HJC RPHA 70 full face motorbike helmet review

How it started

As the only legally required piece of motorcycle safety equipment it’s no surprise that your helmet is the the single most important piece of safety equipment you’ll wear. If an accident happens your helmet will have one moment to potentially save your life, and according to research helmets are 37% effective at saving lives. A recent Devitt study shows 96% of bikers would still wear a helmet even if the compulsory law changed. So, given the importance, let’s help you decide if the HJC RPHA 70 full face motorbike helmet is the protection for you as it’s not just about safety.

The South Korean helmet maker, HJC, has been producing motorcycle helmets for about 45 years now, and are known for providing decent quality, affordable crash helmets.

So how to I rate the HJC RPHA 70 helmet?

Safety

The outer shell is a combination of carbon fibre and fiberglass, which undoubtedly contributes to the light weight design of the HJC RPHA 70. HJC have worked hard to create their Premium Integrated Matrix plus or PIM for short, which is designed to offer good impact resistance while being light weight. A great combination

However, from a safety standpoint, I have no way to actually measure helmet impact resistance so, I rely on the DOT and ECE accreditation for industry standards. This HJC RPHA 70 full face motorbike helmet has the following ratings and features:

SHARP 3 Star safety rated
EQRS (emergency quick release) cheek pads
ACU gold sticker for track riding
Double-d-ring fasteners strap

Of course, impact resistance is only one part of the safety equation when it comes to an effective crash helmet.

When the RPHA 70 was SHARP tested for energy absorption it was given a 3-star safety rating out of 5. Not the best, however, it’s worth remembering that the most important thing with any helmet is to get one that fits right – a SHARP one-star helmet that fits perfectly will protect you better than a five star helmet that’s a poor fit.

Some other useful safety features includes the emergency quick removal cheek pads (EQRS) – designed to help removing the helmet in an emergency, and the double-d ring fasteners – it might be an old fashioned way to fasten a helmet but they’re super easy once you get the hang of them – and safe if you adjust them correctly.

Look & Styling

The Girl On A Bike HJC RPHA 70 motorbike full face helmet white back
The Girl On A Bike HJC RPHA 70 motorbike full face helmet white
The Girl On A Bike HJC RPHA 70 motorbike full face helmet white sunshield sunglasses

I always find helmets give me a massive looking head, but HJC have done a superb job at creating a chunky but purposeful look combined with an overall shape that is designed to trick the eye into thinking it’s smaller. My head, at last, doesn’t look overwhelmingly large. That’s a huge win for me. The lines and vents all sit comfortably in the helmet and make for a slightly aggressive but slick look.

On top of the wide selection of colours and graphics HJC have created, as with most lids, you can buy a range of different visors to style out our look too with the HJC RPHA 70 full face motorbike helmet.

Ride Comfort

While it looks good, which is important, it’s also about how it functions. The external design works in reducing buffeting and improving stability, while the shape also creates a pressure differential that’ll help draw air through the helmet for ventilation keeping your head cool. And for anyone who rides you’ll know how important ventilation is, both for hot summer days but also for demisting.

I must add that the light weight design makes long distance riding a doddle. No heavy achy necks from the head weight. It’s a super comfortable, balanced and light weight helmet.

The bit I probably love the most about it is the built-in visor. The hassle of having to put sunglasses on and off, or worse deciding before you pull away if you want sunglass on or off is something totally avoided with the HJC RPHA 70 full face motorbike helmet. A small easily located slider operates an integrated sun-shield that is outstanding for optical quality and coverage of the eye. Enter a dark tunnel or dappled forest area, turn a corner into bright sunlight and you can simply flip the shades up or down without any risk to your riding control.

When it comes to road noise, as a light helmet you could anticipate a compromise, however the RPHA 70 is exceptionally quiet. The noise is perfectly manageable on long journeys without ear protection, however I do tend to wear my moulded filter ear plugs – mainly because my Harley gets a little fatiguing in volume but mostly to simply protect my hearing with all the road miles. With or without ear protection you’ll be pleased by the quiet ride.

One final item worth mentioning is the ‘cracked open’ position of the main visor. This simply enables you to have the visor slightly open while maintaining full protection to the face. An ace feature for defogging and saving the need for breath holding at traffic lights.

Limitations

SHARP testing only 3 of 5
The latest model’s range of visor colours no long includes the gorgeous turquoise blue I love

HJC RPHA 70 full face motorbike helmet statistics

Composite-fibre shell (carbon, aramid & fibreglass)
Full carbon version also available
SHARP 3 Star safety rated
Drop down sun visor
EQRS (emergency quick release)
Double-D ring fastener
Anti-fog insert included
Nose guard and a removable chin curtain
Wicking, anti-bac interior
Removable and washable snap and tab internal padding
Glasses groove
Sizes XXS-XXL
5 year warranty
Weighing in at 3 pounds, 3.6 ounces
Colours: Various solids, graphics, and patterns

HJC motorcycle helmets available via HJC RPHA 70

£££

Expect to pay around £200 for plain with prices increasing for graphics.

Highlights

Well balanced, light weight and well ventilated
Fantastic integrated sun-shield
Exceptionally low wind and road noise

Overall Rating

How much is your head worth? I highly rate my RPHA 70 full face motorbike helmet, it’s comfortable, offers great ventilation and safety combined with a slick looking design and inbuilt sunglasses. I love mine and would most certainly recommend.

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harley’s and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.