The Allure of a Silhouette
Some icons don’t need an introduction—just a glimpse. Steve McQueen vaulting a fence in The Great Escape, Luciana Paluzzi throttling through Thunderball, or Milchick’s stealth-black Royal Enfield in Severance—these scenes stamp themselves on your memory because of what’s perched on the rider’s head: a shapely, throw-back lid that whispers rebellion. Bell understands that spell, and the Bell Bullitt GT delivers it straight, no chaser.
Legacy Modernized
A decade ago, industrial-design grad Chad Hodge sketched a modern homage to Bell’s 1960s Star. Bell saw the drawing, hired the kid, and the original Bullitt was born. Riders snapped them up like backstage passes, so the brand doubled down—tweaking performance while keeping that jaw-dropping profile intact. The Bell Bullitt GT is Act II, proof that you can polish a legend without sanding off its patina.
Classic Form Meets Contemporary Function
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Composite Shell (42% fiberglass) | Vintage lines, lightweight strength, DOT & ECE certified. |
| Three Shell & EPS Sizes | A helmet that fits like it was tailor-made, not stuffed with spacers. |
| Eyewear Pockets | Slide prescription lenses or shaded aviators in without a fight. |
| Multi-Density EPS & Contoured Cheek Pads | Modern impact management cloaked in old-school cool. |
From a distance you see heritage. Up close you spot the sleight of hand: a magnetic, tool-free shield that pops off faster than a pit-lane tire change, and a new gasket that seals out wind howl when you’re tucked at speed.
Ventilation You Can Actually Control
Old-school lids looked great but baked your skull when the asphalt sizzled. The Bell Bullitt GT fixes that with Velocity-Flow venting—and, crucially, closable ports hidden beneath the chin bar. Open them for canyon runs, snap them shut when a cold front rolls in. It’s the first retro helmet that lets you ride four seasons without feeling like a martyr.
Plug-In to the Ride
Riding soundtrack? Sorted. Integrated speaker pockets slip in your preferred Bluetooth kit, letting you pipe GPS prompts or the howl of a parallel-twin straight into your headspace. No lumps, no pressure points—just seamless communion between rubber and road.
Specs at a Glance
- Weight: 1,450 g ± 50 g (size M)
- Shell Construction: Composite (fiberglass-rich)
- Shield: Clear flat shield installed; accessory bubble shields available
- Ventilation: Velocity-Flow with closable chin-bar vents
- Electronics: Speaker pockets, comm-system ready
- Liner: Removable, washable, eyewear-friendly
- Certifications: DOT (US) & ECE (EU)
- Sizes / Schemes: Six sizes, eight colorways
- MSRP: Starting at $400
Road-Test Impressions
Slide the Bell Bullitt GT on and the world compresses into tunnel vision—bike, horizon, possibilities. The seal around the shield holds steady past legal speeds, the cheek pads cradle without pinching, and the weight disappears once the tach swings north of idle. You feel nostalgia in the mirrors, innovation at the chin bar, and the unmistakable pulse of a design that knows exactly why you ride.
Verdict: Style Without Sacrifice
If you crave the cinema of the past but refuse to trade comfort, safety, or a thundering playlist, the Bell Bullitt GT is your ticket. It’s a helmet for riders who split their time between vintage bike nights and 6 a.m. highway blasts—people who believe machinery should have a soul and a spec sheet. Bell didn’t just repaint the legend; they rewired it for this century, then handed you the keys.
Grab the Bullitt GT, cinch the D-ring, and carve your own escape scene.
Pros
- Iconic Retro Design: The Bell Bullitt GT delivers timeless visual appeal, channeling 1960s racing heritage with a silhouette that stands out in any crowd—making it a magnet for riders who crave vintage style with modern credibility.
- Modern Safety Certifications: It meets both DOT and ECE safety standards, blending old-school aesthetics with contemporary protective technology for peace of mind at any speed.
- Adjustable, Closable Venting: The Velocity Flow ventilation system with closable chin-bar vents is a rare feature among retro helmets, allowing riders to tailor airflow for comfort across seasons and climates.
- Integrated Speaker Pockets: The helmet is communication-system ready, with built-in speaker pockets for seamless installation of Bluetooth audio or intercom systems—no more clumsy aftermarket workarounds.
- Tool-Free, Magnetic Shield Removal: Swapping shields for a personalized look or changing light conditions is fast and effortless, thanks to the tool-free, magnet-assisted removal mechanism.
- Comfort-Oriented Features: Removable and washable liner, contoured cheek pads, and eyewear arm pockets mean you can count on comfort for long rides, easy cleaning, and compatibility with prescription glasses or sunglasses.
- Three Shell and EPS Sizes: Instead of relying on internal padding alone, the helmet offers three different shell sizes, ensuring a more personalized and balanced fit for a broad range of head shapes.
- Multiple Sizes and Colorways: Six size options and eight color schemes let you dial in the perfect fit and style to match your bike or personality.
Cons
- Premium Price Tag: Starting at $400, the Bell Bullitt GT sits at the higher end of the market, which may put it out of reach for budget-conscious riders seeking style on a dime.
- Heavier Than Some Alternatives: At roughly 3.3 pounds (1,450g), it’s not the lightest helmet in its class, which could cause fatigue on longer rides, especially for those used to featherweight carbon models.
- Retro Shape Means Basic Aerodynamics: While gorgeous, the classic shell doesn’t cut through the wind like the latest race-inspired lids, which could lead to more wind noise and buffeting at highway speeds.
- Limited Advanced Safety Features: While DOT and ECE certified, it lacks some cutting-edge safety tech found in newer helmets, such as MIPS or emergency quick-release cheek pads.
- Vague Marketing on Interior Upgrades: Bell mentions an “updated interior for easy maintenance,” but provides little detail—leaving some questions about what, exactly, is improved versus the previous Bullitt.
Verdict
The Bell Bullitt GT is more than just a helmet—it’s a statement, a throwback to when style ruled the roads but reimagined with a toolkit of modern conveniences. This lid is for those who demand presence and nostalgia, but who refuse to compromise on daily comfort or essential safety. Yes, it costs more than your average retro replica, and yes, there are racier, lighter options if your priority is slicing wind at triple digits. But if you want a helmet that turns heads in the parking lot, fits like a glove, and keeps up with the demands of 21st-century riding—without losing its soul—the Bell Bullitt GT is as good as it gets. For the rider who wants heritage and innovation in equal measure, this is the helmet to own.
$400
For riders who crave a helmet that redefines what’s possible on two wheels, the SCHUBERTH C5 Carbon stands out as a masterstroke of German engineering and motorsport pedigree. Weighing in at just 1,460 grams, this helmet sheds grams without sacrificing a shred of strength, thanks to a meticulously crafted carbon fiber shell forged in the same hands that protect Formula 1 champions. It’s not just light—it’s silent, too, delivering class-leading aeroacoustics at just 85 dB(A) at highway speeds, so you can savor the ride without the constant roar of the wind. The C5 Carbon comes pre-wired for seamless Mesh 2.0 connectivity and features HD speakers for crystal-clear audio, putting cutting-edge communication at your fingertips straight out of the box. SCHUBERTH’s INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM ensures a tailored fit with customizable padding, while the helmet’s ECE-R 22.06 certification and advanced chin strap system offer uncompromising safety and all-day comfort. For those who demand more than retro flair—a helmet that fuses lightness, silence, and technological prowess—the SCHUBERTH C5 Carbon is a compelling alternative to the Bell Bullitt GT, setting a new benchmark for modern motorcycling protection and comfort.
