Bell is Bringing Back the Iconic Moto 3 Helmet
Bell is bringing the Moto 3 helmet back why? Well, because retro is in and it’s one of the helmets that helped to solidify Bell in the world of motorcycling. It’s predecessor, the Bell Moto Star was introduced in 1966 and was the world’s first full-face motorsports helmet. The Moto 3 would follow in the years after.
I can hear all the Sport Classic Ducati and Triumph Bonneville owners squee-ing with joy because now they have yet another retro style lid to add to their helmet collection. The new Bell Moto 3 can sit right next to that Ruby Castel, Biltwell Gringo, and Bell Bullitt.
My buddy and fellow motorcyclist, Leticia Cline was one of the first people to get her hands on the Bell Moto 3 and was casually showing it off at The Handbuilt Show in Austin. I spoke with her about her Moto 3 which sported a sweet paint job courtesy of Chemical Candy Customs. Evidently, the design you see below will also be available on the Bell Bullitt and 500s in the coming months, so keep an eye out.
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SB: Hey Leticia, what’s different about this Moto 3 than the old one?
LC: Well, the Moto 3 stays true to the form of the original Moto 3 but the new one is lighter and offers more protection. It needed to be fully DOT compliment. Therefore it will offer the same level of protection one would expect from a modern helmet.
SB: Ok so it’s DOT rated and looks bitchin’, but what about fit and comfort?
LC: So far I’ve put about 600 miles on it in the last few weeks and love wearing it. It’s definitely better for shorter rides but if you go farther, then removing the visor helps with the overall aerodynamics. Normally I go for comfort but I would wear this helmet if it killed me. It’s that awesome. Lucky for me, it’s actually pretty comfortable. I was even offered $2500 dollars for it and turned it down. This is a helmet I will own forever and pass down to my son.
Release date and pricing for the Moto 3 is still up in the air but I would expect it to cost around $450, which is the same price as the Bullitt.
Personally, I think the new Moto 3 looks awesome and embraces it’s retro styling quite well, especially since the every thing old is new again mantra is undulating throughout the market. Bell may very well have hit the nail on the head by sticking to the adage: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However, in this case, they went one slight step further to make it better by making it safer.
Photos courtesy of Jason Paul Micheals