Helmet style, what are the advantages?

[duncanpage]

I'm planning to get a Honda XL1000V Varadero to tour europe with my wife on. I'm going to invest in some good helmets as we're using cheap KBC VR1's at the moment.

Was wondering if the Arai helmets that Charlie Boorman & Euan McGreggor wore on "The long way round" were any good for touring? I can't remember if they had a visor to cover the face or if they had to wear goggles but i've seen these helmets and wondered if they're any good & if they'd be more suited to touring than a standard full face helmet.

What do you think people?

[FreshAL]

Charlie and Euan wore those helmets cos they were planning on mixing on-road and off-roading.

Normal road helmets are just too hot for proper off roading.

On a Varadero 1000 I guess you'll be pretty much exclusively on-road. The Arai will be noisier and get buffed about more than a out and out road lid.

Worth considering if you're going to be in south europe during the summer, might be a bit more vented and cooler than a road lid.

If you're KBC lids fit well, are less than 5 years old and are vented well enough (for you) I'd stick with them.

Spend the cash on staying in a nice hotel for a night or two. Your misses will appreciate that more after a couple of weeks on the bike.