HJC RPHA 12 vs HJC RPHA 91

Both wear the RPHA badge and both carry genuine ECE 22.06, but they're built for opposite riders. The RPHA 12 is a light sport-touring full-face; the RPHA 91 is our top touring modular with a flip-up chin bar, a sun visor and an independent SHARP score. The decision is format and use case, not the mark on the shell.

Certification: both 22.06, the 91 adds P/J and SHARP

Both hold genuine DOT + ECE 22.06. The RPHA 91 adds two things the sport RPHA 12 doesn't: P/J homologation (approved to ride with the chin bar up, which a modular needs) and an independent 4/5 SHARPscore. The RPHA 12 isn't SHARP-tested. So on independent data the modular is ahead, though both hold the current road standard.

Format: sport one-piece vs touring flip-up

This is the real decision. The RPHA 12 is a one-piece sport full-face — lighter (~1,474 g), no sun visor, built for covering sporting miles. The RPHA 91 is a flip-up modular (~1,740 g) with a drop-down sun visor and clean comms, built for touring and commuting. If you want to lift the chin bar at stops and have a sun visor, the 91; if you want the lightest, most sporting one-piece, the 12.

Weight, quiet and comfort

The RPHA 12 is the lighter and more overtly sporty; the RPHA 91 is heavier but more practical for all-day touring, with the sun visor and flip-up convenience that make long, stop-start days easier. Both are HJC value helmets that punch above their price. Which is more comfortable depends entirely on whether you're riding sport or touring.

The verdict

Want a light sport full-face for spirited road riding? The RPHA 12. Want a touring helmet you can flip open, with a sun visor and an independent SHARP score? The RPHA 91 — our top modular pick. Same brand, same current certification, two different jobs. Read the RPHA 12 review and RPHA 91 review.