The HJC RPHA-90S Carbon is a successor to a successor, which was already an improvement. Are you still with us? No worries: the RPHA-90S Carbon is one for the fans. A flip-up helmet, in carbon, with double P/J homologation. It won't get much more interesting.
Its list of predecessors includes the HJC RPHA-90 (without S), which we wrote was "just about the best thing HJC has to offer when it comes to flip-up helmets". The subsequent HJC RPHA-90S (without Solid Carbon) received the double P/J homologation, and now a much lighter weight is added, courtesy of more carbon.
The HJC RPHA-90S Solid Carbon - and in fact the entire pedigree - was developed for experienced touring riders who prefer to hit the road with a light flip-up and jet helmet, and in addition to the dual homologation it offers all the functionality you would expect from a top of the range helmet, coupled with an overall weight that can get you anywhere.
Three different helmet shells are available to accommodate the varying helmet sizes. Feel free to look for a few more flip-up helmets that don't tip the scales above 1500 grams. The helmet shell is manufactured using the PIM Plus Carbon, the Premium Integrated Matrix method. The proportion of carbon has increased significantly compared to previous models, making the helmet even lighter.
The chin piece can be opened by means of the central - red - push button at the front. This button is wide enough to be operated with motorcycle gloves. Once undone, the intention is to bring the chin piece all the way up, where it will be fixed relatively well. A quick movement downwards will allow you to close the helmet completely. For your information: leaving the chin up halfway between open and closed is not an option.
You can expect a good and healthy air circulation with a motorbike helmet of this caliber when you leave the visor and chin piece closed. The easy to open and close chin ventilation and just as easy to operate top ventilation provide sufficient airflow, while everything leaves the helmet through the back.
A clear visor - standard treated against fog and with UV filter - supplies a lot of visibility and can be closed well in the front. It requires a push of a button to open everything again. RapidFire™ 3 Shield Replacement System is the name HJC gives to the possibility of quickly replacing the visor without tools. A built-in, scratch-resistant sun visor extends almost to the top of the chin piece and can easily be operated with a slider at the bottom left.
Everything is foreseen to mount an anti-fog lens (Pinlock®) and, as it should be in this category of motorcycle helmets, you get it as standard.
More than usual attention was also paid to the interior. ‘Multicool' is the term that stands for an anti-bacterial material with quick-drying properties, which ensures a lot of comfort. Of course, cheek pads and other elements are easily removable and washable. The design will appeal to spectacle-wearers and during the development of the interior, a lot of resources were spent on ergonomics and noise reduction. The result is a good all-round touring helmet that you can wear for a long time without any problems. As a jet helmet or as a full-face helmet.
The motorcycle helmet has a length-adjustable, soft chin strap with a 'Full Metal Micro Buckle System', which means a micrometric buckle in stainless steel for extra strength. A well-designed neck edge reduces the risk of whiplash and the wind curtain chin makes everything fit nicely.
For maintenance of this helmet we recommend S100 helmet and visor cleaner for the outside. To clean the interior, without removing it, you can use S100 helmet interior cleaner. New visors have received a water-repellent treatment. This treatment is less effective after some time. Restore the water-repellent effect with Rain-X anti-rain spray.
In some countries (e.g., France), it is mandatory to provide your helmet with reflective stickers. The RPHA-90S is delivered without these reflective stickers. Reflective sticker sets can be found here.
Safety first! Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches or dull visors cause blinding reflections from street lights and headlights of oncoming vehicles. This effect is even more pronounced in rainy weather. It is best to replace a scratched or dull visor as soon as possible. Planning a longer trip? Then don't forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
