After releasing its now-iconic aluminum panniers in 1992, Touratech quickly became a trusted name in the adventure motorcycling community. I’m a huge fan and have used their Zega panniers on all my adventure bikes since 2012, from a Suzuki V-Strom DL1000 to a KTM 1190 Adventure R and now a Ducati DesertX.
The German-based company then moved into bike protection and apparel. When Touratech launched its Aventuro Carbon helmet manufactured by NEXX in 2015, it was okay – but not for me due to its shape that crushed my temples. The second edition arrived in 2018 with a much better fit, but it still had some quirks, such as poor ventilation and complicated removal of the peak visor.
But Touratech nailed it with the third edition, the Aventuro Carbon Pro. This iteration signals a significant overhaul, from lighter weight to simple visor and faceshield removal. It is now an ideal helmet for quickly transforming between street (no peak), off-road (no faceshield), or ADV configurations.
Having tested the Carbon Pro in my typical size medium across varied terrain for over 3,000 miles – from 300-mile highway stretches to single-track trails and everything in between – I can confidently say that Touratech’s Aventuro lid finally works for me. And it does one hell of a job.
The first thing you notice about the Aventuro Carbon Pro is its weight – or rather, the lack of it. This is thanks to its X-Pro carbon-fiber construction. At just 3.8 lb in medium with the peak installed, the lid rivals the weight of the Arai XD-4 and XD-5. This reduces fatigue, a helpful advantage on those longer adventure rides when transitioning between standing and sitting and you need every ounce of energy for focus and safety.
The redesigned peak enhances aerodynamics due to repositioned slits that cut through the wind. This is especially noticeable when standing during higher-speed sections. Do you have a longer highway section coming where a visor is no longer needed, and you’re seeking even better aerodynamics? Simply take off the peak by removing three fasteners, which takes less than a minute. The quick-release mechanism, upgraded with metal threads, feels secure and reliable, much better than the flimsy plastic fasteners found on some competitors’ helmets.
This design also simplifies tasks like removing the shield for cleaning, adding a Pinlock insert, or swapping to a tinted faceshield. Do you want to remove the faceshield altogether for some goggle action off-road? No problem. The design makes it simple, and the helmet has a goggle strap holder in the rear to keep things from slipping around.
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Next is better vision and, what is lacking in most helmets, a good fit with prescription glasses. The Aventuro Carbon Pro offers more peripheral vision with an eyeport that is 15% wider than the previous iteration. Touratech’s attention to detail also excels in how the helmet accommodates prescription glasses, offering a snug but comfortable fit that eliminates the pressure points I’ve experienced with other models, especially the first-edition Aventuro.
I use thin, wireframe glasses for adventure riding, but I can also wear my larger-framed glasses with the Aventuro Carbon Pro without issue. For those familiar with Arai, this Touratech lid has a similar intermediate-oval shape, which caters to most riders, including me. Take note: The lid will feel snug on initial fit, but once this broke in, the comfort set in and continued to ascend as I wore it more and more.
With eight intake vents and four exhaust vents, the ventilation has improved dramatically over previous editions. My head remained cool and dry even on hot, humid rides when temps were well over 100 degrees. The improved airflow distribution channels in the EPS liner help maximize airflow. Another standout feature is the dual-function chin vent, which directs air to your face and helps prevent fogging on the shield – a small but crucial detail for all-weather riders like me in the Northeast.
The vents were also improved for easier use with gloves, and they seal well in colder months. I’ve ridden with the helmet in temperatures around 30 degrees, and even without a balaclava, my head remained warm.
The revamped moisture-wicking Coolmax liner system is a standout feature that complements the helmet’s improved airflow. The liner is softer and more breathable and includes a new cheek-pad locking mechanism that ensures everything stays securely in place during rides. The liner is easily removable for washing or replacement. The contoured cheek pads add comfort and are equipped with NEXX’s Fast Release System for added safety. A newly designed lever mechanism firmly locks the pads in position, eliminating the hassle of shifting or loosening. To top it off, reflective panels on the underside of the cheek pads enhance visibility in low-light conditions, providing an extra layer of safety for riders.
Of course, no helmet review would be complete without addressing safety.
The Aventuro Carbon Pro adventure helmet meets both DOT and ECE 22.06 certifications, ensuring top-tier protection. The helmet’s carbon-fiber shell is impressively sturdy yet flexible enough to absorb impact forces efficiently while keeping the weight low.
In other ADV-forward details, the Aventuro is equipped with a screw-on flat plate for securely mounting an action camera on either side of the helmet and a screw-down universal mount designed for the top. The helmet is fully compatible with intercom systems, featuring dedicated speaker cavities, wire routing channels, and a convenient space for clamping the unit securely.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment?
The Aventuro Carbon Pro is a testament to the Touratech’s commitment to adventure motorcycling. Every detail, from the improved peak design to the enhanced field of vision, has been carefully designed to cater to the needs of serious riders. The starting price point of $699 is on par with or lower than many premium helmets, and the combination of lightweight construction, advanced safety features, and comfort on and off the road makes it worth every penny.
Touratech has set a new benchmark in the adventure helmet market, one that is finally a go-to for serious on- and off-road adventure riding. My only question is, how much better will the fourth edition be?
The Touratech Aventuro Carbon Pro adventure helmet is available in sizes XS-3XL in solid colors (Black or White) for $699 or graphics (Core, Rallye, or Sport) for $749. For additional information, visit the Touratech-USA website.
Looks like exactly what I’ve been wanting. It would be cool if you could push the brim up behind the helmet while riding when not needed, like the face shield on the modular LS 2 that I love for varied conditions.