Touratech Aventuro Mod Helmet Review

The Touratech Aventuro Mod is a dual-sport flip-up motorcycle helmet.

It was announced along with the Schuberth E1 (review)

at the 2015 AIMExpo (Report).

The Aventuro Mod was introduced in our Touratech Aventuro Mod Preview.

This is the fourth dual-sport flip-up helmet review published on webBikeWorld.

The first helmet in this new and emerging category was the Caberg Tourmax (review) from 2013.

The Touratech Aventuro Mod is a variant of the Schuberth E1, while the Touratech Aventuro (review) is a dual-sport only version of the Nexx X.D1 (review).

The E1 is an offshoot of the Schuberth C3 Pro (review) but with added features and, of course, the dual-sport peak.

It's interesting to note that a fairly insular company like Schuberth would partner with Touratech and allow the latter to sell a helmet under their own name.

For us motorcyclists, that's good news, although spreading the cost of production over more potential units hasn't necessarily dropped the price!

The Schuberth and Touratech helmets are made in Germany, so you're going to pay a premium.

But as with the E1, the Aventuro Mod (for "modular", a term we only use for truly "modular" helmets that can change form) is a very solid-feeling flip-up helmet.

When the shell is secured, it feels as one piece, for all practical purposes, unlike all of those cheap flip-ups flooding the market.

Click image for details

Like the E1, the Aventuro Mod comes with an installed Pinlock-type anti-fog insert on a face shield and eye port that provides excellent visibility.

The easily removable peak on this helmet is better than the peak on our E1, so we'll chalk this up to production tolerance variations.

The Aventuro Mod also has the one feature missing on the E1: a real rear exhaust vent. This seems to make a big difference, as the upper ventilation on the Aventuro Mod is much better than the E1.

And the Mod also comes in a nice(r) selection of graphics than the E1. And it has a goggle strap holder, although why anyone would wear goggles with any dual-sport flip-up is beyond me. Er...it's a flip-up, remember?

So is the Aventuro Mod "better" than the E1?

Actually, the helmets are identical in form, but the Aventuro Mod has just enough extra juice to make it the winner, at least in our book.

We've said enough about the dual-sport flip-up helmet phenomenon in our previous three reviews of this helmet type.

One interesting item to note, however, is the ability of Touratech to partner with other industry-leading companies to leverage technology, put a Touratech twist on it and sell the products under the Touratech label.

For example, Touratech partnered with Ortlieb, who is most likely the world leader in waterproof luggage design, for the Touratech Adventure waterproof dry bags (review) and the Touratech Moto waterproof panniers (review).

Next, Touratech partnered with Nexx, the Portuguese helmet manufacturer, for the outstandingTouratech Aventuro dual-sport helmet (review).

And now Touratech and Schuberth have formed a relationship to create the Touratech Aventuro Mod, a version of the new Schuberth E1 (review).

All of this is as surprising as it is delightful and we're looking forward to much more.

Also, this isn't just a slap-on-a-label re-branding of existing products, because Touratech does add some of their own adventure-touring and off-road experience in modifying the gear.

And so far, it's worked, because the Touratech-flavoured products are all better than the originals!

Since the Aventuro Mod is very similar to the Schuberth E1, this review will repeat much of what has already been written, comparing and contrasting the two helmets where appropriate.

Our Touratech Aventuro Mod is the bold "Passion Red" graphic and it looks fantastic.

The helmet is also available in the same pattern in yellow/black/white "Companero"; the gray/black/white "Stone Gray"; a BMW-matching blue/black/white "Pacific Blue" and orange/white/black "Namibia Orange".

If you'd like -- and who would? -- you can also get the Mod in basic matte black. And finally, a "Vision" high-visibility yellow and black version is also available.

I've seen a few of the color choices and I can tell you it's not easy to pick a favorite. But the red, white and black Passion Red is my top choice...today, anyway!

Since the helmet is built by Schuberth in Germany, you can expect top quality and you'll get it. You're also paying for it, but what price glory?

The overall fit, finish, paint and graphics are top-notch and as we noted in the E1 review, each time we have reviewed a Schuberth helmet, the build quality improves.

All of the moving parts and the liner on the Aventuro Mod are as good as it gets and even a touch better than the E1 we reviewed, although that was one of the first off the assembly line.

Once it's locked up tight, you'd never know the Aventuro Mod was a flip-up and there is almost no flex in the shell; less, in fact, than most full-face helmets we've reviewed.

The one issue that remains, however, is that the rotating flip-up visor locking mechanism doesn't click shut with authority. You have to really push hard and fast on the outside of the chin bar to get the flip-up visor to latch and then check it to make sure.

This is something of a safety issue because the last thing you'd want is for the rotating flip-up visor to not be secured in a crash. But it's a problem we have noted on other Schuberth helmets, including the C3 Pro, the C3 DOT version, the C3 ECE version and the E1.

Schuberth is releasing three new helmets in October, so we'll see what the future will bring.

Otherwise, as with the C3, C3 Pro and E1, once the visor is locked, the E1 feels for all intents and purposes like a one-piece full-face helmet. And that's good.

Score: The Aventuro Mod has outstanding quality all around, in both design and execution.

Helmet Fit, Internal Shape and Liner

This Aventuro Mod is a size XL, which uses the larger of the Schuberth shell sizes.

Our Schuberth E1 was a size large and as we've noted for years, the C3-series with just two shell sizes to span the head size range means the sizing is non-standard.

The E1 is about one-half to one size smaller than expected for a size L, while the size XL in the C3, C3 Pro, E1 and Aventuro Mod feels about 1/2 size big for an XL.

But, the XL fits a 60 cm head better than the size L E1 fits a 60 cm head, so if you're on the borderline, go up.

Only problem? You're moving to that larger shell size with the XL, which means a bigger helmet and some added weight.

But the benefit is more comfort, a more generous fit and that extra room up top allows for better air flow over your head.

While the internal shape of the E1 felt like it was relaxed just a touch, from "Narrow" to "Neutral" in webBikeWorld parlance, the Aventuro Mod seems identical to a XL C3 Pro we still have on hand.

Bottom line: like the E1, we'll call this a "Slightly Narrow" shape that tends towards "Neutral".

Also like the E1, the liner quality and the way it has been fitted is much improved over the C3 and C3 Pro, which had bits of the liner sticking out here and there, not up to par in a helmet this expensive.

There's none of that "I can feel the EPS" sensation that can be felt in the C3-series. The Aventuro Mod is comfortable with no hard points inside, so it's possible that the padding is thicker or has been redesigned.

The marketing documentation for the E1 states:

"A special inner lining of the E1 has been developed according to the innovative Comfort Fit concept. It ensures that the helmet fits comfortably and securely in all situations.

The combination of carefully selected COOLMAX and Thermocool materials and the additional use of Interpower coatings also make the inner lining a highly effective moisture removal and cooling system."

Note that Touratech's size chart (above) for the Aventuro Mod differs very slightly from the Schuberth size chart for the E1.

Note also that Scorpion uses three shell sizes for the new AT950 dual-sport flip-up (review), which has a list price of just $269.95. Enough said.

Bottom line: As with the E1, the Aventuro Mod has a "Slightly Narrow" to "Neutral" internal shape.

More information on helmet fit can be found in the webBikeWorld Motorcycle Helmet FAQ page.

Also reference the chart that lists the helmet weights of webBikeWorld reviewed helmets and also by shape on the webBikeWorld Motorcycle Helmet Shapes page.

Score: The Aventuro Mod gets an "Outstanding" rating for fit and comfort. See the helmet rating scale in the summary table below.

The entire top vent slides rearward to open and provides good air flow.

The Aventuro Mod has the same face shield system as the E1 and it's attached using the special retaining system that also attaches the peak.

The Mod comes with a pair of round disks in the box that can be fitted to the sides if the peak is removed and you want to wear the helmet without it.

The "dial" disks that are used to attach the peak are designed to remain with the peak when it's removed, which is good because you won't lose them. But the disks used to attach the face shield if you want to ride with the peak removed are separate, so don't lose them!

The eye port provides excellent visibility with nearly unlimited horizontal sight lines. You have to really bend your eyes to either side to see the edge of the eye port at the shell.

Vertical sight planes are very good also and the optical quality of the face shield is outstanding. It measured 2.08 mm thick on the E1 and 2.14 mm on the Aventuro Mod.

You can actually see the difference in the quality of these face shields -- they appear to be "crystal" rather than "plastic" like they are on lesser helmets.

The face shield also includes the Schuberth "turbulators" along the top which are designed to help break up the air stream and improve aerodynamics.

The face shield also has dual lift tabs, one on each side and it locks via a friction tab in the center bottom.

This face shield has slightly soft detents, but there's a special rest just above the locking tab for a defogging position and then the face shield can be lifted to the first detent for use behind a windscreen.

The face shield seals tightly across the gasket along the top of the brow, which means it passes the webBikeWorld water ingress test (we tried it).

The internal sun visor operates with a slider on the lower left of the helmet shell. The sun visor provides outstanding coverage with the same high-quality optics as the clear face shield. Both are available in an assortment of tints, by the way.

The internal sun visor can also be stopped in an intermediate position, another plus.

The Aventuro Mod face shield has a Schuberth anti-fog insert installed from the factory. That's a nice touch and for some reason, neither of us noticed the Pinlock in the Aventuro Mod, while in the E1 the outer edges of the Pinlock are visible in our line of sight.

Part of the definition of a dual-sport helmet is the peak.

The peak on the Aventuro Mod is easily removable by a quarter-twist of the attachment disks. And it has a nice trick: it adjusts to one of 3 positions (low, mid and high) and locks in position via levers on either side. This is actually very useful.

In the lowest and middle positions, the peak does an excellent job of blocking the overhead sun and, in fact, that is its most effect and primary purpose.

For some reason, the peak on the Aventuro Mod feels more solid than it did on the E1. We have experienced no buffeting or vibrating at all with the Aventuro Mod peak, unlike the peak on the E1.

It's possible that this is due to the larger shell of the XL size Mod or perhaps the different shape in the upper rear of the helmet, with the exhaust vents and small spoilers on the Aventuro Mod that are not used on the E1?

Score: The Aventuro Mod rates an "Excellent" for the design and operation of the face shield and sun visor.

Both the E1 and the Aventuro Mod use the same chin vent and top vent system.

The top section of the chin vent opens with the rocker moving the top of the vent open but not facing directly into the air stream.

The new bottom section of the dual chin vent is a large off-road style vent with a slider in the center. It moves air directly through the chin bar and then through a foam filter that is easily removable on the inside of the chin bar.

This provides excellent ventilation and it's very easy to use. Again, for some strange reason possibly due to the larger shell size, the XL Aventuro Mod has better chin ventilation than the E1 even when riding behind a windscreen.

The top vent uses a large sliding wedge-shaped section that moves through two detents.

It seems slippery when moving it by hand but a leather glove has better traction, although it might be a good idea to have some knurling or something on the top of the large slider.

We'd rate the air flow through the top vent of the Aventuro Mod as excellent to outstanding -- and better than the E1.

Again, this is either due to the larger shell size, which provides more room inside at the top than the smaller E1, or the addition of the rear exhaust vent system on the Aventuro Mod that the E1 doesn't have (see next section).

Also as with the C3, C3 Pro and E1 -- remember to fold the two flaps inside so they are not blocking the vent holes!

Many owners don't realize that Schuberth adds these flaps on the inside to cover the holes in the default position for winter use.

The Aventuro Mod has a "real" rear exhaust system, unlike the E1. This is the major difference between the two helmets and it does seem to make a difference also in the amount of air flowing through the top of the helmet.

This is especially noticeable when riding behind a windscreen, as you would on any of the modern adventure-touring bikes.

When the air coming off the windscreen hits the top of the E1, you don't feel much coming through the top vent. But with the Aventuro Mod, the air flows right through and it's a noticeable difference.

In fact, this changes our rating for the Aventuro Mod from "Above Average" for upper ventilation to "Outstanding".

Score: The Aventuro Mod gets an "Outstanding" rating for ventilation.

The neck roll of the E1 and the Aventuro Mod are designed for use with the Schuberth SRC Bluetooth intercom (review) system, made by Cardo for Schuberth.

Both helmets have an antenna installed in the shell, ready for the SRC system, which has a list price of $399.00.

Note that not all of the Schuberth SRC systems will pair with other brands of intercoms, so check this first. You can install other brands of intercom systems on the E1 and Mod but you won't be able to use the internal E1 antenna.

Like the Schuberth E1, the Aventuro Mod isn't as quiet in as many varied conditions as we'd hoped, but neither is the C3 or C3 Pro. The Aventuro Mod does not have the vibration and wind noise we noticed on the E1, however, which helps.

Also like the E1, if your windscreen does not direct the air stream at the top of the helmet, then the noise levels decrease quite a bit.

In the open air -- as on an unfaired motorcycle -- the Aventuro Mod is slightly quieter than average.

Overall, the noise levels in the Mod seem more controlled than most flip-up helmets and when you're riding behind a big windscreen, the Mod is very quiet.

Note that our helmet evaluations are a combined effort of several riders over time on different types of motorcycles with and without windscreens.

Evaluators wear correctly fitted, high quality ear plugs (even when evaluating motorcycle intercom systems).

Always protect your hearing when riding a motorcycle. See the wBW Earplug Reviews for more information on choosing and wearing earplugs.

Note also that perceived noise levels will vary, depending on the individual.

Noise can be caused by many factors, including helmet fit, the type of motorcycle and windscreen, wind speed and direction and even the rider's clothing.

For more information on helmet noise, visit the wBW Motorcycle Helmet Noise page.

Score: We'll give the Aventuro Mod an "Excellent" rating for noise control.

The Aventuro Mod in size XL weighs 1986 grams (4 lbs., 6 oz.). There's no getting around the fact that it's a heavy helmet.

The E1 in size large weighs 1803 grams (3 lbs., 15-5/8 oz.), which is also heavy.

The Schuberth C3 (review) in size XL weighed 1709 grams and the Schuberth C3 (review) in size L weighed 1692 grams.

Our Schuberth C3 Pro (review) in size XL was heavier, at 1798 grams.

The upside is that with the better fit (for us) of the size XL, the helmet doesn't feel as heavy as the scale indicates. The only time we really notice the weight is walking around in the garage with the rotating flip-up visor raised. Move your head back and forth and you can really feel it.

All of these weights for full-face, flip-up and open-face helmets are available on the wBWMotorcycle Helmet Weights page.

Also see the chart that lists the helmets by weight and shape on the wBW Motorcycle Helmet Shapes page.

Score: The Aventuro Mod gets a "Neutral" rating for its weight but with excellent balance.

  Goggles Strap Holder

The other main difference between the E1 and the Aventuro Mod is that the latter has a goggle strap in the rear, which is not available on the E1.

But think about it: this is a flip-up helmet. Do you really want to wear goggles? Also, the eye port design is not conducive to fitting a goggle strap.

Goggles are nice and they have a specific usage...on an off-road helmet. Hard-core dual-sporters will take that route.

The Aventuro Mod has the "quick release" micro-adjust style chin strap buckle fitted by Schuberth that's typically thick, but for some reason once more, it's more comfortable on the Aventuro Mod and the chin strap padding is more than adequate.

Note also that all of the Schuberth C3-series helmets -- including the E1 and Aventuro Mod -- have very thick liners around the ears, which affects the maximum volume of any intercom system you may have fitted.

The Aventuro Mod meets the DOT standard in the U.S. and the ECE standard in Europe. It has a five year warranty in the U.S. and 2 years in Germany.

  Conclusion

The Touratech Aventuro Mod has just enough of a difference to make it our choice over the E1.

We like the color and graphic choices better and the rear exhaust vents seem to make a difference.

The size XL may have something to do with it, despite the added weight.

Like the E1, remember that this helmet is biased more towards casual adventuring rather than real off-roading.

The price is still pretty stiff at $829.00 for the solid colors and $889.00 for the graphics, but you're buying the most solidly built flip-up motorcycle helmets available today.

From "L.B." (July 2016): "I wanted to comment on your TT Aventuro Mod review with a sizing note.

Last year I had ordered the TT Aventuro Carbon in size XS but it fit a tiny bit big and I was afraid it would be too big after break-in so I returned it.

 Its size XS fit very similarly to my previous Shoei Hornet (original) in size S which, after wearing a couple years or so, had gotten too big.

This year I ordered the TT Aventuro Mod in size XS and, due to its different shape, I had to return it.

That size developed “ice pick” sore points on my forehead and the back of my head; when I called TT, they said the Carbon was more long-shaped and its lining would break-in more and the Mod more round-shaped.

I went up to a size S and it fits fine -- no more pressure points yay!

I would’ve preferred the Carbon due to its much, MUCH, lighter weight but helmet fitment trumps weight. As your review says, the weight is most noticeable with the modular part lifted while you tilt your head.

With my previous Shoei, I always wore goggles. Since the TT Mod has the drop down sunglass shield, I tried clear safety glasses with a foam gasket and that combo works really well.

On the Carbon I also liked the included Quik Strap option. I think Quik Straps would be the only convenient way to use goggles on the Mod.

I ride forest roads and jeep trails, not hard core off-road single track, but I still like having the face shield of a dual-sport helmet for cold temps or rainy weather on the pavement linking the dirt.

I wore a true off-road helmet in Baja which wasn’t fun in the rain.

I hope this might be useful. Thanks for all of the reviews that you do!"

  Credit by www.webbikeworld.com