HJC i80: A Full Review in 5 Parts
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the HJC i80 helmet and everything it has to offer demanding motorcyclists.
1. General Features
We’ll start with the main specifications of the helmet: design, weight, comfort, and its basic functions.
2. Ventilation System
Next, we’ll assess the efficiency of its ventilation system by evaluating airflow, comfort in heat, and fog management.
3. Aerodynamics
We’ll look at the aerodynamic performance of the HJC i80, particularly its stability at high speed and noise reduction.
4. Component Reliability
A crucial point will cover issues encountered with the sun visor mechanism as well as certain plastic parts whose durability leaves something to be desired.
5. Summary and Areas for Improvement
Finally, we’ll wrap up with a summary of the HJC i80’s strengths and the aspects that could be improved to make it an even better helmet.
General Features of the HJC i80 Helmet
The HJC i80 is above all a modular helmet, meaning the chin bar can flip up. This system provides quick, practical access to drinking, eating, or simply chatting while immobilized. A real advantage in terms of comfort and convenience.
This model also stands out thanks to its internal tinted sun visor, operated by a small mechanism on the left side of the helmet. This placement is particularly well designed: it doesn’t interfere with the installation of a communication system (intercom), which usually mounts on the same side. Both operate completely independently. On top of that, the helmet is designed from the start to accommodate a communication system, with built-in speaker recesses at ear level. These cavities prevent uncomfortable pressure and improve comfort on long rides.
For the closure, the HJC i80 uses a quick-release ratchet system: simple, safe, and effective. It locks and unlocks instantly, even with gloves on.
Another interesting feature: the helmet comes with a removable motocross-style peak, depending on rider preference or needs.
The HJC i80 has two front air intakes and a top vent. We’ll evaluate their efficiency in more detail later in this article.
On the other hand, this helmet is not exactly lightweight. Depending on the setup (with or without accessories), it weighs between 1,650 g and 1,800 g, placing it on the heavier side of its category. That said, comfort is there. But there’s no miracle… good, plush padding adds weight. In our test, the helmet proved very pleasant, even on long rides.
A Surprisingly Effective Ventilation System
Among the strengths of the HJC i80, its ventilation system was one of the nicest surprises in our test. Having used many helmets in conditions ranging from very hot to very cold, I often found compromises had to be made.
With the HJC i80, it’s different. On particularly hot days, you immediately notice the difference when opening or closing the vents. Many helmets make it feel like these vents are just decorative, with barely perceptible airflow… not this one.
In a deliberate test, I let the visor fog up by breathing inside, then opened the front vents. In just a few seconds, while riding, the incoming air cleared the fog completely. A clear and fast result, proving the efficiency of the airflow directed at the visor.
The top vent is just as convincing. When closed, heat builds up quickly at the top of your head. Open, it lets in a refreshing stream of air, even at moderate speeds. Unlike other models, where the change is almost imperceptible, here the difference is real and noticeable.
The helmet also comes with a Pinlock insert to prevent visor fogging. However, in my case, the ventilation system was efficient enough that I didn’t need it, even in cool or damp weather. Of course, some riders who overheat more easily may prefer to use it.
In short, the HJC i80 delivers simple, functional, and genuinely effective ventilation. Unfortunately, this is an area where many helmets in this category still fall short. As for noise insulation, I’d say it’s on the quieter side. I’d rate it 7/10 among adventure helmets with a motocross-style peak.
Controlled Aerodynamics
The aerodynamics of the HJC i80 also impressed me. According to information on HJC’s official website, this helmet was tested in a wind tunnel, with particular attention paid to its motocross-style peak. And you can tell the work paid off.
Normally, on long trips, I tend to remove the peak from my helmets to reduce turbulence and neck fatigue. Yet with the HJC i80, the result was excellent. Whether the peak was installed or not, the difference was almost imperceptible!
The rigidity and design of the peak clearly play a key role in this performance. The helmet stays stable with no noticeable resistance to crosswinds. This is where many extended-visor helmets still fail.
In short, HJC has perfectly optimized the aerodynamics of this model, and the peak—often seen as a high-speed handicap—here becomes a neutral, even invisible element in terms of comfort. Kudos to HJC: you can clearly see the development work.
Issues With Certain Components Dull an Almost Perfect Picture
No helmet is perfect, and the HJC i80 is no exception. In my case, I ran into some issues likely linked to design or component reliability. These issues slightly tarnish what was otherwise a near-perfect test.
The main problem concerns the internal tinted sun visor. After several off-road rides in dusty and muddy environments, debris seemed to work its way into the mechanism. Result: when I slide the control to raise or lower the visor, it gets stuck halfway. Worse, it sometimes comes down crooked, one side faster than the other, jamming at about 45 degrees. To use it, I now have to help it manually, which is far from ideal while riding.
Another point to watch: the small plastic plates that cover the visor mechanism and also secure the peak. During disassembly, despite careful handling, one of the small clips broke. This highlights a potential weakness in these parts.
My experience with HJC customer service didn’t help either. After explaining the situation, I was simply told to contact the point of sale for repairs. But since I bought the helmet online, this was much less convenient than if I’d gone through a local dealer. Today, with online purchases so common, more direct after-sales service from the manufacturer would be a definite plus.
Finally, my search on HJC’s official website for replacement parts has so far come up empty. I’ll have to dig deeper to try to fix these small technical flaws.
Another improvement area is the side screw fastening system. Unlike other helmets that use ergonomic screws for hand-tightening, the HJC i80 requires a screwdriver (Phillips or flathead). This is far from user-friendly: on one ride, a helmet screw loosened. I had to stop and try tightening it by hand… with limited success, since a tool was necessary. A small detail, but competitors do better.
Summary: Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Who is the HJC i80 helmet for? Mainly riders looking for an adventure helmet with many useful everyday features, such as:
- A modular system for drinking, eating, or chatting without removing the helmet.
- An easy-to-use internal sun visor providing effective glare protection.
- A powerful ventilation system that works well even in hot weather.
- A motocross-style peak that shields from sun and debris while staying stable at high speed.
Despite some technical flaws, the HJC i80 ranks among my favourite helmets in recent years. It’s very comfortable, pleasant to wear on long rides, and, above all, offered at a very accessible price, making it excellent value for money.
Strengths
- High overall comfort.
- Practical modular design.
- Efficient, well-thought-out ventilation.
- Aerodynamic peak with no negative effect on riding.
- Good wind behaviour and low noise.
- Very competitive price.
⠀Areas for Improvement
- Sun visor mechanism prone to jamming.
- Fragility of some plastic side plates.
- Fastening system requires a tool, which is inconvenient on the road.
- Slightly heavier than some competitors, though understandable given integrated accessories.
In conclusion, the HJC i80 isn’t perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Functional, comfortable, and affordable, it’s a solid choice for motorcyclists looking for a versatile adventure helmet.
