Arai Tour-X5 review: 1,000 mile road test | XD-5

Full, honest and in-depth review of the Arai Tour-X5 (also known as the Arai XD5), which is the benchmark adventure helmet.
In testing on a BMW R1250GS, Honda Transalp and a Honda VFR800, I found it to be an excellent helmet, with the vastly improved visor mechanism, higher provable protection and excellent versatility thanks to it being four helmets in one making it worth the extra money over the outgoing Arai Tour-X4 (or XD4). Honestly, I'd say it's worth holding out and getting the new model...

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:46 Arai Tour-X5 price
01:54 Safety
04:13 Build quality & finish
05:32 Tour-X5 peak: need to know
08:55 Arai Tour-X5 weight
09:23 Ventilation
12:29 Visor and goggles
14:32 Arai Tour-X5 comfort & fit
16:36 Fastening
16:54 Arai Tour-X5 noise
18:09 Fitting an intercom to the Arai Tour-X5
18:53 Should YOU buy the Arai Tour-X5?
20:11 Michio Arai's opinion of drop-down internal sun shields
23:46 Do you want more?

#Arai #Tour-X5 #Adventure

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LET’S CONNECT!

[iNFiN]

The statement that they will never forsake their beliefs for the sake of sales is the only reason you need to buy an Arai, yes they are pricey, but they also back it up with the highest quality on exterior and interior, and lets be real, that price, over the span of 3-5 years is nothing compared to what you get. So thanks Mr. Arai for everything you done for the safety of your users.

[steveaustin]

Long over due...been wearing Arai for over 43 years, great review and looking forward to my new Arai XD5

[tmaccowboy]

If you do have that 45min clip, its gonna be a legendary clip for the ages.

[bsmukler]

I’ve owned many helmets, mostly for track riding, but always have an Arai full face and an Arai XD-4 around, and those are the ones I actually wear out. My poor XD-4 is well used, awaiting the long-anticipated release of the XD-5. Just as this reviewer noted, I had slight discomfort and a red line on the first day’s ride with my latest Corsair, but, after that, it has fit perfectly. I’ve also crashed (not heavily, but enough to grind the face shield and front vent system) with no failure and no injury. I think these helmets are worth every penny, and am glad Arai sticks to their design philosophy.

[drumdave]

Definitely my next helmet, love my tour X4. Thanks for a great review

[marklloyd]

Very detailed and unbiased assessment. Covered all aspects of design and build to give prospective buyers a good gauge in whether to peruse the helmet further. Thank you

[RichOe]

I just bought the X4 for from a certain motorcycle apparel store in Guildford.... They're clearing out their old X4s, picked a graphics option up for £360, so I'm very happy with it.
The new X5 looks amazing! Looks like some great improvements, especially with visor and pinlock.
Great video as usual John, maintaining high standards isn't easy, so well done.

[tonypammen]

I have tried other brands, but I’m a Arai fan time and time again and have kept my old Lids on display.

[nemerkha]

adore my Tour x4, and as an Emergency medicine doctor i kind of agree re sunvisor principle. Tour x5 next for me 100%.

[keithluke]

I've owned the X4 and on my second one, I will get this new one when they come to Australia and I am glad it doesn't have a drop down visor. I admire Arai for keeping to there moto and safety standards, and believe me we have a lot of sun down here! good review though.

[motarded]

I had NO IDEA the "chin curtain" moves on my XD4. I've had this helmet for 5 bloody years and had no idea.

[bertbroeder]

I have ridden many hours on all kind of motocycles, sold helmets some time ago to make a living and just come back to buy ARAI MX-5 lately. Sorely a lot other ARAI models don't fit. I will try the Tour-X5. Thank you!

[jc]

My ARAI EC-XD4 is a fantastic helmet, the finish is outstanding, i can't find a fault in it anywhere. i would buy another ARAI in a heartbeat.

[devilmaycry]

Only owned Shoei, Agv, Shark and HJC. I do like the look of the Arai Tour X-5 helmet, definitely considering it to be my next helmet. Japan is a wonderful place, i visited the country back in 2018 I am looking forward to visiting again in the near future.

[ryanmalone]

Aw man, this was such a good review, complete with comments from Arai’s founder. Would love to see more of that. Awesome. I started with Shoei, then got an Arai and never looked back. I have a street, track, and ADV helmets which i replace every 4 years, so I buy a lot of helmets, and all of them are white Arai for the safety Arai provides and the visibility white adds when riding. Very tempted by that red, white, and blue XD-5 though, but my XD-4 is only 2 years old .

[TDub_ADV]

Looking forward to the XD5 when it comes to the states. As a former XD4 owner it looks like a lot of great improvements, love the new visor detach system.

These days i have a Shoei Hornet X2 which i feel is better in the wind than the XD4 was, but if Arai has made strides in that area with the peak i would go back to one for sure for the ventilation since im a lot more off road focused now.

[ndrw]

Arai Signet-Q saved my life back in 2019 in a violent crash I have had. First head/helmet impact was with the asphalt road when I've lost conscious afterwards there had to be many more, one of bigger ones witha tree near the road. There were pieces of wood stuck around the "hinge" a place where a visor is fixed to the helmet. Although that part is underneath a plastic cover. It took me 7months to start slowly walking again. Do not cheap out on your gear, especially not on a crucial pieces like helmet, boots, .. Ride safe everyone.

[stepheneldridge]

Excellent review...I'm looking forward to the new Tour X5. My ancient Arai Tour X 3 is 12 years old so well overdue for replacement! But I've had it inspected, changed the liner and always wear a buff to stop sweat etc degrading the helmet. I just wish there were some irridium or coloured visors for the Tour X. Cheers, Steve

[markkitaoka]

Thanks for the tip on wheel weights. I own an XD4 and wear it on my Ducati MSV4S. The bass noise bothers me so I will try your solution.

[daimonmt]

Putty, I didn't know you were coming to Japan, could have taken you around some great mountain passes. I totally agree, this is an amazing country, and although, I miss the fast sweeping bends in the UK. This country makes up for it in troves when it comes to scenery. Great viseo