The HJC RPHA-91 is the successor to an improvement. About its predecessors, the HJC RPHA-90 (the versions with and without S), we wrote that they are ‘just about the best HJC has to offer in terms of modular helmets.’ With its double P/J homologation and compliance with the latest, most recent ECE 22-06 certification, this is a flip-up helmet to always take into serious consideration.
The HJC RPHA-91 has been developed for experienced touring riders that prefer taking to the road in a light modular and jet helmet (yes: both). Apart from the double homologation this helmet offers every functionality you might expect from a top-class helmet in this segment. And then some.
As the full name of this specific motorcycle helmet version suggests, this is the RPHA carbon version of this motorcycle helmet. HJC offers this technologically advanced and refined version to lift the (already very good) RPHA motorcycle helmet to another level. Does it show? Yes, it does: an RPHA carbon version is 100 grams lighter than the ‘regular’ ones, hence, is more comfortable and the carbon fibres absorb shocks in a different, and according to many, better way.
There are four different helmet shells to contain the different helmet sizes. This means that your helmet, no matter the size, is always (relatively) light and compact: 1600 grams is not excessive at all. The helmet shell of the HJC RPHA-91 is manufactured according to the P.I.M. EVO Carbon-method. The result of that Premium Integrated Matrix is a strong motorcycle helmet that contains fibreglass and carbon but also aramid, organic material and even linen fibre. The premise is more comfort and more shock absorbance, besides the lower weight.
The innovative chin bar locking system is solid with a hidden closure point (not an iron cap). It ensures a supple contact and less pressure to the cheeks, states HJC. We weren’t able to test it long enough yet but it’s certain that the HJC RPHA-91 was given a number of striking design choices.
The bottom locking system flips up in an elliptical motion, which means that the entire chin bar opens up much closer to the motorcycle helmet, catching less wind. Even the chin curtain plays an aerodynamic role and ‘choses’ a position that is determined by the rest of the chin bar and the movement it makes. It’s harder to explain it than it is to experience it.
The 3D low-noise interior has been especially designed for the RPHA 91, submerging you in a proverbial tub of soft cotton. Granted, this is a flip-up helmet with a little room to spare but it needs to be said that in this regard, this HJC has levelled up.
The wide, transparent visor can immediately be equipped with the Pinlock® 120-lens supplied in the box, and the integrated sun visor is one fine piece of technology too. By ‘fixing’ your preferred setting once (above the slider, remove the cover plate on the left), you determine the position of the flipped down sun shield. The adjustments in depth that are now possible, mean that every morphology and preference become an option. Read: a slightly longer nose won’t be an issue anymore. Moreover, the sun visor is one of the new test criteria of the ECE 22-06 system.
The HJC RPHA-91 is prepared to be fitted with a ‘second generation’ HJC intercom. The 50B (mesh intercom) and the 21B (Bluetooth® intercom) were specifically designed by SENA.
Proper closure is warranted by the one-touch buckle (micro buckle).
For maintenance of this helmet we recommend S100 helmet and visor cleaner for the outside. For cleaning the interior, without removing it, you can use S100 helmet interior cleaner. New visors have received a water-repellent treatment. This treatment is less effective after some time. Restore the water-repellent effect with Rain-X anti-rain spray.
In some countries (e.g., France), it is mandatory to provide your helmet with reflective stickers. The RPHA-90S is delivered without these reflective decals. Reflective sticker sets can be found here.
Safety first! Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches or dull visors cause blinding reflections from 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 longer trip? Then don't forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
