To Tour X or not to Tour X that is the question

[travelman]

It seems to me that the bit of kit most common to GS riders, even more than the twat suit, is the Tour X.

What's the attraction?

What's the big deal about them?

Why do so many GS riders wear them? Most of us don't offroad, so why?

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

Depends on where you go

My X3 fits me well, good ventilation and I like the peak when it's sunny. Suits almost all riding, however on the motorway it's so bloody noisy I have to take the peak off.

I don't have a Twat suit or Twat tent so I have not bought into the Twat scene.

 

[Padge]

The good:
Great Visability from the massive visor.
The peak is great in sun, especially low sun in evenings or winter
Great ventilation in the summer.


The Bad
Very noisey
Cold in the winter
Visor mists easily
vibrations and humming at motorway speed unless you've a good screen

Overall, It's a great helmet for commuting as you can see around you very well but too many negatives to have as your only helmet.
Would I buy another? ... No..System 6 is the next purchase.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

The good:
Great Visability from the massive visor.
The peak is great in sun, especially low sun in evenings or winter
Great ventilation in the summer

Agreed with all that!! Its a great Enduro Helmet and when the sun is low the peak helps.
Use mine everytime on EnduroHimalaya and its seen some action Plenty of space and you can use goggles Feels comfortable and I find it fairly stable whe Hooning on the SE ,does catch the wind if I'm wearing it on the T Max though. Well made and washable/parts replaceable . Love it!!

 

[freeloader]

Bought a Tour X3 as a replacement for a System 4. Agree with all the comments about noise, but the positives outweigh the negatives for me.

It's the best fitting helmet I've ever had - obviously this isn't going to apply to everyone though.
It's not as deep as the S4, which made me realise the S4 was restricting movement - I can turn my head further round now (I have a short neck ).
It's lighter than the S4.
It came with a Pinlock - hadn't used one before but I had used a Fog City secondary visor on a Shoei - prefer the Pinlock because it can be reattached more easily.
The peak's great for low sun avoidance, as already stated.

OTOH:
Removing the visor or peak is a right faff.
It uses a double D ring strap fixing, I realise these are considered better since they're adjusted properly every time you secure them, but I find the "seatbelt" type fastening a lot easier in cold weather.
Noise.

Probably still have another though, but I'm easily swayed...

 

[Ogmios]

there's always one and here i am.
for me;
worst fitting lid i ever had (apparently some of us have a Shoei shaped head and some an Arai shaped head )
heavy and overpriced.
i got rid of mine and bought a similar shaped 'Airoh' lid.
half the price, lighter, more comfy, more stable at high speed.
still has a peak - though not as wide / still cuts down on low sun.

however,
i only ever wear a full face when doing Rider Training, so am biased.
Good Luck.

 

[Schtum]

If you're contemplating purchasing a Tour X, you might also want to try a Shoei Hornet. I've got both and ultimately prefer the Hornet. It's lighter and better made.

However, if you do buy a Tour X. it doesn't have to be cold and draughty in the winter. There are a number of mods, including a couple of Shoei Hornet accessories which make it a much more snug place to put your head on a cold day.

 

[DavidJames]

It seems to me that the bit of kit most common to GS riders, even more than the twat suit, is the Tour X.

What's the attraction?

What's the big deal about them?

Why do so many GS riders wear them? Most of us don't offroad, so why?

It is simple - the style of helmet goes with the bike.

Let's face it many will try to justify the need for this type of helmet (as they already have), but the main reason most have them is because they look good and suit the image of the bike. The same way a race replica helmet suits an R1 or a Fireblade.

 

[freeloader]

there's always one and here i am.
for me;
worst fitting lid i ever had (apparently some of us have a Shoei shaped head and some an Arai shaped head )
heavy and overpriced.
i got rid of mine and bought a similar shaped 'Airoh' lid.
half the price, lighter, more comfy, more stable at high speed.
still has a peak - though not as wide / still cuts down on low sun.

however,
i only ever wear a full face when doing Rider Training, so am biased.
Good Luck.

Freak! Freak! Burn the witch!!!



Actually I'm surprised given the diversity of humanity, that between them, Arai and Shoei manage to fit all the world's helmet-wearing motorcyclists... (I'd heard that before too...)

 

[teejay]

Just to re inforce other comments, good in summer, I wear mine on Europe trips as it gets plenty of ventilation in, can ride with visor open, peak good for sun, excellent all round vision and like all Arais for me fits like a glove.

Down side is the drumming from the peak at motorway speeds so I cannot wear foam ear plugs but have tailor made ones that I can wear.

Also have Arai Astro R for all other occasions so can mix and match depending on what I am doing or where my journey takes me.

I would not have the Tour X as my only helmet.


Teejay

 

[Pathologic]

First impressions

I have recently upgraded to a Tour X3 which is much better than my old Justimo for noise. There is plenty of room for intercom speakers and it fits really well. At the moment I think the noise level is better than any other helmet I've had.

I bought it because it matches my 2009 GS SE perfectly and has R1200GS printed on the side. Everything else is a bonus Particularly picking up a perfect one second hand from this site

Now where does one buy one of those Twat suits,


Regards,

Path.

 

[darkhorse]

bought one a year ago but have only just started using it

was embarrassed to use it as did not want to be associated with the urban adventure twat types

however given that my trusted flip front has seen better days, i cant afford to replace so use the tour x under the cover of darkness

nice comfortable helmet though

 

[DavidJames]

was embarrassed to use it as did not want to be associated with the urban adventure twat types

It's not called the Twat Hat for nothing

 

[grez]

Black visor for an Arai helmet, best of both worlds. Light, quiet, cuts out glare from low sun, few seconds to switch to clear at night.

 

[Sgt Pepper]

Hi,

I used mine for a 3 year RTW from Alaska to New Zealand. It is the best helmet I have ever owned in terms of comfort, safety, ruggedness and looks.

Loved it and was amazed at how little buffeting you get considering the size of the peak and facial area. Initially I was particularly impressed with the increase in peripheral vision over my Arai RV I had been using. I didn't notice any more significant problems with fogging or noise than I did with my RV.

It came home looking a bit tired, even after countless lining washes so I've semi-retired it and bought........................another one !

Mike

 

[Timolgra]

Bought my first one straight after they came out, wouldn't even consider using anything else 8 years or so later

 

[(RIP) Miff]

I love the look of them. I don't have one though, as it would look really daft on my ZZR600.

And I'm also not going to spend that much on a lid (yeah, I know the arguments). Incidently, have you seen the price of the BMW system 6 thingys??? FECK ME. I've bought bikes cheaper than that (and I aint THAT old either)..

 

[JJ's GS]

Glad this came up today as I was about to ask the question myself.
I love the look of it and the peak for low sun etc.
I wanted to ask before I possibly buy one, I have an Autocom and if I fit a headset is the helmet that noisy to open the mic all the time?
Do you have to fit some kind of whisper kit?

I'd be grateful for your experience.
Cheers
JJ

 

[Big Nick]

Glad this came up today as I was about to ask the question myself.
I love the look of it and the peak for low sun etc.
I wanted to ask before I possibly buy one, I have an Autocom and if I fit a headset is the helmet that noisy to open the mic all the time?
Do you have to fit some kind of whisper kit?

I'd be grateful for your experience.
Cheers
JJ

Hi mate

Autocom recommend a full face conversion kit for the microphone. This actually consists of a round bit of foam that wraps around the microphone. Apparently it helps shield the mic
I'd try it without then get one if you experience any problems

 

[The Other PaulG]

Couldn't POSSIBLY be...

What's the attraction?

What's the big deal about them?

Why do so many GS riders wear them? Most of us don't offroad, so why?

This....?