This sequel to the successful HJC i70 stays true to their sporty foundation, linking it to a very reasonable price-to-quality ratio. Add the new and most recent ECE 22-06 inspection, an ingenious sun visor and the option to integrate a Smart HJC-intercom to that mix and it becomes quite clear: in this price class, the HJC i71 is one of the premium motorcycle helmets.
Contrary to what some pictures may suggest, the HJC i71 comes equipped with a transparent visor.
Moreover, the HJC i71 is closely related to the new and innovative HJC RPHA-71 and therefore can be found in that always growing and improving family tree of full-face, sporty touring motorcycle helmets. What it really means is that the technical performance of the HJC i71 is of a top level and – more specifically – links all this to a favourable budget.
Compared to its predecessor, the i71 was given a new, slimmer helmet shell design. This ‘Advanced Polycarbonate’ full-face helmet is now produced in one additional helmet shell (three instead of two), rendering the six available motorcycle helmet sizes in practice even more compact. This increases the comfort level and lowers the weight. The new design restructured the top ventilation opening a little. The air intake has become bigger but the most significant action change is happening underneath those helmet shells: the top and chin ventilation are connected to each other and to the air outlets to form the ‘ACS’ (Advanced Channelling Ventilation System) that creates a complete airstream throughout the motorcycle helmet. Obviously, you are able to operate all these inlets while on the road relatively easy, even while wearing motorcycle gloves.
In this update, HJC has paid much attention to the visors. The closure of the transparent visor as well as the integration of the sun visor were adapted. The integrated sun visor especially is one nice piece of technology. By adjusting the setting above the slider only once (remove the cover on the left side), you can determine which of the three settings is used when the sun visor is dropped down. The adjustment in depth that this allows, means that every morphology and preference has become an option. Read: a slightly longer nose won’t be an issue anymore; the sun visor can drop down up to a 10mm difference. Furthermore, this sun visor is one of the new test criteria of the ECE 22-06-system.
The standard transparent HJ-38 Pinlock®-ready visor was given a new PE (Push/Eject) locking system. This simplifies operation with your motorcycle gloves on while improving safety – according to HJC. A Pinlock®-lens is delivered with the helmet in the box. Treatment of the exterior with Rain-X anti-rain-spray will help your vision during rain showers.
The removable, antibacterial interior of the motorcycle helmet is specifically designed to resist moisture. Washing it is no problem at all. Cut-outs allow wearers of glasses to enjoy wearing this helmet. The breath deflector is removable of course, just like the chin wind curtain. Both are practical and decent, though, so maybe it’s best to just leave them where they are. The neck rim has been finished with an eye for detail and safety (whiplash).
You fix the HJC i71 with a micrometric closure. So, no circuit closure but very practical for a motorcycle helmet you wear every day.
A contemporary motorcycle helmet needs a communication system. The HJC i71 can be fitted with a ‘second generation’ Smart HJC intercom. The 50B (mesh intercom) and the 21B (Bluetooth®-intercom) were designed specifically by Sena.
Conclusion: it will be tough finding a better candidate in this price range that can add to the conversation about the ECE 22-06 inspection, and be comfortable, and slick, and technologically at top level, and… Okay, you get the gist.
Maintenance tips:
- Are you dreading the thought of having to remove the interior of your helmet in order to wash it? To clean the interior, without removing it, we recommend using S100 helmet interior cleaner.
- The exterior and the visor of your helmet are best cleaned with S100 helmet and visor cleaner.
Safety above all! Never ride with a dull or scratched visor. Especially at night, scratches cause blinding reflections from street lights and headlights of oncoming traffic. This effect is even more pronounced in rainy weather. It’s best to replace a scratched or dull visor as soon as possible. Planning a longer trip? Don’t forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
