Bell Bullitt - First Impressions

[CraigArizona85248]

I bought a new Bell Bullitt helmet today. This is one of the retro style helmets that have been appearing on the market over the last couple of years. Since I ride an old Panhead chopper, the retro style appeals to me. This helmet offers more modern features (vents,  flip up shield, removable liner) than the other retro offerings. But at $399 it is not an inexpensive helmet. I would put it at average in terms of cost.


The vents are disguised as visor snaps on the forehead area of the helmet.



The helmet comes with a clear flat shield.



There is a vent at the rear of the helmet. It has a lip at the top of the vent the is supposed to create a Venturi effect that promotes air flow through the helmet at speed.



The shield will raise to three positions. The leather tab is supposed to make it easier to raise the shield while wearing gloves. The snap on the leather tab is actually a strong magnet that holds the shield in place when it's closed.



The shield is easily removed/swapped by removing a single screw at each hinge point.


The helmet looks very retro with the shield removed.



I like using Scott MX goggles if I'm going to go without a shield.



You can also get a bubble shield. Replacement shields from Bell are available in clear, mirror, gradient blue, yellow and dark smoke.



The liner of the Bullitt is available in brown or black. The skull cap and cheek pieces are removable with easy to use snaps.






Sizing is typical Bell. The large Bullitt fits me the same as the large Custom 500 and all other Bell helmets I've owned over the years.


The only negative I can add at this time is that it is a tight fit with my Ray Ban Wayfarer glasses. I may have to make some adjustments.


-Craig

[88b]

Saw them at The Bike Shed show in London last week end, I believe they are made in Italy now. I got my Bell Star in 79 I think m full face helmets were the in thing then.


I almost bought this but couldn't get my glasses on under it.

[calif phil]

I just ordered a Black Bullitt for myself and I ordered the bubble shield.  I have a fat head and the XXl fit me fine.   I have not had it on the road yet to try it out.  Mine is made in China. 

[truck]

I just ordered a Black Bullitt for myself and I ordered the bubble shield.  I have a fat head and the XXl fit me fine.   I have not had it on the road yet to try it out.  Mine is made in China.

[sharkoilfield]

Let us know what they're actually like for wind noise and buffeting...look good and the price is less than I would sell my skull for. Currently use a Schuberth modular; not "cool" but very light, quiet, comfy and safe. I once hit a deer and am here because of the Nolan modular i had on...

[CraigArizona85248]

Yeah, they are made in China. Seems to be typical Bell quality though (meaning good).

I haven't ridden with a full face helmet in 12 years so it's hard to compare noise levels. It's a lot more quiet than my open face helmets and I don't notice buffeting. It wouldn't call this a light weight helmet but it's doesn't seem to wear me out either. I'll need to ride with it more to have a better opinion.

-Craig

[truck]

Yeah, they are made in China. Seems to be typical Bell quality though (meaning good).

I haven't ridden with a full face helmet in 12 years so it's hard to compare noise levels. It's a lot more quiet than my open face helmets and I don't notice buffeting. It wouldn't call this a light weight helmet but it's doesn't seem to wear me out either. I'll need to ride with it more to have a better opinion.

-Craig

The made in China was directed at Phil, he used to be a staunch non-supporter of Chinese stuff.
It's tough not to buy Chinese made things.

[CraigArizona85248]

First 100 miles...



I rode a bit over 100 miles today. It was a mix of highway, back roads and city streets. The full face is no more stuffy than my open face helmet with a bubble shield. In fact around town it's nice to flip up the shield. Aerodynamics at 80mph are better than my open face with bubble shield. It's more quiet than my open face. But I don't know how the noise level compares to other full face helmets.


Gripes:
1) for $400 did it have to be made in China? :-/
2) no way to close off the forehead vents. That might get a bit cool in the winter.
3) the first notch when opening the shield has it up about 3". In the winter it would be nice to be able to crack the shield 1/2" to prevent fogging but not get too cold.


It was about 105F when I got home and the helmet was pretty tolerable. Not any warmer than my open face with a bubble shield installed.


-Craig

[88b]

$400 is cheap, these are about $950


Duct tape is for closing vents

[CraigArizona85248]

Yeah... The Ruby is definitely top shelf. Love to have one but at this point I wouldn't pay that kind of money.

-Craig

[88b]

Here that ones about $900

[Soft 02]

I was looking at the Bell but settled on the Biltwell. Been a very good helmet so far. Im sure the Bell is nice too.

[kristian]

nice lid, has that 70's knievel blue flake job.  retro for sure.  i got a urge to go bowling all the sudden!!  don tknow why

[CraigArizona85248]

I looked at the Biltwell too. It's a nice helmet and a great price. I wear glasses so a flip up integrated shield was something I really wanted. And the removable/washable liner also sold me.


-Craig

[Leed]

Thanks for the write up!

How would you describe the fit?  Is it more for a round head or oblong.  My head is on the round side (think Charlie Brown) and I have trouble finding a comfortable helmet.  Most are too tight on the sides.  I think the only two I haven't had to do major modifications on were an old Bieffe and a Nolan 102.

Thanks...

[calif phil]

I wear a Nolan and it's one of the few that fits my round melon.    The bell bullitt fits me fine although I have not road tested it yet.   

[CraigArizona85248]

I have more of an oblong shaped head (long front to back) and the large fits me the same as every other Bell I've owned over the years. This is my 6th Bell helmet since 1980.


This is the first helmet since 1997 that has had venting.  It was 108F on the ride home today. I could definitely feel the vents working. I'm gonna like that feature.


-Craig