HJC i71 vs HJC i70: The Ultimate Comparison Guide for Riders

By Matt Pennington

When it comes to motorcycle helmets, HJC has consistently delivered reliable, stylish, and safety-oriented gear for riders around the world. With the release of the HJC i71, enthusiasts are keen to know how it stacks up against its popular predecessor, the HJC i70. In this comprehensive comparison, we dissect every detail, feature, and improvement to help you make the most informed decision possible.

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🔍 Overview: HJC i71 and i70 at a Glance

The HJC i70 was hailed for its aerodynamic design, lightweight polycarbonate shell, and value-packed performance. However, with advancements in rider expectations and helmet tech, the HJC i71 emerges as a refined evolution—featuring upgraded materials, improved comfort, and better safety compliance.

🛡️ Shell Design and Safety: ECE 22.06 vs ECE 22.05

One of the most significant distinctions between the i71 and the i70 is the safety standard upgrade. While the i70 meets the ECE 22.05 certification, the i71 meets the new ECE 22.06 safety standard, which involves more rigorous impact and rotational force testing.

The i71’s shell has been subtly redesigned to meet these stricter safety norms. Its composite polycarbonate shell offers enhanced impact resistance without a drastic weight increase. In contrast, the i70 remains reliable but doesn’t match the comprehensive protection level offered by its successor.

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🌬️ Ventilation and Airflow Improvements

Riding comfort often boils down to ventilation efficiency. The HJC i70 introduced a decent dual top vent system, but airflow could become stagnant in warmer climates. The i71 upgrades this with a multi-channel ventilation system, featuring:

• Larger top vents for increased intake

• Redesigned chin vent for better defogging

• More efficient exhaust ports

This results in better airflow circulation, helping keep the rider cooler over long rides. The internal air channels in the i71 direct airflow across the scalp and through the rear exhaust, promoting a noticeable difference in riding comfort.

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👓 Interior Comfort and Glasses Compatibility

Both helmets feature moisture-wicking liners, but the i71 goes further with its refined SuperCool interior system, which not only wicks away moisture more efficiently but is glasses-compatible—a feature welcomed by many touring riders.

Additionally, the cheek pads and crown liner in the i71 are removable and washable, as in the i70, but provide a more contoured fit with less pressure on high-contact points. The helmet feels plusher and quieter, especially on long-distance hauls.

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🔉 Integrated Bluetooth-Ready Design

One of the most requested features missing from the i70 was Bluetooth compatibility. The i71 resolves this by being Smart HJC 10B and 20B Bluetooth-ready, with dedicated speaker pockets and an integrated design that allows seamless installation.

Riders who use GPS, intercoms, or music streaming will appreciate this forward-thinking addition. While aftermarket solutions were used with the i70, the i71 allows for a clean, factory-ready integration of communication systems.

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🔄 Visor and Sun Shield Mechanism

Both helmets are equipped with internal sun visors, but the i71 features a refined slider mechanism for smoother, quicker operation. The new RapidFire III visor system on the i71 also allows tool-less visor changes, similar to the i70’s RapidFire II, but with improved ergonomics and sealing.

The Pinlock-ready clear visor now comes with a wider field of view, better sealing against wind and water, and enhanced clarity. The sun visor in the i71 drops lower than in the i70, offering better sun coverage, especially during dusk and dawn rides.

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🎧 Noise Reduction and Aerodynamics

Aerodynamic refinements in the HJC i71 have reduced wind noise significantly. The shell shape and spoiler have been tweaked for smoother airflow, reducing buffeting at high speeds. Combined with a tighter visor seal and snugger neck roll, the i71 provides a quieter, more serene riding experience compared to the i70.

Although the i70 held its own in wind tunnel tests, the i71’s adjustments are clearly engineered with touring and highway riders in mind, offering both comfort and stability at higher speeds.

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🎯 Fit and Sizing Adjustments

HJC adjusted the internal fit of the i71 based on rider feedback. It retains the Intermediate Oval shape, but with slight changes to the cheek pads and crown fit that improve stability without increasing pressure. The helmet fits more securely without being tight, accommodating a wider range of head shapes.

This subtle enhancement ensures that the i71 fits more naturally out of the box, reducing break-in time compared to the i70.

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💰 Price vs. Value: Is the i71 Worth the Upgrade?

The HJC i71 commands a slightly higher price point than the i70, but the added safety certifications, comfort features, and modern integrations make it a worthy investment. While the i70 still serves as a solid mid-range helmet, the i71 delivers next-level protection, tech-readiness, and riding comfort that justifies the price jump.

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📦 Final Verdict: HJC i71 Dominates in Every Category

In our head-to-head comparison, the HJC i71 surpasses the i70 across all critical metrics:

• Superior safety (ECE 22.06 certified)

• Enhanced ventilation and airflow

• Integrated Bluetooth compatibility

• Improved sun visor mechanics

• Upgraded noise isolation

• Modernized fit and internal padding

For riders seeking an all-around touring helmet that balances safety, comfort, and cutting-edge features, the HJC i71 is the clear winner. The i70 may still appeal to budget-conscious riders, but the future-forward upgrades in the i71 are hard to overlook.