The HJC i80 is a good quality budget flip-front that will go the miles with you

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Believe it or not, I’d never worn a flip-front (or modular) helmet before trying the HJC i80. As I set off on a long weekend tour it felt pretty much like my full face helmets – the fit seemed familiar and I felt the same sense of protection.

But as I got further along I began discovering a whole new level of convenience in being able to flip up the entire front section when I pulled over for a quick drink of water, or when I went into the shop to pay for petrol without looking like I’d come to rob the place. These differences, and a few others, became more apparent over the course of the trip, but there were some things that definitely annoyed me.

Is the HJC i80 comfortable?

From the start, I found the HJC i80 easy to slip on, whether the front was open or closed. It sat snugly on my head but didn’t feel uncomfortably tight. The neck curtain wrapped nicely around my neck which added a feeling of security and also helped keep the draughts out. Unlike some helmets I’ve worn, there weren’t any awkward pressure points or bits digging into parts of my head as I rode.

The moisture-wicking cheek pads actually did a good job keeping my face dry during this particular weekend when the UK was experiencing a heatwave. Even on longer days in the saddle I never felt the need to stop for a break because the helmet was sweaty or uncomfortable, but mainly because my bum was numb and coffee was calling.

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What about the visor and the peak?

I ended up taking the visor peak off since it caused noticeable wind resistance at anything above 40mph or so. That drag made the peak vibrate and even pushed my head around at speed, especially when I hit a cross wind on an open stretch.

Off-road riders swear by the peak since it protects the visor and shields their eyes from the glare of the daytime sun. It also makes them look more ‘off-roadish’. Either way the peak on the HJC i80 is easy to remove and refit, so you can quickly swap between looks and functions.

The integrated sun shield was the main thing I found to be annoying. It’s quite flimsy, and doesn’t drop low enough in my opinion, so I’d have to tilt my head forward to avoid being blinded by the slowly setting evening sun.

What’s the ventilation like?

I’ve found the ventilation on the HJC i80 to be surprisingly effective, especially on warmer days. Up front, there are two main vents, one at the chin and one just above it, as well as two extra vents on either side of them, making it four in total at the front. There’s also a large intake on top, and a rear exhaust vent to help keep air moving through the helmet. 

This setup does a decent job of preventing the visor and my glasses from fogging up, even when the weather’s humid or I’m riding in the rain. Because it was so hot on this particular weekend I kept the chin curtain pinned up which allowed extra air flow from underneath, making things a lot more comfortable at slow speeds or in stop-start traffic. And when I needed a quick blast of cooler air I simply cracked the visor open a notch.

Is it a noisy helmet?

Some riders reckon flip-front helmets are noisier than full-face ones, but in my experience with the HJC i80, noise was not an issue. I always ride with motorcycling earplugs, and with those in, the i80 struck me as no louder than most full-face helmets I’ve worn. I’ve actually got one that is much noisier, which is why I don’t wear it anymore. 

Even on motorway stretches, the wind noise was minimal and it never competed against the audio from my sat nav. I also find that adjusting the front and top vents can help regulate any roar from the wind. Of course, I wouldn’t recommend riding without ear protection, but with earplugs in the i80 kept things quiet and comfortable enough for long-distance riding. 

Does it look cool?

The look of the HJC i80 in Roki Yellow might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I really like it. The bold, urban art-inspired yellow and black design gives the helmet a modern edge, and it pairs perfectly with my RST Paragon 7 jacket and trousers, and my favourite Roadskin riding jeans. 

Apart from just looking good, I like that the bright yellow adds a bit of extra visibility out on the road. With so many drivers buried in their phones and other in-car distractions these days, anything that helps me stand out in traffic can only be a good thing. 

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The Roki Yellow is also more eye-catching than yet another plain black helmet, and it’s just the right side of loud, not wildly over-the-top. To me it’s a helmet with a bit of attitude and an added safety boost.

Does the HJC i80 feel like a quality piece of kit?

The HJC i80 felt solid and well made right out of the box – definitely a step above what you might expect for the price. The shell is sturdy, all the moving parts feel like they’re built to last, and the visor and chin bar both operate with a satisfying click. The only thing that feels a bit flimsy is the drop-down sun shield, but that’s a minor gripe in an otherwise tough and dependable helmet.

Is it good value?

HJC have a good name when it comes to making quality helmets that don’t break the bank, and the i80 fits right into that niche. With a three-year warranty, I’d be surprised if anything major went wrong, as it feels like all its moving parts will stand up to regular use. All in all, it’s a well-made helmet for the money, and doesn’t feel “budget” in any way. Many of its competitors are more expensive, such as the Shoei Neotec 3 and the Schuberth E2. These are great helmets, of course, but not exactly in the budget range.

What’s my verdict?

This is a solid helmet that I’ll be happy to keep riding with for a long time. It’s great to have a flip-front option that’s just as comfortable and secure as my full- and open-face helmets. The mechanisms are easy to use and the flip front locks confidently in both open and closed positions.

Comfort has been a strong point: I’ve worn the i80 for long stretches without once feeling pressure points, overheating, or needing a break from it. The ventilation works well, and the build feels reassuringly sturdy for a helmet in this price range.

The sun shield is a bit flimsy and doesn’t drop as low as I’d like, but that’s a trade-off I can live with given the helmet’s other strengths. So I’d say it’s a reliable, comfortable and well-made modular helmet that won’t break the bank.

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