The HJC RPHA-71 is the successor to the popular RPHA-70, that was in turn preceded by the RPHA-ST. Just to clarify that this sport touring motorcycle helmet is built on a rich tradition and a strong foundation. That it’s a jaw-dropper and technically stunning, is pretty clear. Obviously, the HJC RPHA-71 complies completely with the newest and most recent ECE 22-06 certification.
Contrary to what some pictures may suggest, the RPHA-71 comes standard with a transparent visor.
The helmet shell has been composed according to the new P.I.M Evo method. This Premium Integrated Matrix method uses glass fibre, aramid, carbon, organic material and even linen fibre to acquire a light-weight yet solid, shock-absorbing helmet shell. The different helmet sizes of this motorcycle helmet have been divided over four different helmet shells. The scale tips towards 700 grams, which is within bounds for a full-face helmet with these properties.
The central ventilation on the chin is easy to operate (even when wearing your motorcycle gloves) and the transparent visor has its own direct air ventilation system. On top of the helmet, you notice a large closable top ventilation, and the two air outlets. Take a look at the extra tilt each controllable ventilation opening makes, just to take in even more air. Helmet nerds and fans of technical refinement will be delighted. Justifiably so.
The ventilation openings and air outlets are connected to one another through the HJC-system that is called the ‘ACS’ system (Advanced Channelling Ventilation System). Those air channels integrated into the inner shell distribute fresh air internally; a pleasant sensation for your head.
The RPHA-71 is standard equipped with a transparent visor but what’s really up there in terms of technology is the integrated sun visor. By adjusting the setting to your liking once (right above the slider, take away the cover on the left), you decide the setting of the sun visor when it comes down. The adjustments in depth this allows, means that every morphology and preference has become an option. Read: a slightly longer nose won’t be an issue anymore. Furthermore, this sun visor is one of the new test criteria of the ECE 22-06-system.
Thanks to another system, the RapidFire Shield Replacement-system, the transparent visor is easily replaced without the use of tools. Possibly for a visor in another colour. The motorcycle helmet visor is standard prepared to be fitted a Pinlock Max Vision 120-lens, which can be found right there in the package. Pushing the transparent visor all the way down in closed condition enables a (new) automatic locking. The Push & Release-system allows for an easy opening and closing. A Rain-X treatment on the exterior enhances visibility during rainy rides.
For the chin strap, HJC went for a Double-D ring closure. In case of emergency, the emergency services are able to easily remove the helmet thanks to the designated Emergency Cheek Pads that can be detached without having to remove the entire helmet from the head.
The interior consists of a series of 3D cheek pads that are replaceable in order to make everything fit perfectly. Washable, anti-bacterial, moist-repellent and quick-drying; let’s just summarise and say that all the contemporary criteria for a healthy and pleasant interior are confirmed.
The RPHA-71 also has a breath deflector to prevent the inside of your visor from fogging up. The wind curtain chin is also present. Cut-outs at the RPHA-71’s temples give it a glasses-friendly fit.
In some countries (e.g., France) it is mandatory to fit your helmet with reflective stickers. The RPHA-71 is delivered without these reflective stickers. You can find a range of reflective sticker sets here.
What can’t be missing in a modern motorcycle helmet is a proper communication system. The HJC RPHA-71 can be fitted with a ‘second generation’ HJC intercom. The 50B (mesh intercom) and the 21B (Bluetooth®-intercom) were specifically designed by Sena.
Conclusion: all bells and whistles, without belling or whistling. The HJC RPHA-71 is a full-face helmet for sport and touring use, competitively priced and loaded with assets.
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.
