After launching its now iconic aluminum saddlebags in 1992, Touratech quickly became a trusted name in the adventure motorcycling community. I'm a big 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 Germany-based company then moved into bicycle protection and clothing. When Touratech launched its NEXX-made Aventuro Carbon helmet in 2015, it was okay – but not for me because of its temple-crunching shape. The second edition arrived in 2018 with a much better fit, but it still had some quirks, like poor ventilation and complicated visor removal.
But Touratech succeeded with the third edition, the Aventuro Carbon Pro. This iteration marks a significant overhaul, from lighter weight to simply removing the visor and face shield. It is now an ideal helmet to quickly transform between street (no visor), off-road (no face shield) or ADV configurations.
After testing the Carbon Pro in my usual mid-size on varied terrain for over 3,000 miles – from 300-mile stretches of highway to single-track trails and everything in between – I can confidently say that the Aventuro lid from Touratech finally works for me. And it does a hell of a job.
The first thing you notice about the Aventuro Carbon Pro is its weight – or rather lack of it. This is thanks to its X-Pro carbon fiber construction. At only 3.8 lbs in medium size with the visor installed, the cover rivals the weight of the Arai XD-4 and XD-5. This reduces fatigue, a useful benefit on long adventure hikes when transitioning between standing and sitting and you need every ounce of energy for concentration and safety.
The redesigned visor improves aerodynamics with repositioned vents that cut the wind. This is especially noticeable when standing in higher speed sections. Do you have a longer stretch of highway coming up where a visor is no longer necessary and are you looking for even better aerodynamics? Simply remove the visor by removing three clips, which takes less than a minute. The quick-release mechanism, enhanced with metal wires, is secure and reliable, much better than the flimsy plastic clips found on some competitors' helmets.
This design also simplifies tasks such as removing the shield for cleaning, adding a Pinlock insert, or switching to a tinted face shield. Would you like to remove the face shield completely so you can use your goggles off-road? No problem. The design is simple and the helmet has a glasses strap holder on the back to prevent items from sliding around.
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Next comes better vision and, what most helmets lack, a good fit with prescription glasses. The Aventuro Carbon Pro offers more peripheral vision with a 15% wider eye port than the previous iteration. Touratech's attention to detail also excels in the way the helmet fits over prescription glasses, providing a snug but comfortable fit that eliminates the pressure points I've experienced with other models, particularly the first edition of the Aventuro.
I use thin, wired glasses for adventure, but I can also wear my larger frame glasses with the Aventuro Carbon Pro without issue. For those familiar with Arai, this Touratech lid has a similar intermediate oval shape, which fits most riders, myself included. Caution: The cover will fit snugly upon initial adjustment, but once it kicked in, comfort set in and continued to increase as I wore it more and more.
With eight intake vents and four exhaust vents, ventilation has improved significantly compared to previous editions. My head stayed cool and dry even on hot, humid rides when temperatures were well over 100 degrees. Improved airflow distribution channels in the EPS liner help maximize airflow. Another notable feature is the dual-function chin vent, which directs air towards your face and helps prevent fogging of the visor – a small but crucial detail for all-weather riders like me in the Northeast .
The vents have also been improved for easier use with gloves and they close well in the colder months. I rode with the helmet in temperatures around 30 degrees, and even without the hood, 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 lock mechanism that ensures everything stays in place during rides. The liner is easily removable for washing or replacement. Contoured cheek pads add comfort and are equipped with NEXX's quick release system for added security. A new lever mechanism firmly locks the glides in position, eliminating the hassle of moving or loosening. To top it off, reflective panels on the underside of the cheek pads improve 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 DOT and ECE 22.06 certifications, guaranteeing high-level protection. The helmet's carbon fiber shell is incredibly sturdy yet flexible enough to effectively absorb impact forces while maintaining a low weight.
In other ADV-forward details, the Aventuro is equipped with a flat screw-in plate to securely mount an action camera on either side of the helmet and a universal screw-in mount designed for the top. The headset is fully compatible with intercom systems, with dedicated speaker cavities, cable routing channels and a convenient space to securely mount the unit.
Final Thoughts: Is the investment worth it?
The Aventuro Carbon Pro demonstrates Touratech's commitment to adventure motorcycling. Every detail, from the improved visor design to the improved field of vision, has been carefully designed to meet the needs of serious cyclists. The $699 starting price is equal to or lower than many premium helmets, and the combination of lightweight construction, advanced safety features, and on- and off-road comfort makes it worth it.
Touratech has set a new benchmark in the adventure helmet market, one that finally sets the benchmark for serious on- and off-road adventures. 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 in graphics (Core, Rallye or Sport) for $749. For more information, visit Touratech-USA website.