Trolling through one of my favourite motorcycle forums a while ago, I came across some information about Bell helmets. Now I can remember when Bell was THE helmet to have (with a price tag to match). And, of course, their famous 1970’s advertising slogan, “If you’ve got a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet.” Drawing on VW’s iconic advertising layout, they also produced ads like this one in the specialist motorcycle press.
The Bell Star WAS the helmet to have, with Roberts being one of the first to decorate his Bell with a custom paint scheme.
But then, in the 80’s the company was purchased by the Italian manufacturer, Bieffe, and quality and reputation went through the floor. Somehow the original Bell people managed to wrest the control of the company back and start producing “real” Bells again, but specialised in “race only” helmets, a very lucrative market where lids can cost thousands, not hundreds. They also appear to be specialising in bicycle helmets.
Now, I’m pleased to say that Bell is back in the retail market and their offerings appear to be very solid indeed, and well worthy of the fearsome reputation that the all-white Bell Star had back then. But, of course, things have changed in the graphics department, as you can see.
Now, notice something else, if you will. Bell have, it seems, perfected a photochromatic visor much like the “Photosun” tinting that you can get on spectacles. You can see in the three photos above how that, after exposure to bright sunlight, the shield has darkened. What a neat idea.
I’ve done a quick search and it doesn’t look like the new Bells are available here yet, but I should imagine that the demand will be there once people get to know about them.
Well, what do you know? I was browsing one of my favourite sites just now, Motosports Retro, and they published this article. We sure must be thinking alike.
sanoptic says
I always wondered what happened to Bell Helmets & now i know…thx.
Photo chromatic visors i would buy as changing visors is a pain in the proverbial.
Not really into jazzy graphics so hopefully when Bell becomes available here they will have some solid colours.
cheers
Phil Hall says
Yes, I think the photochromatic idea is brilliant. Amazing that the best ideas are always he simplest ones, isn’t it? Yeah, I’m not really into jazzy graphics any more. My Nolan N102 is just gloss black and my Nitro flip is also gloss black to match the bike.
sanoptic says
This is my old Agv Peter Goddard Replica,it’s over 10 years old & in perfect condition.
Only reason i don’t use it is because i can’t get visors for it.Can’t even order a clear or tinted with bike shops.
Phil Hall says
Try The Visor Shop in Ireland. I got some “unobtainable” visors from them a few years ago.
http://www.thevisorshop.com/