Bell 500 question
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 55
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Bell 500 question
So I just received my Bell 500 (Large) looks ok, sits higher than my full face on my forehead than I expected, but not a big deal. The question is for those of you that have a 3/4 or another 500, does your helmet lift up at speed? Mine might be slightly too large, at 70+ the helmet is definitely pulling up and as I go faster it lifts up not staying on at all. Tightened down the strap more and it stayed in place better but still picking up. I understand the ear spaces do catch air but I think I probably need to return mine and get a medium even though my head technically fits a large per Bell's sizing chart. Any comments are appreciated.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
Hows it feel when you strap it on and twist it around with your hands? it should feel snug without any loose movement. If its loose you need a smaller helmet. If its snug there is not much you accomplish by getting a smaller one except get a headache. Behind my windshield my 1/2 helmet does fine, when I use my FF I get buffeting if I dont raise the ws up an inch
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Ithaca, NY/Bristol, UK
Like most I've got several helmets, I've got a couple of Bell Custom 500's and yes I needed to size down a size to eliminate helmet lift.
Recently bought a Daytona Cruiser helmet at a show, lowest profile DOT helmet I've found, REALLY NICE!
Recently bought a Daytona Cruiser helmet at a show, lowest profile DOT helmet I've found, REALLY NICE!
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Asheville
mine fits tight around the crown but seems a little higher than i thought. It does lift at higher speeds but i just push it back down and tilt it forward a little bit more and it's fine. Fine until i hit a large bump in the road.
I wound up going with a ff and enjoy it. But i still really like the bell.
I wound up going with a ff and enjoy it. But i still really like the bell.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 17
From: victoria bc
Sounds like you bought the helmet online? I would highly recommend trying the helmet on in person before ordering online. Helmets are such a personal thing, they fit everyone differently. It's a big risk ordering a helmet without having tried it on first.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
When I first put my Bell 500 on , I thought it didn't fit, the front sat up so high. But I rotated it down, and actually fits well. I have an oval head, so I think it is a little snug on the forehead. Probably can order tighter if you have a round head. Mine doesn't lift, but I have a fairing.
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The Bell's run big in size. I usually wear a medium in helmets but had to buy small's instead for a better/tighter fit. I like the 500's! I own 8 of them so far. I also have the Biltwell bubbleshields on all of them.
Last edited by cpracing519; Dec 6, 2013 at 11:29 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 865
Likes: 67
From: Los Angeles,ca
I have Torc T50 helmet - absolutely love it, and it fits snug and comfortable, very quiet - still lifts up at 70-80 
Couple weeks ago rented Heritage at Austin,TX and got rental HD helmet - probably the worse 3/4 ever had, gave me headache in 30 min, but it didn't lift. Either because it was tight, or because heritage has huge windshield. Or maybe both..
Couple weeks ago rented Heritage at Austin,TX and got rental HD helmet - probably the worse 3/4 ever had, gave me headache in 30 min, but it didn't lift. Either because it was tight, or because heritage has huge windshield. Or maybe both..