The HJC RPHA-1 is the absolute best motorcycle helmet from the ever-improving HJC-range. This full-face helmet is only one step below the (personalised) HJC motorbike helmets worn by MotoGP racers and that is saying a lot.
In contrast to what pictures sometimes seem to suggest, the RPHA-1 comes standard with a transparent visor. Dark or tinted versions are obviously a possibility, but only optionally.
The motorcycle shell is manufactured according to the P.I.M. Plus, Premium Integrated Matrix Plus method. This process uses fibreglass, aramid and carbon fibre to create a very light-weight (about 1400 grams) but very solid helmet shell. And before you run over to the scales: the RPHA-1 has a whole range of exchangeable elements to ‘play’ with as you please. These show up on the scales too, of course: wind curtain chin, nose deflector, cheek pads, helmet lining… All replaceable components. If we add the supplied race spoiler to that mix, then we’ll eventually come to about 1600 grams, more or less.
The different helmet sizes of this helmet are divided over four helmet shells. Four! The shape of the helmet shell was tested elaborately to be as aerodynamic as possible. You’re a racing helmet or you ain’t. And apart from fuel and “a set of balls”, you’ll need air as well.
Meaning, oxygen. The ventilation of the RPHA-1 is specifically designed to provide the sporty rider with as much fresh air as need during the race. This translates to double chin ventilation – to be controlled separately – and an equally double top ventilation. At the top, there are even three sliders, should you want to cool down the left-brain half just a little bit more than the right side. The inlets and outlets are connected through the ‘ACS’ system (Advanced Channelling Ventilation System): integrated air vents in the inner shell that divide the fresh air of the entire head of the rider. Which turns this HJC in just about the world’s most air-cooled brain protector. To release this air back into the wild, the RPHA-1 uses the air outlets hidden underneath the spoiler.
The visor has an entire story of its own: it’s Pinlock®-ready, offers 99% UV-protection, has anti-scratch coating and tear-offs can be used immediately. The tear-offs as well as the Pinlock® 120-lens are supplied in the box, by the way.
Flipping the visor on a racing helmet should be a smooth action. The RPHA-1 has the option to lock the visor when it’s in the closed position. While you’re riding, the visor will open in millimetres, not centimetres. Smoothly adjustable, as you’d expect from racing gear. A new ‘Easy Attachment System’ turns changing or replacing the visor into child’s play. Without tools, too: the little folding half circle will do the trick.
The interior of the RPHA-1 is ‘Silvercool’: Anti-bacterial, comfortable, replaceable, washable and with cut-outs at the temples for a spectacle-friendly fit. The care and attention to details has clearly taken HJC quite far because the RPHA-1 truly is a motorcycle helmet we would call “the real deal”. The RPHA-1’s chin strap ends in a double D-closure, the only motorcycle helmet closure allowed for track use.
The RPHA-1 is homologated according to the FIM Racing standards and the new ECE 22.06 regulations.
FIM is a recent, European certification that focuses solely on full-face track helmets. The criteria focus on rotation, source of the most common injuries, which is what discerns the FIM-certification from other certifications.
In some countries (e.g., France) it is compulsory to have reflective stickers on your helmet. The RPHA-1 is delivered without these reflective decals. Reflective sticker sets can be found here.
Maintenance tips:
- Do you cringe at disassembling the interior of your helmet in order to wash it? You can also clean the interior without removing it with S100 Helmet Interior Cleaner.
- The outside and the visor of your helmet should be cleaned with S100 Helmet and Visor Cleaner.
Safety above all! Never drive with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches cause blinding reflections of street lights and headlights of oncoming vehicles. This effect is even more pronounced in rainy weather. It is best to replace a scratched or dull visor as soon as possible. Planning a long trip? Then don't forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
