October 17, 2013 – There’s retro and then there’s retro.
The new Bell Bullitt is both.
Not sure who’s going to buy one of these to actually ride with…
Maybe somebody making a 1960’s movie who needs a prop?
It’s apparently meant to be a Bell 60th anniversary special. Here’s the info from the (edited) press release:
“The Bell Bullitt is a modern take on its classic full-face Bell Star design that dominated the motorsports landscape throughout the ’70s.”
“The new Bullitt stands as a centerpiece product in its ability to convey the glory of Bell’s history”, according to the company.
In any case, the Bell Bullitt meets the current DOT safety standard. It has an “ultra-low profile composite shell”, multi-density EPS, a removable micro-suede liner with leather trim, a new-fangled padded chin strap and even brow vents (photo below).
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve driven ourselves to be best-in-class in delivering the highest level of protective and performance characteristics, within designs that allow riders to express their unique sense of style and attitude.”
“And I can’t think of a helmet we’ve ever made that does so any better than the Bullitt” said Chris Sackett, Business Unit Director, Bell Powersports.
Believe it or not, Bell gives a five-year warranty on it. The Bullitt actually comes in three shell sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL.
Flat or “bubble” face shields are available in various tints. The new Bell Bullitt will be in stores starting March 1, 2014 for (yikes!) $399.95.
Bell Qualifier
Bell also announced the Bell Qualifier, an updated Bell Arrow (review), one of our favorite “cheap” helmets a couple of years ago.
The Qualifier looks pretty nice and has a list price of only $119.95 with a 5 year warranty. I played with it at the AIMExpo show and the face shield rotating mechanism is very nice; it has a “micro-click” system that feels better than most of the systems on any helmet at any price.
Don’t know much more than that, but if it performs as well as (or better) than the Arrow for the same price, it should be a steal. The Qualifier comes in 10 different graphics and colors and also in sizes from XS to XXL. Sales start February 1, 2014.
More: 2013 AIMExpo Reports
Publication Date: October 17, 2013
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