The AGV Tourmodular helmet makes a statement about its protective performance by earning DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 certification (homologation Protective/Jet)—the latest iteration of one of the most rigorous helmet performance standards. To achieve that, AGV uses a combination of carbon and aramid fibers in addition to fiberglass in the shell construction in a collarbone-safe configuration offering three outer shell sizes, with an impact-absorbing interior made of five-density expanded polystyrene (EPS).
The Pinlock-ready faceshield is 4mm thick—nearly twice as thick as most comparable shields. The faceshield on the Tourmodular helmet is Optical Class 1, which is the same quality as prescription lenses, according to AGV. The shield and chinbar hinge mechanisms are metal, as are the chinbar locking pins and the ratchet-style quick-release chinstrap buckle mechanism.
The standard clear faceshield has five detent positions, including fully locked down and fully open, and it stays put in any position you select. There is a unique lock at the mid-point of the bottom of the shield that means business. It has two engaged positions—fully locked down against the neoprene gasket around the eye port and a “demist” position that is slightly open. The faceshield unlocks with a push-button on the chinbar directly beneath the substantial lift tab at the shield’s center. There are five external shield options, including some reflective finishes.
Mastering the AGV Tourmodular helmet faceshield system operation takes time, as the push-button must be depressed to unlock the shield from both positions. The button must be held down while the shield is being moved, which requires some manual dexterity. However, with practice, using the thumb and forefinger, the faceshield can be unlocked with gloves on.
The standard internal sunshield has a moderate gray tint. It raises and lowers crisply with a slide-type control at the bottom edge of the shell on the left side. It has enough sliding resistance to allow the sunshield to be positioned at any point between the raised and fully lowered positions. A small plastic tool is provided to aid in removing the sunshield; various tint options are available for the AGV Tourmodular helmet.
Airflow is facilitated by three closable chinbar vents, and a closable crown vent. Air courses through the interior via 16 channels to a single non-closable rear extractor. The system is remarkably inobtrusive as it gulps in a lot of air and provides effective cooling. The low-profile crown vent is a particularly pleasant surprise—the shutter works easily with gloves on, despite seeming small at first. That said, air flows readily, funneled in by the wide scoop intake, and disperses widely inside the AGV Tourmodular helmet.
The interior liner is sculpted and plush for comfort, even on long rides. The cheek pads are upholstered in Jab Anstoetz Ritmo fabric, and the crown pad is done with Shalimar fabric; both have a texture similar to fine, smooth flannel. The lateral neck roll components are finished with polyester Ritmo to the interior surfaces, synthetic leather to the bottom surfaces, and a retroreflective bead. The comfort liner is removable, washable, and works well with glasses. A chin curtain is provided, though not installed as delivered.
If you’re used to Asian-made helmets, you’ll want to try on an AGV helmet before buying. As is often the case with Euro helmets, the sizing can be different than helmets from Asia. While many brands work for me in a size large, I found XL is the best fit for me in the AGV Tourmodular. Size options range from XS (53-54cm) to XXL (63-64cm). The fit can be personalized via option various-thickness cheek pads at $83/pair.
At 4.3 pounds in size XL, the AGV Tourmodular is about mid-range in the weight spectrum of modular helmets I’ve tested. On day-long jaunts, fatigue is not a problem. This may be due in part to the aerodynamics of the helmet. Even in the turbulence zone, where air tumbles over the top edge of the fairing windshield on my Honda V65 Sabre, there was minimal buffeting. Interior wind noise is about average, and there is no whistling or buzzing from the shield edges of vent shutters.
On the noise subject, there is one fly in the ointment—the small panel at the rear bottom edge of the shell. It is a little loose, and is molded out of hard plastic. Its slight looseness results in a noticeable rattle or clicking at times, such as when your jacket collar touches the panel. The panel is removable to facilitate the installation of the optional AGV Insyde communication unit. It is a minor problem, and easy to fix with a bit of tape. However, a factory fix to make the fit zero-clearance, or molding the part out of soft material for a good friction fit.
Riding standing up on the pegs with the helmet completely immersed in clean air at Interstate speed, the helmet exhibited virtually no lift, downforce, or side-to-side buffeting. This would seem to support the AGV’s claim that the aerodynamics of the Tourmodular’s shell shape gives it a zero dynamic weight at 80 mph.
The retention system uses a sawtooth buckle that eliminates fumbling with the ancient double D-ring buckle. The buckle allows for ratchet-like instant fitting of the chinstrap by simply pushing the ridged blade into the receiver for a perfect fit. Every helmet I’ve had with this buckle style used a ratchet blade made of plastic. The AGV version is metal, as is the receiver end. The speed and convenience continue with unbuckling, which is as easy as a single pull down on a red tab on the receiver end—all easily performed while gloved up.
Another AGV innovation is the Tourmodular helmet’s ability to prevent the inadvertent release of the chinbar lock. Other modular designs typically have a button at the bottom mid-point of the chinbar that releases the chinbar lock when pushed forward. That presents the possibility of the chinbar unlocking accidentally if the wearer grasps the chinbar in that area to readjust the position of the helmet while underway. The AGV system makes that less likely by having a wide release-button with a raised edge that must be pulled down to unlock the chinbar. The system works smoothly and reengages the locks easily and with precision.
The Tourmodular is designed to mount the AGV Insyde mesh intercom system by Cardo. That enables communication with up to 15 riders at a range of up to 3.7 miles. However, we did not test that $345 option.
The AGV Tourmodular helmet brings together features I have come to really favor as well as some innovative approaches to old problems—dual safety certification, effective ventilation, a faceshield with dual-position positive lock-down, comfortable fit, internal tinted sunshield, metal ratchet chinstrap buckle, modular configuration with innovative lock and release control, and the eye-catching appearance in the Balance White/Grey/Red colorway tested. Happily, the owner’s manual is better than most. Instructions are clear and well-illustrated, and the print is large enough to read without a microscope.
At $660 for a solid color AGV Tourmodular and $770 for an example with graphics, this is a premium helmet, and it shows. Fit, finish, and function are excellent in all respects, and the heavy-duty nature of the construction is visible in the use of metal in wear components such as hinges and the chinstrap buckle. The AGV Tourmodular is designed for long service and highly protective touring performance, making the purchase price an investment rather than an expenditure.
AGV Tourmodular Helmet Fast Facts
- Sizes: XS – XXL
- Weight: 4.3 pounds (XL)
- Certifications: DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.06
- Colors: 5 solids, 5 graphics
AGV Tourmodular Helmet Prices: $660 (solids); $770 (graphics)
