2000-mile review: HJC RPHA 91 motorcycle helmet - Sportsbikeshop

The R-PHA 91 is a classy flipfront helmet that’s packed with features. We’ve researched all the details, weighed it, stripped the liner out several times, added the intercom and have also ridden more than 2000 miles in it. We know this helmet, and this video will prove it.

UPDATE: A SHARP rating was issued for the HJC RPHA-91 helmet in September 2024. It scored four stars out of five and the chinbar remained closed in 80% of impacts performed for the tests.

[ralphessinger]

Thank you for the clear and honest review. I think you may have saved me a great deal of frustration. I love everything I’ve seen and heard about this helmet but I also love my Cardo Packtalk EDGE. Too bad they didn’t keep the door open to universal mountings. Thanks!

[cavtj]

Why do the helmet companies get in bed with a certain intercom company? I have the Sena on one of my helmets (Shoei Neotec) and a Cardo on another Shuberth C-5. The Cardo is a much higher quality coms unit! Don't take my word for it though (just my opinion). But I see HJC, Shoei and more companies promoting the Sena. You said yourself, "the mounting position would be less than idea" if going with someone other than Sena. I will not buy another Sena! Once again, just my opinion. Thanks for posting this Sir!

[darlyp]

I have had mine for about 3 months now and very happy with the helmet. However, I have yet to find a quick attach strap that works with it and isn't heavy or too big for me. I am very impressed with the air flow across the brow line

[EwanKim]

wish I knew this channel before I purchased my first helmet just few weeks ago.. so helpful for newbies like myself.. Thanks for the great contents!

[bretthawton]

I have the Schuberth C5 and the HJC RPHA 91. I've rotated these helmets over the last 3, 000 miles and I can say the HJC helmet is sooo much louder due to less padding around the chin and loud venting. It's so loud that I can't use the HJC Smart 50B communication system because wind noise activates the VOX intercom even with the least sensitive settings. I've never needed earplugs with my Schuberth, but I can't wear the HJC without earplugs. This really sucks because I think it is designed much better than any other modular helmet on the market.

[TheStammeringBiker]

The fact they've made it a pain to install another intercom other than theirs means I won't be getting this helmet, which is why I haven't got the Shoei Neotec 3 either, which is a shame.

[donpetryna]

I have this helmet for past month and a bit. The exterior shield will slam shut at any speed over 45 mph. The retention system is weak and in the open position it will close on its own. I contacted HJC in regards to this issue and they sent to their quality control dept who has yet to contact me despite me sending two follow up emails. No support for a $950 Canadian helmet. I would not recommend this helmet based on this and the lack of support…

[Gurra_Gforce]

"You can get the RPHA 91 in carbon, but that isn't the difference. The RPHA series helmets are made out of HJCs PIM shell whereas the i series uses a polycarbonate shell. The venting is different, where the RPHA 91 has more vents. The RPHA chinbar also rotates back and down as it's flipped up which results in it sitting closer to the helmet when in the open position. The i91 has the normal single pivot point. The RPHA 91 also has slightly nicer liner than the i91....but the i91 liner is pretty good.

I would say that most would be happy with the i91, but the RPHA 91 has those extra nice features and a shell that will take more impact.

I have been in the market as well and the extra features are worth it for me. I'm going with the RPHA 91. And they're on sale on Chromeburner right now. I've never ordered from them, but going to give it a shot. I've always worn HJC helmets and know my size, so returns shouldn't be an issue."

[jasonrose]

I have the RPHA 90S Carbon. Pretty happy with the helmet, it's reasonably quiet (not as much as I hoped for). I also have the HJC 20B intercom unit fitted to it. I find this this to be sub standard, anything above 60mph I cant hear anything. Wondering if to upgrade to the 91 or go for the new NEOTEC3 (or perhaps C4 Carbon)

[PelleGurra]

The rumour is that hidden intercom is about to come as a regulation. A direct hit on the external intercom may crush the helmet shell. The slot for the intercom should preferably be standadised so any brand can produce a fitting intercom system for any helmet....

[yahel]

I don't know where you buy your helmets but a neotec 2 shouldn't cost 800 dollars.
The rpha 91 is superb. The interior quality of HJC (in my opinion) has come to be the best of any helmet brand on the market.
You can also consider the Schuberth C5 which is excellent. I have both the C5 and the RPHA. You have to try them both on your head for an extended period of time (at least 10 minutes) before you make a decision. If they match your head shape, there are no other options that will be better than the Schuberth or the RPHA

[brentonappleby]

Could you mount the base of a Cardo Edge on top of the plastic cover where the 50B would go, or could you remove that cover and place the base over the top?

[davidarmitage]

You mention elsewhere that the RPHA 91 suits your head shape....and also say "if the fit suits you then I would have no hesitation in recommending it.'" So what is your head shape please? What head shape does this helmet suit? Thanks

[vasav]

Can anyone tell me differnce for the new rpha 91 blat vs abbes vs solid

[MRth-]

Well just took back the helmet to Sportbikeshp. It leaks, not a few drops but massively. Which begs the question why I have vertical dragging marks inside the top of the visor. Also the top vent doesn’t shut properly. Luck has it I have a spare helmet.
Update. Received an email from Sportsbikeshop. I was offered a refund or a new helmet. HJC can’t fix the helmet. Bloody shame.

[mikeshacklock]

@sportsbikeshop How does chin space compare to C5/E2 & Shoei Neo3? Mine touches in a Neo3, ok in a C5/E2 but the Schuberth doesn’t fit my head shape well & would cost nearly £100 in pads to remedy

[lpdrk]

Any news on an attachment kit for cardo like the ones on the shoei neotec 2/gt-air 2 (i know there isnt one for the threes 😢)

[twowheelsquirrel]

Whats the rain guttering like? I love HJC but never owned one that doesnt oeak at the top of the visor in heavy rain.

[garrett]

Thank you, i've been on the search for an upgraded helmet from my cheap amazon purchase. This is one im curious about but I have not tried it on as no one has them in stock other than white and gloss black which I don't care for. I've tried a few helmets and nothing seems to really fit me well, I do want to stick with a modular helmet with the quick chin strap and sun visor, do you recommend any others in this price area? I did fit well in the shoe neotech 2 but i'm trying to find something sub 800 dollars if I can.

[azariarrocha]

Tony, nice review. I notice the chin strap uses a ratchet. However, in the US and EU market, they sell the same model with double d rings. Why is there a difference? or is this something you adapted?

Thanks for all your great reviews.