AGV Tourmodular Helmet & Insyde BT Comm System Overview

Introduction

Modular helmets are lids that you simply both love or hate, really feel you’re too younger to put on, or are too cool for varsity. I felt the identical in my twenties, just because they didn’t exist again then. As my second modular lid, the Tourmodular is healthier in nearly each manner than my Nolan N100-5. Quiet, comfy, and comparatively light-weight. I really feel it’s inexpensive with an equal-quality various to Shoei or Schubert flip lids.

I must admit one thing initially of this overview. I are usually a jacket, hand instruments, and helmet junkie. Regardless that I’m a one-bike-at-a-time proprietor, that monogamist trait ends with my motorbike possession. Earlier than the AGV Tourmodular (ATM from this level ahead) I wore a Nolan N100-5 modular helmet, which was my first modular lid. My buddy Jim who reviewed that lid instructed it to me. I attempted on Shubert and Shoei Modulars, however they simply didn’t match me effectively. Plus with solely two shell sizes they made my head look ginormous though I solely put on a medium. Though the N100-5 match me effectively, I discovered it too noisy for me. Nolan additionally solely makes use of two shell sizes, but it surely didn’t seem like I had a melon head.

Earlier than the Nolan, I owned and wore an Arai XD4, an Arai Quantum II, Bell MX-9 Journey, Reevu MSX1, and a Suomy Vandal. The ATM crammed all of the gaps I found in my Nolan; it’s quiet, extra comfy, flows extra air and the drop-down solar protect will not be choosy just like the Nolan. And my gosh the peripheral imaginative and prescient on the ATM is sort of superb. Eradicating and reinstalling the face protect is simpler than some other helmet I’ve owned.

The AGV Insyde comm system (IS) which I’m additionally reviewing right here is made particularly for the ATM by Cardo. I desire Cardo over Sena, however everybody has their most popular comm system. The Insyde system works with Sena as effectively for bike-to-bike communication, however solely in Bluetooth mode.  I even have the Cardo Packtalk Edge so it made sense for me to buy the Insyde system.

AGV Tourmodular Specs

• Massive 190-degree horizontal viewport
• Tri-composite shell, carbon/aramid (Kevlar)/fibreglass
• 5-density EPS liner
• Three outer shell sizes
• Helmet sides are designed to scale back clavicle fractures
• Pinlock 120 included with helmet
• ECE 22.06 licensed
• Addition of an anti-roll strap stopping the helmet from rotating off the pinnacle via ahead movement. A part of essentially the most present ECE 22.06 certification
• Accepts an built-in Bluetooth MESH system, AGV Insyde unit made by Cardo
• Metallic micrometric chin fastener
• Included solar visor
• Class One optically appropriate face protect (scores vary from 1 to three, 1 being the very best optical score)
• Ritmo and Shalamar material liners are detachable and washable
• The AGV Tourmodular has been wind tunnel examined
• P/J is licensed as a closed or open-face helmet when locked in place
• The face protect has a locked air consumption place utilizing a push-button engagement
• Chinbar launch is pull down lever moderately than a push button mechanism
• Three chin bar vents, every one stage; opened or closed
• Inner padding accommodates sporting glasses

The AGV Tourmodular Helmet

Let’s begin with the apparent, what the helmet seems to be like earlier than shoving your noggin into it. I bought the Frequency Matt Gunmetal-Crimson graphic helmet in dimension medium. I’ve a spherical head moderately than an oval form. Arai helmets match me like a glove, Shoei’s not a lot. Hope that helps you together with your head form. I really like the look of the helmet and really feel it matches my bike, a 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4S Sport.

The Modular Half

After all, the portion of the ATM that makes it modular is the chin bar that each raises and lowers. I do know that my sub-50-year-old driving friends give me grief about sporting ‘an previous man’s lid’ however I see envy of their eyes once we cease to seize some water and I don’t must take away my crown. I merely elevate the lid! So I’ll give attention to that facet of the ATM proper now.

One of many issues that gave me only a little bit of doubt in regards to the N100-5 was the power to flex the helmet when the chin bar was within the raised place. Not so much, however sufficient to make me marvel only a bit how stable the helmet can be in a crash. I’ve solely crashed in my Arai Quantum IIs so I’m fairly delicate about sporting nice gear. In contrast to my N100-5, the ATM aspect panels don’t flex almost as a lot when the chin bar is raised. I consider this as a result of the ATM’s shell layers comprise three completely different supplies, carbon fiber, aramid, and fiberglass. The N100-5’s shell consists of polycarbonate. When twisting or squeezing the aspect panels when the chin bar is raised produces a considerably much less quantity of flex within the ATM.

The engagement clamps on both sides of the chin bar together with the attachment studs on both aspect are each beefy and have interaction in a really optimistic method with a really satisfying CLICK when the chin bar is lowered. The precise gadget that permits the chin bar to disengage from the studs is a lever, not a button. The lever pulls down away from the chin bar and will not be a button that’s pressed. It’s a safe technique to elevate the chin bar and will be accomplished simply with a gloved hand, with both my summer season Knox Handroid Pod Mark IV Gloves or winter KLIM Hardanger HTD Lengthy Gloves.

Chin Strap

As with most of the newer modular helmets, the ATM sports activities a quick-release slider strap. The ratcheted slider portion is fabricated from metallic, not plastic. It engages in a really optimistic method alongside all the ratchet size. The small pull tab positioned on the alternative aspect makes releasing the chin strap very handy.

A part of the brand new ECE 22.06 regulation specifies that the neck strap prevents the rolling of the helmet off the pinnacle because it rotates ahead. The ATM has an extra strap hooked up to the chin strap that can also be hooked up to the rear of the helmet on both sides.

Chin Curtain

The ATM comes with a chin curtain that’s not pre-installed. On my Nolan, I loved the chin curtain, however on the ATM I don’t. The first cause is the curtain is totally flat and doesn’t have a curve that conforms to my chin. When the chin bar is lowered, the curtain hangs on my chin simply above the decrease curve. So I’ve to wedge my finger in there, which is all the time gloved, and pry the curtain down so it’s below my chin.

I eliminated the chin curtain and didn’t discover any extra noise or wind coming into the decrease portion of the helmet than with it put in. YMMV.

Face Defend and Pinlock 120

As I discussed earlier, the face protect is a Stage 1 rated for optical readability and I’ve discovered it to be extraordinarily clear. Extra clear than any of the opposite shields on my different helmets. The included Pinlock 120 spans a really giant space of the protect when put in

That is the primary helmet I’ve owned the place the face protect mechanism is positioned within the protect and fabricated from metallic. I discover it extraordinarily straightforward to take away and reinstall it into the helmet. Merely urgent the metallic tab on the face protect down releases it from the mating helmet aspect.

Reinstalling the face protect is simply accomplished in reverse. Straightforward. I did run into a difficulty on the left aspect of the ATM. The small metallic ring that resides within the helmet fell out. After analyzing the best aspect it seems that a small plastic tab that retains this ring on the helmet was lacking. I merely reinstalled the ring and will probably be cautious when eradicating the left aspect in order to not lose this ring.

I’ve written to the retailer who bought me the helmet and so they requested the next pictures which they’d ahead to AGV; entrance, again, and either side of the helmet, together with the serial quantity positioned on the chin strap. As of the publication of this text, I’ve not heard again from them or AGV. One other web site that reviewed the ATM additionally had this similar subject.

That is the primary face protect I’ve owned the place the protect is locked into a really barely cracked open place. It permits a stream of air to enter the ATM which is welcome on sizzling days when driving at excessive speeds. A small button positioned just under the face protect releases it from being locked in place. Absolutely urgent the protect down creates an especially tight seal.

Urgent the face protect launch button and concurrently lifting the face protect simply accomplishes elevating it with one finger.

It’s additionally very cool that for the locking ‘cracked open’ place, you possibly can modify the quantity of ‘crack’ you need….

Though I didn’t {photograph} this, I did check the waterproof nature of the utterly closed face protect and no water penetrated the seal across the face protect. No wind enters at excessive speeds. For the reason that seals across the face protect are made with rubber and never PVC, I consider this contributes to the tight seal.

AGV says they examined the ATM in a wind tunnel leading to zero elevate at 80 MPH. As a result of my bike has an adjustable windscreen I can not say firsthand how the helmet performs with no wind safety. I can say that the helmet reveals no elevate in any way as I trip. And at speeds effectively above 80 when my bike Pleasure had a thoughts of her personal. She’s made it clear on just a few events that she needs triplets….

Drop-Down Solar Visor

One of many advantages of a modular helmet is that the majority if not all include a drop-down solar shade. Aside from a Transitions face protect, I discover these options beneficial. Up to now, I carried each a smoked and clear protect when touring. Merely having the ability to slide a solar protect down when wanted is so handy. The ATM’s slider for the drop-down solar shade is positioned on the left aspect of the helmet on its decrease edge. It has a really optimistic sliding mechanism with the power to slip down or as much as any place. It solely locks within the full down or up positions. The solar protect lowers fairly a bit into the helmet. So it affords an excellent quantity of solar safety. My solely want can be if it was fog resistant, however that’s frequent with most if not all drop down shades.

Inside Upholstery

Of all of the helmets I’ve owned over time, the Arai’s have constantly had essentially the most comfy lining and padding. Having mentioned that, the ATM is a really shut second. All lining is detachable and washable. The material upholstery is extraordinarily tender as is the padding. The ATM liners are each detachable and washable. The ATM makes use of Ritmo and Shalamar materials – smoother for the cheek pads and the opposite with a brushed knap in your noggin. For somebody with none hair, it felt nice, no chaffing or ‘that not-so-fresh feeling.’

The materials wick moisture effectively. They’ve put in a plastic-bottomed neck roll, which stops the padding from absorbing water once you trip within the rain. The piping is mild reflective as effectively.

I had talked about that the cheek pads set up through a really intelligent ‘rail system’ the place channels are constructed into the inside of the ATM the place yellow rails slide into them for the cheek pads. There are 4 snaps towards the entrance of the cheek pads which safe them additional. I discovered that eradicating and reinstalling the cheek pads was a lot simpler than my different lids.

Air flow

The ATM has two major and two auxiliary vents; one major on the chin with the 2 auxiliary vents on both sides of the first chin vent. The first one is a straightforward press to open or shut, simply accomplished with a gloved hand. The 2 aspect chin vents are pushed outward to open and towards the middle of the chin to shut. I take advantage of one hand to each open and shut these vents by merely pinching them along with my thumb and forefinger. Or spreading them to shut the vents very like pinching on a cellphone display screen. Straightforward and the quantity of air that flows via the chin vents is well-circulated and doesn’t blow into my eyes.

If I would like much more venting, merely leaving the locking face protect up, simply cracked works effectively too.

The opposite essential vent is positioned on the crown of the pinnacle. It is usually an easy-to-manipulate button that slides ahead or backward to open or shut the vent. And identical to the chin vent, it’s straightforward to function with a gloved hand. The rear exhaust vents on the ATM stay open and can’t be closed. The quantity of air flowing via the helmet on a heat to sizzling day simply cools my shaved head.

Up to now, the warmest ambient temperature I’ve ridden in was 89 levels Fahrenheit. And all through the trip, my head remained cool with loads of air flowing via the lid.

Driving with the Tourmodular

Now that I’ve gone over all the technical parts of this lid, let me inform you the way it feels as I trip. As I discussed earlier than, that is my second modular lid. The match of my Arai head (spherical greater than oval) is nice. No sizzling spots, and no strain factors after the cheek pad broke into my face. I did have to regulate the chin strap to offer me extra slack in order that the ratchet is ⅔’s inserted into the buckle. I used to be amazed that the noise degree of the ATM is decrease than my Arai XD4, at about the identical degree as my Arai Quantum II which is my track-only lid. I now not must put on my Vibes Excessive-Constancy Earplugs for avenue driving.

The air flow of the lid can also be wonderful. YMMV as a result of I put on a no-hair hairdo, a shaved head. The distinction although is when my head sweats there isn’t any hair to soak up the moisture, so the liner of any lid is vital to us chrome domes. The ATM’s moisture absorption is great and doesn’t odor funky and when it will definitely does, it’s washable. Simply as vital is when it’s chilly. Even the stubble that grows on my head helps insulate my scalp from the chilly. Throughout very chilly months, I keep away from doing a clear shave on my head so I’ve ‘some’ insulation. I generally put on a silk cranium cap to copy hair insulation. On solely the coldest of days/nights do I discover I would like that cap when the highest vent is closed.

The drop-down solar visor, the primary face protect, and the modular chin guard all operate flawlessly. The one bitch I do have is with the P/J lever that locks the chin bar within the up place securing it for ECE certification.

To start with the lever is on the right-hand aspect of the ATM, so even when I might flip the lever ahead or backward, I couldn’t accomplish that whereas driving. And the lever is so stiff that I must take away the ATM, use a flat-end screwdriver, or one thing just like transfer the lever again or forth. I solely trip with the chin bar up as soon as I get into city anyway. I’ve no plans to trip with out the chin bar a lot since I’ve had eight concussions in my life. 5 from two-wheelers and three from fights….

Insyde Cardo Communication System

AGV has partnered with Cardo for his or her Tourmodular helmet communication system. I’ve used the Cardo Packtalk Edge and have been very pleased with its efficiency. For the reason that Insyde is a Packtalk unit that doesn’t grasp exterior the helmet just like the Edge, I felt it was an excellent choice for the ATM.

Earlier than buying my first bike-to-bike communication system, the Cardo Packtalk Edge, I had by no means owned a comm system. Jim Pruner, the person who did the overview is somebody I respect. I obtained to satisfy with him IRL lately. Having a comm unit that could be very effectively built-in into my ATM is one thing that I desire. Sure, the Cardo Packtalk Edge matches effectively into my Arai XD4 and did match into my Nolan N100-5, however the Insyde was designed only for the ATM. It comprises all the similar options because the Edge, and my private favourite is the pure voice instructions.

Putting in the Insyde into the ATM

I’m not going to cowl all the directions in regards to the Insyde (IS) comm unit. Here’s a hyperlink to a downloadable PDF that’s the full AGV Insyde Consumer Information. It’ll obtain to your laptop. I’ll go over just a few of the issues to know when putting in the unit. Listed below are the gadgets included with the IS for the ATM.

The principle part is the management panel that’s hooked up to the battery and USB Mini (Ew AGV, actually!?) for charging. A increase mic and audio system together with velcro patches and spacers if wanted.

The again plate have to be eliminated together with the left aspect cowl. Each then home the management panel and battery compartment. Once more, that is all coated intimately within the PDF hyperlink I’ve hooked up above.

See additionally

As you possibly can see from the pictures the combination of the comm unit into the ATM is effectively accomplished with a really low profile. Inserting the audio system and increase mic could be very straightforward as effectively. The speaker pockets are well-located and provide most readability and distortion-free quantity. I used the velcro spacers which positioned the audio system nearer to my ears. Everyone seems to be completely different and I discovered it greatest to experiment with the speaker distance.

The increase mike has a devoted mounting socket positioned contained in the ATM. It’s a bit factor, however the mounting level reduces or eliminates the possibility of the wire twisting as you twist the increase to regulate the mic’s orientation.

The mic itself has a yellow triangle that ought to face your mouth. It’s little particulars like these that impress me with the IS system.

The Insyde System Works Effectively

I don’t trip in giant teams so I can not communicate firsthand if 15 riders utilizing the DMC MESH system work inside the rated distance. Probably the most I’ve had in a bunch had been three riders, all utilizing Cardo techniques and the system labored effectively. When one of many riders dropped out of the group, when he got here again inside vary he seamlessly rejoined the group. I got here to understand the pure voice instructions with my Edge unit and it really works effectively with the IS EXCEPT for the instructions “Hey Cardo, Music On/or Off” For some cause these two instructions are spotty.

I discover if I’ve the ATM chin bar up, it acknowledges these instructions. I’ve tried to maneuver the mic round when the chin bar is lowered, but it surely’s hit and miss. No concept why. All different instructions are spot on. The opposite factor I dislike is using a USB Mini port for charging. USB C is my most popular connection and I’m undecided why AGV/Cardo selected to make use of an older format USB plug.

Ultimately, I like each the ATM and built-in IS system. I don’t fear about remembering to take away the Cardo Edge from the aspect of my helmet if I depart the lid on my bike to seize a espresso.

Insyde Comm System Professionals

• Included into the helmet design. The unit doesn’t protrude like different models
• Made by Cardo techniques
• Incorporates Cardo pure voice instructions
• Audio system are of upper constancy than others
• The increase mic is securely fixed to the ATM
• Battery life is great, 10 hours

Insyde Comm System Cons

• Insyde voice command doesn’t constantly acknowledge “Hey Cardo, music on/off”
• Use of micro USB charging port as a substitute of present USB/C on Insyd system

LidLox – A Good Addition To Any Helmet

I needed to throw in a overview on Lidlox which I’ve mounted on my Ducati Multistrada V4S Sport. The bike has baggage and I bought the optionally available prime field so once I”m going to be away from my bike for a time for issues like lunch, I retailer my lid within the baggage.

But when I’m merely going to take a leak, seize some espresso, or a snack and I’m in an space I do know effectively, I lock my helmet on the bike. I put my lid over my left mirror and lock it to the bike utilizing the Lidlox. Here’s a video of the proprietor/founding father of Lidlox putting in the unit on a motorbike. I’ve a tender spot for small enterprise homeowners since I’m one as effectively. Helps when the product is an effective one too.

As a result of I’ve helmets with D rings and the ratcheting slider attachment I’m pleased that each varieties are contemplated on this lock.

Right here I’ve locked my Arai with D rings and my AGV helmet utilizing his equipped slider bar.

There will probably be people who state they take their lids with them all the time. Others will like to inform me how somebody will/has lower the chin strap stealing their lid. I get that, I do. Heck if somebody needs to interrupt into my bike’s baggage to get my stuff they’ll. In the event that they need to steal my bike, they’ll. In the event that they need to overcome the Secret Service and JFK’s element….everyone knows something will be defeated. I discover that for low-risk areas the place I’ve my bike in sight, I’m pleased to make use of the Lidlox.

If you happen to’re excited about choosing up a LidLox in your personal helmet, you could find extra info beneath.

Conclusion

As has grow to be evident, I like this lid. I attempted on each the Shoei Neotec and the Schuberth flip lids. Neither of them match me effectively and since each solely provide two shell sizes their lids made me seem like a bobblehead doll. The mix of three shell sizes, the match and luxury of my spherical head, the quietness of the helmet, and the optimistic options I discussed above, makes this the best flip lid for me. An important facet of any helmet is the safety it affords in a crash. I do know firsthand simply how vital that’s. Primarily based on the supplies used within the ATM and my very own examination of its high quality, I made the best alternative for me.

AGV Tourmodular Helmet Specs

• Producer: AGV
• Value: (When Examined) $599.00-$659.95
• Colours: (please word, not all colours can be found in all international locations) Black, Matt Black, Galassia Blue, Gray Matt, Stelvio White, Frequency Matt Gunmetal-Crimson (as examined), Steadiness White-Gray-Crimson, Steadiness Matt Black-Yellow Fluo-Gray
• Sizes: XS, S, M (as examined), L, XL, XXL
• Overview Interval: March 2023
• Weight: Medium with Pinlock and Insyde communications system put in, 3.97lb
• Purchase right here: AGV / Amazon

AGV/Cardo Insyde Comms System Specs

• Producer: AGV
• Value: (When Examined) $329.95-$344.95
• Overview Interval: April 2023

Purchase right here: AGV