I'm pretty much "old school" when it comes to helmets and so after ordering my new XL1200R I ordered 2 new helmets from Bell direct. I got 2 Bell Tourlite SC's for my wife & I for an on-line special price of $59.95 each complete with helmet bag. They are 3/4 open face helmets but have a little more jaw protection than the typical 3/4. Anyway, I like the helmets and they fit well. They are DOT & SNELL 2000 approved. Bell used to be the standard by which all other helmets were measured. They don't seem to be as popular now though. Anyone have thoughts or opinions on the Bells???

I wasn't aware that a 3/4 helmet could get a SNELL 2000 approval? I thought, for some reason, that only full face helmets were approved...I learn something new everyday!

Yes, it says DOT No. 218 and Snell M2000 standard. Very nicely made helmets I might add. Very comfortable.

yeah I don't know what happened to Bell helmets...it seems they used to be a lot more popular than they are now (as you already said)...I'd say that $60 for a DOT/SNELL helmet is a deal regardless of brand...do they have any kind of attachments for a face shield if you were to want one?

No. They have a visor but no shield. I plan to buy another with shield but I wanted the strictly open face helmet to start with.

I still run nothing but Bell helmets. They are (for my head at least) still the most comfortable. I have a tourstar (2 I think) full face that I use for highway riding. My wife has 3 of the full face models (one for racing stock cars, 2 for her bike...have to have the passenger match or something :))

For what it is worth, the Wal Mart here is carrying them now. Snell approved Bell helmets. Don't even need to order them.....

Mav

Not exactly sure here, but I think Bell might have fallen on hard times around the early to mid 80's?

Some of their recent advertising I've seen seemed to suggest that they were "back".

Nothing to back this up, just seems what I remember from somewhere.....

I was so impressed with the 2 I just received that I went ahead and ordered a model with flip up shields. Also on close-out for $59.95. Has DOT but no Snell. Still, a sweet deal on a very nicely built & comfortable helmet.

Bell has changed hands a few times. I still have a 1982 Bell full-face and recently bought a Bell 1/2 for my son. It's an inport and is identical to my HJC 1/2. Still a good buy, but not the quality of the old Bells.