Perhaps more than any other helmet on test, I got to know the X.Vilitur Carbon Zero intimately during a 10-day, 2,000-mile motorcycle tour through France and Spain. I’d hardly worn the helmet before I set off so I was understandably a little anxious about taking it away. I needn’t have worried as the X.Vilitur Carbon Zero proved to be a very competent helmet for long-distance touring.

In terms of style, the matt black and carbon finish may not make you particularly visible on the road but it looks very cool on what is a stylish lid. The fit, finish, and overall build quality is excellent with a chin bar that locks into the raised and lowered positions with a reassuring clunk. The helmet is dual homologated which means it’s certificated to be used with the chin bar up, and the release button is easy to use even while wearing gloves.

Once on, the helmet fitted securely and snugly around the contours of my head, proving perfectly comfortable during 250-mile days through France. Weighing in at 1,596g, the X.Vilitur Carbon Zero didn’t strain my neck during more than a week in the saddle and noise levels were comfortable at motorway speeds.

The visor, which is Pinlock ready (in the box), provided a wide field of vision and can be set in four positions to let extra air flow through the helmet. There is also a large internal sunshield which was substantial enough to enable me to ride along at speed with the visor up. Comfort is aided by plush inner padding that is removable for washing and the helmet is secured using a ratchet fastener.

In terms of ventilation, the chin, brow, and exhaust vents provided enough airflow to keep me cool, although I did find myself cracking the visor open on de hotter days that I rode on in Spain.