HJC just has to be up there in the big leagues when it comes to motorcycle helmets. I mean, the brand proclaims itself as the “#1 in the World,” and this tagline is proudly printed on every box its helmets are sold in. Now, whether or not that’s a claim backed up by numbers is beyond me, but it’s clear that HJC knows what it’s doing when it comes to helmets.
Personally, I’ve always been a big fan of the brand, and I continue to use several HJC helmets on the regular (my i71 which I reviewed here some time ago, as well as a C10 for in-city commuting on my scooter). I think their helmets just work in terms of function, style, and price. You know, they sort of strike a balance between all three, and tend to be priced at the more affordable side of the spectrum.
That said, while HJC’s C and I range of helmets are certainly attractive to folks on a budget, the brand also has its share of premium helmets. Of course, the RPHA range sits at the very top here, but there’s also the F series of helmets that comes with a fiberglass shell. The sport-touring variant here is the F71, a step up from the I71 with the polycarbonate shell. For 2025, HJC has given this thing a new look with a new Monkey DJ graphic.
It’s loud, eye-catching, and quite frankly, not for everyone.
I’m of the belief that your helmet is essentially your face every time you ride. And I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to think that I’m some kind of headphone-wearing cartoon monkey every time I swing a leg over my Yamaha XSR900. And no, I don’t want them to think I’m a Minion, or Venom, or Captain America, either.
So yeah, no themed helmets for me. But hey, that’s just me, maybe the Monkey DJ colorway of the new HJC F71 suits your tastes.
But beneath the loud and playful graphics is a helmet that I think is worth its weight in gold. As mentioned earlier, the F71 gets a composite fiberglass shell. Underneath the shell is an EPS foam liner and an ACS ventilation system to keep your head cool as you ride. Like all HJC lids, the cheek pads and interior liner are removable and washable, and there’s even an emergency removal system.
As for touring amenities, the F71 gets a drop-down sun visor, making it convenient for use any time of the day or night. It’s also compatible with HJC’s proprietary intercom system, which I find annoying, as fitting any other type of communicator is possible, but certainly unsightly for folks who like keeping their stuff neat and clean-looking.
Now, as I mentioned earlier, the whole Monkey DJ graphic isn’t my style. But the HJC F71 is indeed a helmet I’d love to add to my collection in the near future, albeit in a plain white or black finish. Take note, I’m not and never have been sponsored by HJC (though I’m certainly open to that possibility, wink, wink), but the brand has been a go-to for me pretty much since I first started riding.
At this point, I’ve owned a total of six HJC helmets, and I’ve come to the conclusion that you can’t go wrong with an HJC. Luckily, their helmets come in plain colors, too.
Source: HJC Helmets
