Tag Archives: Helmet Reviews

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review | Gear

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review

Over the past couple years, German helmet maker Schuberth has completely redesigned its lineup of motorcycle helmets. In the past, we’ve reviewed Schuberth’s modular helmets: the C5 and ADV-style E2. The S3 is a full-face helmet based on the same architecture, its shell manufactured using directly processed fiberglass combined with a special resin that’s compressed in a vacuum at high pressure. Like the C5 and E2, the S3’s shell also has a basalt layer for added strength and impact absorption.

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review
Photo by Kevin Wing

Designed to meet Europe’s latest ECE 22.06 helmet safety standard, the S3 reaches high benchmarks for protection and has a large eyeport for better visibility (the S3 is also DOT approved). Inside the shell is a dual-density EPS liner, an intermediate-oval head shape, and a new comfort liner with customizable pads. Optional “sport” and “comfort” cheek pads and replaceable rear pads can make the interior more round or more oval. The S3 also has the Schuberth Rescue System, which allows first responders to extract the cheek pads to facilitate removal of the helmet.

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review

Other features include an optically correct faceshield with a Pinlock anti-fog insert, a repositioned chinstrap to reduce pressure near the throat, an anti-roll-off system, a double chin air intake with an exchangeable filter, a new rear spoiler with an air extractor, and a new V-lock sunshield mechanism.

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review

The S3 is also prewired for the optional SC2 Bluetooth 5.0 communicator (sold separately), which is made by Sena and based on the 50S with voice activation and mesh networking. HD speakers and an antenna are built into the helmet. A remote-control unit clicks into the left side of the helmet, and the SC2 main unit with a rechargeable battery plugs into the back of the helmet.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

Fit and comfort are excellent, and weight is reasonable: The size Medium we tested is 3 lb, 14 ounces. While testing naked bikes for a comparison test, the S3’s slippery shape moved through the air with no buffeting, and during head checks to the side there was no unpleasant noise or wind pressure. Thanks to the aerodynamic shell and well-padded neck roll, the inside of the helmet remains reasonably quiet. The only issue I had with the S3, as well as the C5 and E2, is that it’s easy to inadvertently knock the vent on the chinbar closed when putting on the helmet or opening/closing the faceshield.

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review

The Schuberth S3 comes in Concrete Gray (shown), Matte Black, or Glossy White for $599, as well as the Storm graphic in three colorways (blue, silver, or orange) for $699. Available sizes are XS-3XL.

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Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet Review | Gear

Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet Review
Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test many helmets over the years, but the Forcite MK1S smart helmet stands out. After using it for a month, I’m thrilled to share my review.  

Forcite Helmet Systems, founded by Alfred Boyadgis, is an Australia-based technology company that has developed the world’s first certified smart motorcycle helmet. The company’s flagship product – the Forcite MK1S smart helmet – enhances the riding experience by integrating sensor technology and Forcite Command software. The helmet features a 4K camera, AI-powered voice control, augmented-reality navigation, and high-quality audio capabilities. 

Comfort and Design | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet 

I found the Forcite MK1S offers a good level of comfort, thanks to its very light design (3.3-3.7 lb, depending on size), well-padded 3D-foam interior, and six vents for managing airflow. The helmet fits snugly without feeling too tight or restrictive, which is crucial for long rides. There are some positioning issues with the cheek pads that could be more refined in their shape and support while riding. The MK1S runs slightly small, so you might want to consider going up a size when purchasing.  

Forecite MK1S Modular Motorcycle Helmet Review

The helmet exhibits good craftsmanship. The shell is made of T-400 carbon fiber that balances durability and weight, and its aerodynamic shape also reduces wind resistance. However, interior noise is louder than what one would expect from a premium helmet. The MK1S is available in glossy or matte scratch-resistant finishes, which helps it maintain its aesthetic appeal even after extensive use. 

The faceshield has a quick-release design, locks closed for high-speed use, and is prepared for the Pinlock MaxVision 120 anti-fog insert. 

Forecite MK1S Modular Motorcycle Helmet Review

Features and Control Systems | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet 

This helmet is packed with features, and the controls are intuitive and accessible, even with gloves on. However, the AI-powered voice command feature could use some improvement as I occasionally struggled to understand commands in noisy environments. Understand that for this feature to work, the Forcite smartphone app and Bluetooth controller pod (included with a mounting kit) must be used. The app is easy to load up and navigate, but it is not as sophisticated as some other navigation systems.    

Forecite MK1S Modular Motorcycle Helmet Review

Using the Bluetooth controller has been an interesting experience. It’s easy to use even with gloves on, but I don’t like having to look down at the pod to change volume, advance a song, or accept an incoming call.  

Battery Life and Charging | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet 

The helmet’s battery life is decent, lasting around 4-5 hours on a single charge with moderate use. Charging is via a USB-C port, and it takes around 3-4 hours for a full charge. One thing I noticed is that the charging cord for the helmet is the only one that works properly. I tried a few other cords I had laying around, and they were inconsistent with charging time, if they worked at all.  

Video Quality | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet 

As far as the 4K video camera goes, I wouldn’t rely on it to be a YouTube Vlogger. The camera is good, but my GoPro and Insta360 are much better. Image stabilization is a little shaky, but it does a good job of providing an account of your riding and the surrounding area, so in the sense of having a safety device along with you for your ride, it’s a good solution, since all the equipment you need is build right into the helmet.   

Forecite MK1S Modular Motorcycle Helmet Review

Audio Quality | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet 

The built-in speakers offer excellent audio quality, whether for calls, music, or GPS directions. Even at high speeds, the sound remains clear and distortion-free. I installed Forcite’s speaker relocation kit to the helmet, which made a big difference.  

Navigation Consistency and Alerts | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet 

The augmented-reality navigation is one of the helmet’s standout features, projecting directional cues just below the visor’s bottom edge for turning, which is a game-changer for route planning, traffic disruptions like construction, and even police presence. The system provided accurate directions, but in some of the areas I rode in, it will announce “rerouting” an annoying number of times. Additionally, the alerts for hazard warnings were sometimes delayed, which can be a potential safety concern.   

Forecite MK1S Modular Motorcycle Helmet Review

Final Impression | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet 

For the most part, the Forcite MK1S is a great looking, lightweight helmet with built-in audio and visual capabilities. Yet it still feels like a working prototype – successful yet still in need of refinement to meet expectations for a premium helmet.   

If I could do it over again, would I still buy this helmet or wait for the next generation? That’s easy: Yes! I’m a tech fan and an early adopter. For the very same reason I still have an old Skully helmet in my garage, I would buy upgrades and new models of Forcite helmets. For now, I’ll enjoy using it and joining discussion on their website and social media pages, trying to help bring this helmet to the point of realizing the brand’s goal of reshaping the future of motorcycling. Isn’t that what our community is about anyway? 

The Forcite M1KS retails for $1,099, and it is available on the Forcite website

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

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AGV Tourmodular Modular Helmet | Gear Review

AGV Tourmodular Modular Helmet

When I slide on a full-face helmet, there’s a kind of click. My focus instantly sharpens, and my shoulders relax. The lighter and more comfortable the helmet, the deeper the effect. Add in modular helmet action so I can chat, hydrate, and snack on the fly, and I can stay in the zone all day.

That’s why I was so excited to try AGV’s new Tourmodular on a recent midsummer multistate tour through the Northeast.

AGV Tourmodular Modular Helmet

It’s a handsome lid, but what’s more important to me is performance, beginning with safety. AGV claims this modular helmet is just as safe as a full-face helmet, and testing backs up this claim. It surpassed the latest market-driving ECE 22.06 safety standard. Since it’s a modular, it had to undergo additional impact and torsion testing both in its open and closed positions, and the Tourmodular passed these as well.

Comfort is my next priority. This wind-tunnel-engineered helmet is compact and lightweight thanks to a shell comprised of carbon, aramid fiber, and fiberglass. My Medium weighs 3.7 lb and fit true-to-size out of the box.

The removable/washable interior is super comfy, with Ritmo, a cooling, breathable material, covering the cheek pads and soft Shalimar lining the interior. As a full-time prescription glasses wearer, I also appreciate the Tourmodular’s recessed channels that accommodate eyewear. A lined chin strap closes via a micro ratchet, and an integrated sunshield is deployed via a convenient toggle.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

All the mechanical functions are robust, starting with crisp, five-stop faceshield action. At 4mm, the faceshield is twice as thick as most lenses and considered part of the shell’s architecture. The optically correct faceshield provides a massive 190×85-degree field of vision, and its compact latches are such a cinch to operate that you’ll be popping the faceshield on and off just for cleaning.

The modular feature is actuated via an easy-to-operate latch under the chin: Just pull and flip. It’s perfect for me since I prefer to keep my helmet on during short stops.

AGV Tourmodular Modular Helmet
The AGV Tourmodular is convenient for snack breaks throughout a ride.

Underway, the helmet was quiet whether I was riding a touring rig or a naked bike. Its light weight kept me from feeling fatigued on long riding days. During severe extended downpours, zero water leaked inside even with the faceshield in the locked “micro-opening” position. An included Max Pinlock 120 insert kept fogging at bay.

My first two weeks in the helmet were spent riding behind a touring windshield in high humidity, so all avenues of ventilation were investigated. There are two vents on the chin bar, but the real ticket was the large wraparound vent on top that ushered in plenty of cooling air. 

In 30-plus years of testing motorcycle gear, I haven’t enjoyed a helmet more than this one. The Tourmodular modular helmet is positioned as a more economic version of AGV’s all-carbon Sportmodular. There are nine colorways and 30 fit combos between three shell sizes, six interior sizes, and five thicknesses of interchangeable cheek pads. Pricing starts at $659.95.

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Schuberth E2 Modular Helmet | Gear Review

Schuberth E2 modular helmet Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+
Schuberth E2 Explorer modular helmet in Black Anthracite

Knowing I’d be riding more than 1,000 miles during the dog days of summer – when Sirius, the “Dog Star,” rises with the sun, which ancient Greeks believed brought heat, drought, bad storms, bad luck, and mad dogs – I opted to wear my Schuberth E2 modular helmet for the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ press launch in Idaho and my two-day ride home to California. I wanted comfort, ventilation, minimal wind noise, and the convenience of a flip-up chinbar. The E2 delivered.

Related: 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Review | Road Test

We wrote a Schuberth C5 modular helmet and SC2 Communicator review for our September 2022 issue, and the E2 is largely the same helmet but with more ventilation and an ADV-style peak visor. The C5/E2 have an intermediate-oval head shape with more interior space than their C4/E1 predecessors. To improve comfort, the chinstrap, which fastens with a quick-release micro-lock ratcheting mechanism, was moved forward, and the chinbar’s new pinless locking mechanism prevents the helmet from becoming tighter when the chinbar is closed.

The E2’s shell is made using Schuberth’s Direct Fiber Processing method, where glass fiber is combined with a special resin and compressed in a vacuum at high pressure, and the shell is reinforced with a basalt layer for added strength. The size medium tested here weighs 4 lb, 6 oz.

Schuberth E2 modular helmet Gloss White
Schuberth E2 in Gloss White
Schuberth E2 modular helmet
Schuberth E2 in Matte Black

Inside the E2 is a dual-density EPS liner, a drop-down sunshield, and a removable/washable Comfort Fit interior with CoolMax antibacterial fabric and customizable pads. The helmet is prewired for the SC2 communication system ($349, sold separately), with HD speakers and antennas for FM, Bluetooth, and Mesh already installed.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

Comfort for the E2 was good right out of the box, and it improved as the helmet molded to my noggin. Ventilation is excellent, with two intake vents on the chinbar, a large central intake on the crown, exhaust vents on the rear spoiler, and air-flow channels built into the EPS liner. One gripe is that the chinbar intake vent just below the faceshield pushes open and closed, and I often bumped it closed accidentally when opening the faceshield.

Schuberth E2 Explorer modular helmet White Red Blue
Schuberth E2 Explorer in White/Red/Blue
Schuberth E2 Defender modular helmet
Schuberth E2 Defender

As the faceshield snaps shut, two small tabs near the shield’s base plate lock it closed. When closing the shield from one side or the other, occasionally one or both tabs would not engage to fully close the faceshield. However, it locks closed easily if I spread my hand apart and push the shield closed from both sides with my thumb and forefinger. Schuberth’s patented memory function keeps the faceshield open at a desired level after opening and closing the chinbar, and a Pinlock anti-fog insert is included.  Motorcycle windscreens can introduce turbulence, but the E2 slices through the air cleanly, and the adjustable peak visor provides shade without getting caught in the wind. When I stood up on the Tracer’s pegs to stretch my legs, I was enveloped in smooth, quiet air, allowing me to simply enjoy the thrum of the engine.

The Schuberth E2 sells for $799 in one of three solid colors and $899 for the E2 Defender graphic or one of four Explorer graphics.

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LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet | Gear Review

LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet

Established in 2007, Spanish manufacturer LS2 produces a full line of motorcycle helmets, including full-face, modular, open-face, off-road, and youth. The LS2 Thunder Carbon is the brand’s top-of-the-line motorcycle racing helmet, designed with input from professional riders in World Superbike, Moto 2, Moto 3, and other series and certified by DOT, ECE, and FIM.  

LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet Lightning
LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet in the Lightning graphic
LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet Lightning
LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet in the Lightning graphic

The LS2 Thunder Carbon helmet features a Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber shell, a multidensity EPS liner, emergency-release cheek pads, and a double D-ring chin strap. The interior has an intermediate-oval shape with a snug and comfortable fit, making it ideal for full days on the track, on the highway, or in the canyons. Its aerodynamic shape slices through the wind, its rear spoiler enhances stability, and its light weight (3.25 lb for a Medium) reduces fatigue. 

LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet
LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet Alliance
LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet in the Alliance graphic

The Thunder Carbon motorcycle racing helmet comes with both clear and dark smoke faceshields, as well as an extra set of black visor fasteners to match the dark smoke visor. Slick and thoughtful! The eyeport is above the normal line of sight, which improves visibility when tucked in. A Pinlock anti-fog insert and a breath guard are also included. 

Six intake vents, three exhaust vents, and channels in the EPS lining provide ventilation. The intake vents have harmonizers to streamline the airflow through the helmet for maximum cooling, and the faceshield has an air crack position to allow in additional air. Testing this helmet on hot days in Texas was a pleasant experience, and I remained cool even at stop lights and in traffic. 

The Thunder Carbon has no cutouts for Bluetooth speakers inside the liner, which is understandable for an aggressive-style helmet like this one. However, I was able to install a Sena 50 Series Mesh system easily. 

LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet
LS2 Thunder Carbon Motorcycle Racing Helmet on its included inflatable resting pillow.

Overall, the LS2 Thunder Carbon is an attractive, comfortable, high-quality helmet with excellent safety features. It also comes with a hydration tube, a helmet sleeve, a protective bag, and an inflatable resting pillow for off-bike storage. 

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

Whether you’re a professional motorcycle racer or an everyday road warrior, the LS2 Thunder Carbon helmet offers a perfect blend of style, performance, and protection. It’s available in sizes XS-2XL in solid and graphics starting at $699.98. 

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ScorpionEXO XT9000 Adventure Motorcycle Helmet | Gear Review 

ScorpionEXO XT9000 Adventure Motorcycle Helmet

The ScorpionEXO XT9000 is the company’s newest entry into the midline adventure motorcycle helmet class, boasting a 3K carbon fiber shell and inflatable cheek pads, among other notable features. 

The helmet’s interior feels simultaneously rugged and breathable, with a soft KwickWick III moisture-wicking liner and removable crown, cheek pads, and neck roll, all of which are washable. Its novel “Airfit” cheek pads can be inflated via a large red air pump button and deflated via a release valve, all located on the interior of the chinbar. The result is a truly individual fit that is quick and easy to adjust, even with gloves on. A removable neoprene skirt is also included to effectively block wind from blowing up into the chin area for more comfortable cold weather riding and reduced wind noise.  

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here. 

Built into the shell are 50mm speaker pockets if you want to install a Bluetooth comm system. Two thin bright red “emergency” straps on the underside of the neck roll release the cheek pads when pulled, reducing neck strain during helmet removal in the event of a crash. 

The XT9000’s exterior is handsomely styled in the ADV tradition, with a TCT-Ultra 3K carbon fiber shell wrapped around a multilayered, multidensity EPS liner. The clearcoat-over-carbon finish on our test model was glossy and smooth, complementing the excellent overall fit and finish. Two Maxvision faceshields are included (clear and dark tint), both of which are shatter-resistant, anti-fog and anti-scratch coated, and 95% UVA+B blocking. For off-road riding, the shield is designed to accommodate most goggles while in the “up” position, negating the need to remove the shield entirely. Pinlock anti-fog film is included also. The shield sealed well when closed, with no air or water leakage detected. The helmet’s peak is easily removable via three thumbscrews for a street-style look. 

ScorpionEXO XT9000 Adventure Motorcycle Helmet
Photo by the author

Out on the road, the XT9000 was delightfully functional, starting with its superb ventilation. Up front, the peak directs air into two intake vents on the top of the helmet, each of which has a beefy closed/open switch which is easily actuated with gloved hands. The chinbar has four small open ports and one larger central main port which can be opened or closed as required. On the inside of the chinbar, there is another switch to open or close the chin vents, which aim toward the inside of the face shield to combat fogging. Internal air is dispelled through two wide spoilers on the rear of the helmet.  

Another useful feature of this helmet is its wide, airy field of vision (Scorpion claims a 190-degree horizontal and 100-degree vertical field of vision). Finally, its light weight (only 3.1 lb for our size Large test model) is less tiring on long rides than heavier comparable lids.  

The ScorpionEXO XT9000 adventure motorcycle helmet meets both DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 certifications. Sizes are available from XS to 3XL, and MSRP starts at $499.95.  

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SMK Titan Carbon Motorcycle Helmet | Gear Review

SMK Titan Carbon motorcycle helmet
SMK Titan Carbon motorcycle helmet in Nero Red graphic.

Founded in 1972 by brothers in a small garage in India, SMK Helmets has grown over the past 51 years to become one of the world’s largest motorcycle helmet manufacturers. The brand is relatively new to the U.S. market, but it offers a full line of helmets, including full-face, modular, open-face, and off-road models.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

In the full-face segment, SMK’s top-of-the-line model is the Titan Carbon. (A non-carbon version of the Titan is also available.) For weight reduction and impact resistance, the Titan Carbon outer shell material comprises carbon fiber composite and energy impact resistance thermoplastic (EIRT). An inner liner consisting of multiple densities of expanded polystyrene provides additional impact absorption, and the helmet is both ECE and DOT certified.

SMK says its helmets are designed and wind-tunnel tested to minimize drag, lift, and wind noise. The Titan Carbon holds up in the first two areas better than the last. On a Yamaha MT-09 SP naked bike on the interstate at 80-plus mph, I didn’t feel much buffeting with the 3.7-lb size XL I tested, but there was noticeable wind noise, which increased slightly with the top vent open, but earplugs mitigate that.

SMK Titan Carbon motorcycle helmet Nero Red
SMK Titan Carbon motorcycle helmet in Nero Red graphic.

In terms of ventilation, the Titan Carbon has a chin vent, a top vent, and four exhausts. Both vents are easy to open and close, but a middling amount of air flows through the helmet with them both open. The interior is more comfortable on a warm day after removing the chin curtain and breath deflector.

The drop-down sunshield comes down far enough for good visibility while allowing a small gap to make it easy to read instruments on the dash, but the tinting is too light to reduce sun glare much. The faceshield locks and unlocks easily with a pushbutton above the chin vent, and the shield can be removed with a pair of quick-release levers that are simple to operate. A Pinlock anti-fog insert is included.

SMK Titan Carbon motorcycle helmet Nero Blue
SMK Titan Carbon motorcycle helmet in Nero Blue graphic.
SMK Titan Carbon motorcycle helmet Solid
SMK Titan Carbon motorcycle helmet in Solid.

The Titan Carbon has a hypoallergenic liner with moisture-controlled fabric that keeps my head relatively cool and dry, even in the low 90s. The liner is removable and washable, and overall, the helmet fits quite comfortably, with no pressure spots on my intermediate-oval head. The helmet is secured with an adjustable quick-release ratcheting chinstrap.

Overall, despite wanting more ventilation and a darker sunshield, the SMK Titan Carbon is a well-made, feature-rich motorcycle helmet at an affordable price. It comes in solid (no color) for $279.99 and the Nero graphic in red or blue for $289.99. Available sizes are XS-2XL.

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New Gear: HJC DS-X1 Dual-Sport Helmet

HJC DS-X1 dual-sport helmet
The HJC DS-X1 dual-sport helmet in Synergy

The HJC DS-X1 dual-sport helmet is designed for both street and off-road riding with useful features and a light weight. Ideal for dual-sport or adventure applications where riders explore both paved and unpaved roads and trails, this helmet allows you to have functionality and comfort for both.

HJC DS-X1 Silver dual-sport helmet
The HJC DS-X1 in Silver with goggles

The helmet is made of an Advanced Polycarbonate composite shell for lighter weight using advanced CAD design for superior aerodynamics. The peak and Pinlock-ready faceshield are removable for use with goggles, and the large eye port allows for maximum visibility and a better goggle fit.

See Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

Important for riding off-road in the warmer months, the DS-X1 features a SuperCool moisture-wicking interior that is anti-bacterial, removable, and washable. The ACS Advanced Channeling Ventilation System allows for full front-to-back airflow to flush out heat and humidity.

HJC DS-X1 dual-sport helmet
HJC DS-X1 in Black

This dual-sport helmet also comes with glasses grooves, speaker pockets, a chin curtain, and a double D-ring fastener. It comes in sizes XS-2XL in solid colors silver, black, semi flat black, anthracite, and white starting at $179.99. The Synergy version comes in three graphics options and starts at $209.99.

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New Gear: Shoei X-Fifteen Racing Helmet

Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet Escalate TC-10
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in Escalate TC-10

The X-Fifteen racing helmet is the next generation in Shoei’s X-series of premium helmets featuring the Shoei-exclusive multi-ply Matrix AIM+ shell and multipiece, multidensity EPS liner. The helmet’s revised shape reduces air resistance by limiting lift and drag.

See Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

Wind tunnel testing throughout development revealed optimal airflow in multiple riding positions, but none more important than the aerodynamic, tucked racing position. Ventilation on the X-Fifteen has been optimized through deeper channels for airflow and ideal vent placement.

The X-Fifteen has a new faceshield with a two-stage locking system, a new baseplate, and a revised eyeport that expands the field of vision over previous X-series helmets.

Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet Matte Black
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in Matte Black
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet A.Marquez73 VS TC-2
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in A.Marquez73 VS TC-2

The faceshield protects against 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays, and the X-Fifteen also features adjustability with optional pads that can be added or removed for a better fit.

Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet Marquez Dazzle TC-1
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in Marquez Dazzle TC-1
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet Proxy TC-11
Shoei X-Fifteen racing helmet in Proxy TC-11

The helmet is available in three solid colors and 11 graphics in sizes XS-2XL starting at $899.99.

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HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet | Gear Review

HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Semi Flat Metallic Blue Suzuki GSX-8S

RPHA stands for Revolutionary Performance Helmet Advanced, and the RPHA series is HJC’s top-shelf models. The most recent addition to the line is the RPHA 91 modular motorcycle helmet with a Premium Integrated Matrix EVO shell made from a blend of materials that includes carbon-aramid, carbon fiber, glass fiber, organic nonwoven fabric, and linen fiber, all of which contribute to enhanced shock resistance and light weight. A size Medium weighs 3.8 lb.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

The RPHA 91 includes several thoughtful features, such as large, paddle-like air vents. They aren’t as hidden as the vents on other helmets; however, since operating the vents requires simply sliding or rocking a large paddle, they’re much easier to use than the smaller mechanisms found on many helmets.

Reaching up and sliding the vent on the top of the head or rocking the chin intake is effortless even with gloved hands, and there’s no searching and feeling to find them. The temple vents are operated with a slide and are much smaller, but I almost always leave them open.

HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Black
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet in Black
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet White
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet in White

Another nice feature on the RPHA 91 is the drop-down sunshield. Plenty of modular helmets have sunshields, but some of them don’t come down far enough. The RPHA 91 solves that problem with an adjustable sunshield. Removing the plate on the left side of the helmet reveals a three-setting switch. The switch allows you to set how far down the sunshield drops, and if it’s set to the lowest level, the sunshield also slides away from the face so you don’t have to worry about it bonking your nose on the way down. Dropping the sunshield to the middle position suited me the best.

HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet in Semi Flat Metallic Blue
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Semi Flat Grey
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Semi Flat in Grey
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Semi Flat Anthracite
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet in Semi Flat Anthracite

HJC also made the flip-up chinbar more convenient on the RPHA 91. Although the chinbar doesn’t flip completely around to the back of the helmet like on the HJC i100 (see the HJC i100 review here), it can still be worn in the flipped-up position while riding, although doing so inevitably sacrifices some safety as it leaves your face vulnerable. HJC accomplished this with two design elements. The first is that, with the chinbar flipped up, there is minimal space between the chinbar and the top of the helmet, meaning wind won’t get in between and pull the helmet up. The chinbar also locks in the opened position so it won’t move or drop down during a ride. The lock mechanism is a little tricky to work with gloved hands but not impossible. I wouldn’t try to lock or unlock the chinbar while actively riding, but it’s easy enough to do if I have a few seconds at a stop light.

See all of Rider‘s HJC’s product listings or gear reviews here.

Other useful features include a neck roll that helps reduce wind noise, speaker pockets and channels to run wires for a comms system, and a Pinlock-ready faceshield (a Pinlock anti-fog insert is included). The RPHA 91 comes in XS-2XL in Black, White, Matte Black, Grey, Semi Flat Titanium, Semi Flat Anthracite, Semi Flat Metallic Blue, and three graphic colors starting at $549.99.

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