2000-mile review: HJC RPHA 91 motorcycle helmet - Sportsbikeshop

Shop HJC RPHA 91 at Sportsbikeshop… bit.ly/RPHA91
The R-PHA 91 is a classy flipfront helmet that’s packed with features. We’ve researched all the details, weighed it, stripped the liner out several times, added the intercom and have also ridden more than 2000 miles in it. We know this helmet, and this video will prove it.

[@priestharis1565]

Your reviews are amazing, sir!

[@ralphessinger8063]

Thank you for the clear and honest review. I think you may have saved me a great deal of frustration. I love everything I’ve seen and heard about this helmet but I also love my Cardo Packtalk EDGE. Too bad they didn’t keep the door open to universal mountings. Thanks!

[@donpetryna4356]

I have this helmet for past month and a bit. The exterior shield will slam shut at any speed over 45 mph. The retention system is weak and in the open position it will close on its own. I contacted HJC in regards to this issue and they sent to their quality control dept who has yet to contact me despite me sending two follow up emails. No support for a $950 Canadian helmet. I would not recommend this helmet based on this and the lack of support…

[@MrSirPicsou]

same here. looks like a solution to replace base plate set. hope it helps

[@Gurra_Gforce]

"You can get the RPHA 91 in carbon, but that isn't the difference. The RPHA series helmets are made out of HJCs PIM shell whereas the i series uses a polycarbonate shell. The venting is different, where the RPHA 91 has more vents. The RPHA chinbar also rotates back and down as it's flipped up which results in it sitting closer to the helmet when in the open position. The i91 has the normal single pivot point. The RPHA 91 also has slightly nicer liner than the i91....but the i91 liner is pretty good. I would say that most would be happy with the i91, but the RPHA 91 has those extra nice features and a shell that will take more impact. I have been in the market as well and the extra features are worth it for me. I'm going with the RPHA 91. And they're on sale on Chromeburner right now. I've never ordered from them, but going to give it a shot. I've always worn HJC helmets and know my size, so returns shouldn't be an issue."

[@cavtj1]

Why do the helmet companies get in bed with a certain intercom company? I have the Sena on one of my helmets (Shoei Neotec) and a Cardo on another Shuberth C-5. The Cardo is a much higher quality coms unit! Don't take my word for it though (just my opinion). But I see HJC, Shoei and more companies promoting the Sena. You said yourself, "the mounting position would be less than idea" if going with someone other than Sena. I will not buy another Sena! Once again, just my opinion. Thanks for posting this Sir!

[@bretthawton]

I have the Schuberth C5 and the HJC RPHA 91. I've rotated these helmets over the last 3,000 miles and I can say the HJC helmet is sooo much louder due to less padding around the chin and loud venting. It's so loud that I can't use the HJC Smart 50B communication system because wind noise activates the VOX intercom even with the least sensitive settings. I've never needed earplugs with my Schuberth, but I can't wear the HJC without earplugs. This really sucks because I think it is designed much better than any other modular helmet on the market.

[@Bikes_and_Hacks]

That's why I won't change my rpha 90s carbon for anything else. Not a perfect helmet, but it's so freaking silent, and super light as well.

[@MrSirPicsou]

@@Bikes_and_Hacks Bro rpha 90s 20000 km/1,5 year owner here. I am so disappointed by the helmet. Mine is loud. You can't have a talk (Cardo intercom) over 50 km/h. Shield does not stay open, always closing by itself when you slightly move. Looks like we do not even have the same helmet. Did you encounter any issues with it?

[@Bikes_and_Hacks]

@@MrSirPicsou 3 years and over 40.000 kms, only complain is the same as you said about the shield, it closes by itself over 80 or 90 km, but I had the rpha 70 and it had the same flaw. but honestly for me that's not really an issue, cause taking an bug in the face over 50 kms per hour hurts really bad, so I rather close the shield and open the vents. I also have the Cardo spirit HD and I can use it for music or phone calls at 150 km loud and clear. And my helmet is the 90s carbon, usually carbon helmets are louder than fiber.

[@larifari4371]

​@@MrSirPicsou Do you have a windshield?

[@TheStammeringBiker]

The fact they've made it a pain to install another intercom other than theirs means I won't be getting this helmet, which is why I haven't got the Shoei Neotec 3 either, which is a shame.

[@jasonrose3674]

I have the RPHA 90S Carbon. Pretty happy with the helmet, it's reasonably quiet (not as much as I hoped for). I also have the HJC 20B intercom unit fitted to it. I find this this to be sub standard, anything above 60mph I cant hear anything. Wondering if to upgrade to the 91 or go for the new NEOTEC3 (or perhaps C4 Carbon)

[@sportsbikeshop]

I don't have any experience of older HJC comms like the 20B. If it's a choice between the RPHA-91 and the Neotec 3 then the OEM comms for those helmets are very similar, but the Shoei unit has superior speakers and may give better volume performance for you. Cheers, Tony

[@MR-vt3np]

Well just took back the helmet to Sportbikeshp. It leaks, not a few drops but massively. Which begs the question why I have vertical dragging marks inside the top of the visor. Also the top vent doesn’t shut properly. Luck has it I have a spare helmet. Update. Received an email from Sportsbikeshop. I was offered a refund or a new helmet. HJC can’t fix the helmet. Bloody shame.

[@azariarrocha5586]

Tony, nice review. I notice the chin strap uses a ratchet. However, in the US and EU market, they sell the same model with double d rings. Why is there a difference? or is this something you adapted? Thanks for all your great reviews.

[@sportsbikeshop]

Hi, and thank you. No, I would never adapt the strap fastening mechanism on a helmet. It's relatively frequent for different markets to have different mechanisms and here in the UK we get this helmet with the ratchet. I'm not surprised the US has D-rings as that seems to be what the market demands, but I am surprised to hear that Europe is using D-rings. Thanks for getting in touch, and the kind comments about the reviews. Cheers, Tony

[@garrett1144]

Thank you, i've been on the search for an upgraded helmet from my cheap amazon purchase. This is one im curious about but I have not tried it on as no one has them in stock other than white and gloss black which I don't care for. I've tried a few helmets and nothing seems to really fit me well, I do want to stick with a modular helmet with the quick chin strap and sun visor, do you recommend any others in this price area? I did fit well in the shoe neotech 2 but i'm trying to find something sub 800 dollars if I can.

[@sportsbikeshop]

I'd say it's worth waiting for this one if you think it'll suit. I'm sure a dealer won't mind you trying on a plain white or black while they wait for stock of different schemes. Alternatives at similar money that I think are especially worth considering are the Nolan N100-5 (quirky fit, but a good option if it works for you), or for something in a slightly different style a Shark Evo GT gives you the option to swing the chinbar back and have a more effective open-facer. Hope that helps. Cheers, Tony

[@yahel092100]

I don't know where you buy your helmets but a neotec 2 shouldn't cost 800 dollars. The rpha 91 is superb. The interior quality of HJC (in my opinion) has come to be the best of any helmet brand on the market. You can also consider the Schuberth C5 which is excellent. I have both the C5 and the RPHA. You have to try them both on your head for an extended period of time (at least 10 minutes) before you make a decision. If they match your head shape, there are no other options that will be better than the Schuberth or the RPHA

[@stonecold2653]

which do you prefer the c5 or HJC? be great if you could do a video on youtube

[@yahel092100]

@@stonecold2653 They are both very high quality. Schuberth is not recommended, they have visor mechanism problems straight out of the factory and wouldn't even address the issue, terrible service. HJC really stepped up their game with quality and interior padding.

[@MsSjaakvaak]

Thank you, both are very helpful replies! How do the helmets compare in terms of noise? I have a GT Air 1, but the padding isn't the best anymore, and im experiencing quite e bit of buffeting with both my CB500X and AT. I've read and watched a lot of reviews on helmets, but your reply definitely put the RPHA 91 on my list!

[@lpdr0k]

Any news on an attachment kit for cardo like the ones on the shoei neotec 2/gt-air 2 (i know there isnt one for the threes 😢)

[@sportsbikeshop]

There's been no suggestion of an attachment kit like that for this helmet. Sorry. Cheers, Tony

[@mcnevets]

Hello, I do understand that HJC works with sena, but does it say that a sena 30k does not fit in the prepared place ?

[@sportsbikeshop]

I'm sure someone will find a way to fit a 30K to this helmet, but it won't attach to the area at the base of the lid where the HJC intercoms go. To attach it there it will need to be either a HJC 21B or HJC 50B. Cheers, Tony

[@mcnevets]

@@sportsbikeshop ok thank you very much . that helped me alot! cheers

[@hi-fimusic443]

Hello, do you know that the viewfinder closes automatically at speeds of 60 mph?

[@sportsbikeshop]

I don't ride at 60mph with the visor open so I wouldn't have discovered this. It's something I'm trying to add into future reviews as I know it's something some riders want to find out about a helmet. Cheers, Tony

[@hi-fimusic443]

@@sportsbikeshop Thank you. ECE 22.06 May also be a security measure.

[@twowheelsquirrel]

Whats the rain guttering like? I love HJC but never owned one that doesnt oeak at the top of the visor in heavy rain.

[@sportsbikeshop]

I had a few stints of rain, some heavy, and didn't have any issues with the visor seal. I can only relate my experience as we have just two customer reviews to go on at the moment and neither mention performance in the rain. Cheers, Tony

[@sverremoe4087]

the intercom push has pushed me away from hjc...

[@vladimircob3793]

Hi, you can see that you liked the helmet as only compliments are in your video. Did you not notice the sunvisor issue? I bought the same helmet and I really liked it but I have an issue which even HJC can't sort out and I saw no reviewers mentioning it. The sunvisor on my helmet would not lower if my lid is open, unless you close the lid and only then you can operate the sunvisor. Acording to HJC the sunvisor works as intended and it is the shape of my head that causes the sunvisor to twist and refuse to lower. Weird, there is no issue with RPHA90 that I also own. Anyway, people just be careful and try it before you buy it.

[@sportsbikeshop]

The issue with your sun visor is not there on my helmet, which functions properly whether the chinbar is up or down. Without seeing your helmet I couldn't comment on that issue. Thanks for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony

[@vladimircob3793]

@@sportsbikeshop hi Tony, thanks for getting in touch. I decided to stay with RPHA 91, HJC agreed to provide thinner cheek pads and hopefully it will make operation of the sun visor smoother. I like the helmet too, it is quite, well ventilated (had massive issue with sun visor steaming up on Shoei Neotec 2) and overall not a bad quality. Good luck to you and thanks for great reviews. Vladimir

[@thisbigroadtrip]

My sun visor works as it should. Hope you got yours sorted.

[@vladimircob3793]

@@thisbigroadtrip hi, yes, the seller contacted HJC who fitted smaller padding and now I don't have a issue but, popped in to Motorcycle shop who had RPHA 91 and it had exactly the same issue, I even advised the sales team about the issue I had so they are aware of it.

[@martinrittau5873]

Which colour is it?

[@sportsbikeshop]

The colour in the video? That's Titanium SF (semi-flat)... www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/762419

[@dadsy]

I just recieved my helmet. There is a little movement when the chin bar is locked down. Is that normal?

[@sportsbikeshop]

Yes, there's usually a little bit of play in the chin mechanism when it's closed. A few millimetres is normal. More than that and you might want to get your dealer to take a look. Cheers, Tony

[@dadsy]

@@sportsbikeshop thanks

[@jornmiether8190]

Could you please tell me the date when you publish the video about the hJC comm systems?

[@sportsbikeshop]

I don't have a scheduled date for it, but hopefully it won't be too far away now. I'll get on the case for you. Cheers, Tony

[@flyingjeff1956]

The buckle is painted red so that an EMT can find it. Nothing to do with quality.

[@sportsbikeshop]

My point wasn't that it's red. They're all red, for the reason you state. But they're not all red anodised metal, which does add a premium touch over red painted plastic. Thanks for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony

[@MsDenver2]

So they’ve made a good protection helmet and then they put a plastic chin section , so wha if the accident happened where the chin section receives a blow it will not protect you. I don’t get it if your making a safe helmet then make the chin section safer??

[@sportsbikeshop]

The chin section for this helmet is protective. Plastic is a perfectly credible material to provide impact protection and the majority of manufacturers use it for the chinbar sections of their flipfront helmets. Cheers, Tony

[@David_O]

Dedicated comm units are a no-go for me. That is why I left Shoei after over a decade.

[@donpetryna4356]

Shield slams shut at low speed. After a recent trip I learned the shield leaks during rain. None of our group who had different helmets had this issue. No support after 3 emails. Garbage helmet and absolutely no support from HJC.