The HJC RPHA-1 motorcycle helmet is the new sporty race helmet from the Korean quality brand HJC. It is the successor of the RPHA 11 and the first helmet from HJC to be tested according to the new strict European ECE22.06 standard. The helmet is also FIM-certified for riders looking to use this helmet on the racetrack. This sportbike helmet has been completely renewed and improved in terms of the outer shell, aerodynamics, a renewed Pinlock visor, improved ventilation, an improved inner lining, and better sound insulation.

Material

The HJC RPHA 1 comes with HJC's PIM+ (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus) shell. The 6-layer Premium Integrated Matrix Shell construction is an innovation compared to its predecessor, which still uses the 5-layer PIM. The renewed shell consists of 6 different layers of organic high-performance fibres. Among these 6 layers, the material present is carbon, carbon-fiberglass hybrid material and aramid. This mixture of carbon, glass and organic fibers makes the helmet very strong and keeps it very light. HJC has also installed ventilation channels between these EPS layers to increase ventilation. We see that, in general, HJC is very strong in helmet ventilation.

Comfort

The HJC RPHA1 full-face helmet comes with a multicool moisture-wicking and quick-drying liner. It also features updated cheek pads. They keep the wind and noise at their lowest and offer good comfort when putting the helmet on and removing it. The crown and cheek pads are completely removable, washable, and antibacterial. The helmet also has a wider goggle—and sunglasses-friendly EPS shell. The RPHA 1 also comes with an emergency quick-release system that helps easily remove the helmet in case of an accident.

Visor

The HJC RPHA 1 features an improved visor and visor mechanism. HJC always comes out strongly when discussing the visor in our Data Road Tests. This helmet comes with the HJ-35 clear visor, which offers 99% UV protection and is anti-scratch with a double locking mechanism. This reduces the risk of accidentally opening the visor. This helmet also has a Pinlock EVO 120 lens in the box. This Pinlock lens prevents visor fogging and guarantees the best view. Thanks to the RapidFire visor mechanism, the visor can be replaced easily and quickly without tools.

Another innovation is that the pins for the Pinlock attachment are placed further back. This has increased the field of view, and the area covered by the Pinlock lens is even larger. The mechanism also offers the option to lock it ajar, which is nice for driving around town.

Ventilation

The HJC RPHA 1 motorcycle helmet offers one of the best ventilations.

The helmet has an opening in the chin piece that riders can open and close. There are multi-position air intakes on top of the helmet. Opening and closing the vents is also glove-friendly. All the warm air escapes through the exhaust at the back. This combination of multiple air vents and exhaust ports keeps riders cool and comfortable throughout their trip.

Aerodynamics

The HJC RPHA 1 helmet has been wind tunnel tested in a real wind tunnel, which has led to the great advantage of a strong, streamlined design. HJC has succeeded in further reducing lift (the pulling up of the helmet) and overall drag (drag). The helmet's overall design has been streamlined by combining the redesigned streamlined profile with updated vents, resulting in less pressure on the rider's head. This means that riders feel less of a burden on the neck and get tired less quickly.