Bell Bullitt Helmet

[lola_imp]

They're the same size. And it feels perfect.

Good To know, thank you Sir!

[the Ferret]

some interesting Bell stuff and possibly how the helmet got it's misspelled name

"The first full face motor racing helmet was developed by Dan Gurney in the 1960s. Gurney first wore the helmet at Indianapolis in 1968, and then became the first driver ever to use a full face helmet in Grand Prix racing, at the 1968 German Grand Prix.

Dan experimented with various helmet versions in his early racing days.... as early as 1958 when he built a leather mask to cover his face.

The mask was designed after he was “repeatedly hit by small stones bouncing off the surface of the track” that came at you like “bullets”. He tested the mask at some open wheel races in 1962 but wasn’t comfortable until it was later refined.

During the years that followed, he worked with Bell Helmets in California where he helped to develop the first full face helmet. He had seen motorcycle racers wear similar ones at Ascot Raceway in California. Dan wore the first full face helmet at Indianapolis in 1968 and then also introduced it to Formula I racing at the British and German Grand Prix in 1968. He was at first a bit ridiculed but within months other drivers adopted the full face helmet and now we cannot imagine how they ever raced without them."

The original Bell Star (the one Gurney wore) had a very small eyeport... When I started in the MC business in 1970, Bell Star helmets were like this, and many riders complained about a lack of peripheral vision. I would think this would be like riding in a cave after wearing a modern FF helmet. But... they have brought it back called the "Classic".

https://www.bellracing.com/helmets/vinta...ar-classic

[Django]

some interesting Bell stuff and possibly how the helmet got it's misspelled name

"The first full face motor racing helmet was developed by Dan Gurney in the 1960s. Gurney first wore the helmet at Indianapolis in 1968, and then became the first driver ever to use a full face helmet in Grand Prix racing, at the 1968 German Grand Prix.

Dan experimented with various helmet versions in his early racing days.... as early as 1958 when he built a leather mask to cover his face.

The mask was designed after he was “repeatedly hit by small stones bouncing off the surface of the track” that came at you like “bullets”. He tested the mask at some open wheel races in 1962 but wasn’t comfortable until it was later refined.

During the years that followed, he worked with Bell Helmets in California where he helped to develop the first full face helmet. He had seen motorcycle racers wear similar ones at Ascot Raceway in California. Dan wore the first full face helmet at Indianapolis in 1968 and then also introduced it to Formula I racing at the British and German Grand Prix in 1968. He was at first a bit ridiculed but within months other drivers adopted the full face helmet and now we cannot imagine how they ever raced without them."

The original Bell Star (the one Gurney wore) had a very small eyeport... When I started in the MC business in 1970, Bell Star helmets were like this, and many riders complained about a lack of peripheral vision. I would think this would be like riding in a cave after wearing a modern FF helmet. But... they have brought it back called the "Classic".

https://www.bellracing.com/helmets/vinta...ar-classic

...and priced it double or more.

[the Ferret]

If I remember correctly the original Bell Star helmets were $70 or $80 bucks. Remember this was at a time when you could actually buy a new open face helmet for $10 (I gave one away with every motorcycle sale.. I still remember the mountain of helmet boxes full of putrid blue helmets we gave away or sold for $10 each) and Bell came out with the Ad " If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet".

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I figured the name "Bullitt" was in tribute to Steve McQueen and the movie by the same name. McQueen obviously being a big motorcyclist and having worn a number of Bell helmets.

Interesting history! And the Classic looks pretty cool. I'm glad he went away from the leather mask on his face. I've tried that once and it wasn't well received by passing motorists, pedestrians or the police.

[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mask%20Leatherface%204180%20Main.jpg.html]

[the Ferret]

I suppose it could be a McQueen reference. At least then it would be spelled right. He drove a fastback Mustang in Bullitt didn't he? Since you own one, why not email Bell and ask?

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Made me pause for a second. Until about a year ago I owned a Mustang GT and wondered how you could have known that. Then I realized you meant, I own a Bell helmet, not the car! Haha!

And, yes, he drove that fastback in one of the best chase scenes ever filmed!
Edit: Email to Bell sent!

[pechorin75_imp]

Mine got here today. The only blemish I could find on it was a tiny, tiny little scratch in the paint on one side of the helmet, all the way down by the bottom. I was expecting worse, considering the discount.

But...that's probably a moot point, because I don't think I'm gonna be keeping the helmet. It's a little too tight overall, a little too round in shape, and it folds my left ear in half and won't let it unfold. Also, the on/off process is really tough on the ears...I feel like I'd end up with cauliflower ear.

I also had Manning forehead after a whopping 5 minutes.

Some reviewers online say that these problems go away with some break-in...but I'm not sure it's worth giving up the chance to return it in order to find out. If I had anywhere to go size-wise, I'd see if they'd trade me a larger helmet for the same price...but I'm already at XXL.

All that said, it's a pretty cool helmet; and like MG said, the field of view is great.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Mine got here today. The only blemish I could find on it was a tiny, tiny little scratch in the paint on one side of the helmet, all the way down by the bottom. I was expecting worse, considering the discount.

But...that's probably a moot point, because I don't think I'm gonna be keeping the helmet. It's a little too tight overall, a little too round in shape, and it folds my left ear in half and won't let it unfold. Also, the on/off process is really tough on the ears...I feel like I'd end up with cauliflower ear.

I also had Manning forehead after a whopping 5 minutes.

Some reviewers online say that these problems go away with some break-in...but I'm not sure it's worth giving up the chance to return it in order to find out. If I had anywhere to go size-wise, I'd see if they'd trade me a larger helmet for the same price...but I'm already at XXL.

All that said, it's a pretty cool helmet; and like MG said, the field of view is great.

Sorry to hear it pechorin. It is getting easier on the ears for me and the Manning mark seems to be diminishing as well. But, with mine, it was very comfortable from the get go. It never felt too tight. I hope you find something else that works well for you.

[Cormanus]

MG. Mate. Someone's got to tell you. Look in the mirror. We can all see from your avatar that there's something very peculiar about your left ear. It sticks out through the helmet.

God knows what the right one's like.