HJC V60: Affordable scrambler styling

[advrider]

European regulators updated the ECE helmet standard in 2020, and as older helmets are phased out of showrooms, manufacturers are now releasing new models to the market. That means these companies also have opportunity to branch out into new segments of motorcycling, which helps explain the new HJC V60. This retro full-face is styled just like a vintage enduro helmet, and it ties nicely into the new scrambler fad.

HJC’s Euro website says  the V60 is inspired by the original FG-01 helmet from the 1980s, but with modern features like a drop-down sun visor, built-in speaker pockets, removable interior, and emergency-release cheekpads. The shell is lightweight fiberglass, and the helmet comes with a three-snap visor. All in all, a decent update to a classic design, and HJC’s website lists seven different colors available, at prices around the €300 mark (roughly $340 US, or $430 CAD). Note, however, that this helmet is not yet listed as coming to North America. If you want one, you’ve got to order it from Europe, and hope you don’t get hassled by The Man. Or, maybe you could ask HJC North America to bring the line in?

While HJC’s website says this helmet is intended for offroad use, it’s listed under the company’s full-face helmet line, not in its dirt line. That’s because it’s not a fancy-pants vented MX lid. It’s a styling exercise, for riders who want gear that matches their bike’s retro look, just like the HJC V90.

In that respect, it matches what other helmetmakers are doing. Bell has the Moto-3 for scrambler geeks, Nexx has the X.G200, Shoei has the EX-Zero, Simpson has the M50, and so on. A few years ago, you couldn’t buy a helmet like this outside of a swap meet. Now, all you need to look old-school is a credit card.

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