ADV Adventure motorcycle, travel and camping gear and product information.

Top 10 Adventure Motorcycle Helmets for Ultimate Safety and Comfort

by WorldCrosser Admin | Nov 2, 2024 | ADV Gear, ADV Product Review, ADV Riding Gear, Explore

Top 10 Adventure Motorcycle Helmets for Ultimate Safety and Comfort

Introduction

Choosing the right helmet is essential for any adventure motorcyclist. Whether tackling multi-day tours on highways or navigating rugged off-road trails, having a helmet that prioritizes safety and comfort can make all the difference. The right helmet offers robust protection, optimal ventilation, noise reduction, and overall comfort to keep you focused on the ride. Below, we explore the top 10 adventure motorcycle helmets that strike the perfect balance between safety, comfort, and practical features.

1. Shoei Hornet X2

The Shoei Hornet X2 combines cutting-edge safety features with exceptional ventilation, making it a top pick for both on-road and off-road adventurers. Its AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus) shell construction ensures high impact resistance while maintaining a lightweight feel. The advanced interior padding enhances comfort for long rides.

– Key Features: Pinlock-ready visor, excellent airflow system, aerodynamic design

– Pros: Superior build quality, comfortable liner, great noise reduction

– Cons: Higher price point

– Best For: Riders seeking premium safety and comfort on varied terrains.

Shoei’s website for additional information on this Top 10 Adventure motorcycle awesome helmet

2. Arai XD-4

Arai’s XD-4 is known for its exceptional protection and customization. It offers multiple fit sizes and a unique Facial Contour System (FCS) for added comfort. The helmet’s ventilation system is top-tier, making it ideal for hot weather and long rides.

– Key Features: Fully adjustable vents, removable peak, multiple shell sizes

– Pros: Custom fit options, robust build, excellent ventilation

– Cons: Heavier than some competitors, higher cost

– Best For: Riders prioritizing fit customization and ventilation.

Arai’s website for additional information on this XD-4 Adventure motorcycle dual sport helmet

3. Klim Krios Pro

The Klim Krios Pro stands out due to its innovative construction, using hand-laid carbon fiber for a lightweight yet strong build. Its transition shield adjusts to changing light conditions, enhancing visibility and comfort on the go.

– Key Features: Carbon fiber shell, Transitions adaptive lens, Klimatek™ cooling liner

– Pros: Lightweight, adaptive shield, efficient cooling system

– Cons: Pricey, limited color options

– Best For: Long-distance riders needing a lightweight helmet with adaptive visibility.

Klim’s website for additonal information on thier Krios Pro ADV helmet

4. Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS

The Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS is perfect for riders on a budget who do not want to compromise on safety. It features MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) for enhanced impact protection. The MX-9 also includes a lightweight polycarbonate shell that meets DOT and ECE standards.

– Key Features: MIPS technology, adjustable visor, integrated ventilation

– Pros: Affordable, enhanced safety, good ventilation

– Cons: Basic noise reduction

– Best For: Budget-conscious riders seeking dependable safety features.

Bell’s website for additional information on this MX-9 dual-sport adventure motorcycle cool helmet

5. AGV AX9

AGV’s AX9 offers versatility and style, with a removable peak and integrated visor that make it suitable for both on-road and off-road use. Its lightweight composite shell is constructed with carbon, aramid, and fiberglass for optimum durability and comfort.

– Key Features: Modular peak, multi-material shell, integrated sun visor

– Pros: Versatile, lightweight, excellent ventilation

– Cons: Slightly limited noise reduction

– Best For: Riders looking for a flexible, stylish, and safe helmet.

6. Scorpion EXO-AT950

The Scorpion EXO-AT950 stands out as a modular helmet with off-road capabilities. This dual-sport helmet features an integrated drop-down sun visor and a removable peak. It’s ideal for riders who appreciate the convenience of modular designs without sacrificing adventure features.

– Key Features: Modular chin bar, built-in sun visor, KwikWick® liner

– Pros: Versatile modular design, comfortable, value for money

– Cons: Heavier than non-modular helmets

– Best For: Adventure riders who enjoy the flexibility of a modular helmet.

7. Nexx X.WED 2

The Nexx X.WED 2 is designed with versatility in mind, featuring multiple shell sizes and an advanced ventilation system with a range of customizable air intakes. The removable peak and action camera mount make it a popular choice for riders who document their journeys.

– Key Features: Dual EPS liner, action camera support, multiple ventilation options

– Pros: High adjustability, camera mount feature, good visibility

– Cons: Slightly noisier than premium helmets

– Best For: Riders who value customization and documentation options.

8. HJC DS-X1

For riders who want reliable safety without breaking the bank, the HJC DS-X1 offers excellent value. Its polycarbonate shell ensures a lightweight and comfortable fit. While it may not have all the premium features, it boasts good ventilation and a durable design.

– Key Features: Lightweight shell, adjustable visor, ACS ventilation system

– Pros: Affordable, decent airflow, solid safety ratings

– Cons: Basic padding, less noise isolation

– Best For: Newcomers or casual riders prioritizing affordability and functionality.

9. Icon Variant Pro

The Icon Variant Pro blends aggressive styling with solid safety features. It comes with a fiberglass composite shell that is both lightweight and strong. The Variant Pro is particularly well-suited for riders who prefer a more aggressive look with all the essential safety features.

– Key Features: Fiberglass shell, sculpted peak, Hydradry™ interior

– Pros: Stylish design, well-ventilated, comfortable

– Cons: Less modular, not the quietest option

– Best For: Style-conscious riders looking for safety and comfort.

10. LS2 Explorer

The LS2 Explorer is a competitive option that provides comfort, durability, and a variety of features at a reasonable price. Its carbon fiber shell ensures a lightweight profile without compromising safety. The helmet also offers a built-in drop-down sun visor and good airflow.

– Key Features: Carbon fiber shell, integrated sun visor, efficient ventilation system

– Pros: Lightweight, budget-friendly for its class, well-ventilated

– Cons: Padding could be improved for long rides

– Best For: Riders seeking a mid-range helmet with high-end safety features.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in an Adventure Motorcycle Helmet

When selecting an adventure motorcycle helmet, consider the following:

– Safety Standards: Ensure the helmet meets DOT, ECE, or Snell certifications.

– Comfort: Look for well-padded interiors and adjustable fit systems.

– Ventilation: Essential for long-distance travel in varying weather conditions.

– Weight: Lighter helmets reduce fatigue during extended rides.

– Noise Reduction: Important for maintaining focus on the road.

– Modular Features: Great for flexibility and convenience.

Conclusion

The right adventure motorcycle helmet balances safety, comfort, and versatility. Whether you’re an experienced long-distance rider or a newcomer venturing into adventure motorcycling, choosing a helmet from this list will ensure you’re equipped with reliable protection and comfort for your journey. Prioritize your needs, budget, and riding style to find the perfect fit.

Heated Gear for Adventure Riding

by WorldCrosser Admin | Sep 22, 2017 | ADV Gear, ADV Riding Gear

When considering heated gear for you overland motorcycle trips, you need to take into consideration the type of weather you may encounter and your threshold for cold. Some rider like a full heated jacket, arms and all, while other feel that is overkill and cumbersome. Many rider opt for middle ground and use a heated vest – this is probably the most popular heated item sold for riders.

Now some of you rich fancy folk have heated grips, so no need for heated gloves for you. But some of us don’t have all those bell and whistles, so an alternative to buying and installing heated grips, you can simply get some heated glove. If you are taking this router, then you should get the full heated jacket and they “daisy” chain on to the jacket for power/heat.

If going to Alaska, you may want the whole setup- gloves, jacket, pants, socks and insoles. You can get it all but it will add up in cost.

Gerbing, Firstgear, Tour Master and Mobile Warming are some of the big names in heated riding gear, and CycleGear has their own line of heated motorcycle gear as well under the Sedici name.

Adventure Motorcycle Dry Bag you wouldn’t typically consider.

by WorldCrosser Admin | Jan 24, 2017 | ADV Camping Gear, ADV Gear, ADV Product Review, ADV Riding Gear, Adventure Tech, Explore

I needed a dry bag for an adventure motorcycle camping trip I was taking, and really liked a few bags from Twisted Throttle, Giant Loop and few others, but they all seemed pretty expensive for what they were– waterproof dry bag. So while picking up some camping supplies at Cabela’s I ran across a perfect bag that works well and was super inexpensive so I decided to share this info. It is not a motorcycle dry bag per se, it is actually a boat bag, but serves the same purpose, waterproof, easy to access, has outside mesh pocket that came in handy on my trips. I am able to strap it through the handles so that worked well. It also has a reflective logo on it, which is always a bonus when riding.

I have used it on a few trips and one trip in particular it saw a ton of rain and kept my clothes nice and dry. Overall it is a great bag and at a very reasonable price and worth consideration. If this bag had a few more straps or handles for additonals options of securing to my bike, that would have been great, but wasn’t a deal breaker and a coule bungees hold in nice and secure.

The bag I am talking about is Mustad Dry Carryall bag, they have them in a few different sizes too. I am sure they sell them in many places as they are fishing hook company that distributes to many reatilers, but overall this bag may make a great dry bag packing solution for your riding adventures.

Here is link to the “ADV” dry bag at Cabelas.

Let me know what you would like to see in an affordable dry bag for your bike. Feedback

Adventure Motorcycle Camping Jetboil Stove – Product Review

by WorldCrosser Admin | Nov 1, 2016 | ADV Camping Gear, ADV Gear

There are a lot of camping or backpacking stoves out there that work well for motorcycle travel and camping. But with a lot of options I decided on the Jetboil Cooking system for my motorcycle camping cooking needs many moons ago and I think it was a great choice.

The Jetboil Flash stove is great addition to your adventure motorcycle camping kit.

I also have the pot support accessory to use my camp pots on it too for eggs or some dehydrated camp food packs that also need to be cooked on a camp pan.

But best of all, I have the French press coffee accessory- I don’t know why but that coffee in the morning is quick and just so delicious. I even used it the one day when we had power outage in the morning but we didn’t have to do without coffee. : )

In short, the Jetboil stove cooks quick, is compact enough to fit in panniers and just works really well.

Some of my logic, when choosing a adventure camp stove: I considered getting a stove that worked of gasoline, I figured why carry propane canister when I have 6.5 gallons with my bike. But propane is cleaner fuel, it doesn’t take up much space at all and the stove was less expensive. And I like to keep the gasoline smell away from my food- they don’t go together. It depends if you are so packed that a small canister is going to make a difference, or if you won’t be able to get another if traveling for months at a time. All in all, I really like my jetboil and believe it is a necessity for camping.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your meals during your adventure motorcycle camping and traveling.

The first product link below contains the Jetboil and French Coffee Press but not the Pot Support attachment. The following link is the Pot Support if needed. FYI

Motorcycle Camping Chair – REI FlexLite Chair

by WorldCrosser Admin | Sep 29, 2016 | ADV Camping Gear, ADV Gear, ADV Product Review

Okay I wanted to buy a relatively small lightweight backpacking or hiking chair for motorcycle camping for a while now, but the lightweight chairs on the market were upwards of $100 and I just didn’t pull the trigger. But then when I was at REI before a recent motorcycle trip I saw REI’s own brand of light hiking chair – the Flex Lite chair. Only $79, which was more reasonable in price, plenty lightweight for motorcycle camping and would fit fine right in my panniers. So I bought it and took on recent ADV outing and damn was I glad I did. After a tiring day hike being able to relax in that chair by the fire was just awesome. The chair packs small, goes together easily, seems strong and solid, has a lifetime warranty, and most importantly is a comfortable nice chair that fit me well. I am 6’1″ and 200lbs. It has the simple to assemble pole technology that you see in modern backpacking tents which has the elastic rope guiding each pole to snap into place, so in short it is a great lightweight camp chair that is a snap to set up (pun intended).

I have now taken the camp chair on a few overnight motorcycle adventures and it is by far my new favorite item in my ADV and Dual-sport motorcycle camping kit. I just love! And now I’m trying to figure out how I managed without it in the past. It’s a definite keeper.

Weight: 1lb 10oz

Seat Height: 11″ off ground

Back Height: 26″

Capacity: 250lbs

Sedici Heated Vest from CycleGear Review

by WorldCrosser Admin | Jul 17, 2016 | ADV Riding Gear, ADV Gear, ADV Product Review, Adventure Tech

The Sedici “HotWired” heated vest from CycleGear is an affordable heated motorcycle vest that is worth consideration.

My experience is fair with this vest, I tried on the XL size and it seemed very short in the front. I realize when I am riding my legs will be bent bring the vest lower to abdomin, but it looked short. I am 6’1 and around 200 pounds. I then tried on the 2XL and that fit much better in length. So I bought it on sale for $99, normally $139, and it came with a “free” controller, which I think it should, but they sell it separately for $60!

Installing the connector to the bike’s battery and then plugging in the controller, was a simple task. Now it was time for testing out this baby, I used it couple times, and it worked fair but not overly impressed with the heat output, I must say. After some investigation, I realized the issue was that the vest was not tight enough up against me so I was not real snuggly and warm when it got cold late at night. There is a draw string on it to tighten bottom to stop air from getting under the vest, so I did that but it still wasn’t tight to my body and was below my expectations.

After a week or so, I went back to the CycleGear store and figured I am not a 2XL guy and would try the shorter length XL size hoping it would be a little tighter or more snug on my torso, but it seemed to be the exact same diameter or snugness, just shorter in length. So I ended up keeping the XXL size. The salesperson suggested I take it to a tailor and get the elastic sides hemmed in. Which would probably work, but I am a busy person and haven’t had the drive to investigate that yet and I wouldn’t want an internal wire in the vest to get sewed over and cut in the process rendering my new vest unusable, which would just be my luck. ; )

Don’t get me wrong, the vest is not horrible, it does the job but it definitely has room for improvement and could do the job better with better design or some straps or something to keep it snug

Also there are a few setting for temp on the controller, but I have never taken off high, as it never felt too warm for me, probably because it is not snug as I mentioned. It is on high or off for me. Maybe once I get it snug on my torso the levels of heat may come into play and I’ll update this post, but for now the heat settings are useless.

The big benefit is the vest is priced fairly, especially if you get it on sale, but all in all the Sedici Heated Vest leaves me wanting more from it.

Thanks for reading and ride safe and warm!