HJC RPHA 1 Red Bull Austin GP

The HJC RPHA-1 Motorcycle helmet is the new sporty racing helmet from the Korean quality brand HJC. It is the successor of the RPHA11 and is also the first helmet from HJC to be tested according to the new strict European ECE22.06 certification and the helmet is also FIM certified. The 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.

This makes it pre-eminently a sports helmet that lends itself well to a sports motorcycle and for on the track. The RPHA1 will compete against the: AGV Pista GP RR, Shoei X-SPR Pro, Bell Race Star DLX, X-Lite x-803 RS Ultra Carbon, Shark Race-R Pro GP, Scorpion EXO-R1 EVO Carbon, Roof RO200 Carbon, Icon Airframe Pro and the Arai RX-7V Evo.

For example, HJC has adapted many things compared to its predecessor, including a renewed aerodynamic design with even less wind resistance as a result.

Material

The HJC RPHA-1 is made from HJC’s PIM+ shell, which stands for Premium Integrated Matrix Plus. The 6-layer Premium Integrated Matrix Shell construction is an innovation compared to its predecessor, which still used the 5 layer PIM. The renewed shell consists of 6 different layers of organic high-performance fibres. Among these 6 layers we find Carbon, Carbon-fiberglass hybrid material and Aramid. These 6 layers are a requirement to achieve the strict ECE22.06 certification. This mixture of carbon, glass and organic fibers not only makes the helmet very strong, but also keeps it very light. The RPHA-1 comes in 7 sizes and 4 outer shell sizes. The more outer shell sizes the better. The number of 4 outer shell sizes is excellent because this not only ensures that the helmet is always compact around the head, which makes the helmet safer. A compact helmet also looks better. It also has 2 EPS inner shells, each with a multi-density. This ensures that the inner shells are made for different types of impact, and as a result the helmet protects better. HJC has also installed ventilation channels between these two EPS layers to increase ventilation. We see that in general HJC is very strong in helmet ventilation.

Comfort

The HJC RPHA1 Full-Face Helmet feels exceptionally comfortable. Here it builds on the Multicool moisture-wicking and quick-drying liner that we already saw with the original RPHA11. The new RPHA-1 features updated cheek pads. The new cushions can be removed, keep out wind and noise and also offer more comfort when putting on and taking off the helmet. The crown and cheek pads are completely removable, washable and antibacterial. It also has a wider goggle and sunglasses friendly EPS shape, extra comfortable for eyeglass wearers. The lining is extremely comfortable and fresh. The RPHA1 also has an Emergency Kit cheek pads which is an important option. This ensures that – in the event of an incident – the helmet can be removed in a safe and simple manner. The eye for detail is typical of HJC. The liner is also prepared for the HJC Smart 10B Bluetooth System or the HJC 20B Bluetooth System for even more driving comfort. The helmet is equipped with a Double-D closure.

Visor

The HJC RPHA-1 features an improved visor and visor mechanism. HJC almost always comes out very strongly in our Data Road Tests when we talk about the visor. The coil spring mechanism of the RPHA 1 pulls the visor close to the shell. This better excludes wind and noise. HJC has further developed this and with the RPHA-1 we see a renewed and advanced visor and visor mechanism of absolute top quality. Another improvement is that the helmet is equipped with the new HJC HJ-35 Visor, which offers 99% UV protection, is anti-scratch with a double locking mechanism. This reduces the risk of accidentally opening the visor. The RPHA-1 comes standard with a Pinlock EVO 120 lens in the box. This Pinlock lens prevents fogging of the visor and always 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 closing mechanism is as usual in the middle of the visor and opening and closing of the visor is now also smoother. The mechanism also offers the option to lock it ajar, which is nice if you’re driving around town.

Ventilation

HJC is a brand known for its strong ventilation. We also see this in HJC RPHA 70 Carbon and the HJC RPHA90S Carbon. Both are among the best ventilating helmets on the market. This is confirmed once again in our extensive Data Road Tests. Entirely in line with expectations, we see the same with the RPHA1. Here too, the helmet allows extraordinarily strong ventilation. For ventilation we have a ventilation opening in the chin piece that you can open and close. There are multi-position air intakes on top of the helmet. And opening and closing the vents are also glove-friendly. All the warm air can then escape through the exhaust at the back.

Aerodynamics

Another important feature of a quality full-face helmet is that it has been tested in a wind tunnel, as opposed to a computer simulation that you often see with cheaper full-face helmets. The RPHA-1 has been wind tunnel tested and this has led to the great advantage of strong aerodynamics. Testing has resulted in a slimmer design compared to its predecessor, which means the helmet cuts through the wind even better. As a result, HJC has succeeded in further reducing lift (the pulling up of the helmet) and further reducing the overall drag (drag). The redesigned streamlined profile combined with redesigned vents streamline the overall design of the helmet, reducing the burden on the rider’s head. This means that as a rider you feel less burden on your neck, so that you get tired less quickly.

Properties HJC RPHA-1

Helmet type: Full face helmet

Shell material: Fiberglass composite

Outer visor: Thermoplastic HJ-35 clear visor with Pinlock anti-fog lens supplied as standard

Communication: Integrated preparation for communication system

Closure: Double D Closure

Insulation: Sound insulating and compacted liner

Inner lining: antibacterial, removable & washable

Helmet shell: comes in 4 sizes

Ventilation: Completely redesigned ventilation around the chin, top and back