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Adventure riders have never had so much choice when it comes to helmets. From lightweight carbon-fibre race-inspired lids to touring-focused adventure models bristling with technology, the market has become fiercely competitive as manufacturers vie for a place on the heads of riders tackling everything from the daily commute to round-the-world expeditions.
Into that crowded arena steps the new Caberg Tanami, an Italian-designed adventure helmet that isn ' t trying to outdo its rivals with radical styling or headline-grabbing gimmicks. Instead, it focuses on something arguably more valuable— versatility.
Named after Australia ' s remote Tanami Desert, the helmet has been conceived for riders who don ' t see a distinction between road touring and off-road exploration. It is aimed squarely at the growing number of adventure motorcyclists who might spend the morning covering hundreds of kilometres of highway before peeling off onto dusty station tracks, winding mountain trails or rocky fire roads in the afternoon.
That philosophy is immediately apparent in the Tanami ' s design.
Where many adventure helmets commit themselves either to long-distance comfort or serious off-road performance, Caberg has attempted to bridge both worlds through a clever modular approach. The helmet ' s peak, chin ventilation cover and rear extractor panels are all attached using magnetic fittings, allowing riders to quickly alter the helmet ' s airflow and configuration without reaching for tools. Remove the peak and it becomes a streamlined touring helmet. Strip back the visor, fit goggles and open the ventilation further, and it begins to resemble a dedicated off-road lid.
It ' s a deceptively simple idea, but one that addresses a genuine frustration among adventure riders. The same helmet that performs brilliantly while standing on the pegs at walking pace can become noisy and tiring after several hours cruising at highway speeds. Likewise, a comfortable touring helmet can quickly become hot and restrictive when the terrain becomes technical. The Tanami aims to eliminate that compromise.
Caberg has also resisted the temptation to chase everlower weight figures at the expense of practicality. The Tanami is available in both fibreglass and carbon-fibre versions, with the carbon model shedding around 80 grams while maintaining the same shell architecture and safety credentials. At approximately 1.45 kilograms for the smaller carbon shell, it comfortably sits within the weight range expected of today ' s premium adventure helmets.
That places it alongside established players such as the
Klim Krios Pro, Nexx X. WED3 and Arai Tour-X5, although each approaches the adventure category from a slightly different direction.
The Arai remains something of the benchmark for riders prioritising impact protection and longterm durability, while Klim ' s Krios Pro has carved out a reputation among serious adventure travellers for its exceptionally light carbon construction. Shoei ' s Hornet ADV continues to appeal to riders spending significant time on sealed roads thanks to its refinement and stability at speed, while the Nexx has developed a loyal following through its combination of comfort, practicality and aggressive styling. Caberg ' s answer isn ' t to copy any of them. Instead, the Italian manufacturer has concentrated on making the Tanami adaptable enough to perform well across every environment rather than excelling in just one. Ventilation is a good example. Large crown and chin intakes work in conjunction with twin rear exhaust ports to move air through the helmet, but the removable magnetic vent covers significantly increase airflow when riding conditions demand it. Anyone who has wrestled a heavily loaded adventure bike through slow, rocky terrain on a summer afternoon
INSPIRED BY THE OUTBACK, BUILT FOR ANYWHERE
TRAVERSE 120