The HJC RPHA-60 helmet is a premium dual-sport option designed for riders who split their time between tarmac and trails. With a generous front opening for off-road control and a peak to shield against low sun, it promises comfort and practicality for long-distance and mixed-terrain use. Over a 6700-mile summer trip across Europe, Turkey, and Georgia, I tested whether it lives up to that promise.
Fit & comfort
The RPHA-60 suited my head shape immediately, with no pressure points or hotspots to distract from riding. Though the base opening looks narrow, the helmet slides on easily and seals snugly around the neck, improving both comfort and noise isolation. The interior feels plush and the helmet has a premium finish.
After nearly 7000 miles, the padding had softened slightly, making the fit a touch looser, but not enough to compromise security. Washing the removable liner should help restore its snugness. I find sizing is consistent with other brands – I wear my usual medium.
Whether spending long days on the road or riding challenging trails standing on the pegs, the helmet stayed comfortable and securely in place, with no areas of irritation.
Noise & aerodynamics
Noise levels are unremarkable – neither quiet nor intrusive. Wearing moulded earplugs, the helmet feels on par with most others I’ve used, and the integrated Smart HJC intercom remained easily audible at my normal volume settings.
Where the RPHA-60 excels is stability. The peak causes no buffeting, even when standing upright in clean airflow or cruising beyond 90mph on a derestricted German autobahn. On unpaved Turkish roads, with no windscreen protection, it remained equally composed.
For riders who prefer a street look, the peak can be removed without tools, by undoing the side screws and unclipping it from the vent area.
Vision & visor system
Supplied with clear and tinted visors, the RPHA-60 uses a simple tool-free release: press a catch on each side and the visor pops free. Several staged opening positions include a small first-notch gap for airflow at low speeds, at the mid-points there is enough resistance to keep the visor open (though the visor edge cuts into your eyeline), all the way up to a fully open position.
Peripheral and vertical vision are excellent, making lifesaver checks easy and avoiding any sense of restriction. The internal drop-down sun visor is glove-friendly, operated by a sliding switch on the left side, and has three adjustable positions. The lowest setting offers strong glare protection while leaving a sliver of light visible at the bottom – enough to confirm it’s deployed without obstructing vision.
Photography: Jose Mas
A Pinlock 120 anti-mist insert is included and works superbly. Even during more than two hours of heavy rain, the visor stayed completely fog-free.
The only issue I encountered was with durability. My visor developed marks where it rubbed the underside of the peak when raised and from the rubber seal. HJC replaced both visor and peak under warranty; I’ll see if their fix prevents a repeat.
Ventilation
The RPHA-60 uses a straightforward venting system: a chin vent, a crown vent behind the peak, and a series of rear exhaust ports. Both intakes are easy to operate in gloves. Airflow is noticeable in cooler weather, with a definite stream across the head and face. In hotter conditions, airflow feels less distinct at speed, though draught over the sweat on my skin helps me cool.
Fastening & safety
The helmet uses a double D-ring closure – my preferred system for adjustability and security. The only niggle is the strap’s press stud, to secure the loose end of the strap. It is mounted on a separate piece of material and can be awkward to fasten without slipping a finger between strap and neck. It’s a minor irritation rather than a deal-breaker.
The RPHA-60 meets the latest ECE 22.06 safety standard, so it’s built to current European requirements. There’s no SHARP rating for the UK Government yet, but the helmet feels solid and confidence-inspiring.
Intercom compatibility
I tested this helmet with a Smart HJC 21B Bluetooth system, which I found integrates seamlessly, sitting flush within the helmet’s cut-outs. Pairing with phone and GPS was easy, though after a GPS software update I had to manually reconnect – a quick fix.
Sound quality is comparable to other systems I’ve used, with plenty of volume for music and navigation even while wearing earplugs. The controls take some getting used to but become intuitive with time.
Final thoughts
After 6700 miles on two bikes – an Aprilia Tuareg 660 and a BMW R1300GS – the HJC RPHA-60 has proven to be a dependable, comfortable, and versatile adventure helmet. Its fit stays comfortable over long days, it remains rock solid at speed and off-road, and its visor system, ventilation, and comms integration make it well suited to varied conditions.
The visor scratching issue is the only black mark, though HJC’s warranty service was quick and helpful. Backed by a five-year warranty (or seven from the date of manufacture), the RPHA-60 feels built to last and looks good with or without its peak.
It’s a helmet I’ll keep using for future adventures, and one I’d recommend to any rider wanting a premium dual-sport lid that balances comfort, stability, and practicality across thousands of miles.
