the hell out of you, at best it’s a slight extra bass note, or light drumming, as is the case with the Tour-X5. I’d say it’s pretty much the same as on the Tour-X4, but it really does depend on your bike and its screen as it’s buffeting from here that causes any noise; in clean air (so perhaps with a short rally screen) there’s no additional noise from this peak, though of course at high speeds the drag will become significant.

I’ve been surprised at how quiet the Tour-X5 is for normal wind noise, which is perhaps why I notice the bass-note that the peak can add. I’ve reduced this – as I did on the Tour-X4 – by adding some self-adhesive motorcycle wheel weights to the underside of the peak, but it depends very much on where I position the screen. With both lids, I find it best to have my GS’s standard screen at its lower position while riding with the peak; there’s no problem with drag until I get to high motorway speeds, and the additional noise is kept to a minimum.

Of course, any helmet requires earplugs over about 40mph, so whether you’re riding with the peak fitted or not, please do wear them as tinnitus in later life is no fun at all.

For more information on why earplugs are vital with any helmet, and advice on which are the best, click here .

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_38

Can you fit an intercom to the Arai Tour-X5?

The Arai Tour-X5 has been designed to take an aftermarket intercom of your choice thanks to a flat section on the sides giving ample room to stick it.

Usually, speakers are fitted into the cheek pads of Arais, but there are now recesses ready behind them, making fitting much easier as well as causing a lot less hassle when removing the liner for cleaning – something important on a helmet that’s more likely to be used in dusty environments.

Brilliantly, the neck skirt also has pockets built in to accept the wiring from an intercom, so whether you’re fitting a Cardo or Sena – or pretty much and other intercom – the Arai has been designed to let you do that. There’s even a Velcro patch preinstalled in the chin section for your microphone!

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_20

The Tour-X5 (right) is significantly different in many ways to the Tour-X4 (left)

Three alternatives to the Arai Tour-X5

The popularity of adventure bikes means there’s a fair choice when it comes to lids with a peak. Whether you really need that peak is up to you, but the Tour-X5 offers the best versatility of any adventure helmet I’ve tried so far. What matters most of course is that any helmet fits you properly, so here are some others to consider…

  • Shoei Hornet ADV. The most obvious competitor to the Arai, the Hornet was perhaps the more road-focussed lid when compared to the outgoing Tour-X4, but that’s not the case when compared to the more versatile Tour-X5. Still, we’re yet to see what the new ECE22.06 version brings… Full review of the ECE22.05 Shoei Hornet ADV here .
  • Arai Tour-X4. There’ll likely be deals to be had on the Tour-X4 as stock is cleared, so it’s worth considering. I’ve seen them as low as £399.99 for plain colours, which is a £200 saving on the RRP of the new model and not to be sniffed at. But, the changes to the new Tour-X5 are significant enough that, honestly, I’d recommend saving for the new model. Full review of the Arai Tour-X4 here .
  • HJC C80. It’s cheaper, and it’s also a flip-front, so there’s a lot to like about the C80, but it’s not got the build quality or solidity of the Tour-X5 if a peak is what’s taking you here. Full review of the HJC C80 here .

These are just three of many alternatives – you can find all the motorcycle helmets we’ve tested here and be sure to regularly check for the discounts available through Bikesocial membership .

Arai Tour-X5 review adventure helmet_23

While there are some great deals on the Tour-X4 as stock is cleared, the new Arai Tour-X5 is significantly better in many ways

Arai Tour-X5 review: Verdict

The Arai Tour-X5 is a truly versatile helmet – far more so than any other adventure lid I’ve tried up until this point. In seconds, you can remove the visor and use it with goggles, or whip the peak off and ride in it as a standard full-face. If you want a cool street-bike style with googles but no peak, you can do that too. There are no spares to carry around, and only a coin is required to take the peak off. Brilliant.

An adventure helmet like this, with a peak, isn’t going to be for everyone, and if the majority of your riding is on motorways you’ll probably soon take that peak off. But the safety benefit of it in low sun means it’s spending a lot of time in place on my lid, and while the extra drag and drumming it can cause (depending on your bike) can take a little getting used to, it’s a fantastic piece of kit that, while not cheap, more truly offers four different helmets in one than any other I’ve tried.

If you’d like to chat about this article or anything else biking related, join us and thousands of other riders at the Bennetts BikeSocial Facebook page.

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Moscow Metro Underground Small-Group Tour - With Reviews & Ratings

Moscow metro underground small-group tour.

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Tour Information

Key Details

  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Free Cancellation
  • Duration: 3 Hrs
  • Language: English
  • Departure Time : 10:00 AM
  • Departure Details : Karl Marks Monument on Revolution Square, metro stop: Square of Revolution
  • Return Details : Metro Smolenskaya
  • If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
  • Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Go beneath the streets on this tour of the spectacular, mind-bending Moscow Metro! Be awed by architecture and spot the Propaganda , then hear soviet stories from a local in the know. Finish it all up above ground, looking up to Stalins skyscrapers, and get the inside scoop on whats gone on behind those walls.

Know More about this tour

We begin our Moscow tour beneath the city, exploring the underground palace of the Moscow Metro. From the Square of Revolution station, famous for its huge statues of soviet people (an armed soldier, a farmer with a rooster, a warrior, and more), we’ll move onto some of the most significant stations, where impressive mosaics, columns, and chandeliers will boggle your eyes! Moreover, these stations reveal a big part of soviet reality — the walls depict plenty of Propaganda , with party leaders looking down from images on the walls. Your local guide will share personal stories of his/her family from USSR times, giving you insight into Russia’s complicated past and present. Then we’re coming back up to street level, where we’ll take a break and refuel with some Russian fast food: traditional pancakes, called bliny. And then, stomachs satiated, we are ready to move forward! We’ll take the eco-friendly electric trolleybus, with a route along the Moscow Garden Ring. Used mainly by Russian babushkas(grannies) during the day, the trolleybus hits peak hours in the mornings and evenings, when many locals use it going to and from their days. Our first stop will be the Aviator’s House, one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — and you’ll hear the legends of what has gone on inside the walls. Throughout your Moscow tour, you’ll learn curious facts from soviet history while seeing how Russia exists now, 25 years after the USSR.

Local English-speaking guide

Pancake snack and drink

Additional food and drinks

Tickets for public transport

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities for the guide

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people

Traveler Reviews

This tour exceeded our expectations. Nikolai (Nick), our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, thorough, and has a great personality. He didn't take shortcuts and really covered everything that was on the agenda in great detail. We saw beautiful metro stations and learned the history behind them, including many of the murals and designs.

We did the tour with Anna her knowledge and understanding of the History surrounding the metro brought the tour alive. Well done Anna!

This tour was amazing!

Anna was a great tour guide. She gave us heaps of interesting information, was very friendly, and very kindly showed us how to get to our next tour.

Amazing beauty and history.

An excellent tour helped by an absolutely amazing guide. Anna gave a great insight into the history of the metro helped by additional material she had prepared.

great tour and guide - thanks again

great will do it again, Miriam ke was very good as a guide she has lived here all here life so knew every interesting detail.a good day

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Moscow Metro

Introduction of moscow subway system (metro).

Richly Decorated Central Hall of Novokuznetskaya Station

Nowadays the Moscow Metro has 12 lines, light subway and monorail. All stations are unique and beautiful in their own way. Unfortunately, in order to visit them all, you need to spend many days. I invite guests to visit the ones that have the greatest cultural and historical interest from my point of view. Among them are the Revolution Square, Arbatskaya, Kievskaya (Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line № 3); Kievskaya, Belarusskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Komsomolskaya (the Ring line number 5). Let us dwell a bit on each.

Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line

Subway station "revolution square".

Sign “Ploshchad Revolyutsii” in Archway with Bronze Figures

Most recently - in the year 2008-2010 – the Eastern lobby was renovated. Because of the terrorist attacks in the Moscow subway that took place several hours before the planned opening of the East lobby after renovation, the solemn part of the event was canceled.

Subway station Arbatskaya

Subway Arbatskaya is located on the same subway line as the station "Revolution Square." It was founded in 1953. It received the name in honor of the Arbat Street. It has one ground lobby (Western). Initially, the lobby was in a separate building, but the new building of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense started, the lobby appeared to be in its atrium. The old exits were bricked up; a new entrance was built into the building of General Staff of the street Vozdvizhenka. There is a huge frame with a missing portrait in the ground lobby - until mid-1950 there was a portrait of Stalin. According to some reports, it survived, but closed with plaster.

The lobby was restored and partially reconstructed in 2007-2008.

The depth of the station is 41 meters.

Pylons are finished with red marble at the bottom, decorated with bouquets of flowers made from ceramics. The floor is laid out with gray granite. The walls lined with glazed ceramic tiles, white top and black bottom. The station hall is illuminated by massive bronze chandeliers in the form of rings.

Subway station Kievskaya

There are several subway stations "Kievskaya" in Moscow, located on different branches. This name is quite popular. It comes from the capital of Ukraine - one of Russia's nearest neighbors - the city of Kiev. The name is fully consistent with the idea of the subway station. The interior the station devoted to Soviet Ukraine and the reunification of Ukraine and Russia. The station is decorated with a large number of paintings .Twenty four murals depicting workers of Soviet Ukraine are placed on the arch above the pylons. The wall from the side of platform also contains frescos, mainly with images of fantastic plants. Pylons are decorated with light marble and additionally decorated with colorful ceramic cornice. The butt of the station has a large mosaic, depicting festivities to celebrate the 300 anniversary of the reunification of Ukraine and Russia.

Opened in 1953, this subway station for a long time was the final (1953-2003).

The station has one lobby, combined with the station ring line and located in the building of the Kievskaya railway station. The diameter of the central hall station is 9.5 m, the diameter of side one is 8.5 m. The depth of the station is 38 meters.

= Ring Line Subway =

It opened in 1954. The station received its name after the Kiev station, and locked the Ring line. During the construction of the station many projects were proposed, but the victory in the competition won the Kiev architects who made the construction of the station. It is the only station of the Ring Line which is not located in the Central Administrative District of Moscow.

The station has a pylon structure. Eighteen pylons are decorated with mosaic panels of glazes, decorated on the theme of Ukrainian history and friendship between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples, which started in the mid-17 century.

On the front wall of the central hall of the station a large panel with molding in the form of flags and a mosaic portrait of Lenin in the center are located. There are lines of the Soviet national anthem around the portrait, and under the portrait - the words of Lenin. One of the ways out of the station was designed by French architects modeled on the Paris Subway in 2006.

At one of the mosaics – “The Struggle for Soviet power in Ukraine "- modern passengers observe a mobile phone and PDA in the hand of one of the guerrillas, and on his knees - a laptop. In fact, he uses a field telephone, which was really a heavy thing (guerrillas holds it in two hands), and thing that people see a laptop is the lid of a box with a telephone. However, these phones have begun to produce only in the second half of the 20-ies of XX century. We must assume that the mosaic depicts a foreign field telephone transmitter.

Subway station Belorusskaya

The founded of the station was in 1952. It received the name after the Belarusian railway station nearby. The station has two ground-based lobbies. The Western one goes to Tverskaya  Zastava. It is decorated with beautiful carvings. The Eastern one leads to Butyrskiy shaft and Forest Street. The Eastern lobby is known for its majolica panels.

The station Belorusskaya is located at a depth of 42.5 m below ground. The diameter of the central hall is 9.5 meters.

Pylons are faced with light marble. The walls lined with white ceramic tiles, the floor is covered with ceramic tiles, gray, white and red colors. Lamps placed on pylons, in the form of vases made of glass and marble. The theme of decoration is economy and culture of Belarus. Decorative pattern on the floor repeats the theme of traditional Belarusian embroidery. Decorations of the ceiling consist of stucco decorations and 12 mosaic panels depicting the life of the Belarusian people.

Subway station Novoslobodskaya

Built in 1952, Subway station Novoslobodskaya got its name from the eponymous street:  the station is located at the very beginning of it.

Novoslobodskaya is pylon station of deep foundation (its depth is 40 m) with three arches.

Exit to the street is through the ground lobby with column portico, located on Novoslobodskaya Street lined with gray marble. Pylons of the underground station are faced with marble from the Urals. Thirty two spectacularly illuminated stained-glasses, placed inside the pylon and bordered by steel and gilt brass are splendid decoration of the station. A remarkable mosaic "World Peace" is located at the end of the central hall. The picture depicts a happy mother with a baby in her arms; it was the face of Stalin at the picture: the child gave a hand to him. But in times of Khrushchev the face of the former leader of USSR was removed from the panel. The walls are lined with bright marble; floor is covered with white and black granite slabs, placed in a checkerboard pattern.

Subway station Komsomolskaya

The station was built in 1952 and named in honor of the Komsomolskaya Square, which is situated nearby.

This subway station is the station of the deep bedding. Its depth is 37 meters. The station has column and three- arched design. Cast iron decoration is used in the construction, monolithic slab used as a tray for a collapsible finishing. The length of the boarding hall is 190 meters; width of it is 10 meters. There are 68 octagonal columns at station.

The main theme of the interior of the station is the fighting of the Russian people for their independence. The ceiling is decorated with eight station mosaic mural made from glazes and precious stones. Six of them represent the Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry Donskoy, Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, Alexander Suvorov and Mikhail Kutuzov, the Soviet soldiers and officers at the walls of the Reichstag.

 Two other panels, depicting Stalin ("Victory Parade" and "Presentation of the Guards Banner"), were replaced after the dethronement of Stalin's personality cult in 1963. New panels depict Lenin's speech in front of the Red Guards and the Motherland on the background of the Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower.

The yellow ceiling is decorated with mosaic and moldings. The hall is illuminated by massive chandeliers hanging between the panels; platforms are illuminated with smaller chandeliers. The columns are decorated with marble capitals and trimmed with light marble, as well as the wall station. The floor is laid with pink granite. There is a bust of Lenin at the end of the hall. At the opposite end of the escalator is a large Florentine mosaic of the Order of Victory with red banners on the background. The ground lobby of the station is decorated with bas-reliefs.

In conclusion...

Each of the stations of the Moscow subway is attractive and interesting in its own way. Each has its own long and fascinating history and is beautifully decorated. The Moscow subway is a whole world, which can be talking about for hours. I suggest you short - no more than one hour and a half - and a fascinating journey through the world of the Moscow subway. The pleasure is guaranteed!

Sculpture Park "Art Muzeon"

Mausoleum and necropolis.

  • Bombing in Moscow Metro On March 29, 2010, another tragic event happened in Moscow that shocked not only the citizens of the Russian Federation, but also many people from countries that oppose the threat of terrorism. In the early morning rush hour, two women bearing suicide weapons blasted themselves in the subway trains of the Moscow Metro.
  • The Best Redesign of Moscow Metropolitan Map 2013 Russia's leading internet and graphic design agency has won an online vote for the best redesign of the Moscow Metro map. Art. Lebedev Studio is a design company in Russia, founded in 1995 by Artemy Lebedev. They redrew the Moscow Metro map for a second time in three years, with even cleaner graphics and a raft of new details and won more than 50% of the online vote.

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About Me in Short

Guide, Driver and Photographer Arthur Lookyanov

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

See you in Moscow!

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Lights of Nikolskaya Street in Winter Twilight

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IMAGES

  1. Arai Tour-X4 Depart Blue Metallic

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  2. Arai Tour-X4 Depart Red Metallic

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  3. Arai Tour-X4 Honda Africa Twin 2018

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  4. ARAI Tour-X4 Adventure Grey

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  5. ARAI TOUR-X4 CATCH YELLOW

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  6. Arai Tour-X4 VISION ORANGE (MATT)

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COMMENTS

  1. Compatibility

    For installation use a combination of a clamp and skirt. Long clamp. Short clamp. Long skirt. Short skirt. To find the recommended combination for your helmet, please find your helmet below. *If your helmet isn't listed below it doesn't mean it doesn't fit. Please try and if it fits please let us know so your fellow riders can enjoy it as well.

  2. Anyone w/ Cardo PackTalk Slim with Arai Xd-4 / Tour X

    In the video, Anthony also lets it slip that this Packtalk Slim was actually designed by HJC in colabertation with Cardo for their helmets, and Cardo repurposed the unit and renamed it and started selling it as a universal system. The unit Revzilla uses actually still has the HJC logo on it for further evidence.

  3. Cardo Packtalk Edge Duo ORV install on the ARAI TOUR X4 helmet

    Hi everyone and welcome to our channel Romanians on the Road! In this video, we present you Cardo Packtalk Edge Duo ORV install on the ARAI TOUR X4 helmet | ...

  4. Install packtalk slim, Arai Tour X4

    How to fit a Cardo packtalk SLIM to a Arai Tour-x4

  5. Cardo PackTalk Slim Installation in an Arai full-face helmet

    Installing a Cardo Packtalk Slim in an Arai full-face helmet (the procedure is basically the same for other full-face helmets from other manufacturers).For m...

  6. Helmet review: Arai Tour-X 4 tried and tested

    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 ...

  7. Best Intercom for Arai Helemts

    Nov 27, 2019. #1. I am looking for the best intercom to use with an Arai helmet. I had initially looked at Sena integrated on Shoei GR Air but the glasses channel on the Shoei makes it a non starter so back to Arai it is. As far as I can see there aren't neat solutions as per above for the Arai so iI'm considering a Cardo 4+ or a Sena 10V2.

  8. Bluetooth for new Arai XD4?

    Oddometer: 54. Location: SW Florida. I just picked up a new XD4 and I'm looking to install a bluetooth system in it. I was looking at the Cardo Packtalk Slim, but the battery pack looks like it covers a rear exhaust vent, so I'm leaning towards the Bold instead. The entire reason for an ADV lid for me is the impending hellish summer heat here ...

  9. Arai Tour X4 Full-Face Helmet Review and Road Test and Video

    The Arai Tour X-4 's shell is made of Arai's Complex Fibre Laminate construction, which is Arai's own in house shell material that gives the helmet strength and impact flexibility. This also gives you a fairly light weight helmet since when we weighed the Arai Tour Ex-4, we got a weight of 1620 grams in a size M with all the extras.

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

    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 ...

  11. Buy Arai Tour X-4? Now + Free Dark Visor!

    Add to Wish List. Arai Tour X4 Break Orange Matt. $579.75Regular Price$739.42. Add to Wish List. View asGrid. Arai Tour-X4. The Arai Tour X4 Adventure Helmet, known as the Arai XD-4 in the US, will be the helmet that you'll want right there with you for your more grand tour adventure. You can wear this helmet three different ways including ...

  12. Arai Tour-X 4 Review

    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 ...

  13. Review: Arai Tour-X 4, polyvalence with adventure spirit

    Made from Super Laminated Fiber, the same material used in other Arai models, like the Chaser V, the Tour-X4 outer shell have been designed around the Arai's exclusive 'R75' concept: the shell's round angle never surpass the 75º degree, making it more effective in a crash, as the kinetic energy scatters more regularly all around the helmet and avoiding a single point in the shell ...

  14. Greg's Ride 2 The Races

    The day Greg picked up the Hudson Valley Motorcycles Ducati Multistrada V4 S he rode it down to ARAI in Pennsylvania. Jeff from ARAI unboxed a new XD4, talke...

  15. Cardo Packtalk Slim Instal for Arai XD-4 (Tour Cross 3)

    **THIS VIDEO IS RE-UPLOADED DO TO COPYRIGHT CLAIM**Copyrighted content: The Final BlowClaimed by: Collab Asia MusicI got this song from a ROYALTY FREE MUSIC ...

  16. ARAI Tour-X 4 Matt Black Helmet · Motocard

    ARAI Tour-X 4 Matt Black Helmet now with 15% discount. Was £509.05 now is £432.70. What are you waiting for? Arai Tour-X4 Helmet. Adventure, grand touring or off road, no matter the riding conditions, the Tour-X4 is ready for anything. The Tour-X4 has a complete new outer shell. Redesigned to be tougher, stronger and stiff...

  17. Arai Tour-X5

    Arai is almost obsessed with safety and you can tell from pretty much all of the safety tests where they very often come out on top. And yes, that quality comes with a serious price tag. So with the Tour X4 seen by many as the best Adventure helmet available today, Arai has managed to even improve it and earn better scores on different aspect.

  18. ARAI TOUR-X 4 White Helmet · Motocard

    ARAI TOUR-X 4 White Helmet now with 10% discount. Was £509.05 now is £458.15. What are you waiting for? Arai Tour-X 4 Helmet. Adventure, grand touring or off road, no matter the riding conditions, the Tour-X 4 is ready for anything. The Tour-X 4 has a complete new outer shell. Redesigned to be tougher, stronger and stiffer...

  19. Moscow Metro Daily Tour: Small Group

    Moscow has some of the most well-decorated metro stations in the world but visitors don't always know which are the best to see. This guided tour takes you to the city's most opulent stations, decorated in styles ranging from neoclassicism to art deco and featuring chandeliers and frescoes, and also provides a history of (and guidance on how to use) the Moscow metro system.

  20. Arai Tour-X4 with FREE UK Delivery at Helmet City

    Arai Tour-X4 - Frost Black - SALE. Rating: OUR PRICE £299.99 WAS £499.99. Add to Cart. Show. The Arai Tour-X4 is ready for any type of riding. The Tour-X4 has a complete new outer shell. Redesigned to be tougher, stronger and stiffer than ever. As the Tour-X4 may be used under extreme conditions, the ventilation system has been redeveloped ...

  21. Arai Tour-X5 review

    The Arai Tour-X5 takes everything that owners loved about the Tour-X4, ... Tested: Arai Tour-X 4 adventure helmet review; Tested: Arai Tour-X5 Adventure Helmet Review; ... so whether you're fitting a Cardo or Sena - or pretty much and other intercom - the Arai has been designed to let you do that. ...

  22. Moscow Metro Underground Small-Group Tour

    Overview. Go beneath the streets on this tour of the spectacular, mind-bending Moscow Metro! Be awed by architecture and spot the Propaganda, then hear soviet stories from a local in the know.Finish it all up above ground, looking up to Stalins skyscrapers, and get the inside scoop on whats gone on behind those walls.

  23. Moscow Metro

    The station was built in 1938. Now it has two ground lobbies: The Western (built 1938-1946 year) and The Eastern (completed in 1947). The depth of the station is 33.6 meters.