HJC is a famous company known for making helmets. The company manufactures various types of helmets, including full-face, open-face, off-road, or a modular motorcycle helmet. Besides, it also identifies with automotive helmets.
But what is the origin of HJC helmets? Is the HJC a Chinese or Korean brand? Many questions may come to the mind of a new rider considering owning a HJC helmet.
So, the post majors on the origin, history, and the basics of the HJC brand.
HJC are initials for Hong Jin Crown, a South Korean Company. HJC is a famous company that started by making riot and safety helmets in 1971. However, the company expanded to specialize in motorcycle helmets. Interestingly, the management of HJC is under close relatives, hence the family name HONG.
The origin of HJC company dates back to 1971 when it started making safety helmets. Hong Jin Crown Company was started by a former Korean Air Force named Wan Kee Hong. From making simple helmets for common riders, the company has graduated to making motorcycle helmets for MotoGP and Supercross champions.
Initially, the HJC brand dominated the Korean market. However, after Honda officially identified HJC helmets, its fame rose quickly. And in 1986, HJC penetrated the US market, and Europe in 2001.
Soon, it was only a matter of time before the brand gained roots in Germany, Italy, and France. The brand prides itself in making world-class helmets that prioritize the safety and happiness of the riders.
To cope with the growing demand for its helmets, the company had to expand its production to two other countries; Vietnam and China.
In all three factories, HJC aims to make low-end, mid-end, and high-end helmets that meet the demands of its customers. As a sign of its authority in the industry, HJC entered into MotoGP racing. It was the official sponsor of the HJC Helmets 2016 Grand Prix Czech Republic and 2017 Grand Prix de France.
Further, HJC has sponsored several champions in the MotoGP sport.
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As outlined before, HJC has three factories for making its helmets in Korea, Vietnam, and China. Initially, HJC manufactured its helmets in Korea but had to expand its factories to Vietnam and China.
However, despite opening factories outside Korea, HJC still promises its commitment to providing unwavering dedication to its helmet’s standards. Its mission is to set the benchmark for satisfaction and safety in its helmets.
HJC is an established helmet brand with over 50 years of experience. Further, its fame has spread beyond the domestic market to become a worldwide helmet brand. So, if you need the best modular motorcycle helmet that’s safe, comfortable, and not over-prized, consider the brand.
Besides dominating the motorcycle helmet market, it also has established its roots in motorsport and cycling helmets. HJC helmets are reliable because they meet DOT safety standards and some conform to ECE requirements. For instance, the HJC C10 meets the DOT and ECE 22.06 requirements.
To nail its reliability, some of its models, for example, the HJC IS- 17, scored a 5/5 rating according to tests done by SHARP. The HJC C70 also registered remarkable performance.
Another sign that the brand is of reputable background is that even some leading MotoGP champions use HJC helmets during the races. Outstanding examples are Brad Binder and Fabio Quartararo.
Most of the racers rely on the HJC RPHA series helmet. The RPHA series of helmets is characterized by the following features:
The use of composite shell material and advanced ventilation makes up for the RPHA helmet's extra lightness and comfort. Added to the superior aerodynamic performance, the RPHA series of helmets find ideal application in races.
It’s no wonder that former world superbike champion Ben Spies and MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo used HJC helmets.
There are several indicators of HJC’s success. First, the brand has established its factories in three countries. Then HJC distributes its helmets to over 50 countries. Among the key countries are the USA, France, Germany, Italy, and other European countries.
Besides being in the market for over 50 years, the HJC brand also identifies with outstanding MotoGP and Formula One riders. So focused is the company on bettering its future that it plows back 10 percent of its revenue into the business.
Moreover, it stands out among the few brands that have a modern wind tunnel laboratory. The laboratory helps the manufacturer test the helmet’s aerodynamic, noise, and ventilation performance.
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The founder of the HJC helmet company is Wan Kee Hong, formerly an employee of the Korean Air Force. However, the business has expanded its manufacturing plants beyond Korea to include China and Korea. Nevertheless, the HJC is still run by Hong’s family.
Yes, HJC is a Korean helmet brand. However, currently, the production of the helmets is from three different locations; Korea, Vietnam, and China. Besides, the company also has its subsidiaries in Germany, Italy, France, and the USA.
In conclusion, Hong Jin Crown company HJC isn’t a Chinese but a Korean brand. The founding of the company dates back to 1971 in South Korea. However, HJC has expanded and become a world-class helmet brand that serves over 50 countries.
So, to reach its wide range of customers effectively, it has established HJC helmet factories in three strategic countries: Korea, Vietnam, and China. Despite the expansion, the parent Hong’s family still maintains a tight grip on managing the business in all its locations.
From full-face to open-face and modular helmets, the HJC brand promises safety and comfort in any of its hoods. Helmet Gurus has some of its top models such as the RPHA series helmets. And for ordinary tour rides, you can try the HJC i90 model.