Arai RX-7V EVO and Tour-X5 – new look and new features for a new benchmark
Arai have released the new RX-7V EVO road helmet and a redesigned Tour-X5 adventure touring helmet. Available now, both helmets meet new safety standards, incorporate cool new features and are available in a range of colour and graphic options.
RX-7V EVO
The product of Arai’s seven decades of experience in helmet design and construction, the RX-7V EVO sets a new benchmark. While it looks like the old RX-7V, the EVO applies more of Arai’s race-honed R&D, creating a new flagship in road helmet design.
Key features on the RX-7V EVO:
- Meets more stringent ECE R22-06 safety standards
- Increased airflow, bigger vent switches
- Improved aerodynamic performance
- Side air channels minimise visor fogging
- Enabled for intercom systems
The PB-SNC2 composite outer shell maximises stability and strength while keeping weight down to 1.62kg. The shell shape minimises impact energy – what Arai call ‘Glancing Off’ performance – by being rounder and smoother than many other helmet designs.
Ventilation, via a centre top vent (providing 11% more airflow than the RX-7V), Arai-exclusive adjustable brow vents and a three-position adjustable chin vent maximise airflow. These are aided by side and neck exhausts, plus a removable chin cover. There’s also the ‘Air Wing’, larger intake scoops and a 20mm longer diffuser that improves helmet aerodynamics at speed. A Diffuser Extension-X2 rear spoiler is optional.
A ‘VAS MAX Vision’ visor provides better visibility in all types of riding conditions and is set up to take a Pinlock anti-fog insert. A visor latch lever and PRO Shade System are optional.
Inside, the RX-7V features Arai’s Facial Contour System that incorporates foam springs in the cheek pads to provide support without excess pressure. Along with peel-away cheek and temple pads, this ensures the best possible fit. Pockets for speakers are built in, too.
Antimicrobial lining material is attached to softer liner frame material for a more comfortable fit. The lining, cheek pads, chinstrap coves and neck roll are all removable, washable and replaceable.
New graphic options arriving with the RX-7V EVO include Blade Red and Blade Yellow - both designed by Aldo Drudi of Drudi Performance (Valentino Rossi’s helmet designer). Blade Red features a blue-to-red “torn” stripe on a white base that is reminiscent of Mick Doohan’s famous Arai helmet designs. Blade Yellow is similar, but has a yellow-to-green stripe on a black base. ‘RSW’ and ‘Samurai’ graphic styles are also available, plus white, gloss black and matt black solid colours.
Racer replica options include a new ‘Pedrosa Shogun’ design, inspired by the Little Samurai himself, Dani Pedrosa. This joins a wide variety of other racer replica and tribute designs, from Doohan, Vinales, Schwantz and Hayden to Nakagami, Rea, Haga and new Moto2 World Champ, Ai Ogura.
The Arai RX-7V EVO is available now, in XS-XXXL sizes, priced from $1,249.95 RRP.
See more details HERE.
Tour-X5
Replacing the Tour-X4, Arai’s Tour-X5 incorporates a much more efficient ventilation system, so it’s essentially an all-new helmet. It still retains the proven safety, strength and comfort features that have made the Tour series a favourite with adventure tourers and off-road riders.
Key features on the Tour-X5:
- Meets more stringent ECE R22-06 safety standards
- New, more efficient ventilation
- Peak improves airflow, reduces lift
- Includes VAS-A Max Vision visor
- Wider base opening
Similar to the RX-7V, the Tour-X5 uses composite laminate construction (PB-clc2, specifically) that maximises stability and strength while keeping weight down, although it’s fractionally heavier at 1.67kg. The rounder shell shape has the same ‘Glancing Off’ performance to offer better protection in an impact, too.
The visor is Pinlock-enabled and now features the VAS-A (Variable Axis System) that allows for faster and easier visor changes without tools. A continuous curve to the visor provides a larger and clearer field of view than previously. VAS also lowers the visor mounting position, allowing the Tour-X5’s shell shape to be further optimised.
The all-new ventilation system combines a top vent and chin vent with the 3D ‘logo duct’ (an Arai first) above the eyeport for three points of air intake. Easily opened/closed with gloves on, the logo duct provides 40% more airflow at 50km/h – ideal for slow-speed adventure riding. The Tour-X5’s distinctive peak enhances this airflow, while also reducing lift at higher speeds.
Inside, the Tour-X5 features Arai’s Facial Contour System that uses foam springs in the cheek pads to provide support without excess pressure on the face. Combined with peel-away cheek and temple pads, this ensures the best possible fit. Pockets for speakers are built in and the Tour-X5 is enabled for adding in-helmet communication systems.
Antimicrobial lining material is attached to a softer liner frame material for comfort. The lining, cheek pads, chinstrap covers and neck roll are all washable and replaceable.
The Tour-X5 also features a wider base, a neckroll wire pocket and an Emergency Release System.
Graphics for the new Tour-X5 include ‘Discovery’ in White, Red, Orange or Blue, and ‘Trail’ (pictured) in Yellow. Solid colours include white, Frost Black and Eagle Grey.
The Arai Tour-X5 is available now, in XS-XL sizes (for most graphics and solid colours), priced from $1,199.95 RRP.
See more details HERE.
