The HJC RPHA-31 is the successor to the RPHA Jet but with a little imagination, you might see half a RPHA-71 in it: technically solid, striking design and options, and as a jet helmet, it shares a lot of qualities with the (top half of the) higher-quality HJC full-face helmets. Yet, it has a couple of surprises up its sleeve.
Naturally, the HJC RPHA-31 is completely compliant with the newest and most recent ECE 22-06 certification.
The helmet shell is composed in accordance with the new P.I.M. EVO method. This Premium Integrated Matrix-method uses fibreglass, aramid, carbon, organic material and even linen fibre to create a light yet solid, shock-resistant helmet shell. The four helmet shells that contain the different helmet sizes always ensure a compact and convenient motorcycle helmet. There’s a double ventilation on top of the helmet shell. Just like the air outlets in the back, these two openings are easily controllable, even with motorcycle gloves on.
The RPHA-31 is supplied standard with a transparent visor that needs a little explanation. Remarkable are the two ‘closures’ at the bottom, that grasp the flipped-down helmet visor as it were when you’d turn onto the highway and lift your head up slightly. No problem there, because notice the couple of extra centimetres of visor length that you can literally ‘pull out’. We had never seen this anywhere else but there’s definitely something to it – especially in a jet helmet.
The integrated sun visor is a nice work of technical ART as well. By setting the slider to your liking once (remove the cover plate on the left side), you determine the position of the sun visor when it’s down. The adjustments in depth that become possible make that every morphology and preference are an option. Read: a slightly longer nose won’t be an issue anymore. By the way, the sun visor is one of the new test criteria of the ECE 22-06 system.
The interior is made of a set of 3D cheek pads that are interchangeable in order to make everything fit perfectly. Washable, antibacterial, moist-resistant and quick-dry, let’s just say that all the contemporary criteria for a healthy and snug interior are present.
That excellent interior serves a double purpose. Communication is key in any modern motorcycle helmet. The HJC RPHA-31 is ready to be fitted a ‘second generation’ HJC intercom. Further, it renders the interior quieter. The 50B (mesh intercom) and the 21B (Bluetooth®-intercom) were specifically designed by SENA.
The one-touch buckle (micro buckle) guarantees a proper closure.
In some countries (e.g., France) it is mandatory to have reflective stickers on your helmet. The RPHA-31 comes without these reflective decals. Reflective sticker sets can be found here.
Maintenance tips:
- Are you reluctant to disassemble 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 ride 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 worn 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.
