Standing in 5-Ways Motorcycle Centre, one of my favourite motorbike shops, in the upstairs mezzanine Clothing Department, my eyes are drawn to the latest version of the Arai Tour X range, the Tour-X5, which was launched in late 2023. I had visited the NEC Motorcycle Live event in November as the helmet was being released to dealerships to have a look and try on, but unfortunately a quick look at the colourways was all I got the chance to do. Tummy rumbling, I decided to get a bite to eat and when I returned the stand had been packed away!
Trips down to Croatia, a couple of family holidays and Christmas, then the doldrums of winter put my curiosity on the back burner. So now, here I am, sat looking at that topic of my envy six months ago.
5-Ways Motorcycle Centre in Hull have a selection of three colourways on display. Those eyes are not only drawn into the Arai Tour-X5, but they focus on the Cosmic Red which is the display model for XL. Not my size! The other colours are Adventure Grey and Diamond White which proudly displays M for medium – my size.
I tentatively remove the helmet from its display stand and immediately the quality of Arai product is apparent. I do the fingernail tap test (doesn’t everyone?) and it ‘sounds’ good, sounds quality, the composite shell, even at this stage has a reassuring quality feel to it.
There is a good selection of Arai Tour-X4 on display nearby, and I have to compare them, side by side. The Tour-X5 is the direct replacement for the Tour-X4 the latter now now heavily discounted at 5-Ways. Apart from being a new model the Tour-X5 is certified to CE 22-06, the latest requirement for motorcycle helmets. The older model is certified to CE 22-05, but Arai have always tested their helmets in-house beyond the certification required, so it is a fantastic value for money product at the discounted price, particularly if you like the ‘older’ colour schemes.
Looking at them side by side, the immediate difference is the peak attachment. The Tour-X5 peak sits a lot higher than the old model. The chin venting on the new model is also larger and lacks the mesh vents along the sides of the chin bar. The visor looks very similar in size but the Tour-X5 no longer has the brow vents in it. Venting on the Tour-X5 is now built into the Arai logo mid forehead and is open/close, nothing intermediate, replacing the two vents on the X4. Exhaust venting built into the rear spoiler has three setting, closed, half and fully open. Two additional constantly open vents on the bottom rear of the helmet ensure airflow at all times I imagine.
The Diamond White finish grows on me as it has real depth and a slight metal flake (not 1980’s style!) mixed into the paint. All the vent operations are reassuringly positive and should be big enough to operate and adjust with gloved hands. Visor operation is smooth which should allow for infinite adjustment on the move but has two ‘soft’ clicks between fully closed and fully open.
When fully open the aperture is huge and will easily accommodate the Oakley O Frame motocross goggles which are on a nearby stand.
The interior of the helmet is plush, finished in the usual Arai blue. The orange pad release tabs are obvious but unobtrusive and flank the pull down chin curtain built into the chin bar. Pulling the Tour-X5 on it slides reassuringly over my head. The skull cap lining moves slightly within the helmet and settles very comfortably. My hamster cheeks appear as the cheek pads hold the helmet very securely. I am surprised by the field of view, with barely any of the helmet aperture coming into my sight. Really impressive field of vision. The helmet is secured with a double-D system, as are all the Arai range, and the loose end is secured with a press stud. It has to be said, the fit, for me, is excellent and my wallet is screaming.
“Step away from the Arai Tour-X5 - NOW”! This going to be a difficult one.
Wandering around 5-Ways with the Tour-X5 on my bonce the comfort doesn’t diminish. This is a comfortable helmet. Adventure helmets never feel as secure as Race/Tour helmets, but this is very close!
The aforementioned peak is also removable, making the Tour-X5 a good looking ‘road’ lid, almost ‘street’ looking.
The Tour-X5 is definitely on my list for my next helmet – well worth a try on.
