HJC RPHA 1N Helmet Review (From a Racer)
Featured Creator
left for contents
Hey guys, we’re back here at Cycle Gear Guide, and I’m really excited today to be reviewing HJC’s top-level helmet — the RPHA 1N. Did I say I’m looking forward to this? Good. Let’s get to it.
This article is based on the video by Cycle Gear Guide.
If you know motorcycle helmets, then you already know HJC. For me personally, I’ve been wearing the RPHA 70 for the past four years, so I’m pretty familiar with what HJC brings to the table. I’ve tested a lot of great helmets recently, and I’m really hoping the 1N stacks up against the best of the best.
MotoGP-level helmet with race-ready design, protection, and ventilation.
- FIM certified for top-tier impact protection
- Advanced ventilation keeps you cool under pressure
- Lightweight carbon shell with moisture-wicking liner
- Limited graphic and color options
The Look: Clean, Aggressive, and Beautiful
The color scheme I’ve got here is the Senin — and it is absolutely gorgeous. Every angle looks amazing. But hey, we all know looks aren’t everything.
The big selling point? This is the same helmet worn in MotoGP and World Superbike. It’s no surprise the FIM — the International Motorcycle Federation — has granted full safety certification.
Shell Construction: Built for the Big Leagues
This thing is made with HJC’s PIM+ (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus) shell. That’s a mix of carbon, carbon-glass hybrid, and advanced fibers to keep it lightweight but strong.
You get:
- Three top-mount vents
- Two chin vents (the main one even has two stages of adjustability)
- Two side vents for aesthetics
- Two separate exhaust vents in the rear
All of that’s designed to work together for max airflow — and it does. There’s a short spoiler installed on the back, but if that’s not enough aero for you, they include a clear long spoiler in the box too.
Aerodynamics: Tested in the Wind Tunnel
This lid was tested extensively in HJC’s in-house wind tunnel lab. It’s the same lab they use to test aerodynamics, ventilation, and even wind noise. That’s where the RPHA 1N earned its streamlined profile — a big plus for track and high-speed riders.
Visor Details: Tear-Offs, UV Protection, and the Pinlock Advantage
The visor is loaded with practical features:
- 99% UV protection
- Anti-scratch coating
- Tear-off posts
- Pinlock-ready (and you should absolutely use it)
Let me tell you, I will never own another helmet without a Pinlock insert. Unless you ride where it’s always 73°F and dry, there’s no excuse not to want zero fogging issues.
Visor Locking System: Secure, But a Bit Stiff
HJC added a double-locking system to the visor. There’s a standard latch and a slider-style lock too. It works well, but I found it a little stiff and tricky at first. If you don’t want to use it, you don’t have to. Your call.
Swapping out visors is easy thanks to HJC’s RapidFire system. Just loosen the two side screws by hand — no tools, no weird angles, no voodoo. It’s as straightforward as it gets.
No Drop-Down Sun Visor — And That’s Fine
This helmet doesn’t have an internal sun visor. Some riders might not love that, but I’m totally fine with it. If you need sun protection, tear-offs or tinted shields are easy enough to work with.
Interior Comfort and Safety Features
Inside, you’ll find two layers of multi-density EPS foam. These layers handle different impact types, and HJC’s ACS (Advanced Channeling System) integrates right into that foam to help airflow move through the helmet.
The interior uses SilverCool Advanced fabric — it’s:
- Antibacterial
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Removable and washable
Emergency cheek pad pulls? Yep, they’re here. In fact, I might stop mentioning that in reviews unless it’s not included. It’s that common now — and it should be.
Eyewear & Chin Strap Details
There’s no red tag, but yes, this helmet does have glasses grooves. The chin strap uses a classic double D-ring system. There are speaker cutouts built in too.
You get a breath deflector installed out front and an optional chin curtain included in the box. Now, about that chin curtain…
Chin Curtain Feedback & Hidden Surprise
The chin skirt was the one feature I felt could have been a bit better. It stayed in place just fine, but the fit didn’t feel quite right. I messed with it a lot trying to get it adjusted — no luck.
While I was messing with it, I found something interesting: a hydration system already installed. HJC never even mentions it. I’ve never used one, but if you’re riding track days or long races in the heat, you’ll probably love it.
Price, Certification, Sizing, and Warranty
The RPHA 1N is priced between $700 and $950, depending on color and graphics.
Certifications:
- DOT
- ECE
- FIM (MotoGP approved)
Sizing ranges from 2XS to 2XL, spread across four different shell sizes for a proper fit. And the warranty? Five years, or seven from the manufacturing date — whichever comes first.
Available Color Options
You’ve got a variety of color options, but some of the more unique ones are only available through European retailers. Still, there’s plenty of variety to choose from if you’re in the U.S.
Fit and Ride Test: Real Comfort, Real Airflow
From the first time I tried this lid on, it was extremely comfortable. Honestly, more so than my RPHA 70 — and I’ve worn that for years. No hot spots at all, and I know once it’s broken in, it’ll only feel better.
Visibility? Excellent. I installed the Pinlock, and it worked flawlessly in 45–50°F weather.
There were no weird noises at speed, and airflow through the vents felt great. It’s chilly out right now, so I could definitely feel it working.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the RPHA 1N?
Would I recommend the RPHA 1N? You bet.
Everything HJC promises here — performance, comfort, airflow, track-ready features — it all delivers. Looks like it’s finally time to retire my 70. This lid checks all the boxes and does it really, really well.
It’s been a lot of fun reviewing this helmet with you guys today.
Until then — take care, ride safe, and I’ll see you soon.
MotoGP-level helmet with race-ready design, protection, and ventilation.
- FIM certified for top-tier impact protection
- Advanced ventilation keeps you cool under pressure
- Lightweight carbon shell with moisture-wicking liner
- Limited graphic and color options
