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

[@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!

[@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!

[@darlyp8587]

I have had mine for about 3 months now and very happy with the helmet. However, I have yet to find a quick attach strap that works with it and isn't heavy or too big for me. I am very impressed with the air flow across the brow line

[@EwanKim]

wish I knew this channel before I purchased my first helmet just few weeks ago.. so helpful for newbies like myself.. Thanks for the great contents!

[@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.

[@Hail_Chris.27]

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]

@@Hail_Chris.27 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?

[@Hail_Chris.27]

@@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?

[@priestharis1565]

Your reviews are amazing, sir!

[@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.

[@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

[@naters83]

how was the wind noise?

[@naters83]

@@MrSirPicsou how is the wind noise?

[@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."

[@PelleGurra900]

The rumour is that hidden intercom is about to come as a regulation. A direct hit on the external intercom may crush the helmet shell. The slot for the intercom should preferably be standadised so any brand can produce a fitting intercom system for any helmet....

[@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

[@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!

[@brentonappleby9836]

Could you mount the base of a Cardo Edge on top of the plastic cover where the 50B would go, or could you remove that cover and place the base over the top?

[@sportsbikeshop]

The cover has contours that make it difficult to get a good connection between that and the self-adhesive pad. There's an adjuster switch for sun visor depth under the cover so you couldn't remove it and stick a Cardo over that. Cheers, Tony

[@davidarmitage7147]

You mention elsewhere that the RPHA 91 suits your head shape....and also say "if the fit suits you then I would have no hesitation in recommending it.'" So what is your head shape please? What head shape does this helmet suit? Thanks

[@sportsbikeshop]

I've dealt with this in reply to your other comment

[@MR35th-890]

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.

[@mikeshacklock6208]

@sportsbikeshop How does chin space compare to C5/E2 & Shoei Neo3? Mine touches in a Neo3, ok in a C5/E2 but the Schuberth doesn’t fit my head shape well & would cost nearly £100 in pads to remedy

[@sportsbikeshop]

I'll need to do a back-to-back comparison to be sure, but from memory I found I had more room around the chin and mouth in the Shoei. I'll confirm that in the next couple of days when I've had chance to check. Cheers, Tony

[@mikeshacklock6208]

@@sportsbikeshop Many thanks. Also is the HJC for a rounder head like the C5 E2, as I'm more oval (like I think the Shoei is?)

[@sportsbikeshop]

I've just had chance to check this out and my memory was mistaken - I have a little more room around the chin in the HJC than in the Shoei. As for head shape, mine is round and I find the HJC suits it better than the Shoei. Hopefully that helps you make a decision. Cheers, Tony

[@mikeshacklock6208]

@@sportsbikeshop It does thank you👍 More chin room is great but I've a more oval than round 'swede' so same issue for me as the C5/E2......shucks back to the drawing board😢

[@vasav47]

Can anyone tell me differnce for the new rpha 91 blat vs abbes vs solid

[@sportsbikeshop]

Blat, Abbes and Solid are names of colours (and solid means single-colour paint). The helmet will be exactly the same, only the patterns and colours on the helmet will change. Cheers, Tony

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@namo80]

Hey, found a comment on fc-moto that got me worried if if rains. Is this something that you can verify? Bought 2 of this helmet from FC-Moto, one for myself and another for a friend. Both of us have been using the helmet for about 2 months now. A disappointment compared to its predecessor the RPHA 90S carbon. Pros : a much nicer and more "aerodynamic" shaped, Padding is comfortable enough for long distance rides, didn't feel much wind buffeting for myself as I had a relatively high windshield on my bike. Could say the same for my other friend who was riding a naked bike. Cons : wind noise is so much noisier if you are riding a naked bike without a windshield. My friend compared it to his AGV K6 and that was significantly quieter according to him. Locking mechanism for the chin bar gets stuck a fair bit if you try to lift it up at times. Deal breaker 1 : I come from a tropical country and we experience quite a bit of rain and they get especially heavy during the monsoon season, initially it was only my friend that experienced this at first but later on I did as well, water seems to seep in from the top of the helmet hence soaking your balaclava if you are wearing one. This came as a surprise and also makes one frustrated. No one enjoys riding with a wet spongy lid. And before you ask, yes we did close all the air vents on the helmets prior to riding through the rain. Tested this 2-3 times during a couple of my rainy rides and I couldn't find the cause of it. Deal breaker 2: The pin lock is probably a tad bit bigger than it should be as mine warped on one side thus causing the pinlock to almost fall off. Apparently the same issued was faced by my friend. So the likelihood of a user issue on installing the pin lock visor is unlikely plus it isnt the first I'm installing one on a helmet. Had 5 other helmet prior that required installation of ppnlock of which 3 of them were hjc helmets and have not come across this issue. So in conclusion avoid this helmet till HJC fixes the issues it has. And probably do a better job at it's customer service.

[@sportsbikeshop]

Thanks for getting in touch. I didn't wear this helmet in tropical rain, but I did wear it in Scottish rain and had no water ingress personally. The Pinlock went in with no trouble at all. If ever an insert is too big I have a needle file and can slim it down very slightly to get the perfect fit. I didn't have to do that with the RPHA-91. I can't comment on noise as I didn't wear this helmet on any naked bikes. I hope this answer helps you. Cheers, Tony

[@naters83]

how is the wind noise?

[@sportsbikeshop]

Noise comes down to many factors, not just the helmet. I didn't find this one noisy, but someone else may consider it very noisy. Cheers, Tony

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@sverremoe4087]

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

[@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

[@flyingjeff1984]

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

[@davidarmitage7147]

Please read my tirade below...it's a good one.

[@sportsbikeshop]

Replied. Cheers, Tony

[@davidarmitage7147]

I don't get it...well maybe I do, but more of that later. SURELY obvs every helmet review should start off with the reviewer telling us what their head shape is? SURELY obvs every helmet review is more or less redundant, if the reviewer doesn't do that? SURELY obvs every helmet manufacturer's advert should start by saying this helmet is designed to fit a round head shape, or intermediate oval shape, or long oval shape...before giving us all the other stuff about weight, shell sizes, features etc. etc? I AM SICK of being told that, in the final analysis, at the end of the day, blah blah, I should really go and try the various helmets on, and try different sizes. WE ARE NOT STUPID, obviously we know that we should do that...thank you reviewers! SO WHAT IS THE POINT OF HELMET REVIEWS? What we actually need to know at the outset of this eternal, and hugely expensive hunt for the best fitting, safest, most comfortable, and quietest helmet, is what is the head shape of the helmets that we are dealing with? SO WHY won't helmet manufacturers (apart from one or two) tell us what shape each of their helmets works best with? Could it be because they don't want to limit the potential market, for each of their helmet models? In other words they keep it all deliberately obscure, so that us bikers will spend those large sums of money on their product, even if it's not exactly what we should be buying. SO WHY won't helmet reviewers start by telling us the most important information about what head shape each of these helmets works with? Could it be because, in the final analysis, at the end of the day, etc, they need to keep on the good side of the helmet manufacturers, without whose support they won't be given the free samples upon which to base their somewhat redundant reviews? COME ON GUYS...I'm dredging through endless KZbin reviews, and manufacturers websites, desperate to get some kind of reliable data about which helmets will work with my long oval head shape, and getting precious few nuggets of often contradictory information....'The Schuberth C5 is great for riders with a round head shape', 'The Schuberth C5 is great for riders with a long oval head shape'...really! It goes on...obfuscation...smoke and mirrors! I HAVE TRIED contacting sportbikeshop.co.uk & helmetcity.co.uk & motolegends.co.uk ... silence! Well, Tom at sportsbikeshop did say 'Unfortunately, this isn't information that we have readily available I'm afraid, apologies.' so at least an apology. WHY WHY WHY can't anybody say 'Yes these are the helmets you should be looking at, for your head shape, and btw don't bother with these other ones, as they won't fit you whatever size you try on'?? OK, TIRADE over. Thanks for listening (reading?) guys...I feel better...sorry if I've passed on my grief to you. Btw, anyone know what would be a good helmet for a long oval head shape...full face or flip up...I'm beyond caring about now?

[@sportsbikeshop]

Seeing as you ask, the closest of the generally accepted categories for my head is round, because it measures the same from side to side as it does from front to back. Yet I have worn many helmets that others will tell you are for intermediate oval heads and found them comfortable. Having worn hundreds of different helmets over 23 years of riding, my belief is that reducing everyone's head shape, and all helmets, to one of three categories is not helpful. I'd love a system where we can scan heads and scan helmet interiors to see which match each other the best. That technology is beyond our reach. In its absence the best we can do is suggest that people try different helmets to see which suit their head best. Thanks for getting in touch. 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.