The C91N modular helmet by HJC is a budget-friendly all-rounder. It has practically everything you need on board, with the comfort and a degree of finishing that is usually found in pricier segments. In short: a top-shelf motorcycle helmet. In many aspects.
Does this sound familiar? Well, yes, because the HJC C91N is largely a descendant of the HJC C91 that laid the foundations. The most important update is the ECE R22.06-certification.
Whizz-kids will recognise some elements of the HJC IS-MAX II in this new helmet, which would be totally accurate.
It’s worth mentioning that there’s the option to fit a 20B intercom, just like the sharp price setting and the fact that this branch is holding on to the family tree with a polycarbonate helmet shell. Or more specifically: Advanced Polycarbonate Composite. The HJC C91 is a compact motorcycle helmet, aerodynamic, tight-fitting and about 1,700 grams. This sounds like a lot, until you start listing the multitude of integrated and standard components.
Modular helmets are preferably openable – singlehandedly – which is perfectly doable with motorcycle gloves with this C91N. The red, centralised lever on the chin piece is easy to find and use. Even with the wind curtain chin present. When flipped up, the C91N actually stays open in that position; even without double homologation.
The chin and top ventilation are easy to operate and the combination creates an airstream that exits the back of the helmet through the outlets that are always open. Those whizz-kids from earlier will indubitably notice how the design of the chin ventilation has become a touch sharper than the very first 2015-version of this motorcycle helmet.
The transparent visor has 99% UV-resistance – all HJC visors do, by the way – and they are Pinlock® lens-ready. The only thing missing is the Pinlock® lens itself. The visor is flexible and can easily be removed or replaced. Behind the transparent one, you can find the integrated dark sun visor. The controls for this visor can be found at the top of the motorcycle helmet, right in line with the top ventilation but even with motorcycle gloves, the difference is clearly noticeable and the sun visor is easily brought down or flipped up. It is fog and scratch-resistant, like you might expect from a motorcycle helmet of this calibre.
The interior was developed to preserve the right moisture balance, to eliminate odours and to add a serious portion of antibacterial properties. It’s called a healthy climate, something which can only be useful in a motorcycle helmet. The cheek pads end where the chin piece begins, which is quite normal in a modular helmet like this one. With the wind curtain chin in place, the airflow you get in some modular helmets is actually not that bad at all. The cutouts in the interior will be music to the ears of glasses-wearers. Obviously, the interior is completely removable, replaceable and washable in-between replacements.
The closure of this motorcycle helmet is micrometric, adjustable and integrated into a soft, wide chin strap. Together with the well-finished neck rim of this motorcycle helmet, this effectively reduces the risk of whiplash while enhancing comfort.
Reflective stickers are mandatory in France (and certain other countries).
Care instructions:
- Reluctant to disassemble the interior of your helmet, only to have it washed? 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.
