Motocross Helmets

Motocross Helmets by Bell: Off-Road Performance Since 1975

Motocross helmets, also known as dirt bike helmets, MX helmets or off-road helmets, are purpose-built for riding away from sealed roads. Bell created the first full-face motocross helmet in 1975 and has been at the front of MX helmet development ever since. The current range covers three performance tiers — from the accessible MX-10 Mips to the Moto-10 Spherical worn by professional riders including Eli Tomac — all built around maximum ventilation, a precise fit and certified impact protection.

The Bell Motocross Helmet Range

Bell offers three motocross helmet models, each designed for a different level of rider and budget:

• MX-10 Mips: the entry point into the Bell MX range and the replacement for the MX-9 Mips. A polycarbonate shell at 1300g, Mips® C Solution rotational energy management, Velocity Flow Ventilation™, Flying Bridge visor, EPS NMR collarbone bumpers and a removable antimicrobial liner. Available in a broad range of colourways including solid black, white and matte black, graphic options in purple, yellow, green and pink, and camo editions. Certified DOT and ECE 22.06. Also available in youth sizes (YS, YM, YL) for junior riders.
• Moto-10 Mips: the mid-tier MX helmet for committed off-road riders. A tri-matrix composite shell at 1450g, Mips® C Solution, Velocity Flow Ventilation™, Flying Bridge visor, Magnefusion™ Emergency Removal System (MERS) magnetic cheek pads, EPP NMR collarbone bumper and Panoramic Goggle Port. Certified DOT and ECE 22.06. Available in solid, fade and graphic colourways.
• Moto-10 Spherical: the flagship MX helmet, developed with input from professional athletes. A segmented 3K carbon shell at 1600g with Spherical Technology™ powered by Mips®, Thermal Exchange Airflow System™ (TEAS), Fully Adjustable Flying Bridge Visor™, Magnefusion™ MERS magnetic cheek pads and EPP NMR collarbone bumpers. Certified DOT and Snell M2020. Available in Strike and Grid graphic colourways in blue, red and white.

Riders who split time between dirt trails and tarmac can explore the adventure helmet range, where the MX-9 Adventure Mips bridges motocross and road use. For younger riders, the kids motocross helmet range offers the same protection standards in junior sizing.

Why Motocross Helmets Are Designed Differently

Motocross helmets look and function differently from road helmets for specific engineering reasons that reflect the demands of off-road riding.

The extended chin bar and pronounced peak visor are not aesthetic choices. The chin bar on a motocross helmet is longer and more open than on a road full face helmet, allowing airflow to pass through the helmet at the lower speeds typical of off-road riding, where aerodynamics matter less but heat management matters more. The peak visor deflects roost — the debris thrown up by the front wheel of the rider ahead — as well as sun and branches on tight trail sections.

Motocross helmets are not designed to be used with a face shield. They are built around goggles, which seal against the face independently of the helmet and can be replaced or swapped for different lenses during a ride. This open design allows significantly more ventilation than a road helmet with a closed visor, which is essential when riding at lower speeds with high physical exertion.

The shell geometry of a motocross helmet is also typically more angular and elongated than a road helmet, shaped to direct airflow and accommodate the forward-leaning riding position used in motocross and enduro. The Moto-10 range includes a Panoramic Goggle Port — a specific cutout that allows wider goggle frames to sit flush against the helmet without gaps.

Rotational Energy Management in MX Helmets

All three Bell motocross helmets include rotational energy management technology. The MX-10 Mips and Moto-10 Mips use Mips® C Solution, which places a low-friction layer between the outer shell and the inner liner to redirect rotational forces in an angled impact. The Moto-10 Spherical uses Spherical Technology™ powered by Mips®, a ball-and-socket construction that allows the shell and liner to move independently, providing a higher degree of rotational energy management at the level demanded by professional competition.

Certifications

The MX-10 Mips and Moto-10 Mips carry DOT and ECE 22.06 certification. The Moto-10 Spherical is certified to DOT and Snell M2020 standards. Snell M2020 is a rigorous voluntary standard commonly required for sanctioned competition in the US; ECE 22.06 is the mandatory European road standard. See the road legal FAQ below for the implications of each certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a motocross helmet and why is it shaped differently?

A motocross helmet is a full face helmet designed specifically for off-road riding — motocross, enduro, trail and dirt bike use. It differs from a road full face helmet in several ways. The chin bar is longer and more open to allow airflow at the lower speeds of off-road riding. There is no face shield; motocross helmets are built to be used with goggles, which seal independently against the face and allow much higher ventilation than a closed visor. The peak visor deflects roost, sun and trail debris. The shell is typically more elongated and angular to suit the forward-leaning riding position used in MX and enduro. These differences make a motocross helmet poorly suited to road use and a road helmet poorly suited to dirt — each design is optimised for its specific environment.

Are motocross helmets road legal?

In most of Europe, including the UK, a helmet must carry ECE 22.06 certification to be legally worn on public roads. The Bell MX-10 Mips and Moto-10 Mips both carry DOT and ECE 22.06 certification and are therefore road legal for on-road use. The Moto-10 Spherical carries DOT and Snell M2020 certification but not ECE 22.06, and is therefore not road legal for use on public roads in the UK and Europe. Beyond legality, motocross helmets are not optimised for road riding: they lack a face shield, offer high ventilation but low aerodynamic efficiency, and are not designed to manage the higher-speed impacts typical of road crashes. For combined on- and off-road use, an adventure helmet is the more appropriate choice.

How should a motocross helmet fit?

To measure for a motocross helmet, wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your head, approximately 2.5 cm above the eyebrows and level above the ears. Match the measurement in centimetres to the size chart of the specific model, as shell sizes vary between models. Bell MX helmets are available across up to five shell sizes to ensure a proportional fit. A correctly fitted motocross helmet should sit level and snug on all sides with no pressure points. When you grip the chin bar and try to move the helmet, it should drag your skin rather than slide. The goggle port should align naturally with your eye line. Cheek pads should press lightly against the face; some initial snugness is normal as the liner settles. If you are between sizes, try the smaller size first. Adjustable cheek pad thicknesses are available as accessories for all three Bell MX models.

Why do motocross helmets have visors?

The peak visor on a motocross helmet has two primary functions. The first is to deflect roost — the dirt, rocks and debris thrown rearward by the wheel of the rider in front — which can hit the helmet at speed and, without a visor, would strike directly at eye level. The second is to shade the eyes from low sun, which is particularly relevant on trail and enduro riding where the sun angle can change rapidly as the terrain and direction shift. The visor on Bell MX helmets is adjustable and on some models fully removable. The Flying Bridge visor design used on the MX-10 and Moto-10 ranges allows the visor angle to be set at the rider's preferred position for trail, track or open terrain use.

What safety standards should I look for, and how long do motocross helmets last?

For recreational and enduro riding, DOT and ECE 22.06 certification covers the required safety standard and also confirms road legality in Europe. For sanctioned competition, check the specific event regulations: some series require Snell M2020, which is the certification carried by the Moto-10 Spherical. All Bell MX helmets carry a five-year warranty. As with all helmet types, the general recommendation is to replace a motocross helmet every five years from first use, or immediately after any significant impact regardless of visible damage, as the foam liner compresses in a crash in ways that are not always visible externally. Regular exposure to sweat, UV and dirt also degrades the liner over time.

How do you clean a motocross helmet?

All three Bell motocross helmets have removable and washable antimicrobial liners, which should be removed and hand washed in mild soapy water after heavy use, then air dried fully before refitting. Do not machine wash or tumble dry liner components. The shell can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap; avoid solvent-based cleaners or petrol, which can degrade the shell material and paint finish. The visor on MX helmets can be removed for cleaning and replaced if cracked or heavily scratched. Goggles should be cleaned separately according to the goggle manufacturer's instructions. Storing the helmet away from direct sunlight and heat when not in use will extend the life of both the shell and the liner.