The popularity of Adventure style helmets has surged alongside the rise of adventure touring motorcycles, with riders wanting a lid capable of tackling anything from urban commuting to the Dakar.
HJC, which has been making motorcycle helmets for more than 50 years, and has been selling in Europe since the early noughties, has two adventure options in its range, with the premium model being the £429.99 RPHA 60 (£469.99 for the fancy graphic versions).
The RPHA 60 is a well-equipped lid, arriving in a smart matt black box complete with two visors (clear and tinted), a Pinlock 120XLT anti-fog insert and a soft drawstring bag for protection. The ECE 22.06 shell is made from HJC’s propriety Premium Integrated Matrix, which claims to be both durable and light weight. The medium size helmet on test weighed 1640g, around 100g lighter than similarly-priced rivals.
Its light weight doesn’t come at the expense of features. The removable peak is both tool-free and quick-release, and there is a drop-down sun visor to reduce the glare of the desert, or High Street. It is operated by a neatly hidden slider under the rim, and it drops further than most, leaving just a sliver of undimmed vista at the bottom limit. It also ‘kicks out’ at the end of its travel, giving extra clearance for people with distinguished noses or wearing glasses. The main visor allows a wide viewing angle, and snaps into the fully-closed and fully-open positions with a solid clunk.
The ventilation system has three intakes and four exhausts, with the chinbar mounted intake proving particularly effective. The intake on the crown was less efficient, and I had a hard time discerning whether it was open or closed, even on hotter days.
HJC claims to have performed extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics and aerodynamic testing, and it certainly feels like it has done its homework, as the aero performance of the RPHA 60 is excellent, with no lift and plenty of stability even when doing over-the-shoulder checks while pressing on. I was expecting the peak to create extra turbulence and wind noise, but there was no evidence of this, with it feeling almost as quiet as my regular full-face lid.
The interior is made from an anti-bacterial fabric which is moisture wicking and quick drying. This was a real boon during August’s 30oC heatwave: even on longer jaunts in the sunshine I was left feeling cool, calm and suitably non-sweaty.
My test lid featured the Quid graphic in an unusual orange/grey/navy blue/metallic green colour combo which looks very smart. The satin finish is very in vogue, and on a more practical level it wipes clean easily. Other graphic options are available, or there is a selection of matt, satin and gloss solid colours.
Overall, a fine quality helmet with few drawbacks. It features all the bells and whistles expected of a high-end lid. It’s comfortable, reasonably lightweight, quiet and has a premium look and feel that give good shelf appeal.
Oxford Products; 01993 862300;Â [email protected]