Where can I get replacement parts or answers to questions regarding my Bell Helmet?

Replacement parts can be requested through our customer service dept. We do not do direct sales, but are happy to service or replace worn or broken components. Replacement time can take up to two weeks.

Call 1 800 456 BELL (2355) and speak with our excellent c/s folks. You’ll find them to be knowledgeable and helpful.

 

Full face or Open face helmet?

We make both, but given the choice we ALWAYS recommend a full face.

Here’s why - A significant number of Powersports accidents involve impacts to the facial area. On the street, facial impact is common in contact with the hard exterior surfaces of another vehicle or pavement. On the dirt, losing the front end in a corner and landing face down is by far the most common crash. On an ATV, upper body injuries are all too common. The face tends to come in contact with the front rack / handlebar / bumper assembly when the vehicle comes to a sudden stop. Snowmobile crashes often involve trees, fences and other immovable obstacles and the rider is thrown into them or the front of the sled. Facial injuries are expensive, painful, and hard to completely recover from.

Full face helmets also provide protection from environmental elements encountered on every ride – bugs, rocks, changes in temperature, and my personal favorite – bee swarms.

Full face helmets are heavier, can feel hotter, and can hide a handsome face. They cut down on wind noise which is bad or good depending on your perspective. They also have to be removed for conversation, photos, or just about any personal interaction.

All that said, a true DOT open face helmet provides protection to the areas of the head it covers and is much better than non-DOT alternatives. Many riders we know own and use both open face and full face helmets depending on when and where they expect their ride to take them. Since open face helmets don’t have to be removed for conversation, photos, etc… they are very convenient for social rides.

One option gaining popularity is the “Modular” or “Flip Up” helmet. Popular with Snowmobile riders, and motorcycle riders in Europe and the rest of the world for many years they protect the face from environmental elements, and some impacts, yet they can be flipped up at a moments notice to chat, snap a photo, eat or drink, etc… Modular Helmets tend to be a little heavier and some generate a little more wind noise.

 

Which is “safer” a DOT or SNELL certified helmet?

DOT is required by law for helmets marketed as protective for motorcycle use. SNELL is a voluntary standard incremental to and slightly different from DOT FMVSS 218. This is a tough question to answer since all SNELL certified helmets sold in the U.S. also meet the DOT standards and we produce both DOT and SNELL certified helmets. The short answer is that the protection level of helmets meeting these two standards is very similar. SNELL only certifies full coverage helmets, and has some incremental tests that require the exterior of the helmet be made somewhat more rigid to pass. Snell has a stringent private auditing process that is to an extent paid for by the manufacturers via fees for each helmet label – the SNELL “certificate”.

More important than which standard you decide on is getting the proper fit, keeping the helmet in good condition, and always strapping it up when you’re riding!

 

How do I know when to replace a helmet?

• Crashed with it on and hit your head – if you believe it worked for you and you’re stoked on it, buy another one of the same type
• Other damage to the interior EPS from impact – most common is handlebar skewering inside of helmet when bike falls over (helmet hanging on the end of the handlebar)
• More than 5 years old
• EPS not bonded to the exterior shell
• Damage to strap or buckle or strap system
• Painful to wear
• Too ugly to bear
• Just want a new one

 

How do I properly clean my helmet?

Use a mild soap and cool water solution wiped on gently with a soft
cloth. Air dry.

To remove caked on bugs and road grime without scratching your nice paint, first lay a damp cloth over the dirty area and wait a few moments for the crust to loosen up. The debris will soften and wipe off easier with fewer scratches. Repeat as needed. This also works well for shields, and bike windscreens.

Clean interiors are not only nicer to wear, they tend to last much longer as well. Many of our interior liners and cheek pads are quickly and easily removed for washing with mild soap(we recommend Charlie’s Soap www.charliesoap.com). Rinse well. Although you can dry interior fabrics on a low heat setting, air drying helps them last longer and reduces the risk of potentially melting the fasteners.

For convenience we sell Helmet Fresh™ spray specifically formulated to clean, freshen, and protect the interior fabric – just spray it in, wait a few moments and wipe it out. Pack it on trips to help keep your helmet fresh after long days in the saddle.

Certain Bell models now come with Aegis® anti-microbial treatment on the interior fabric to reduce required cleaning frequency and ultimately improve interior fabric durability. The Zephyr, Riot, and upcoming Lynx model will offer this treatment.

 

What are the details of your five year warranty?

Here’s the full warranty agreement –

Five Year Limited Warranty

Subject to the following, Bell Powersports, Inc. (‘Bell’) warrants to the original purchaser of each new Bel helmet purchased from Bell that the helmet, when new, is free of defective materials and workmanship. Any claim under this warranty must be made when the defect is fi rst discovered, and in no event more than fi ve years after date of purchase. At Bell’s option, Bell may repair or replace the helmet. Bell’s liability under this warranty shall not exceed the original purchase price. Bell expressly disclaims any liability for incidental or consequential damages.

To make a claim under this limited warranty, the helmet must be returned to Bell with original proof of purchase at the original purchaser’s expense to the Warranty Administrator at at:

Bell Powersports, Inc., 1924 County Road 3000N Rantoul, IL 61866, with a letter which fully explains the claim.

This Limited Warranty is void if any other warranty or remedy is claimed or if the helmet has been modifi ed in any way, including but not limited to painting or the addition of stickers or decals.

All other remedies, obligations, liabilities, rights, warranties, express or implied, arising from law or otherwise, are disclaimed by Bell. This disclaimer shall be construed to include, but shall not be limited to, any claimed implied warranty of merchantability, any claimed implied warranty arising from course of performance, course of dealing or usage of trade, and any claimed implied warranty of fitness.

Some states do not allow some or all of the limitations set forth herein, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This Limited Warranty does provide the original owner with certain legal rights and recourse and the original owner may possess other rights or recourse, depending upon the state.

 

I’ve lost one of the keys to my lock, how can I obtain a replacement?

Call our customer service team 1 800 254 BELL (2355) and provide us with the lock type and key #. We’ll match it up and ship one out to you.

Replacement keys are available only for Warden™ and Precinct™ locks. Replacement time can take up to two weeks so plan ahead, have a spare in a safe place.

 

Does a helmet adversely affect peripheral vision?

No.

 

How does a helmet work to reduce head injury during impact?

It absorbs impact energy with a crushable interior liner. The hard exterior helps disperse point impacts and the liner lowers the peak impact energy. The modern helmet has been proven extremely effective at reducing injuries and fatalities from falls.

 

How do I know if my helmet fits well?

We offer a fit check video clip to help guide you through the proper process, but here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Goes on “tight” but feels comfortable once on – may require a little wiggling to get it in place
• Snug enough so your skin moves when you wiggle the helmet.
• If your helmet slides across your scalp and face(full face version) - it’s too loose.
• No hot spots or areas of significant discomfort
• Doesn’t move around while riding

 

What does “DOT” signify?

DOT Approved (U.S. Department of Transportation Sec. 571.218 Standard No. 218 FMVSS 218 - 49 CFR 571.218)
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) known as FMVSS 218 (49CFR571.218), describes in great detail the requirements for “DOT” certification of all helmets sold in the United States for use by motorcyclists. Helmets that do not meet the minimal DOT certification standards may not, by federal law, be sold as “motorcycle helmets.” This standard establishes minimum performance requirements for helmets designed for use by motorcyclists and other motor vehicle users. The purpose of this standard is to reduce injuries to Powersports riders resulting from head impacts. The primary performance parameters defined by the standard are the impact transferred to the head form during impact(Force of Gravity or “G”s), and the duration of that peak impact transfer (Milliseconds).

Absorbent Crushable EPS Cap
Helmets meeting the minimum Federal safety standard have an inner liner usually about one-inch thick of firm polystyrene foam. This foam can vary in density depending on style, size and interior location. This is the “business” end of the helmet protecting the skull and brain by absorbing the shock of an impact. The absorption must be consistent wet or dry, hot or cold. This EPS cap is usually covered up and often not visible, but you should still be able to feel its thickness. This EPS does not “bounce back” if impacted on the inside or with a head in it. Once compromised by an impact it should be discarded and replaced as it’s energy absorbing function is used up. Unsafe helmets normally contain only soft foam padding or a bare plastic shell with no padding at all.

Fabric Interior liner
The fabric liner provides comfort and styling to the inside of the helmet. Cheek pads in full face helmets provide an element of stability over rough terrain and at speed. Contrary to common belief, current fabric interior liners provide NO impact absorption - in fact helmets are usually tested without any interior lining present.

Sturdy Chin Strap and Rivets
Helmets meeting the DOT safety standard have sturdy chinstraps with solid rivets. The strap assembly must pass a stringent retention test.

 

How much should a quality helmet weigh?

Approved helmets usually weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 pounds depending on style, design, and construction. “Novelty” helmets (non-DOT) can weigh only one pound or less. DOT approved helmets generally weigh about three pounds. Become familiar with the weight of helmets that comply with the Federal safety standard. Even with advanced shell material and full EPS interior, the weights of the helmets on this site are very competitive. The full face helmets are well-balanced as well, providing greater comfort and reduced neck fatigue during longer or rougher rides.

Current Bell weights by model:

• Bandito 2.09 lbs.
• Zephyr 3.54 lbs.
• Lynx 3.65 lbs.
• Riot 2.86 lbs.
• Jr. Riot 2.39 lbs.

 

Do all states have laws governing helmet use?

On the Street -
Three don’t – all others have some laws regarding helmet use. These laws are changing all the time, so it’s best to check in with your local department of motor vehicles and/or highway patrol for the most recent regulations. For a quick check, one of the best resources available can be found on the Insurance Institute for Highway safety (IIHS) website: http://www.iihs.org/laws/state_laws/helmet_use.html
Or, you may go to www.IIHS.org and search under “motorcycle helmet laws” for information on your state – or states if your travels take you farther.

In the Dirt –
Most public lands have regulations regarding helmets and protective gear, and these can be accessed at the nearest Department of Forestry, State or Provincial Park or BLM office. We’ have some of the more common links to riding areas posted in our links section.

 

Are there other laws regarding eyewear and other protective gear?

Riding blind is not only dangerous, it’s pretty much impossible. As fragile as your brain is, at least it’s protected by a skull (and hopefully a helmet) – your eyes are naked to the dangers of impact - so we recommend ALWAYS riding with eye protection regardless of conditions. Bell full face helmets come with impact – resistant shields, and our goggles meet the ANSI Z80.3 Driving standards - assuring not only impact resistance, but correct color reception and other performance parameters. Most fashion eyewear is not approved to these standards and could adversely affect your ability to see things like traffic lights and other road hazards.

On the Street –
Many states have protective gear requirements – especially when it comes to eyewear. Again, these regulations change from time to time, so check in with your local department of vehicles or highway patrol for the most recent regulations. We recommend always riding with protective eyewear regardless of the legal situation – either a proper impact resistant shield or impact resistant

 

Which is better to use for sunny days – a dark shield or sunglasses?

Dark shields are great if you ride only during the day and in mostly bright light. They’re also good if you feel glasses are restrictive or hot. The downside to a dark shield is that it’s only legal and smart to wear one during the day. If you do choose this route, either carry a clear a shield with you or be sure you’re home before the sun goes down.

If you do wear sunglasses be aware that glasses or goggles that are not tested to ANSI Z80.3 standards may not provide impact protection and contain lens tints that could adversely affect your ability to see things like traffic lights and other road hazards. Polarized lenses, although popular because they reduce glare, can reduce your ability to see shifting pavement surfaces and are not recommended for riding on the street.

 

How much is a helmet worth?

Avoiding a head injury is priceless. Brain injuries are some of the hardest to recover fully from affecting every aspect of your daily life.

Because of this, a great fitting protective helmet is one of the highest value products you can buy. Helmet shoppers today expect to pay on average @$150 for a new helmet. All the helmets on this site are available for prices significantly below that average offering even more value.