Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Poole, UK
Posts: 316
"Enduro" Helmets

The following are similar hybrid MX and full face concept helmets where you get the benefit of good MX ventilation but with a conventional visor and with the option to use goggles when appropriate:

Aria Tour-x or XD
Shoei Hornet
HJC CL-XS
Airoh Tyger
BMW Enduro

Question is have any of you used them and how did they perform? Any additions to the list? I have search and found comments on the Arai but none of the others...

Helmet selection does really come down to personal fit and a bargain bucket may feel more comfortable than the more expensive options but more information on robustness, ventilation etc would be helpful

As a side note: BMW had to delay their launch of their new Enduro helmet for two reasons: (1) Initial delay due to BMW sign being fitted slightly skew in the factory so all were recalled prior to selling; (2) You can now get XS-M sizes from some dealers but L and XL come in a different size shell and the machining tool for that size shell in their factory broke and had to be replaced hence the further delay for the larger sizes. I had a close examiniation of a M and they are the lightest helmet I have ever felt. Retailing at £225 for plain colours or £255 for patterns. At last some competition for Arai.
__________________
If there's a will there's a way so I will anyway!
http://www.buyaikhaya.blogspot.com

Last edited by Bossies; 23 Aug 2006 at 13:31.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Aug 2006
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bossies
The following are similar hybrid MX and full face concept helmets where you get the benefit of good MX ventilation but with a conventional visor and with the option to use goggles when appropriate:

Aria Tour-x or XD
Shoei Hornet
HJC CL-XS
Airoh Tyger
BMW Enduro

Question is have any of you used them and how did they perform? Any additions to the list? I have search and found comments on the Arai but none of the others...

Helmet selection does really come down to personal fit and a bargain bucket may feel more comfortable than the more expensive options but more information on robustness, ventilation etc would be helpful

As a side note: BMW had to delay their launch of their new Enduro helmet for two reasons: (1) Initial delay due to BMW sign being fitted slightly skew in the factory so all were recalled prior to selling; (2) You can now get XS-M sizes from some dealers but L and XL come in a different size shell and the machining tool for that size shell in their factory broke and had to be replaced hence the further delay for the larger sizes. I had a close examiniation of a M and they are the lightest helmet I have ever felt. Retailing at £225 for plain colours or £255 for patterns. At last some competition for Arai.
I wish Arai would make a flip front .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Redbourne, UK
Posts: 98
Hi - Afraid the only one on your list I can comment on is the Arai Tour X. I use one of these regularly (in fact it's sitting next to me on my desk at work right now) usually in 'road mode' with the visor. It's dead comfortable, but a little noisy as a road helmet - which I guess you'd expect given the design.

As an enduro helmet (visor out, goggles on) it's absolutely great. Maybe just a wee bit heavier than my Lazer MX helmet (1560g vs 1350g) - but usual Arai thing of being nicely put together/well finished etc.

Only (minor) complaint is that the 'open weave' cheek pad material doesn't stand up awfully well to by admittedly stubbly face.

Cheers - Andy
__________________
AndyBee
(04 KTM 640 Adv 'Naartjie'/11 KTM 990 Adv 'Tsumeb')
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Aug 2006
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
I have a Tour-x and am suprised how good it is but it aint quiet.
Fitted it with my Autocom gear, no probs. At 5'9" (1.75mtr) I dont get a lot of buffeting on my r100gs.

I tried on the HJC CL-XS and Airoh Tyger and did not like the fit and finish but then they dont cost a lot.

Shoei's dont fit my headshape;-))
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Aug 2006
dkmoose's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 76
Airohs

I also tried on a few and found the Airoh fitted my head perfectly (I have an odd shaped head and finding good fitting lids is always a problem).

I liked them so much I bought 2 - long story actually, but I have 1 matt black in street mode and 1 blue and white in goggles mode. And for the price, they are good quality.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Aug 2006
Shells's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Travelling in Australia
Posts: 175
BMW Enduro

Got excited about the possibility of getting a BMW Enduro lid when I am in South Africa in a couple of months (any effort is worth it in an attempt to save a few £££s).

Called a mate who works at BMW Motorrad SA, and it turns out that they retail for around R4000.

So, for once, buying in the UK will save a bit of moola

And, about the odd shaped heads... no such thing, only mass produced helmets that don't fit unique heads
(I have unique hands... still searching for gloves)
__________________
If you don't have bugs in your teeth, you haven't been grinning enough!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: london
Posts: 21
What do people think of the tour cross or others on the motorway? Does the peak want to rip your head off?

I use a standard MX lid on my KTM and for town riding on the GS but tend to put a full face on when going long distances when motorway riding is involved. Always found that the MX lid puts a lot more strain on your head and neck at speed and i guess the tour cross would be the same?

But i do like them and am considering one in time for a trip round europe next year.
__________________
KTM supermoto
BMW R1100GS
"tourer in waiting"
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Sep 2006
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
BMW Enduro

The only I can speak with any authority on is the BMW ... the peak vibrates a lot on the highway, and thats even behind the big adventure screen. I cant compare it to the others as I have not used them ... you dont hear the vibrating too much normally (cause it drowned out by the wind noise that any enduro type helmet will give you), but when you wear earplugs to cut out the wind noise, the vibrating is all you get and its unpleasantly intense.

The peak though doesnt make your head want to rip off when you do lifesavers on the motorway. On that aspect its ok... its just the vibes that take some of the fun out of it
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Wimborne - Dorset
Posts: 83
Tour-X...

I have a Tour-X and to be perfectly honest I'm beginning to wonder whether it was such a good buy. I got mine from Crescent in Verwood and Adam the manager of the clothing dept took a lot of time making sure it was the right size for me - imagine my surprise when having assumed that for the last 15 years I was a Shoei M (57) size, that I was actually a 55 when the helmet was 'properly' fitted. Anyway to cut a long story short, I eventually bought a 55cm shell with a 3mm skull cap (the std cap is 5mm). I can only describe the fit as 'tight', which Adam assured me would ease with use. I've worn it for a total of about 20 hours now and yes it has eased but it's still tight almost to the point of discomfort. I guess I'll persevere and one day it will feel ok, hopefully sooner rather than later!

The plus side... the helmet is as cool as f*ck and I feel like a Jedi knight on holiday when I wear it
The not so plus side... the visor isn;t as optically good as others I've tried, maybe because it's quite aggressively curved. The noise levels are ok with plugs, the peak vibrates like a pig over 50mph and gives me a headache and double vision (950 Adv 'S' with +3" lip)

Greg
__________________
I wish my wheelies were intentional...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: location, location.
Posts: 89
I can really recommend the Arai Tour-X. Picked one up from the UK importer direct before I left for Australia. Very comy, and of course looks the business. If you're looking at getting one, make sure it's the newer Tour-X2 model (2006 onwards I think). They've removed the main vent on the top of the helmet to reduce the amount of noise inside. I'm sure there will be a few unscrupulous retailers looking to offload their old stock before people get wise to the changes.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Sep 2006
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
I have the BMW Enduro helmet and can give the following points;

1, very light and the sizes are totally different from earlier BMW helmets. I believe they're made by a different company.

2, the visor's the worst I've ever used for misting up in poor weather conditions and scratches easy.

3, the general noise levels are pretty high unless you simply cruise around at 60'ish.

4, the peak creates a resonance that shakes your specs and promotes a quick headache (unless you cruise at below 60).

5, general fit and comfort are fabulous and suits the shape of my head.

So as you can see I like the fit and find it suitable for slow cruising on my Serow but for faster riding it's shite!

I've tried the Tour X and reckon that's a quieter helmet but heavier and also affected by the peak.

I now remove the peak for road use and re-attach it for off roading.

Regards

The Cameraman
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Sep 2006
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
is it possible to take the peaks off in all 5 brands?
looks like they are creating trouble in high speeds.

thanks
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Poole, UK
Posts: 316
I eventually got hold of a HJC and although it's fit is ok the visor is very flimsy and does not seal (2mm gap between bottom of visor and gasket)

I am still waiting for our local BMW to stock their enduro

I have tried the Arai and yes it does feel like a glove but at £350 it bloody well better. The price has put me off but I'm monitoring Ebay for stock dumping.

Shoei Hornet is not imported into the UK so that rules out that option.

I see Airoh have brought out a new 2006 model "S4". Looks good and the visor looks like it can seal down nicely. I am just battling to find a stockist in the Dorste area. Closest is Dirtbike Xpress in Minehead.
__________________
If there's a will there's a way so I will anyway!
http://www.buyaikhaya.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Sep 2006
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
Marushin JAPAN

I am using now for a few month the new X-Moto helmet from Marushin.Fiberglas,convertible.Middle range price(112 euros at Ebay).
Removable liner(ideal for cleaning it).
Not heavy,very silent ride( i have an Shoei and is more noice inside).
I am very happy with it.
Any one else have it?
KH
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!

Last edited by BCK_973; 17 Nov 2006 at 23:41.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 9 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 32
Simpson

I've tried a couple of those on your list and they were great helmets, but I've found one that beats everything else, in my humble opinion. Comfortable, isn't a problem with my spectacles, has never fogged up, and even looks good. It's a Simpson GS3-MX. Had to bring it in from the US so it wasn't cheap, but if you're in the States, they are great when they're on special, direct from Simpson. To date it's the best thing I've had.
__________________
And he sees the vision splendid, of the sunlit plains extended,
And at night the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars.
(A. B. Paterson)
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Helmets - flip-front or full face ? Howiezowie Camping Equipment and all Clothing 18 22 May 2007 01:09
How long between helmets? Tracy Camping Equipment and all Clothing 12 27 Feb 2007 22:16
Helmets? ted Equipment Reviews 46 15 Mar 2006 14:38
Noisy Helmets on R100RS John Roberts BMW Tech 3 19 Mar 2004 23:52
On-line retailers for Autocom, helmets, rain gear, boots davisjj Camping Equipment and all Clothing 2 1 May 2002 18:38

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:25.