The Bell Moto-9 is the latest version in a long line of Bell motocross helmets. The Moto-9 pioneers some new features that you will see on upcoming Bell street helmets.
These include magnetic cheek pads; the cheek pads attach to the inside of the helmet with the same magnet system used on the Bell chin strap keepers.
The system, which is known as the “Magnefusion Emergency Release System (MERS), allows the cheek pads to be easily removed.
But even more important, the cheek pads can be pulled out through the bottom of the helmet in case of an accident, making it easier to remove the helmet from the downed rider’s head while minimizing spine injury.
The helmet also has a built-in inflation system, known as the Bell Eject Helmet Removal System. This is an air bag that fits into a pocket molded into the EPS at the top of the helmet.
It has a tube that runs out the rear bottom part of the helmet; the air tube can be used to inflate the bag, pushing the helmet off the rider’s head, again to prevent spine injuries in a crash.
We have a portable system that does this but haven’t had a chance to review it yet.
Unfortunately, my photos of the Moto-9 were lost. But, my photos of the vintage Bell Moto-4 came through — check out the Moto-4 below to get an idea of how far we’ve come in helmet design since. I believe the Moto-4 was produced from the late 1970’s through the early 1980’s?
I also added a short video also below that demonstrates how the cheek pads are removed and shows the Eject Helmet Removal System inside the Bell Moto-9 helmet.
Bell Moto-4 Helmet
The classic Bell Moto-4 helmet on display at the 2011 Dealer Expo. This Moto-4 helmet was used by Rick Johnson, AMA Supercross Champion. The classic lines of the Bell Moto-4 are the basis for the 2011 Bell Moto-9. Old schook chin venting definitely gets it done. The minimal liner in the Bell Moto-4 was considered state-of-the-art in the 1980’s.Return to 2011 Powersports Dealer Expo Home
Publication Date: February 18, 2011