Bell Custom 500 Helmet

[prayinghands]

Here's my review of my Custom 500 helmet. As a disclaimer, all I have for comparison is the Biltwell helmet I had previously. I'm new to riding and to motorcycle helmets in general.

I had a Biltwell helmet and I really liked it cause of the low profile design and old school looks. I felt like some DOT helmets look too bobblehead for my taste. I started riding on the freeway extensively and felt I needed something relatively safer so I picked up a silver flake Bell Custom 500.

My first impression is that this is a well made helmet. It feels protective yet light. The profile isnt as low as a Biltwell but it's close. The inside lining is well made, and the straps seem good too. Wind noise isnt really a factor for me since I use ear plugs while riding.

One thing I noticed different was that when I wore my Biltwell on the freeway, it felt like the wind was just rushing under my forehead through the soft lining and trying really hard to rip it off my head. This happened no matter how tight I tied the strap. I had to constantly fight it with my neck as I rode. The Bell pretty much eliminates this. Probably cause of the actual crash absorbing lining.

I've included pics of the helmet plus a picture of me wearing the Blue Flake Biltwell and Silver Flake Bell for size comparison. The bandanna is for your guys' benefit so you don't have to see my ugly mug!

That's about it, any questions feel free to ask or PM me.

[Gone]

That Bell looks awesome. I get my "stunt" Bell next week.

Thanks for the pics bro.

[celtic]

How did you find the sizing?
For instance, I measure my pinhead and it looks like I should buy a small, (22"); how did you find your size as compared to your measured size?

for reference; this is what Bell states:
21 5/8" - 22"-----------Small


Thanks!

[prayinghands]

i was measured by the employee at Cycle Center. We measured in centimeters and came up with 54cm which is the limit of Size Small according to Bell. I was hesitant to get a small at first but im glad I did because it fits really comfortably especially after breaking it in.

[cpracing519]

looks like they are coming out with a black and a gold metal flake in November!
http://www.thebellstore.com/Helmets/custom500.html
here are my 2 helmets with some pin striping done on them!

[malingerer]

Originally Posted by cpracing519

looks like they are coming out with a black and a gold metal flake in November!
http://www.thebellstore.com/Helmets/custom500.html
here are my 2 helmets with some pin striping done on them!

Those are two nice looking helmets.Real nice stripping.I really didnt care for the Bell custom 500 .Sent mine back to Motorcycle super store.Felt my Fulmer V2 fit better and looked lower profile.Although the liner in the Bell was nicer.

[dewrew]

How hard were the bell stickers to get off?

[hasselme0]

Got a 500 myself nice hemet!! the biltwell are not dot if I am correct? Stickers come right off. I left the DOT on mine to keep the cops off my back.

[prayinghands]

Originally Posted by dewrew

How hard were the bell stickers to get off?

stickers come right off

[Jimbo13]

How did you find the sizing?
For instance, I measure my pinhead and it looks like I should buy a small, (22"); how did you find your size as compared to your measured size?

for reference; this is what Bell states:
21 5/8" - 22"-----------Small

My head measures approx 22 3/4, and I usually wear a size 7 1/8-7 1/4 hat.
Based on the measurement (always measure first), I ordered a medium. When I wore it on the first day for an extended period of time, it felt tight (it should). By the end of the day, it 'broke in' for my head shape and now is really comfortable. I wanted something pretty visible in traffic, but not too crazy, so I got the silver flake. Nice helmet!

Jim