The Bell Bullitt is a full-face motorcycle helmet that has become popular among riders for its retro style and modern features. The helmet was introduced in 2014 and quickly gained popularity due to its unique design, which pays homage to the classic helmets of the 1960s and 1970s.
The Bell Bullitt is named after American racing legend Steve McQueen’s character “Frank Bullitt” from the 1968 movie “Bullitt.” The helmet’s design is inspired by the same headgear worn by McQueen during his iconic chase scene through San Francisco.
Despite its vintage look, the Bell Bullitt is packed with modern safety features. It has an outer shell made from lightweight fiberglass composite or carbon fiber, depending on the variant you choose. This material provides excellent impact resistance while keeping weight to a minimum.
Inside, it features a multi-density EPS lining designed to absorb shock energy in case of an impact. Additionally, it comes equipped with removable cheek pads and liners that are washable and replaceable.
Another standout feature of the Bell Bullitt is its large face shield that provides ample visibility while riding. It also comes with an anti-fog coating for clear vision even in colder temperatures or humid weather conditions.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish yet functional motorcycle helmet that offers both protection and comfort on long rides or short commutes, then look no further than the Bell Bullitt.
History of Motorcycle Helmets
The history of motorcycle helmets dates back to the early 1900s. Motorcyclists in those days used to wear cloth caps or leather aviator-style helmets as head protection while riding. However, these provided very little protection against injuries in case of an accident.
In 1935, Professor C.F. Lombard designed the first motorcycle helmet that met safety standards and was approved by the Snell Memorial Foundation. The helmet was made from hard-shell material and included an inner layer for shock absorption.
In the 1950s, full-face helmets were introduced with a chin bar that offered additional protection to the face and jaw area. This design became popular among racers and soon became standard equipment for racing events.
In 1966, US government regulations required all motorcycle helmets sold in America to meet minimum safety standards set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT). These standards ensured that all helmets had a rigid outer shell, thick padding inside for impact absorption, retention straps, and could withstand penetration tests.
Since then, advancements have been made in materials used for helmet construction such as carbon fiber and Kevlar. There are also now different types of helmets available depending on rider preference such as open-face or modular designs.
The importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet cannot be stressed enough. It has been proven time and again that helmets save lives by reducing head injuries during accidents. In fact, it is estimated that wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of death by up to 37% if involved in a crash while riding a motorcycle.
The Bell Bullitt: A Classic Design
The Bell Bullitt is a modern take on the classic helmet design. Inspired by the original Bell Star helmet from the 1960s, this vintage-inspired helmet has become a favorite among motorcyclists around the world.
One of the key features of the Bell Bullitt is its retro styling. The exterior shell is made from lightweight fiberglass with a matte or glossy finish, and comes in a range of colors and designs that harken back to an era when motorcycles were king. The interior lining is also designed for comfort and style, with premium leather accents and removable padding that can be washed as needed.
In addition to its good looks, the Bell Bullitt also boasts advanced safety features. It meets or exceeds DOT (Department of Transportation) safety standards for motorcycle helmets and has been independently tested to ensure maximum protection against impacts at various speeds.
The helmet’s visor system is another standout feature of this classic design. The bubble-shaped shield not only adds to the overall aesthetic but provides excellent visibility while blocking out wind and debris during rides. There are also several different tint options available depending on your personal preference.
While some might argue that modern technology has surpassed these classic designs, there’s no denying that there’s something special about riding with a vintage-inspired helmet like the Bell Bullitt. Whether you’re cruising down country roads or navigating city streets, this stylish yet functional piece of gear will keep you safe while making you look good doing it.
Features of the Bell Bullitt
The Bell Bullitt is a retro-styled motorcycle helmet that has become increasingly popular among riders. It was first introduced in 2013 and has since then gained a reputation for being both stylish and functional. Here are some of the features that make the Bell Bullitt stand out:
- Shell construction: The shell of the Bell Bullitt is made from fiberglass composite, making it lightweight yet sturdy.
- Multitude of sizes: The helmet comes in a range of sizes to ensure a perfect fit for every rider.
- Ventilation system: The helmet has an adjustable ventilation system with front and rear vents, allowing air to flow through and keep the rider cool on hot days.
- Padded chin strap: The chin strap is padded with comfortable material, ensuring maximum comfort during long rides.
- ECE & DOT certified: The Bell Bullitt meets safety standards set by ECE (the Economic Commission for Europe) as well as DOT (Department of Transportation).
- Bubble shield visor: One of the standout features of this helmet is its bubble shield visor which not only looks great but also provides ample protection against wind and debris while riding.
- New faceshield mechanism: A new faceshield mechanism makes changing shields even easier than before.
All these features combined make the Bell Bullitt one-of-a-kind motorcycle helmet that riders can rely on for both style and safety. Whether you’re cruising down country roads or commuting through busy city streets, this helmet is sure to turn heads while protecting yours.
Materials and Construction
The Bell Bullitt helmet is constructed using a lightweight fiberglass composite shell. Fiberglass is known for its durability, high strength-to-weight ratio, and impact resistance. The helmet also features a multi-density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam liner that provides additional impact protection.
To ensure maximum comfort during long rides, the Bullitt has an ultra-comfortable interior with genuine leather trim and micro-suede fabric on the inside of the helmet. The interior padding is removable and washable, making it easy to keep clean.
The chin strap of the Bell Bullitt helmet is made from stainless steel D-rings which are not only durable but also add to the retro look of this classic styled helmet. Additionally, there are metal mesh intake vents located on the front of the helmet that allow for ample airflow while keeping debris out.
Another notable feature of this helmet is its shield system. The Bell Bullitt comes with both clear and tinted shields as well as a flat visor option which can be easily swapped out without tools thanks to its ClickRelease™ system.
Overall, Bell has created a top-quality product with excellent materials and construction that meets or exceeds safety standards in order to provide riders with both style and functionality in one package.
Design Options and Customization
The Bell Bullitt is a popular motorcycle helmet that has gained widespread appeal due to its retro design, comfort, and safety features. It is also known for the various design options and customization available to riders.
One of the most notable aspects of the Bell Bullitt is its wide range of colors and graphic designs. Riders can choose from solid colors such as black, white, silver, or blue or opt for more eye-catching patterns like stripes, flames, or even animal prints.
In addition to choosing from pre-designed graphics, riders can also create their own custom designs using Bell’s online helmet designer tool. This allows them to personalize their helmets with unique colors and graphics that reflect their individual style.
Another way in which riders can customize their Bell Bullitt helmets is by adding accessories such as visors or face shields. These components not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide added protection against wind and debris while riding.
Moreover, the interior padding of the Bell Bullitt helmet can be customized through different thicknesses of cheek pads that are sold separately. This ensures a comfortable fit for riders with varying head shapes or sizes.
Overall, the extensive range of design options and customization available for the Bell Bullitt helmet provides riders with both practicality and personal expression while ensuring maximum safety on their motorcycles.
Comfort and Fit
The Bell Bullitt helmet is designed to provide riders with exceptional comfort and fit. The interior of the helmet is lined with a soft, plush material that conforms to the user’s head shape. This lining ensures maximum comfort during long rides and even helps to reduce any pressure points.
The helmet comes in five different shell sizes, which means you can find one that will fit your head perfectly. The sizing system also includes removable cheek pads and liners that can be easily added or removed depending on your needs.
One standout feature of the Bell Bullitt helmet is its ventilation system. There are vents at both the front and back of the helmet, allowing air to flow through freely. Unlike other helmets where some riders may feel like they’re suffocating, this ventilation system keeps you cool in hot weather conditions.
Another factor that contributes to rider comfort is noise reduction. Bell has taken steps to ensure minimal wind noise while riding by including a padded chin strap, reducing turbulence around ear pockets, and using sound-absorbing materials in key areas throughout the helmet.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable and well-fitted motorcycle helmet with excellent airflow while minimizing wind noise – look no further than the Bell Bullitt!
Safety Standards and Ratings
When it comes to motorcycle helmets, safety is the top priority. The Bell Bullitt helmet has undergone rigorous testing and meets or exceeds industry standards for safety.
One of the most important safety standards that helmets must meet is the DOT (Department of Transportation) standard. This standard ensures that a helmet provides adequate protection in a crash, including impact resistance, penetration resistance, strap retention, and peripheral vision coverage. The Bell Bullitt helmet is DOT certified.
In addition to the DOT certification, Bell has also voluntarily submitted its helmets for independent testing by Snell (Snell Memorial Foundation), an organization dedicated to improving helmet safety. The Snell certification involves even more rigorous testing than the DOT standard and indicates that a helmet offers superior protection in high-impact crashes. While not required by law, many riders look for helmets with both DOT and Snell certifications for added peace of mind.
Another rating system used by some manufacturers is ECE (Economic Commission for Europe). This European standard tests helmets on similar criteria as the DOT but uses slightly different test methods. However, it’s worth noting that not all countries recognize this rating system.
Bell also incorporates additional safety features into its Bullitt helmet design such as a multi-density EPS liner which helps absorb impact energy more effectively in case of an accident.
Overall, riders can trust in the Bell Bullitt Helmet’s quality construction and adherence to strict safety standards when selecting their next headgear option.
Pros and Cons of the Bell Bullitt
The Bell Bullitt is a popular motorcycle helmet that has gained a following among riders who appreciate its classic design and modern safety features. Like any product, however, it has both pros and cons to consider before making a purchase:
Pros
- Safety: The Bell Bullitt meets all current safety standards and has been extensively tested for impact resistance.
- Style: The retro look of the Bell Bullitt is highly sought after by many riders, with several different color options to choose from.
- Comfort: The helmet is designed with multiple vents to provide ample airflow while riding, as well as an antibacterial liner that can be removed for easy cleaning.
- Noise Reduction: Many riders report that the tight fit of the helmet helps reduce wind noise while riding at high speeds.
- Ease of Use: The visor on the Bell Bullitt can be easily removed or replaced without using any tools.
- Bulkiness: The size of the Bell Bullit can be somewhat cumbersome compared to other helmets in its class. It may not be ideal for those looking for a more streamlined option.
Cons
Noise Level: A few users have reported higher than expected wind noise when wearing this model at highway speeds.
Price: The Bell Bullitt is priced higher than many other helmets in its class, which may be a drawback for those on a budget.
In conclusion, the Bell Bullitt helmet has many advantages that make it an ideal choice for riders who value style and safety. However, its bulkiness and lack of full-face protection in colder conditions could be deal-breakers for some. Ultimately, whether or not to buy this helmet will depend on each individual rider’s preferences and needs.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the Bell Bullitt is a high-quality helmet that offers both style and safety. Its retro design is eye-catching, but it also meets modern standards for protection. The helmet has a lightweight fiberglass composite shell that’s durable enough to withstand impact in case of an accident.
The helmet comes with a removable and washable liner which means you can keep it clean easily. It also features multiple vents on the front, top, and back that allow for optimal airflow keeping your head cool even during hot summer rides.
As far as fit goes, the Bell Bullitt runs true to size but if you’re unsure about your sizing then it’s always best to measure your head circumference before buying any motorcycle helmets online.
We highly recommend this helmet for anyone who values both style and functionality when it comes to their riding gear. The Bell Bullitt has redefined what a motorcycle helmet should look like without compromising on quality or safety.
If you’re looking for an upgrade from your current motorcycle helmet or just starting out with motorcycling then we suggest considering the Bell Bullitt as one of your options.
Additionally, we recommend investing in a good quality anti-fog visor especially if you plan on using this helmet year-round or in different weather conditions where fogging could become an issue.
Overall, our team at Ride Safe Now gives the Bell Bullitt two thumbs up!