This article reprinted verbatim with permission from the June 2008 issue of American Rider.
New Star
Bell Star Helmet
“This is your father’s Star.” If this statement by Bell Helmets spokesperson doesn’t make much sense it’s probably because you’re under the age of 50. In 1966 Bell introduced the first full-coverage helmet to the riding masses, the Bell Star. Resembling Bender’s head on Futurama, this model topped a line of helmets that was to dominate the marketplace.
Despite initial success built on that seminal model, the passing years saw the Bell name settle to the bottom of the heap in the street market. The reasons for this are manifold, but it suffices to say that Bell’s street helmets became fodder for a growing number of imitators, and young new riders were left clueless as to what Bell meant to their riding fathers.
Is the new Bell Star any good? In a word, definitely. The shell is manufactured using an intricate layering of Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass composites that Bell calls Tri-Matrix. This results in a strong, lightweight helmet rivaling the best out there. These are all good things, but merely comparable to the competition. Where this new helmet excels, in my opinion, is with its venting and stability.
“They’re too hot” is an oft-quoted excuse for not wearing a full-faced helmet, and it’s hard to argue with. The reason, though, is not the full-faced design, but rather inadequate venting. Frankly, the vent setup on many helmets flat-out doesn’t work. You can fiddle all day with their switches, slides and levers, but all you're doing is working up even more sweat.
Bell’s answer to this problem is a combination of 10 front vents and six exhaust vents. Each of the front vents is adjustable and can be set to full, partial, or no air flow. I’ve ridden more than 2,000 miles with this helmet on four different motorcycles, with four different windscreen heights. The ventilation was excellent in all cases. At the same time, it worked differently in each case because the windscreen height determines air-flow characteristics. This differentiation required adjusting the vent accordingly. Interestingly, there were instances where closing a couple vents actually increased overall ventilation.
Helmet stability is an area that many Harley riders don’t consider until they experience buffeting that the wind can cause. Stability- the lack of buffeting- is one of the Star’s strong points. My head remained rock steady in all but one situation when I was riding behind a full-size (as in, looking through it) windscreen. The airflow behind these large shields is a mess, with high-and low-pressure areas, vortices, and general air mayhem. Aerodynamic devices suck as the Star are not happy in these conditions. Aside from this one scenario, even at high speeds, my vision was clear. This doesn’t happen accidentally. The Star was extensively tested in wind and water tunnels, and on the track at very high speeds.
Slick aerodynamics do come with a bit of a quirk, however. I found that if I turned my head out of the air stream to glance over my shoulder, the helmet wanted to make a quick, rather than smooth, transition to the new position. This results from the shape being optimized for frontal air flow. Once I got used to this “air snatch” it wasn’t an issue.
Overall I was quite satisfied with the performance of the Star’s 3Mode Shield. An easily reached titanium lever on the left side locks the face shield down, opens it ¼-inch, or provides for micro adjustments. The shield will stay where you put it along its operation arc. The only issue I had with this was a shield vibration when it was slightly open while riding with a very low shield. Of particular note, face-shield removal and replacement is, hands down, the easiest and quickest I’ve ever experienced. Fog free is a given with face shields in this category of helmets, and the Star met the standard.
The Bell Star’s quality touches are abundant with its plush, washable lining, titanium and stainless bits and pieces, aggressive aero shape, and large, well-thought-out carrying bag. There are 11 different color combinations available ranging in price from $524.99 to $599.99.
-Reg Kittrelle
New Star
Bell Star Helmet
“This is your father’s Star.” If this statement by Bell Helmets spokesperson doesn’t make much sense it’s probably because you’re under the age of 50. In 1966 Bell introduced the first full-coverage helmet to the riding masses, the Bell Star. Resembling Bender’s head on Futurama, this model topped a line of helmets that was to dominate the marketplace.
Despite initial success built on that seminal model, the passing years saw the Bell name settle to the bottom of the heap in the street market. The reasons for this are manifold, but it suffices to say that Bell’s street helmets became fodder for a growing number of imitators, and young new riders were left clueless as to what Bell meant to their riding fathers.
Is the new Bell Star any good? In a word, definitely. The shell is manufactured using an intricate layering of Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass composites that Bell calls Tri-Matrix. This results in a strong, lightweight helmet rivaling the best out there. These are all good things, but merely comparable to the competition. Where this new helmet excels, in my opinion, is with its venting and stability.
“They’re too hot” is an oft-quoted excuse for not wearing a full-faced helmet, and it’s hard to argue with. The reason, though, is not the full-faced design, but rather inadequate venting. Frankly, the vent setup on many helmets flat-out doesn’t work. You can fiddle all day with their switches, slides and levers, but all you're doing is working up even more sweat.
Bell’s answer to this problem is a combination of 10 front vents and six exhaust vents. Each of the front vents is adjustable and can be set to full, partial, or no air flow. I’ve ridden more than 2,000 miles with this helmet on four different motorcycles, with four different windscreen heights. The ventilation was excellent in all cases. At the same time, it worked differently in each case because the windscreen height determines air-flow characteristics. This differentiation required adjusting the vent accordingly. Interestingly, there were instances where closing a couple vents actually increased overall ventilation.
Helmet stability is an area that many Harley riders don’t consider until they experience buffeting that the wind can cause. Stability- the lack of buffeting- is one of the Star’s strong points. My head remained rock steady in all but one situation when I was riding behind a full-size (as in, looking through it) windscreen. The airflow behind these large shields is a mess, with high-and low-pressure areas, vortices, and general air mayhem. Aerodynamic devices suck as the Star are not happy in these conditions. Aside from this one scenario, even at high speeds, my vision was clear. This doesn’t happen accidentally. The Star was extensively tested in wind and water tunnels, and on the track at very high speeds.
Slick aerodynamics do come with a bit of a quirk, however. I found that if I turned my head out of the air stream to glance over my shoulder, the helmet wanted to make a quick, rather than smooth, transition to the new position. This results from the shape being optimized for frontal air flow. Once I got used to this “air snatch” it wasn’t an issue.
Overall I was quite satisfied with the performance of the Star’s 3Mode Shield. An easily reached titanium lever on the left side locks the face shield down, opens it ¼-inch, or provides for micro adjustments. The shield will stay where you put it along its operation arc. The only issue I had with this was a shield vibration when it was slightly open while riding with a very low shield. Of particular note, face-shield removal and replacement is, hands down, the easiest and quickest I’ve ever experienced. Fog free is a given with face shields in this category of helmets, and the Star met the standard.
The Bell Star’s quality touches are abundant with its plush, washable lining, titanium and stainless bits and pieces, aggressive aero shape, and large, well-thought-out carrying bag. There are 11 different color combinations available ranging in price from $524.99 to $599.99.
-Reg Kittrelle
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