HJC RPHA 1N V2 Review

HJC finally went carbon on its flagship race lid, and the V2 earns a perfect score.

Summary: The $799.99 HJC RPHA 1N V2 swaps the original’s composite shell for carbon fiber, drops weight and keeps the fit, airflow and stout shield we liked. It’s DOT, ECE 22.06 and FIM FRHPhe-02 certified, includes a dark smoke shield and Pinlock, and scored a perfect five in our test.

We really wanted to love the original RPHA 1N. The shape, fit and finish were great, but it was a little heavy for a race helmet and pricey for one that wasn’t carbon. HJC listened. The V2 keeps what worked, ditches what didn’t and, in our opinion, is the sleeper of 2026 in the premium racing-helmet market. It hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves, so we pulled it out of the crate in the SpeedAddicts studio and picked it apart. If you’re shopping online, run through our Best Motorcycle Helmet Fitment Guide first.

Construction, Weight and Price

The big change is the shell. The V1 used a composite shell; the V2 goes to carbon fiber. We all like carbon, especially gloss carbon. Yum. Not only does it look sexier, it’s lighter, about 4 oz (113 g) lighter than the V1 we had on the bench. That matters, because the original felt heavy for a race helmet, at more than 3.5 lb (1.6 kg).

Our size large weighed 3 lb 4 oz (1,474 g) on our scale. When a race helmet is in the 3 lb range, you pick it up and say, “Wow, that’s light.” That’s exactly the reaction you’ll have when you handle one in person.

HJC’s U.S. MSRP is $799.99 for the solids, gloss carbon or matte carbon. Graphics, including the Quartararo Le Mans III, Quartararo Funky Diablo and Snow Diablo, are $1,049.99. (We quoted $849 in the video; HJC’s U.S. site and SpeedAddicts.com both list $799.99 now.) The replica graphics are wrapped over the carbon base, Monster badge and all, and they look sick. The lines and shape are identical to the V1, so the sharp, aggressive profile carries over.

Fit and Comfort

The fit is intermediate oval and right on the money. Our team agrees it runs true to size, with even pressure around the head. Like most race helmets, it’s narrower in the face, so it stays planted when you’re flying down the straight. If you’re used to a relaxed street-helmet fit, it may feel tight at first. Stay with it. The low-density cheek-pad foam compresses over your first several rides. You want it as snug as possible without pain or discomfort. Sizes run XS through 2XL, and HJC says the cheek pads are interchangeable across all sizes, so you can fine-tune the fit.

The interior changes from the V1 are subtle. The anti-bacterial liner wicks moisture, the crown and cheek pads are removable and washable, and the EPS has grooves for glasses. HJC adds a semi-neckroll to cut turbulence and noise. Emergency-release cheek pads with pull tabs come standard, so medics can safely remove the helmet after a crash. Retention is a titanium double D-ring. It’s lighter than the old hardware, and it looks cool.

Ventilation and Aerodynamics

HJC didn’t mess with the venting, and that’s a good thing. Its ACS system uses five intakes and four exhausts. Two shutter-style chin vents push air through the chin bar and up the shield. One off-center vent sits above the eyeport. The asymmetry drives us nuts, but it works great. There are intakes on each side and two large rear exhausts. The V1 was known for flowing a lot of air while staying fairly quiet, which is unusual for a light, high-flow race helmet. The V2 carries that over.

A rear racing spoiler comes in the box. It helps at high speed on the track, but it attaches with adhesive, so once it’s on, it stays on unless you buy more 3M tape. For the street, we’d skip it. It’s just one more thing to bump into stuff, and we think the gloss carbon shell looks better without it.

Face Shield and Visibility

HJC also smartly kept the V1’s shield and mechanism. The eyeport is huge, peripheral vision is excellent on the street and on track, and the injection-molded HJ-35 shield is stout. It offers 99% UV protection, an anti-scratch coating and a positive sliding lock that keeps it secure at top speed. You can crack it open for extra airflow. The detents are a little light, but this is a race shield, so don’t expect lots of notches.

Shield swaps are tool-less. Flip out the lever, spin the pivot off by hand and spin it back on (there’s also a Phillips slot if you want to snug it down). HJC includes both a clear shield and a dark smoke shield, plus a Pinlock 120 XLT anti-fog insert and tear-off film. The shield has tear-off posts for racing, when bugs and debris would otherwise ruin your view. Two shields, race-ready and tool-less. Nice.

Comms, Certifications and Warranty

Some hardcore FIM race helmets don’t have speaker pockets. The RPHA 1N V2 does, and they’re massive. Our Cardo 1.8 in (45 mm) JBL speakers fit with room to spare, so street riders can run a comm system and their tunes.

Safety is the headline. The V2 is DOT (FMVSS 218), ECE 22.06 and FIM FRHPhe-02 certified. HJC also pays to put the FIM homologation label on every RPHA 1N V2, right on the chin strap. FRHPhe-02 is the latest phase of the FIM racing-helmet program, with tougher impact tests, including oblique impacts for rotational forces. Need help decoding those stickers? Read our DOT vs. ECE vs. Snell Explainer.

HJC’s RPHA helmets also get a longer warranty. It covers manufacturing defects for five years from the purchase date or seven years from manufacture, whichever comes first. Most non-RPHA HJC helmets get three years.

SpeedAddicts Score: 5 out of 5

The SpeedAddicts score gives up to one point each for protection, fit, aesthetics, performance and value. The RPHA 1N V2 swept it.

• Protection, 1 point: DOT, ECE 22.06 and FIM FRHPhe-02. It doesn’t get better than that.
• Fit, 1 point: A true-to-size intermediate-oval race fit that’s snug in the face by design.
• Aesthetics, 1 point: HJC finally did the carbon thing. The graphics have been selling out, and plain gloss carbon is our pick.
• Performance, 1 point: It flows a ton of air for a fairly quiet race helmet, and the shield and cooling are both excellent.
• Value, 1 point: It isn’t cheap. But the fit, finish and uniform carbon weave rival the Japanese brands, and a lot of the competition costs more than $1,000.

Pros: Carbon shell and lighter weight, DOT/ECE 22.06/FIM FRHPhe-02, accurate intermediate-oval fit, strong airflow for a fairly quiet helmet, huge eyeport, dark smoke shield and Pinlock 120 XLT included, tool-less shield swaps, big speaker pockets, 5-year warranty.

Cons: Still $799.99 and up, light shield detents, asymmetrical top vent, adhesive-mount spoiler, snug cheeks may feel tight for street riders at first.

HJC RPHA 1N V2 Specs

Should You Buy the HJC RPHA 1N V2?

If you ride on track, or you just want a full race lid on the street, yes. The V2 fixes the V1’s two big problems, weight and value, and keeps the fit, airflow and shield that made the original good. Want something easier on the wallet? HJC’s i11 was our Best Budget pick in our Best Entry-Level Street Motorcycle Helmets of 2026 shootout. Comparing flagship lids? See our Alpinestars Supertech R7 vs. Shoei RF-1500 Comparison. Still riding an old lid? Read When Should You Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet? Then try one on at the Speed Addicts Superstore in Orange, California, home of the world’s most epic helmet wall.

HJC RPHA 1N V2 FAQ

How Much Does the HJC RPHA 1N V2 Cost?

HJC’s U.S. MSRP is $799.99 for the gloss or matte carbon solids. Graphics such as the Quartararo replicas and Snow Diablo cost $1,049.99.

How Much Does the RPHA 1N V2 Weigh?

Our size large weighed 3 lb 4 oz (1,474 g) on our scale, about 4 oz (113 g) lighter than the original RPHA 1N we compared it with.

What Certifications Does the RPHA 1N V2 Have?

It’s DOT (FMVSS 218), ECE 22.06 and FIM FRHPhe-02 certified, and HJC puts the FIM label on every helmet.

Does the RPHA 1N V2 Work With Bluetooth Comms?

Yes. It has big speaker pockets, and our Cardo 1.8 in (45 mm) JBL speakers fit easily.

What Comes in the Box?

A clear HJ-35 shield, a dark smoke shield, a Pinlock 120 XLT insert, tear-off film, a rear racing spoiler, a chin curtain and a breath deflector.

What Is the Warranty?

It’s five years from purchase or seven years from manufacture, whichever comes first, covering manufacturing defects.