Bell’s fantastic-looking Bullitt helmet references the company’s Star helmets from the 1960s and ’70s, and borrows its name from the iconic 1968 Steve McQueen action-thriller. The result is a classic-looking helmet that is the perfect accompaniment to any motorcycle in the retro-modern, café racer, or standard genres.
The design of the Bell Bullitt is decidedly old-school. Instead of the enveloped and compressed feel of modern street helmets, the fit around my face is more basic. When first donning the helmet, I was struck by how roomy the jaw space is due to the minimalist chin bar—it’s as close as you get to an open-face helmet while still wearing a full-face. Still, the Bullitt earns DOT and ECE (EU rating) certifications.
The round-oval fit is true to size—Bell uses three different shell sizes over the XS to XXL range. For my head, it’s appropriately snug without any squeeze. Of course, we always recommend getting fitted by a professional. I usually wear an XS, and several all-day urban rides produced no hot spots.
The Bullitt’s cheek pads are a pleasingly soft antimicrobial fabric. A mesh-and-leather top liner provides a comfortable cushion across the skull. The extra-long chin strap secures with a double D-ring. Instead of the magnetic strap retention we’re used to seeing on Bell helmets, a snap button is used.
Air flows through four always-open intake vents along the brow line and a closable chin-bar vent, exiting via a discreet vent at the crown of the helmet. To keep the design of the Bell Bullitt sleek, the closure for the chin-bar vent is on the inside of the helmet—brilliant.
The Bullitt’s extra-wide eyeport, enhanced by the minimal chin bar, is one of my favorite features. I get the entire sweep of my peripheral vision, and that is an aid to safety when riding, even if the large eyeport could be a disadvantage in a mishap.
As comfortable as the Bell Bullitt is, it is an unusually noisy helmet. At freeway speeds, the wind noise is only tolerable with strong ear protection—yes, it’s that loud at speed. Around town on surface streets, noise is not an issue, though I was still happier wearing earplugs, especially for the inevitable freeway jaunt.
The faceshield is easy to open with a gloved hand. Grasp the short leather tab and disengage the magnet on the left bottom edge of the shield that prevents it from inadvertently opening. The action to close the faceshield is smooth, and there is a satisfying snap when it clicks in place.
Bell offers various accessory shield options for the Bullitt, including period-correct bubble shields in five colors; there are also three accessory flat shield colors. All faceshield color options have a choice of a brown or black leather tab—details matter on a design this exquisite. Replacing the faceshield is easy, though it requires a flat-edge screwdriver.
There are built-in mesh pockets for speakers should you want to outfit your Bullitt with helmet communications. I couldn’t bring myself to put electronics on a helmet so cleanly and authentically retro-styled.
The Bell Bullitt is available in two solid colors (Gloss Candy Red and Gloss Black) and a range of exceedingly cool graphics and high-buck factory-custom designs. I tested the helmet with the Atwyld-designed Orion Gloss Black/Gold treatment that features multi-color metalflake in the gold.
Atwyld is a Long Beach, California-based premium women’s motorcycle apparel company run by a trio of female riders. They drew inspiration for the helmet’s design from the lines of local dock-side architecture and lighting. The Bullitt was the perfect canvas for this retro-modern graphic. Surprisingly, you don’t pay a premium for the Atwyld design—it runs $440, as does every other version of the Bell Bullitt.
Nostalgia sells, and I am a sucker for the aesthetic of this era. If you’re looking to make a statement with your helmet in an urban environment, it’s hard to go wrong with Bell Bullitt.
Bell Bullitt Helmet Fast Facts
- Sizes: XS – XXL
- Weight: 2.83 pounds (size XS)
- Certifications: DOT; ECE
- Colors: Various graphics
Bell Bullitt Helmet Price: $440 MSRP
Bell Bullitt Helmet Review Photo Gallery
