Given the importance of safety for motorcyclists, it comes as no surprise for us here at MotoCentral to see strong interest in our range of crash helmets. With this in mind, we happily present Bell helmets for your consideration. The head is an extremely vulnerable part of the body when subjected to impact. Even minor hits can cause serious damage and this makes helmet safety a priority for any responsible road or off-road rider. Whether you are making your first foray into the motorcycling world or looking to upgrade/replace your helmet, we can help by starting with a bit of background information on one of the industry's top brands.
How Bell Became a Motorcycling Staple
The tale of Bell traces back to the mid-1950s when race car builder and budding entrepreneur Roy Richter decided to focus on safety following the deaths of close friends during racing accidents. He created the company’s first helmet, dubbed the ‘500’. The demand for crash helmets rose at the time not just from racers, but also police departments looking to better equip their motorcycle officers.
The company become the first to achieve Snell Certification and also went on to become the first to develop full-face motorbike helmets. Bell helmets have since adorned the heads of numerous auto racers and athletes in sports such as skiing, American football, and hockey. Even Evel Knievel once credited a Bell helmet for helping save his life after his infamous failed attempt to jump the fountains at Caesars Palace.
The Bell brand has grown so popular for its innovative and safety-conscious designs that you can find their products in use even in the military and fire-fighting sectors. In more recent years, the company has chosen to focus on auto racing and cycling helmets, with competitors and champions in everything from the Olympics to Formula One easily seen sporting the brand.
Bell Helmets - A Heritage of Innovation and Winning
Bell has recorded a number of firsts when it comes to the innovative and safe designs of auto racing, motorcycling and cycling helmets. Some of their most memorable and biggest sellers include:
- The '500' – Richter's first helmet offered an open face design and fibreglass shell construction. It was upgraded to include a non-resilient polystyrene line. Its later update, the 500-TX, was eventually awarded Excellence of Design by New York’s Museum of Modern Art in 1962. Its latest commercially available version is the Custom 500.
- Bell Star – the first full-face helmet introduced in 1967, the Bell Star set the standard for helmet protection and inspired future designs with an aim of enhancing head safety. Its latest versions, such as the Pro Star feature such technologies as the Flex Impact liner and 3K carbon shell with MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system).
- Bell Biker – Introduced into the market in 1975 and considered the first truly effective cycling helmet, it came with a full expanded polystyrene liner. Its design set the standard for bike helmets in the industry for years to come.
- Bell Bullitt – paying homage to the Bell Star motorbike helmets of the 60s-70s, the Bullitt melds classic design with modern innovation. Made up of a composite fibreglass shell it comes in three different sizes and contoured cheek pads to provide a more customized and comfortable fit. A popular choice for those that wish to relive a bygone era, but still appreciate a speaker pocket
- The Qualifier – the most affordable range of Bell motorcycle helmets, this series also takes inspiration from the original Star helmets. These helmets feature an aggressive styling that makes them seem a more expensive option than they actually are. Packing such features as an anti-scratch clear face shield, washable liner and padded wind collar, it offers great comfort at an incredible value.
With just this sampling of some of the top models to be placed on the market by Bell, it is clear that an investment in this brand would be one never to regret. Standing on a foundation of quality, safety assurance and comfortable fit, Bell has made its mark in the industry as a pace-setter with a devotion to ensuring user functionality and protection. Had Richter lived longer he would certainly have been proud to see what he started become a global phenomenon.
Find Your Perfect Choice of Bell Helmets Here
At MotoCentral, we host a wide selection of Bell helmets to suit a variety of budgets, desired design styles, and custom features. Whatever sizing you are looking for, we can filter down to what will fit you best. Visit our website today to explore the many options available at competitive pricing.