Category Archives: Bell

Bell Announces Partnership With The Steve McQueen Estate

Custom 500 Six Day McQueen helmet and limited-edition apparel will launch collaboration.

Bell is proud to announce a partnership with the Steve McQueen Estate to launch a series of helmets and apparel paying homage to the original King of Cool – the first helmet in the series is a Custom 500 Six Day McQueen, a period correct replica of the helmet McQueen wore while competing in the 1964 International Six Day Trial off road race.

McQueen was selected to represent the U.S. along with a group of other American riders, including McQueen’s close friend and desert racing legend Bud Ekins, as the first Americans to participate in the competition. The number 278 Triumph TR6SC, a Barbour waxed-canvas jacket, and McQueen’s Bell helmet have become synonymous with his role in the race and can be seen in hundreds of now famous photos. It’s a style and look that is still emulated more than sixty years later.

“Bell is excited to partner with the McQueen Estate on this iconic helmet,” said Simon Fisher, Category Manager at Bell. “As the first name in helmets, it only makes sense that Bell collaborates with the McQueen Estate on bringing to life the Six Day racing replica. This collaboration represents a golden era of motorcycling that both McQueen and Bell helped shape.”

Bell will offer this Steve McQueen replica Custom 500 in a beautiful blue and white paint scheme, with subtle red accents just like the helmet McQueen wore during the competition. “Steve” is written in a playful font on the back of the helmet adding a unique touch along with a period-correct 510 visor. The helmet will also come with a special 278 decal featuring Steve McQueen’s name and the 1964 ISDT details, showcasing its authenticity and significance. A special keychain featuring McQueen’s name will also come with the helmet, which will be shipped in a beautiful black leather helmet bag.

“My Dad loved riding motorcycles more than anything” said Chad McQueen son of Steve McQueen. “Much of my childhood memories with my dad revolve around motorcycles. We loved going on two wheeled adventures together and I’m thrilled to see this helmet come back to life considering my dad and I always wore bell helmets. Celebrating my dad’s passion for motorcycling and his role as an ambassador for off road-racing. My kids and I couldn’t be prouder of this partnership.”

“Motorcycling has long been a part of the McQueen legacy,” said Molly McQueen, granddaughter of Steve McQueen. “So many iconic images tied to my grandfather’s legacy include motorcycles. This is a special opportunity to honor his memory through a hobby that is so deeply linked to who he was.”

The Custom 500 itself is an icon – paying respects to the original Bell TX open face helmet, which revolutionized auto and motorcycle racing and paved the way for future innovations in head protection such as the Moto-3. This authentic replica which bears McQueen’s name and is a must-have for enthusiasts, collectors and McQueen fans alike.

Available online at (Bell Cruiser 2023 Custom 500 SE Adult Helmet (Steve McQueen Blue/White) | Bell Helmets) in sizes S through XL, and at Bell authorised retailers. The Custom 500 Six Day McQueen will retail starting at £199.99 this Spring. Along with the helmet, a limited run of apparel featuring imagery of McQueen will be available for short time.

To learn more about Custom 500 Six Day McQueen, visit Bell Helmets UK and follow Bell Helmets Powersports UK on Facebook and Instagram.

For more Bell Helmets UK news check out our dedicated page Bell Helmets UK News

Find a local dealer at www.bellhelmets.co.uk/find-a-retailer/

or head to the official Bell Helmets UK website bellhelmets.co.uk

Bell 2022 Dirt Range – Never stop breaking boundaries

As leaders in head protection, one thing has stayed the same since Bell developed the first full-face motocross helmet in 1975 —they never stop breaking their own boundaries. Thriving on the progression of helmet development, Bell are determined not to follow trends, but create leading solutions to make riders safe while they perform at their best. From the brand new, groundbreaking Moto10 Spherical to the MX-9 Adventure DLX MIPS®, each helmet is designed to inspire the next generation of boundary breakers.

Moto-10 Spherical – The Future Is Upon Us.
Born from the needs of top athletes around the world, the Moto-10 is our most advanced off-road helmet that sets a new industry standard. As a direct result of our athletes’ influence and feedback, the Moto-10 achieves a winning combination of increased protection, weight reduction, and extreme airflow, enhancing the rider’s experience and confidence. As racing evolves, so do Bell. Combine our new technologies with our favoured Bell fit and aggressive styling, and the Moto-10 not only emerges as the front-runner—it becomes the evolution of full-face protection.

The Moto-10 is the first helmet to feature Spherical Technology powered by MIPS. Using a unique ball-and-socket design, the outer liner rotates around the inner liner to redirect impact forces away from the brain. This works seamlessly with MIPS and doesn’t compromise the other performance requirements of the helmet.

Moto-9S Flex – Evolution Of The Fittest.
Back by popular demand is the redesigned Moto-9s Flex—the refinement of a long-standing industry leader. This strong, lightweight helmet carries over Bell’s time-tested traditions of performance and advanced safety standards. Packed inside are three material layers that protect at different impact speeds and redirect rotational energy. Protection like this is what gives our motocross and off-road racers the confidence to go big.

You still get the unbeatable ventilation of the flexible, segmented liner that adapts to the shape of your head for a custom feel. Top off this no-compromise design with a firbeglass shell, delivering all the strength of carbon fibre in a more budget-friendly package.

Moto-9 MIPS – Race Ready.
The legendary Moto-9 continues to dominate MX tracks around the globe. Bell have added MIPS energy-absorbing technology to this proven performer, enhancing already stellar protection. An extensive list of features – Tri-Matrix Shell, Velocity Flow Ventilation, X-Static Liner, Flying Bridge Visor, Magnetic cheek pads/Strap Keeper, and an Industry-leading five-year warranty – ensures the Moto-9 is as ready as you are when the gate drops.
No two impacts are the same – that’s why MIPS is so important. Rotational impacts are more common than perpendicular impacts and cause dangerous twists that can be often associated with brain injury. MIPS uses a slip-pane system that moves inside the helmet and mimics the brains own protection system. This layer rotates inside the helmet to try and reduce the amount of energy transferred to the head. By doing this, it may be possible to reduce the risk and severity of brain injury.

The Moto-9 MIPS is also available in youth sizes.

MX-9 MIPS – Motocross Hero.
The off-road world is a dirty, tough place. Chunks of rock and dirt mean business when launched by roosting tires, and even when it’s muddy, hitting the ground is always hard. That’s why Bell sweated the details on the MX-9, loading it with a tough polycarbonate shell, MIPS energy management system, an adjustable visor, Velocity Flow ventilation, and a removable, washable, anti-microbial liner for when the time comes to hose down. The MX-9 MIPS packs all these features into one helmet, delivering exceptional value and pro-caliber performance.

MX-9 Adventure MIPS – All-Terrain Explorer.
From the roughest singletrack to urban blacktop, the MX-9 Adventure MIPS gets you there safely in style. Bell have taken the MX-9 and added even more capability with an integrated anti-fog, anti-scratch clear visor. The shield flips up and leaves enough room for goggles in extreme conditions, or it can be removed completely. Conversely, the adjustable visor can be removed for a stealth street look. MIPS protection, Velocity Flow ventilation, and a removable, washable, anti-microbial liner round out a highly adaptable package.

MIPS
MIPS, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System has been developed for over 25 years and uses a slip pane designed to manage energy from rotational and angular impacts. Most helmets are designed to handle direct hits, however real world accidents involve twists and rotations which can cause significant brain injury. The low-friction layer inside the helmet allows multi-directional movement of 10-15mm on certain angled impacts, which mimics the brain’s own protection system, and is intended to help reduce rotational force to the head and brain.

The Bell dirt collection is now available in all reputable motocross UK dealers. For more information and to find your nearest dealer, visit bellhelmets.co.uk

For more Bell Helmets UK news check out our dedicated page Bell Helmets UK News

Find a local dealer at www.bellhelmets.co.uk/find-a-retailer/

or head to the official Bell Helmets UK website bellhelmets.co.uk

Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS

Packed with features gleaned directly from our flagship Star line, the Qualifier DLX MIPS delivers exceptional performance at incredible value.

Safety is enhanced by the inclusion of the MIPS energy management system.

Qualifier DLX MIPS is otherwise fully decked with aggressive styling, Velocity Flow ventilation, a removable, washable liner, and a padded wind collar.

This model comes with a Nutra Fog II anti-fog, anti- scratch Photochromic face shield.

SRP: £229.99

For more Bell Helmets UK news check out our dedicated page Bell Helmets UK News

Find a local dealer at www.bellhelmets.co.uk/find-a-retailer/

or head to the official Bell Helmets UK website bellhelmets.co.uk

Bell Cruisier 2020 Custom 500 SE DLX

There are only a limited number of motorbike helmet brands that are known for their quality and are a common sight in many races. Bell is one such brand that has a strong following in flagship races especially the F1. The U.S’s top helmet brand manufactures various kinds of helmets but it is its Custom 500 series that enjoys the highest number of sales in the U.S. The best-selling series has received several upgrades over the years and the Cruisier 2020 model is one of its latest variants.

Before this test ride I had never tried a fully open face helmet but with my sunglasses and face covering it felt just the same as wearing my modular helmet.  It’s been almost a month since I have been using this helmet and jotted below is my experience of the Custom 500’s Cruisier.

The great thing about the Custom 500 is its availability in up to five different shell sizes. I love the chequered design on this helmet. The fiberglass composite shell keeps the overall weight quite light which is a great feature for any helmet especially an open face helmet that’s going to be used on longer journeys. Furthermore, there’s a wide range of graphic schemes available, but the one I have has a unique checkmate design complemented by golden & red lines. For me, this is the perfect design since it is neither bland nor overdone and looks quite contemporary unlike many open face helmets commonly used by cruiser riders.

Bell’s Cruisier also fares well when it comes to its interior upholstery’s aesthetics and comfort. The perforated quilted micro suede liner offers ample cushioning and at the same time forms a perfect wind barrier. The wind whistle is nicely damped at motorway speeds and the perforations in the liner does a great job at venting all the heat despite the fact there are no vents on the outer shell. Bell has also given due attention to smaller details such as the pull tab and the goggle strap, both of which are wrapped in real leather which, as a whole, enhance the overall quality feel of the helmet.

The Cruisier 2020 version just like any other model of Custom 500 is DOT ECE certified which is one reason why Bell’s open face helmet made a late entry in the EU. Moreover, the helmet is compatible with dozens of shields & visors, though, I for one believe that an open face helmet is best utilized without a shield or a visor, but in the end, it is up to everyone’s personal choice. Last but certainly not the least, is the free inclusion of a retro leather bag that will be perfect for covering your iconic Bell helmet in case the weather take a turn for the worse.

Helmet worn in test kindly supplied by Bell Helmets UK

Motorcycle in photo kindly supplied by Triumph UK, for more information on Triumph Motorcycles UK visit triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/

Bell SRT Modular

Versatile performance. The new SRT-Modular combines the quality construction of the SRT – fiberglass shell, recessed EPS speaker pockets, a broad range of sizing options and Panovision Class 1 optics – and adds in the versatility and convenience of a modular helmet.

All the protection of a quality full-face when you need it, as well as the ease and accessibility of an open-face for when you want to face the world head-on.

SRT – putting the Sport back in Sport Touring.

SRP: £249.99

For more Bell Helmets UK news check out our dedicated page Bell Helmets UK News

Find a local dealer at www.bellhelmets.co.uk/find-a-retailer/

or head to the official Bell Helmets UK website bellhelmets.co.uk

Bell Custom 500

Versatile performance. The new SRT-Modular combines the quality construction of the SRT – fiberglass shell, recessed EPS speaker pockets, a broad range of sizing options and Panovision Class 1 optics – and adds in the versatility and convenience of a modular helmet.

All the protection of a quality full-face when you need it, as well as the ease and accessibility of an open-face for when you want to face the world head-on. SRT – putting the Sport back in Sport Touring.

Solid SRP: £119.99

Graphic SRP from: £179.99

Carbon SRP: £379.99

For more Bell Helmets UK news check out our dedicated page Bell Helmets UK News

Find a local dealer at www.bellhelmets.co.uk/find-a-retailer/

or head to the official Bell Helmets UK website bellhelmets.co.uk