HJC i90 Modular Helmet: Initial Impressions

[@scottw.8871]

I hear ya on the heat. I have an ST1300. Holds all the heat from the engine. A few times the gear had to go!!! Felt like I was riding naked. But it was that or get sick and cancel the ride.

[@DMVSoloRider]

@@scottw.8871 There you go. I have no interest in exploring the true quality of my gear by passing out and falling off my bike! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Jodyrides]

thanks for the review of the I 90 HJC helmet. I have the previous generation, HJC. The part of this helmet you are reviewing that bothers me is, I use a SEN a prism tube camera for my KZbin channel videos. It clamps to the bottom edge of the helmet. I prefer it on the left so I can switch the camera on and off, which are the only controls on the camera that is the size of a roll of nickels. With my left hand. If I’m riding one of my bikes, that doesn’t have cruise control, I don’t want to be taking my hand off the throttle to operate the camera. So I want my camera on the left. I mount my GoPro camera in the middle of the chin bar to a strap on mount. And that vent cover in the middle of the chin bar would be an issue. I also have found that, mounting the external microphones in the ear pockets inside the helmet is the best place so far to avoid that wind roar . this iPhone 90 helmet is supposed to have an overlapping gasket around the bottom of the helmet that makes it quieter. I was wondering if that also would make it a bit hotter.. One little thing I do to my inner flip down sunvisor, I put a piece of carbon fiber, like contact paper across the visor, actually, I only have about half of an inch of the visor, not covered by that carbon fiber, contact paper, because when I’m driving into the sun, I’m sure you know what that’s like. Putting that contact paper across the inside visor, solves the problem. also, the absolute best earplugs I have ever used, and I have been riding for decades I have more than 700,000 miles behind bars, mostly commuting, is swimmers ear plugs. They are like soft taffy that you can form, and they completely seal.. you get them in a little plastic case about 2“ x 3“ in Walmart sporting good section for a few bucks I noticed you don’t appear in your videos, neither do I. I am not a narcissistic ham, like some KZbinrs. I don’t add music either.. you mentioned you were in 100° temperatures in South Carolina and Florida. I have only experienced 100° temperatures that I know of one time here in Western Pennsylvania. I was riding with a few friends on route 50 across West Virginia into Maryland, which happens to be the best part of Route 50 I am hearing, that goes from. I think Sacramento California all the way across to the East Coast somewhere. I think Ocean City, Maryland. but I was all dressed in my gear, which I always wear, leather jacket, full face helmet, Kevlar, jeans, Street bike motorcycle boots, .. I was not hot riding my moto guzzi SP 1000 until I saw a Clock thermometer in front of a bank that said 100°. When I saw that, then I got hot. do you want to consider buying a personal mister .. it’s a small plastic bottle, a little larger than an electric toothbrush, with an air pump at the bottom, and a very tiny jet like a fuel injector Jet at the top on a swivel. You fill that up with water, pump the pump up a few times, and push the button when you’re at a traffic light or a stop sign or even while you’re cruising on the highway, and I spray my throat and my open jacket with it and it really does make a difference On those stinking hot miserable days.. I have a larger personal sprayer. It holds about 16 or 18 ounces of water, it has a hose about 30 inches long with a jet at the end, it’s called a misty mate.. that thing will spray continuously if you turn the valve and leave it on for about a half an hour. It comes inside of a semi insulated bag. Yeah, if you fill it up with ice cubes and water, it’s cold all day. I have a review of it in my video about what I carry in my saddlebags as standard equipment always.. Good video. Thanks.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Well, for the time being I’m out of the bagger business, and my carrying capacity is severely limited on my FTR. I have just enough room in my tail bag for a bottle of water, so pouring that on my t-shirt may be the trick for a stretch! Btw, with your camera/noise reduction setup & fabrication, your profile pic is on point! 🤣

[@vincenttarquini4235]

DMV, there are many very good helmets that provide protection, are comfortable and don't require one to sell their progeny to the 7th generation to purchase. I have a Bell SRT Modular, which I purchased on sale at the end of the season a couple of years ago. It is an OK helmet with good optics, but noisy as hell when it gets windy. It is not worth $400 dollars and neither is a Shoei at 800+. I have really been rethinking this helmet thing. I am going to look into this helmet.

[@DMVSoloRider]

🤣🤣🤣 I am definitely learning you don’t need a mortgage to buy a good helmet! I bought my shoei as a beginner, and buying “the best” seemed like an appropriate choice at the time. But that’s just way too much for a good helmet, given the options on the market. $400 isn’t unreasonable though - that’s what I spent on my Ruroc, and I’m really happy with it! But $239 for my HJC is just aaaawwwweeeeesooommmeee! lol

[@GunsNBudder]

Try a Scorpion Exo-GT930 as well.

[@DMVSoloRider]

@GunsNBudder I’ll be sure to take a look!

[@lokitomanny]

I found your channel, this video, while researching, trying to find any information about a quiet helmet for recording audio moto vlogging. I decided on HJC because I am finding they produce the quietest budget helmets bellow $300. Specifically the C70, entry level $180 known to be reasonably quiet. I love modular helmets, but I was avoiding them because they tend to be noisier. What I appreciated from your video is that you gave us an actual live sample of how it sounds as you were riding, and I was impressed with your results, you actually sounded much better and natural with the i90 compared to your ICON Flight helmet. Stating all that, could you clarify a couple of things. Were you using all the same components on both videos except for the two helmets of course and the different bikes? Same purple panda mic, same sound external recorder, same GoPro camera, similar settings on the audio recorder, I guess the audio recorder allows you to tone down the audio gain to avoid clipping, which the go pro doesn’t do. You made a lot of emphasis on the issue with the GoPro not recording audio if you use the record auto start function, in which case you have to result to getting a media mod, or not recording in 4K, or just using the power button to start the camera manually, but that is not convenient. The solution to all that is jump ship to the new DJI action 4 camera, it doesn’t have any of those issues, more reliable and much better night dusk recording quality. I have held back from purchasing a sound recorder because I want to keep it as simple as possible, specifically not having to sync audio, but I do see the advantage of a reliable and more customized audio recording equipment. Back to the helmet, having a quiet helmet that’s 75% of the battle. Unfortunately, I only see a lot of how to videos on how to attach the camera to the helmet, but no videos review that shows the final audio results like you did. That HJC i90 sounded so clean and Natural, I think that’s going to be my next helmet. I also noticed that at 3:51 the exposure changed on your video, did you made some camera adjustments or did you corrected on post? Normally when recording me from the handle bars, I have to increase the exposure on the camera to expose the black jacket correctly, but that completely washes out the sky, in this video, you managed to maintain the clouds details as well as your black jacket being well exposed, maybe your GoPro 8 is that much better than my Hero 7.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Glad you found the videos to be helpful! Same equipment/settings in both videos. The only editing I do to the audio is play around with the base - some videos require more and some require less. Also, uploading to YT can produce different results from video to video requiring adjustments. But my skill set is as basic as it gets. 🤣 If there’s a perception in Video/color quality it’s likely due to weather conditions - sunshine/cloudy, etc. 🤷‍♂️ The only thing I will change, which can make a difference, is using superview or a standard view. Superview can wash out colors, and while I filmed the HJC video a while ago/don’t remember, my guess is when I filmed the HJC video with only 1 camera facing me, I did not use superview. Definitely would make a difference! As for my cameras, there are definitely better options - im just not filming enough to worry about it since I already have 2 functioning GoPros. At some point I’ll try something new! As for the audio/noise between the two helmets in the two videos, keep in mind the Airflite is a really noisy helmet. Audio may sound better in the HjC in these two videos, but the results of my mic work in the airflite are definitely more impressive! 🤣 Oh, one other point about the HJC - I think I just had the mic crammed in the ear pad in that video (never did glue in a clip), but I was also riding slower - makes a big difference. Ultimately, whichever helmet you choose you can manage. I also pick helmets based on my riding needs, not filming needs, and that’s what I’d recommend to anyone wanting to do some vlogging. ✌️

[@JoseReyes-dv4hg]

Welcome back brother, thats the helmet that I have its awesome 👌

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks man! I’m really happy with it so far!

[@SaskRiderMoto]

ahhhhhh you burnt us. I thought this was going to be a face reveal video hahahaha. Great video. Thanks for making this. How deep are the speaker pockets? I have a Cardo with the JBL 40mm drivers. Was it hard to install the Sena? Can't wait for the other helmet Initial Impressions.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Hahaha Come on man, give me some credit! It would take more than a modular helmet to make me show my mug! 🤣 And thanks! The pockets are plenty deep, and I had no problem installing the Sena using the clamp! The only thing you need to watch for is positioning a Bluetooth unit so that it doesn’t interfere with the sun visor switch! So far, total bargain! 👍

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

I’m in tropical north Australia and it’s seriously hot sometimes. Gotta admit that in town I mostly ride in t shirt and jeans and ride shoes with gloves and i30 open face helmet. I really struggle to find jackets etc in whiter tones for the tropics

[@DMVSoloRider]

I hear ya. Last trip down to FL I was basically jacket-less the whole time. I’ve completely lost my ability to suffer from heat/humidity while riding after I almost passed out on my bike a couple of years ago. I’d rather get injured by being gearless than crash cause I passed out from heat due to the gear itself! 🤷‍♂️ Still, the HJC is a great helmet for high temps!

[@fouryearproductions]

I have a Challenger also and have been between the HJC i90 or F70 for a new full face helmet. I have the HJC cl16 so I think I'm ready for a new one.

[@DMVSoloRider]

I really like my i90 - can’t beat it for the price, and I still feel that way after 6 months! 👍

[@littlehorus2327]

so its good with the sun visor and glasses wear?

[@DMVSoloRider]

You can manage - I ride with contacts, but will break out my rimless/skinny glasses when I’m having contact issues.

[@BelfastBiker]

I need that drink holder.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Ciro3D Big Ass Drink Holder with Perch Mount. Highly recommended! 👍

[@poppysadventures2020]

Great review

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks!

[@scottgoodson5132]

I just happened to find your video, looking for reviews on this helmet (just bought one). Ex Marylander, now living in middle TN. Did you cross the bay bridge in this video? Looked like it 😊Great video.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks, glad you liked it! How do you like the helmet so far? That’s actually a little bridge in southern MD that crosses from Newburg MD into Dahlgren VA. They recently tore it down and replaced it with a new bridge too. When I’m heading toward Fredericksburg or points South I usually ride that way to avoid never ending traffic on 95. It’s a great ride too - nice and twisty in VA after you cross the bridge and take 218 back toward Fredericksburg!

[@scottgoodson5132]

SoloRider Yep, I know that bridge. I lived in Clinton, Md as a kid and lived in Fredericksburg, VA for several years. I lived many many years and grew up in Salisbury, MD. From the ES heading back to Fredericksburg, I’d usually take 301, especially when I knew that 50/495,95S would be a nightmare.

[@DMVSoloRider]

@@scottgoodson5132 Well there you go! It’s all about avoiding traffic in the DMV! 🤦‍♂️

[@chrishunter5041]

I've used modular helmets for years "winter/summer" good all round helmets, there's heated gear but no cooling gear, or is there?

[@DMVSoloRider]

Indian makes an air conditioned seat for their baggers. No AC-helmet yet! 🤣

[@RideOrDrive718]

How did you motovlog this video? Did you use some type of wireless mic and was this go pro video?

[@DMVSoloRider]

GoPro on a chin mount. I use a separate recorder/lavalier mic (wired). Just sync the audio with your video, tuck the mic in a cheek pad, and off you go. 🤷‍♂️

[@MrDkusa]

I just bought one of these today. How do you fit a medium? I had to go with a 4x

[@DMVSoloRider]

I’m not a big guy. 5’6”. 🤷‍♂️

[@MrDkusa]

​@@DMVSoloRider ha! Really enjoyed the video. I ride a goldwing trike 🤙

[@DMVSoloRider]

Appreciate it! What do you think about the HJC so far?

[@DMillz86]

Just bought one this week. 4X for me as well lol.

[@DMVSoloRider]

@@DMillz86 how do you like it so far?

[@sigurdhaugdahl1593]

Great video. Let's be honest, you are riding a Polaris not a true Indian. Hopefully, Polaris won't dump you guys like they did with Victory customers.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks! I feel bad for all those victory guys, but hey - there’s always HD if Polaris screws us Indian folks! 🤣

[@fouryearproductions]

What is your motovlogging setup?

[@DMVSoloRider]

Well what do you know, but I have an entire video on my setup! 🤣 Only thing I haven’t done with my HJC I90 or my Ruroc Atlas 4.0 is glue a clip inside to hold the mic. I’ve been putting it between the cheek pad and shell since I haven’t been vlogging much. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGbLqpVsrdWjZsk

[@vegasranger]

How is the fit? Does it run small?

[@DMVSoloRider]

Fit is average I guess I’d say. Definitely try one on in a store before buying - HJCs are pretty widely available unlike my Ruroc. 👍

[@jacrancam]

Modular’s are huge helmets

[@DMVSoloRider]

Yeah, you definitely get a little bobble head action with them! lol But if you’re riding long distance in high temps, they make a big difference (with a cup holder!)!

[@pedrofonseca6214]

👍👍👍👍👍👍🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹

[@milesjohnson8927]

The face shield won't stay up after very little wear. I real pain in the butt. I just hate mine

[@DMVSoloRider]

Sorry to hear that. I haven’t experienced any issues so far! 🤞

[@earlcarpenter3100]

I find that HJC visors do not stay up while moving at Highways speeds, my i 90 was terrible, I may return my i 91 because the visor is so loose, the visor detents suck!

[@DMVSoloRider]

I haven’t had problems like that, but then again I tend to keep my visor down on the highway. 💨🤣 Thanks for sharing!