Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle Helmets by Bell: Built to Protect Since 1954

From everyday commuters to track day regulars, Bell motorcycle helmets are designed around one principle: protecting riders without compromise. Bell created the first full-face motorcycle helmet in 1966 and has been developing rider protection since 1954. That background is still visible in every helmet in the range today, from entry-level open face helmets to FIM-homologated race helmets worn at the highest level of the sport.

The Full Bell Motorcycle Helmet Range

Different riding styles call for different levels of coverage, fit and ventilation. The Bell range covers every major category:

• Full face helmets: full coverage for road, touring and circuit riding. The chin bar and visor work together to protect the entire face, making these the most protective option for higher speeds.
• Open face helmets: a classic 3/4 shell for urban riding and shorter journeys, with more airflow and visibility than a full face. The Custom 500 range draws directly on Bell's open face heritage, with fiberglass composite shells and genuine leather interiors.
• Motocross helmets: lightweight and highly ventilated for off-road and MX riding. Extended visors, open chin bars and reinforced shells are built for the demands of dirt riding.
• Adventure helmets: designed to work both on and off road. The MX-9 Adventure Mips range combines the ventilation of a motocross helmet with a visor and shield setup suited to longer road miles.
• Retro helmets: classic styling with current safety standards. The Moto-3 and Bullitt GT ranges are built for riders who want the look of the original Bell designs, with fiberglass and carbon composite shells available.
• Kids motocross helmets: purpose-built protection for young riders, sized correctly for junior heads and held to the same safety standards as the adult range.

How Bell Motorcycle Helmets Protect You

A good motorcycle helmet does two things: absorbs the force of a direct impact and manages the rotational forces that can occur when a head hits the ground at an angle. Bell addresses both through technologies developed in partnership with Mips® and through proprietary liner systems built in-house.

On select models, Spherical Technology™ powered by Mips® allows the outer shell and inner liner to move independently in an impact. This mimics the way the brain naturally sits inside the skull and is designed to redirect rotational energy away from the head, one of the leading factors in serious head injuries from crashes.

The Flex™ Energy Management System, used in Bell's highest-performance helmets, combines three different foam materials in a single liner. Each layer is calibrated to a different type of impact, so whether a crash happens at low speed in traffic or at high speed on a circuit, the liner responds appropriately rather than being optimised for just one scenario.

Safety Certifications

All Bell motorcycle helmets available in Europe carry ECE 22.06 certification, the current European safety standard for motorcycle helmets. Select models go further: the Pro Star holds FIM homologation for competition use, and the Race Star DLX Flex also meets Snell M2020 alongside DOT approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best helmet for a motorcycle?

The right helmet depends on how you ride. For road, touring and circuit use, a full face helmet offers the most complete protection, with a chin bar and visor covering the entire face. If you ride mainly in town or on shorter journeys, an open face helmet gives more airflow and visibility. Off-road and MX riders are better suited to a motocross helmet, while those who mix road and trail will find an adventure helmet the most versatile choice. For classic styling with modern safety standards, the retro range covers both open and full face designs.

How do you measure for a motorcycle helmet?

Wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your head, approximately 2.5 cm above your eyebrows and level above the ears. Note the measurement in centimetres and match it against the size chart for the specific model you are considering, as sizing varies between helmet constructions. If you fall between two sizes, try the smaller size first. Bell helmets are available across up to five shell sizes on select models, so the fit is proportional rather than relying on padding alone to make up the difference.

How should a motorcycle helmet fit, and is it better tight or loose?

A correctly fitted motorcycle helmet should sit level, with the top of the eye port just above your eyebrows. It should feel firmly snug on all sides with no pressure points. When you grip the chin bar and try to rock the helmet, it should move your skin rather than slide over it. A helmet that shifts independently of your head is too large and will not perform correctly in an impact. Some initial snugness is normal as liners compress with use. If there is sharp pain from the first wear, the fit is wrong for your head shape and a different size or model should be tried. When in doubt, size down rather than up. Many Bell models allow cheek pad and crown liner adjustments to fine-tune the fit within a shell size before going larger.

How often should you replace a motorcycle helmet?

The general guideline is every five years from first use under normal riding conditions. The foam liner degrades gradually through sweat, UV exposure and everyday wear, reducing its ability to absorb impact energy even when the helmet looks undamaged externally. Replace a helmet immediately after any significant impact, regardless of visible damage, as liner compression from a crash is not always apparent from the outside. Bell helmets carry a five-year warranty as standard. Other signs that a helmet needs replacing sooner include cracks or deep scratches in the shell, uneven liner compression or a retention system that no longer holds securely.