How to Choose a Helmet and Intercom Compatible with SMART HJC at an Affordable Price

If you're upgrading your helmet, you might as well get a smart intercom to go with it. However, retrofitting a universal intercom can lead to issues like the unit sticking out, messy wiring, and bothersome wind noise.

That's where "SMART HJC" comes in, designed exclusively for HJC helmets. The biggest appeal is that you can integrate a dedicated intercom, powered by SENA's technology, directly into compatible HJC helmets. This article organizes potential SMART HJC-compatible helmets, such as the i71 / i91 / RPHA 31 / RPHA 60, by intended use and budget to make your selection easier.

Conclusion: The Go-To Pattern for Choosing SMART HJC

Let's get straight to the point. If you're getting both a helmet and an intercom from HJC, you'll have fewer regrets by choosing based on the following criteria:

What is SMART HJC? A Built-in Intercom Designed for HJC Helmets

SMART HJC is a dedicated intercom for helmets, designed by SENA, a veteran in helmet intercoms.

SMART HJC is a series of intercoms specifically designed for HJC helmets. It's a collaborative unit between SENA, a specialist in intercoms, and HJC, a helmet manufacturer, featuring a unique built-in design for compatible helmets.

Unlike universal intercoms, the unit is less likely to protrude significantly from the side, and wiring is easier to manage, resulting in a sleeker appearance. It also helps reduce wind noise and the risk of detachment during falls or impacts.

Differences Between SMART HJC 21B and 50B

If you want to keep costs down, the 21B is recommended. For multi-person touring and Mesh communication, the 50B is the better choice.

The 21B still supports music, calls, audio multitasking, HD speakers, universal intercom, and noise control. If you also want FM radio and Mesh communication with unlimited connections, the 50B is recommended.

Things to Check Before Choosing

If you're choosing a helmet with SMART HJC in mind, in addition to checking the usual size and specifications, be sure to confirm on the product page that it is "compatible with SMART HJC 21B / 50B."

Check for the Compatible Intercom Notation

As of July 2026, compatible helmets include the RPHA 60, i91, i71, RPHA 71, RPHA 72, RPHA 31, and RPHA 91. It's best to confirm "SMART HJC 21B & 50B compatible" on the Webike product page before purchasing.

Decide on the Helmet's Purpose First

There are several models of HJC helmets compatible with SMART HJC. We recommend choosing a helmet that suits your intended use:
・Everyday use and budget-conscious: i71
・Touring comfort: i91
・Openness and visibility: RPHA 31
・On-road/Off-road versatility: RPHA 60
・Premium touring: RPHA 71 / RPHA 72

Choose the Intercom Based on the Number of People

If you primarily ride solo or with a small group of 2-4 people, the 21B is often sufficient. If you ride with a larger group, frequently join rides mid-way, or prioritize uninterrupted conversation, the 50B is worth considering.

Recommended Product Comparison: HJC Helmet x SMART HJC

HJC:エイチジェイシー｜i71

The i71 is a full-face helmet that offers excellent cost performance, equipped with a sun visor and large ventilation system as standard.

This is a balanced full-face helmet that should be your first consideration if you're unsure where to start, offering a good mix of price and features. The i71 is an all-rounder model featuring a lightweight yet impact-resistant polycarbonate shell, ACS ventilation for expelling hot air from front to rear, and an adjustable sun visor.

It's equipped with the built-in mechanism for SMART HJC 21B / 50B, wiring guides, and speaker pockets, allowing you to integrate an intercom with a discreet, non-retrofitted look.

HJC:エイチジェイシー｜i91

A system helmet equipped with a sun visor. Easy to put on and take off is also a plus.

The i91 system helmet is convenient for touring. By opening the chin bar, conversations during breaks, refueling, toll booths, and quick stops at convenience stores become much easier.

It features a sun visor and ventilation, offering the security of a full-face helmet with the convenience of an open-face helmet. For touring riders who use intercoms, this helmet can enhance both comfort and communication capabilities.

HJC:エイチジェイシー｜RPHA 31

The Rpha31 is a lightweight jet helmet with an FRP shell and excellent ventilation.

If you prioritize a wide field of vision and an open feel for city riding or short-distance touring, the RPHA 31 is the choice. This premium open-face model uses FRP for a wider view.

While jet helmets are appealing for their ease of conversation and awareness of surroundings, comfort is greatly affected by how neatly an intercom can be integrated. With SMART HJC compatibility, you can achieve a sleek look and a smart audio setup.

HJC:エイチジェイシー｜RPHA 60

The Rpha60 is a fully equipped adventure helmet with an inner visor and lightweight construction.

The RPHA 60 is ideal for riders who tackle both on-road and off-road terrain. It's a premium dual-sport helmet featuring the Rpha series' FRP shell for lightweight yet high rigidity.

For riders who venture onto forest roads, go camping, or ride adventure bikes, the helmet's versatility is key. Combining it with SMART HJC allows for seamless integration of navigation audio, group conversations, and music.

HJC:エイチジェイシー｜RPHA 71

The Rpha71 features a lightweight FRP shell, large ventilation, and a sun visor.

The RPHA 71 is a compelling option for riders considering a sport-touring helmet.
It's packed with features for long-distance comfort, including large ventilation ports that are easy to operate even with gloves on, a large sun visor for convenience when dealing with glare or entering tunnels, and the lightweight FRP shell characteristic of the RPHA series.

Recommended Combinations by Price Range

Budget-Conscious: i71 + SMART HJC 21B

If you want to purchase both a helmet and an intercom together, this is the combination to look at first. The solid color models of the i71 start at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of ¥29,920 (tax included), and the SMART HJC 21B is ¥30,030 (tax included). This allows you to get a helmet and a dedicated intercom at an affordable price point.

If you just want to "listen to navigation audio on solo rides" or "have occasional conversations with a partner," the 21B is sufficient. The discreet appearance also contributes to satisfaction.

Touring Focused: i91 + SMART HJC 50B

If you often ride with friends, combining the system helmet i91 with the 50B will significantly enhance your comfort. In addition to the convenience of the openable chin bar, the 50B's Mesh communication is ideal for group touring.

Premium Choice: RPHA 31 / RPHA 60 + SMART HJC 50B

For urban sophistication, choose the RPHA 31; for adventure use, the RPHA 60. Since the helmets have distinct characteristics, this combination, including the communication features of the 50B, makes it easy to select a set tailored to your riding style.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does SMART HJC fit all HJC helmets?

No. You need to check if the model is equipped with the built-in mechanism, wiring guides, and speaker pockets compatible with SMART HJC. Always confirm the compatible intercom on the product page before purchasing.

Q. Which should I choose, the 21B or the 50B?

The 21B is for small groups, while the 50B is for multi-person touring or if you want to use Mesh communication. The 21B supports up to 4 simultaneous connections, and the 50B supports Mesh communication, with an unlimited number of connections in open Mesh mode.

Q. Is it okay to buy the intercom later?

If you choose a compatible helmet, you can add the SMART HJC later.

Q. What should I be careful about when choosing the size?

HJC helmets officially distributed by RS TAICHI are adjusted for ASIAN FIT, catering to Japanese head shapes. However, even with the same size notation, the fit can vary between models. Therefore, in addition to head circumference, check the adjustability of the cheek pads and interior.
SMART HJC compatible helmets have optional interior parts that allow for adjustments, providing peace of mind.

Conclusion: Choose Your Helmet and Intercom by "Compatibility Check → Purpose Selection → Number of Riders"

The appeal of HJC + SMART HJC lies in the ability to seamlessly combine your helmet and intercom from the start, rather than treating them as separate aftermarket parts. The benefits of a dedicated design are significant when considering aesthetics, wiring, wind noise, and ease of installation.

For budget-conscious riders, the i71 + 21B is the way to go. For touring comfort, the i91. For urban openness, the RPHA 31. For all-around riding, the RPHA 60. If you ride with a group, opt for the 50B intercom. First, decide on your riding style and the number of people you usually ride with, then choose a compatible helmet.