Bell Bullitt - Long term review - Pros & Cons
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- Опубліковано 4 тра 2017
- The Bell Bullitt has been around for a while, and it was the review that effectively kicked off this channel. Fast forward almost two years, and i thought it would be good to give a long term view of the helmet.
Over that time my equipment, editing and presenting have hopefully all improved...
I just watched your video for a second time & I really think that you definitely make a lot of sense about people noticing your face 👍🏻 thanks for your making this video I am now ready to make the purchase.
Spot on review. I already have two of these for different colorways of leather and graphics and I'm seriously considering a third.
Good point about the "picking faces in a crowd". Never thought about it, but makes sense
I hope its true...It seems to work
Thank you for the amazing review! Made some great points.
Cheers
I have the 2018 model and the seam is gone. Fits perfectly, good feeling of space and unrestricted vision, great airflow. Made my own chin sock and used Velcro to attach it. The whistle comes from the rear vent when you turn your head. I put a strip of sponge inside the rear vent (from the inside of the helmet) and the whistle is gone yet I still have airflow. This is a great helmet especially if you like the comfort of 3/4 helmets, the Bullitt gives that with a chin guard, great!
did the same as you about the whistle. Im very satisfied with the helmet!
What about the chin? Everyone gets the chin exposed or only oval facial shapes?
I've had one for 4 years now, first series ivory with two red circles on the sides. It was hard for my head the first two months, then it adapted very well. It fits now like a glove. Noisy and overvented in very cold days, but I don't go very fast. i love it. Best full face with a big opening, it feels almost like an open face helmet. And very well built.
I'll be reviewing the Bell Eliminator soon. maybe not quite as retro, but first impressions are very good
Love this review...I subscribed almost immediately haha
Thank you
Good review - pretty much the same things as I have found with it over the past year ie sometimes get those marks on my head but it has great visibility.
Thanks RetroBiker77Q
Hello again Mr Tony Caveman:-) I bought the Bell Bullitt (Black carbon) last season partly based on your nice review, partly based on safety and partly based on the helmets great design. Luckily for me the fit in size XL is superb. No marks in my forehead :-)
Because i usually ride with others communication is required. After some research i went with the Sena 20s due to it`s excellent sound quality, long battery life and good range. The "attachment-clamp" is way to narrow for the Bullitt, so i went with the glued option. This works very well. The speakers are slim and fitted nicely in the pre-made holes in the helmet. Real easy fit. Also using the "boom-mic". The sound quality, even in high speed, is incredible. I called my wife while doing 80 (km pr hour, not miles) and was able to convince her that i was sitting in the garden at home:-))
I was a bit worried that the Sena-module would ruin the great look of the helmet, but it is really not that bad. It is still the best looking helmet out there in my opinion. Would like to post a picture, but this is not possible on this platform (?).
Keep up the good work and drive safe! Best regards from The Norwegian Caveman
Hello Pål, my Norwegian fellow Cave dweller....Thanks for your comment. I have a Sena unit that I will be fitting soon. I Might try it on my Moto 3 helmet too. Thanks for your kind words. Ride safe
Hvordan er lydnivået i høy hastighet
Bell helmets are one of the brands that fit me well, like that this helmets gives you open face visibility
and wind noises too
Good review 👍
You have a lovely beard! Great review thanks! Some interesting points made my decision easy :)
+Chris D-Lack Ahahah thanks Chris
Nice helmet, the visor is so cool!
Well done Tony!
Thanks Mark
Really helpful thanks man.
+Michalis Xenopoulos Thanks!
Great review
Thanks charlie
Great review Tony, I have the Bullitt RSD medium fit in white and Gold, had it just over 18 months now, I would agree with all you say, great vision, especially blindspots, which is why I bought it after wearing open face for a couple of years... I find it a very comfy fit, no tight spots, only slight criticism is wind noise over 50mph... other than that it's great and looks the part with a retro bike, would definitely buy it again.
+Martin Gallagher Thanks Martin, Yep a bit noisy, and drafty, but I still love it. That extra protection over an open face is worthwhile. Although I still love an open face now and again
+Martin Gallagher Thanks Martin
Just bought one but have pulled it out of the bag to my disastrous surprise it ha about 5 or 6 blemishes in the paint I'm peeved not sure what to do atm
I’ve noticed the same thing with bell broozer helmet! The forehead was pretty tight. Tried the xl and it was just really loose. How did it fit after you pressed the front a bit?
Now I see why so many people get it refined. The fact it is ECE rated now is.really tempting me, need to try one on
They have improved the lining too now, so there isnt that weird piece across the brow
I bought one, I have sticky out ears, which would always get twisted or pulled about, when putting on.
Once helmet is on, it's a nice snug fit. I bought a summer lightweight balaclava, now helmet slides on like a slipper, was thinking of getting rid of it till then. Plus don't have to worry about stinky helmet, just wash balaclava. Minor problem solved.
I'm new to biking, Street Twin is my first bike. This might be common knowledge to experienced riders, but hey, I'm not too clued up!
JAMESNEILEVANS hey James, thanks for commenting, great idea
No#1
Duct tape stops leaks -cold air or rain. Carry a small strip with you. I am comfortable with a open face helmet. I had a Bell Star wrap around and gave it away.
Very interesting thoughts on face psychology.
Great review! I have always been an open face helmet guy but finally looking to get a full face. Too many friends nagging me about safety... So I am giving in. I absolutely LOVE the field of view with a full faced helmet which is why I am leaning to the Bullitt. So does this fit true to size? You said you wear a large in this helmet, is that the same size in other helmets for you? How is the helmet when riding with the shield up? I am very much shield up sunglasses kind of guy.... and finally I saw your review of the Bell Eliminator as well. Would you consider that a large field of view for a full faced helmet or a smaller one? I really dig the throw back retro look and not into the “sporty” helmets out there and it seems like everyone is building the sporty looking helmets these days.
Thanks, I found it a little bit smaller than usual, but then I don’t have a Bell head shape. Maybe a good alternative is the Bell Moto 3 or Shoei Ex-Zero? Just like an open face, but with the chin bar and no shield. Perfect for sunglasses or goggles ua-cam.com/video/WQMxMEtIZXY/v-deo.html
I’m a long oval head shape. This helmet is not for me. But I love that eye port, I might buy it anyway. Great review!
Thanks, maybe watch out for the new Shoei Glamster?
Wish I knew about this channel when I got into motorcycles. Great review! I am looking at this helmet to upgrade my 3/4 helmet. Based on my headshape, I'm confident this would fit well. I'm just concerned about this wind noise and whistling I read about and that you mentioned. I only wear my 3/4 Biltwell Bonanza for shorter non-highway rides topping out at like 80km/hr (i wear an arai full face for longer/highway rides). I wear ear plugs most of the time. Given that I am ok with the wind noise from a 3/4 helmet, do you think I could accept the wind noise from the bell bullitt or is it much worse you think?
For the use you are describing it'll be fine. With ear plugs it'll be a comfortable noise level
@@mancavemoto Awesome. thank you for your reply!
Great and fair review...it fits me perfectly and I find it to be a brilliant compromise between an open and full face helmet...I think I must have an oval shaped head...only thing is you can't put a comms system in it as far as I can see unless you know of a way?
Thanks, yep you can get a comms unit in it, there's not that much room for the speakers, but it can be done. ua-cam.com/video/olvxUGyv3LM/v-deo.html
I previously owned the Bell Bullitt RSD Carbon helmet but had to sell it due to the pain it caused on my forehead. Something about Bell helmets just don't work for me. I was so disappointed because if their helmets did fit. I'd have a whole room in my house dedicated to the Bullitt helmets. It's such a bad ass looking lid!
Yep, they look great but if they don’t fit, they don’t fit. I see so many people wearing them when they are clearly too big for them 😒
Reminds me of Russian Cosmonaut helmet just needs some CCCP graphics or a limited edition Jetsons version.
lol, now there's an idea!
You can have that one for free.
Thats an awesome.idea iv always liked the idea of getting the gold bubble visor and doing that..
@@papulardo3176 Never seen them.I said it looks like cosmonaut helmet way back .
I think these are definitely form over function, they look great sat on shelf. The blue candy carbon version they did as a limited run was gorgeous and I'd happily have it in my lounge as an ornament, but as soon as you stick it on your head they make one look a proper numpty in my opinion... ;)
haha, not sure if you're calling me a numpty or not ;) True, there are better helmets out there, and the Bullitt isnt for everyone. But for some people the style can be a contributory factor. Thanks for commenting though, I do like to get a bit of debate and exchange of views going....
Don't be so hard on yourself 😁
What's a numpty?
Signed, an American.
Basically an idiot, or stupid person
This is possibly the last helmet I'd buy. As the reviewer below said: form (although I don't like the way it looks) over function.
Good review, though.
Thanks, functionally its fine other than the issue I have with the liner. What i was getting at is its much like an open face helmet in use, but with chin protection. Its not to everyones taste admittedly. I'm hoping to try out the new Shoei RYD. Although not a retro helmet, its 'toned down' and not an aggressive race inspired helmet which seems to be common.
Of all the helmets I've had, my favourite is my current one: Roof Boxer V8.
I bought this over the XG100 based on your review and advise...I will never forgive you...;-) Actually, in terms of fit this helmet could be made for me, straight out of the box the medium fits me perfectly and I get none of the seam issues on my forehead and my chin is much further away from the bar than yours...I don't know what shape head that makes me??
At the price they are now though I don't think there's anyway I could recommend one when one considers the range at and below that price point. I love the fit and look, but for me it's a summer helmet only. The cold air via the non-closable vents is too much for me and the other day I felt the wind in my eyes too cold and distracting (with a visor on) and have always reached for my old AGV K3 through winter as thats far more comfortable in general. In the warm weather with the visor or 100% goggles on though it's great. In terms of the loud whistle, I get that when I have the visor up at speed (letting out the midges which find their way easily into this) but I have also gotten one at around 80 with goggles so go figure? The massive eye port is great though and trying to find a non-sporty looking helmet is getting more difficult. And I just love the look of the thing! Would I buy it again? You bet. Is it a good buy? Hell no.
Looking forward to seeing what you make of the RYD (isn't that tangerine one a looker?) I need a good all round helmet for winter/longer distances. Can you get a GT Air to compare with?
will M Good summary, I agree, it is what it is.....
Big fan of bell helmets but this wasn’t a good fit for me. Got a lot of pressure on my forehead. went with the race star. Perfect for my head. Although I also love the Simpson carbon. The new one.
Bell Bullitt. The sexiest retro motorcycle helmet
Hey, very cool review man. Have you tried the helmet with sunglasses ? If yes, is it comfortable ? Thanks
Benjamin Garnaud Hi, yes no problem with sunglasses. I found it comfortable with both my Arnettes and Oakleys
@@mancavemoto sunglasses fit very well, there is a little notch left and right straight forward to the upper side of the ears to cary the earpices
Thank you for sharing your video. May I ask if your visor is called Bell Bullitt Bubble Amber Gradient With Black Tab Visor? Is it sufficient to block sunlight or you still have to wear sunglasses additionally at times? Thanks again!
Thanks Emily, yes that’s the one. It’s pretty good unless it’s really really bright, then a pair of sunnies help 👍
@@mancavemoto Thanks again! I will give that a try :)
I learned many years ago that my head shape doesn't allow me to wear a Bell helmet. (No my head isn't square). After trying several brands at the dealership, I learned that the answer was a Shoei helmet with a minor relief in the right side forehead area which their customer service did at no charge and expedited the work and free overnight shipping. Your mileage may vary.
Same here, I know i can pick up any Shoei in a size Large and it will fit perfectly.
Nice rewiev
cheers
Hi Tony, nice review of the long term use of this helmet. I'm really interested in it from the field of vision aspect as I've found that wearing a full face makes me dizzy and claustrophobic since a non related bike accident a few years ago, add some speed and I can't ride. I'm currently using a open face which I find has helped so it will be interesting to see how this compares. Have you found the bubble shaped visor better?
Hi Kevin, the field of vision is superb and pretty much on par with an open face helmet. To be honest with the helmet on, its hard to tell the difference between the bubble and the flat visor.
Views from the Man Cave thanks Tony, I'll give it a go👍
Tony, what do u say about wind noise, I usually cruise around 60-70 mph, is there an issue about it? I just read some negative feedbacks about isolation so wanted to hear about your experince before buying this helmet's carbon version. Thanks man
It is noisy helmet compared to a lot of others, even if it fits well. I wear earplugs so it was bearable, but after long day of riding it did leave my head buzzing. For shorter stints of use it’ll be fine. However I don’t wear mine anymore and gave it away. But I don’t have a Bell shaped head
@@mancavemoto Thx man, ride safe bro ✌️
Hi Tony, I also live in Essex and ride my CB1100 on the country lanes, most of the time I've been riding with open face just to give me that field of vision, I've been considering the Bell Bullitt for about a year now, firstly because its retro, but also because i thought it would still give me that excellent field of vision that an open face provides, gutted to hear that its noisy, but hopefully the noise level isn't any worse than riding with an open face helmet? your thoughts on this would be great. I also use ear plugs 100% of the time, so hopefully wont effect me. Have subbed also, channel looks interesting! Thanks, Paul.
Hi Paul, a fellow Essex boy! I would say its no worse than an open helmet (but I suppose that depends on the helmet) If you wear earplugs all the time, then there is nothing to worry about, and the field of view is just as good as an open face. Thanks for the Sub, much appreciated.
Yes 42 years of being an Essex boy I'm sad to say, lol, no its really not that bad hey, some fantastic country lanes as you well know. That's great thanks, I will look into getting this helmet as I think it will suit the bike. Will check out some of your other video's over time I'm sure, thanks alot for the advice, Paul.
Slowrider Paul 👍
Great review. What about water coming from the gap between the top of the visor and the helmet? Relevant for UK riders 😆
Thanks and yes a good question. Its not too bad when riding but when you stop you do get water coming in. The sealing isn't great.
I have a more oval shaped head. Is the helm comfortable for me? I love the look of the helmet.
Thanks
+Marinus Maximus Hi, very hard to say. Anecdotally I know people with very different head shapes who both say it's comfortable and vice versa! Best thing is to find a retailer to try it out. I wouldn't take the risk of buying it blind online
Thanks for the advice. I'll try it out.
Ps. Subscribed :)
+Marinus Maximus Thanks Dude
well, I'm eyeing this lid but none of the local shops, or even in the country, seem to have it. It seems the only way for me is to try my luck and if it doesn't fit well, sell it.
How is the loudness ? Anyway, the bubbled shape looks odd.
Not the best out there, in my opinion ear plugs are a must
Hello, good review ! I have this helmet and I got the same lines on my forehead, pretty annoying ! Did you actually try to trade the liner for the custom 500 ? Can it be done ? Thx !
Thanks, no I didn’t try, it’s a completely different set up sadly
I'm from Okaloosa county!!!
👍
Does your bullitt padding smell after awhile...? If so how do you clean it to keep out the smell...
Can’t say it does, but the lining is removable and can be easily machine washed. I’ve done it once, and it came out like a new liner.
Hey no, due to the suede inside I recommend a ski mask or something similar made of silk. If you sweat, you can wash it easily and protect the inner lining of the helmet. Also, it does reduce the wind noises a ted while riding 90 mph or above.
I have this exact same helmet in xxl purchased 4+ years ago and I just can’t wear it. I have to pull the helmet apart sideways just to get it on. My chin touches the bar, my pinched ears and crushed forehead cry out in agony and the overly tight fit gives me claustrophobia. The ironic thing is that the cheap Bell qualifier (in XL) fits like a glove as does the new bell 500 retro 3/4 helmet. What went wrong here? I just went out in the garage to give this helmet another chance after many years and I had to yank it back off. Still terrible.
Its definitely a form over function helmet
What about fog on visor??
nothing available for the helmet as far as I know
I LOVE this helmet! I wanted it to fit so badly but the pressure on my forehead was just too much for me. I’m intermediate oval and unfortunately that leaves me out of the Bell game for any helmet.
Pretty much the same for me
You might want to check that again, Bell changed from oval to intermediate oval helmet shape in 2018. I had the same problem as you in the past but not anymore, own 2 Bullitts and 3 Custom 500s now.
Hows the shell today? It is good like it new?
The shell is holding up fine
Tried on L XL 2XL and forehead area is a massive flaw on Bell's part. I will keep my old Bell Zephyr which is far more comfortable. I guess they don't test out products before they churn them out anymore.
That was my only real issue with the Bullitt, but it wasn't so bad that it made the helmet uncomfortable.
Whistling like riding through a tornado this helmet will make you deaf vision just bell scrimping on carbon fibre
fits round head?
yes
What worries me about this helmet - and I have one - is how close to the jaw that chin bar sits... I worry that in a chin-first crash, my jaw would be severely hurt. I heard of a guy that split his lip on 35mph crash with one.
Yep, thats why i ditched mine, plus the fact it was not a good fit
@@mancavemoto what helmet have you gone for, in this same style?
That will depend very much on your head/jaw shape. I don't have this issue you speak of at all, larger headed or larger jawed people might. Have 2 of Bullitts now, love them to bits. This helmet won't fit everyone and won't be everyone's cup of tea, though.
I haven’t really, I tend to wear more modern styled helmets
You use what size?
Large
What about noise?
It’s not the quietest helmet, but I almost always wear ear plugs
Bell bullitt or the shoei ex zero if only one pick for retro helmet?
Personally, it’s Ex Zero
Thanks! any reasons in particular?
Comfort mainly, the Shoei fits me much better than the Bell. Its quieter, more comfortable, but obviously doesn't have a full visor.
What about the noise?
Not great!
Most uncomfortable helmet I have ever worn in 35 years of riding. Just fucking painful.
I like the paint but it's fucking ugle dude. It looks like it came straight out of Space 1999 or Thunderbirds.
I was a bit underwhelmed when I first saw a picture, but it looks better in the metal. There are a few bits I’d like to change, but I guess that’s the point....
"Doesn't fit alot of head shapes" , tend to think thats not ideal for a helmet honestly. The paint job is quite good but damn that is an uggggly thing.
Not great don’t buy one it’s crap summer helmet that’s all looks 9 useage and function 4 big visor just means bell scrimping on carbon carbon costs money air costs nothing
Great review
Thanks