Bell Moto 3 helmet review - "Steve McQueen wore Bell helmets so they’re cool. End of!"

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The Bell Moto 3 helmet has become a staple part of the look for a lot of retro and custom riders – I’ve seen them worn on everything from a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 to a Mutt 125. And there’s a good reason for their seeming ubiquity: they’re really bloody good.

At one time, there were quite a few options for what I’ve heard referred to as ‘Lego man helmets’ on the market. But with the advent of ECE 22.06, manufacturers like Nexx have opted to concentrate on the more modern parts of their range and that’s cut the options down considerably.

Despite its classic looks and utterly reasonable price, the Moto 3 has a palpable quality that punches above its weight – something Bell seem to pull off with a lot of their lids.

How comfortable is the Bell Moto 3 helmet?

Helmet comfort is a subjective topic; one rider’s velvet beanie is another’s medieval torture device. But there is nothing to suggest that the Moto 3 would be particularly uncomfortable for many riders.

I generally sit between an L and an XL in terms of sizing and the large fits me really well. It’s snug to pull on and the cheek pads were initially slightly tight on my cheeks but have relaxed to the perfect fit. Around the rest of my head the fit has been perfect from the first wear.

The liner material is plush and soft and, although I’ve only worn it for a few hours at a time so far, I can tell it won’t cause discomfort even for all-day stints. This isn’t a motorcycle helmet you would wear for a rainy, November schlep to the office, it’s for sunny leisure blasts and for that purpose it’s probably more comfortable than it needs to be.

How good is the ventilation?

Since the Moto 3 comes with no visor and is worn with goggles, ventilation isn’t a problem. I love the feeling of freedom you get from feeling the wind blast and it makes me feel more connected and aware of the speed I’m doing, but it’s not for everyone.

If you get caught in the rain, it’s a pretty unpleasant experience, and you will take the odd bug splat to the nose or cheek even if the weather stays fine. But. It’s a price I’m happy to pay for the overall experience.

The chin piece extends upwards past the tip of your nose for protection and it’s a reassuring design feature, but it has huge vents in it so that it doesn’t spoil your connection with the elements.

Is the Bell Moto 3 a noisy helmet?

I can’t justify going any higher than three stars where noise is concerned. A peaked helmet with no visor and huge, permanent chin vents is going to make a racket. What I will say, though, is that it’s not as noisy as it could be.

I’ve previously tested the Shoei Ex-Zero and the Nexx X.G200 and they were both far noisier retro helmet options. And most adventure lids I’ve worn with the visor up and goggles have also been louder on the road.

It’s not a problem with ear plugs and – like the wind-blast – is all a part of the experience I enjoy with this sort of helmet but it will definitely put some off.

Is the Bell Moto 3 a good looking helmet?

The look of a helmet is subjective, but if you think the Moto 3 looks bad I’m afraid you’re wrong. It’s supposed to evoke the memory of 1980s motocross, which it certainly does, but it also looks somehow modern at the same time.

It’s got a retro futuristic feel that makes me think of Speedball (the original, not the crap remake) or Mad Max. Is the RSD Saddleback paintjob on this lid worth the extra £50? Maybe not but only because the cheaper, plain designs already look so good.

If you’re still not sold, Steve McQueen wore Bell helmets so they’re cool. End of.

What is the Quality like?

I only started wearing Bell helmets recently but this is my third one and they all have something in common: they feel like a LOT of helmet for the money. I don’t know how they do it, but even with premium touches, deep paint, solid build quality and top safety scores (other models do well in SHARP tests) they are never priced at the top end of the market.

The Moto 3 feels sturdy without being heavy. The Snap fasteners on the optional peak are reassuringly tough to click shut and feel like they’d survive any speed. The paint is rich and lustrous, the liner is plush and cosseting. It’s a lovely, lovely object that you are likely to display on a book shelf long after you’ve finished wearing it. Which brings me onto…

Is the Bell Moto 3 helmet good value for money?

The standard Moto 3 costs £249.99 and you can often get one cheaper than that if you wait for a deal. That’s amazing value. A Shoei Ex-Zero (another helmet I really loved) cost up to £469.99 depending on the paint and came without a peak in the box. And if you go down the route of a hand crafted Hedon, you can practically double that!

An HJC V60 starts at £269.99 for a plain colour and doesn’t have the same plush feel as the Bell. I honestly don’t know how they do it.

So what’s the verdict?

For the sorts of bike I like to ride (and the ones I’d put in my own garage) the Bell retro range of helmets fits the aesthetic perfectly. And it’s reassuring to know that they meet the modern safety standards I’d want in an off.

The Bell Moto 3 is the ideal accompaniment to a scrambler, classic, retro or even a roadster, cruiser or custom and I would happily buy one with my own money. And another, and another.

The five-year warranty covers the entire recommended replacement interval, too, so I would just get a new one on that cadence and never have to worry about a manufacturing defect ever again. Not that I am worried, because it feels like such good quality that I honestly don’t think there will be a problem.

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