Bell Helmets Introduces Limited-Run Graphics for Street and Dirt Helmets

When Bell introduced its iconic Star full-face helmet in 1967, it was the first of its kind. Why no one thought it was important to protect one's face before then remains one of motorcycling's great unsolved mysteries. Thankfully, Bell hasn't stopped innovating since '67. And in recent years, it's been smart about capitalizing on its own heritage.

For us millennials, the romance of a bygone era of motorcycling filled with leaky crankcases, shins bruised on hard-to-start twins, and AMC-era Harley paint jobs (something good had to come from those AMC days…) never fails to captivate the imagination and provide plenty of Instagram fodder.

Bell has had a lot of success digging into its own archives for aesthetic inspiration while still endowing its products with modern technology. That philosophy continues with this limited run of new designs featuring collaborations with noted industry taste makers, because, let’s face it, if there’s anything millennials love more than a solid nod to the past, it’s a good capsule collection.

For this release, Bell is introducing new graphics on helmets across its model range. The collection looks to be aimed towards youthful riders of varying biking persuasions who are looking to festoon themselves in a little heritage appeal.

For the custom crowd, Bell collaborated with Chemical Candy, the Fort Worth, TX-based paint firm well-known on the custom scene for its exquisite sprays. Its ‘70s design paired with the Bullitt’s carbon composite shell is a perfect example of Bell’s success at embracing the best of the old and the new. Bell can probably notch up a win for the café crowd with this one as well.

Fasthouse, purveyors of dirt-riding gear inspired by the golden age of the SoCal dirt-scene, know a thing or two about the Cali ethos. If the desert scenes out of On Any Sunday inspire your flights of fancy, Fasthouse’s aesthetic paired with Bell’s modern Moto-9 may be just the thing. If you want to take it down a notch, Bell’s Moto-3 has the protective standards and retro vibe perfect for a late-night scramble through the high desert.

Leave it to long-time Bell collaborator Roland Sands Design to take the MX-9 Adventure, which you’d typically associate with ADV riding, and give it a street fighter makeover. The helmet features Bell’s MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), an internal protective layer designed to move inside the helmet, reducing rotational acceleration of your head in case of a rotational impact.

For those who grew up watching Wayne Rainey and Randy Mamola, the red/white/black scheme of the Star Classic is sure to bring back some fond memories. It’s not a replica of Rainey or Mamola’s helmets, but its late-‘80s/early-‘90s aesthetic is definitely reminiscent of that special time in GP racing’s history. The Star Classic builds on its namesake’s pedigree with modern features such as Bell’s Tri-Matrix composite shell made of carbon fiber, Aramid, and fiberglass.

The seasonal collection is available now from Bell Helmets retailers, and will be visible soon on Instagram feeds across the land, or wherever they pour a good PBR.

For more information, and to see the full line of seasonal helmets, visit bellhelmets.com.