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Bell Moto-3 Retro Motocross Helmet Review.
Bell launched the original Moto 3 back in the early 70’s, bringing an integral chin protector into Motocross racing for the first time. Since then, the Moto-3 has taken on a bit of a legendary status among aficionados and so Bell sensibly decided to launch an updated version to satisfy demand.
And here it is – the Bell Moto 3. Pretty much identical to the original 70’s version but using modern manufacturing to make it that bit safer and that bit more user friendly (but only a little bit… read on). And of course now it has that extra retro mystique to go along with it meaning it’ll make the perfect match for your RNineT or Duke Scrambler.
So if you’re thinking of buying a Moto 3, here’s what you can expect to find.
- Fiberglass retro motocross helmet
- Based on the legendary 70’s original
- Should fit most retro goggles
- Medium oval fitment
- DOT and ECE certified
- Double-D ring fastener
- 3.1lbs (1.42Kg) – pretty light
- Sizes XS-XXL
- Expect to pay $290-$390
Looking to buy a Bell Moto-3?
The Moto-3 is now discontinued, but the last time we checked there were deals to be found at Amazon. Please click below to visit their Bell Moto-3 helmets page – and as always if you buy from any store, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).
Safety
(more about helmet safety)
Like the original, the latest Bell Moto 3 has a fiberglass shell; but unlike the original it’s been both DOT certified and ECE tested/certifed. If that doesn’t mean anything do you, please click the links above to find out more – but in a nutshell, it meets modern mandatory safety standards.
Fiberglass helmets are a small step up from thermoplastic helmets and make for strong and reasonably lightweight lids – and that’s the case with the Moto-3. It weighs around 3.1lbs (1.42 Kg) which is a smidge over what we consider a true light weight helmet but most owners reckon the helmet feels light when they’re wearing it.
Light weight is not only good for comfort but it’s good for safety too as there’s less weight and inertia from the helmet to deal with in an accident (which, it’s argued, can cause whiplash and hyperflexion – not good).
The Moto 3 hasn’t been Snell or SHARP tested unfortunately, but the UK’s SHARP labs has tested three Bell fiberglass helmets over the last couple of years (a couple of Bell Star sportsbike helmets and the retro Bell Bullitt) and they scored an average of four stars out of a maximum five. The Bullitt is probably the most directly comparable because it’s a retro style helmet too, and that scored three stars. Meaning we’d expect the Moto 3 to score something similar.
An extra tick in the box for the Moto-3 is that there’s polystyrene EPS padding on the inside of the chin bar too which isn’t seen that often but is potentially really good for added protection for the lower face.
It’s also got a decent, secure double-d ring fastener; and that massive viewport, designed to accommodate tons of different goggles means you’ve got loads of forward and peripheral vision – again great for safety (until you stick your goggles on that is!).
And finally, if you’re a fan of Arai helmets, you’ll probably know they bang on about their R75 rounder, smoother helmet form, designed to glance off stuff when you’re sliding down the road. Well, looking at that smooth, round, uncluttered Bell Moto-3, it looks like Bell got there first. And if it does work like Arai reckons, then it’s surely gonna work the same for the Moto 3 too!
Helmet Noise
(more about helmet noise)
You’re probably not going to buy a Bell Moto-3 because you want a quiet helmet. And you’ll probably put it on your head expecting it to be a bit of a trashcan, letting in all that air and noise from that great gaping hole in the front.
Which may explain why owners who ride in in a Moto-3 seem to say they’re surprised at how quiet it is. OK, so most Moto-3 riders probably aren’t cruising on a motorway at the ton, but it seems that because folks who wear one aren’t expecting mega noise performance, they’re pleasantly surprised.
Arguably it’s a double-whammy on the noise front, because you can probably couple that with the fact that the Moto-3’s shell is hyper smooth and round, without any protruding bits and pieces in the airflow causing extra noise – including a lack of crown vent holes letting noise in.
You probably shouldn’t expect the Bell Moto 3 to be a massively quiet helmet if you buy one – let’s face it, the lack of a shield is gonna cause a stack of noise. But if you do, you might be pleasantly surprised too!
Ventilation
(more about helmet ventilation)
Having said there’s no crown vents on the Moto 3, you shouldn’t be put off from thinking it’s going to get stuffy in there – because there’s one massive gaping vent hole right there in the front.
That’s obviously the main route for letting cooling air into the helmet, supplemented by that nice always-open slotted vent in the chin guard.
Word is that overall you’ll probably find it gives less ventilation than some modern motocross helmets, but you’ll get more than most full face helmets – which is, after all, what it’s going to be replacing for most of us – and means ventilation will be decent for most of us for most of the time.
Goggles/Shield
That huge space in the front of the Moto 3 means it’ll accommodate pretty well every type of retro-inspired goggle out there. The only minor drawback is that there isn’t a ridge or clip for the strap at the back of the helmet, but owners didn’t seem to find that a problem.
Oh, it’s worth noting that if you were thinking you’ll buy a Moto 3 and stick one of those bizarre/cool bubble shields on it (like you find with the Bell Bullett), you might want to think again. Unlike some 3 stud retro helmets, there don’t seem to be any after market clip on shields available for the 5 stud Moto3, just in case you were thinking about binning off the goggles…
Sun Peak/Roost Guard
(more about sun shields)
Like most motocross helmets, there’s a roost guard/sun peak combo above the goggles.
It clips on using five studs and, according to owners, is about as solid and sturdy as they come. That means it stays in place pretty well all the time and it doesn’t flap around while you’re riding.
And if you’re keeping sub-triple digits on the speedo, owners reckon it’ll not knock your head around or catch on the air and pull your head back, which is all good.
Comfort and Sizing
(more about comfort and sizing)
Inside most of the standard, plain graphic versions of the Moto-3, you’ll find a nice retro-style lining made of terry-towelling. Yep, there’s laser cut foam to give a modern contoured fit, and yep it’s all removable and washable, but yep, it’ll also take you back to the days when towelling was cutting-edge sportswear too.
This latest type of towelling lining is antimicrobial though, plus it’s always been mega moisture wicking. And owners reckon it feels great – and properly retro.
But if 100% towelling’s not your thing, the graphic versions tend to go for a quilted fake leather and towelling combo approach, which is probably a bit more wear-resistant too
Overall fitment is medium oval, though a couple of guys with longer heads did say it fits really nicely for them, so it might be worth a dabble if that’s your head shape too.
Pushing on a Moto-3 might be a bit tighter than your usual affair, but owners reckon it shows the quality of the materials used as they don’t get too loose over time and keep cosseting your head firmly – which is a good thing for safety as well.
Having said that, it does mean that if you get the fit just right, it’ll probably mean your glasses stems will be pressing into your head – so if you must have a Moto-3 and you wear glasses, make sure your retailer will allow returns when you buy, just in case it’s a problem.
Other than that, owners reckon it’s a surprisingly comfy helmet.
Looks & Graphics
Of course, the Moto-3 looks very cool, especially if it’s matched with an old flat tracker or modern classic. And there’s a few hyper cool retro designs to match too. There’s that gorgeous Chemical Candy Flames (top of the page) and the strikingly stripy Chemical Candy black/gold. There’s the Ace Cafe and RSD Malibu specials too – plus there’s a stack of other plain colors to match your ride.
As always, check out the latest designs and deals by clicking through to our recommended dealers (below) who – experience and reviews show – will take good care of you.
Best places to buy a Bell Moto-3?
The Moto-3 is now discontinued, but the last time we checked there were deals to be found at Amazon. Please click below to visit their Bell Moto-3 helmets page – and as always if you buy from any store, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).
Bell Moto-3 Video
Here’s a 5m video looking over the Moto-3.
Other stuff – audio, build quality, warranty
There is space for speakers inside the Moto-3, so if you did want to stick a bluetooth set on it, it should work OK (though it looks kinda weird, you know that, right?).
One constant from pretty well everyone sharing their thoughts on their Moto3s is that it’s well built. It’s at the pricier end of the retro helmet market, but if you want quality materials and finish, you’ve gotta pay a bit more.
Finally, it’ll come with a full 5 year warranty.
Overall/Summary
The Bell Moto-3 is a quality piece of kit. It’s not the cheapest retro helmet out there but for the money, you’re buying the history, the heritage and a great looking, quality helmet.
You probably know that it’ll not give quite the same levels of performance and protection (from the elements and probably in a spill) than the latest, tested and highest safety rated helmets out there.
But having said that, Bell has a great reputation for making some of the safest lids around and the Moto 3 even has EPS in the chin bar, which is pretty rare and a big tick in the safety box.
But it’s that style you’re buying into with the Moto-3. It’s got oodles of charm and an image that’ll match any retro bike. And as long as you can live (or ride) with its shortcomings, we reckon it’ll be one of the best and most practical retro helmets around.
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Good Alternatives to the Bell Moto-3?
If you think you’ll just want a full face helmet, check our links below. But if you want a cracking retro helmet, you can either visit our retro helmets pages to see all our reviews, or check out these recommended lids below.
First off, there’s the Bell Bullitt – the helmet that kicked off this retro helmet craze. It’s a SHARP 3 star safety rated helmet that’s a decent all rounder with a proper(ish) shield.
There’s also the Nexx XG.100 which is a composite fiber helmet that’s a smidge cheaper than both Bells and a bit lighter too.
Or for a faithful reproduction of the legendary Agostini’s helmet, how about the AGV X3000? It’s a sportsbike helmet, with shield, that’s a bit more expensive than the Moto-3 but a bit more practical on the road too.
Looking to buy a Bell Moto-3?
The Moto-3 is now discontinued, but the last time we checked there were deals to be found at Amazon. Please click below to visit their Bell Moto-3 helmets page – and as always if you buy from any store, we get a small sum from the sale at no extra cost to you – a massive THANKS! (it’s how we finance the site).
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