Short List of DOs and DON’Ts:
1. Do choose a helmet which fits properly.
2. Do not choose a helmet which interferes with your field of vision or your ability to hear.
3. Do make sure that when the chin strap is fastened the helmet fits snugly all over your head
and low on your forehead so you can see the edge in your upper field of vision.
4. Always wear the chin strap tightly and securely fastened while riding.
5. Do not modify your helmet.
6. Do check your helmet before each ride for signs of wear or damage.
7. Do not “park” your helmet on mirror stalks or sissy bars.
8. Do not carry your helmet on the motorcycle’s helmet lock while riding.
9. Replace your helmet immediately if it shows signs of wear or damage.
10. Replace your helmet immediately after an impact, even if no damage is visible.
11. Replace your helmet at least every five years.
12. Do not loan or sell your helmet, or buy a used helmet.
13. Do not wear someone else’s helmet.
14. Clean your helmet with soap and water only.
15. Wear a helmet whenever you ride.
16. Ride safely, and do not take risks just because you are wearing a helmet.
Helmet Selection
Bell manufactures a variety of helmets at different price points with different features. All helmets meet or
exceed the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 (“DOT
Safety Standard”). The standards are too lengthy to cover in this manual, but are available at www.smf.org.
Bell recommends you purchase and wear the helmet which provides the greatest amount of coverage and the
best impact protection for your intended uses.
Wearing Your Helmet
The best way to put on your Bell helmet is to gently pull the chin straps outward just enough to spread the
helmet as you ease it over your head. If you can pull the helmet onto your head without having to spread the
helmet, the helmet is too big, will not fit right and should not be worn. With the helmet on your head, thread
the loose end of the strap through the double D-rings as shown in Figure A. Pull on the end until the strap is
snug, so it is almost uncomfortable, and well back against your throat. When riding, always wear the helmet
with the chin strap in this position.
Standard D-Ring
Figure A.