Bell Moto III
Bell Moto III
EVALUATION
An Improved Moto Star
Bell Helmet Company has always worked closely with racers. When they introduced the original Moto Star a few years back, it had the distinction of being the only helmet designed for the motocrosser and off-road racer/enthusiast. At the time accessory mouth guards were the rage. The Moto Star was designed with the mouth guard as an integrated part of the helmet.
Motocrossers tried the Moto Stars and a few' still use them, but the off-road guys generally liked them much more. The built-in mouth guard protected the wearer’s mouth and teeth from contact with the handlebars, rocks thrown from a competitor's rear wheel, and face-first crash landings.
The Moto Stars had a few flaws, though. Putting one on wasn't a problem; taking one off usually ruffed the ears of the wearer. Not a real problem until the on/off is repeated several times a day. common in off-road use. They also had a tendency to get loose and rock fore and aft on the wearer’s head. But probably the biggest complaint, especially from motocrossers, was the lack of air circulation. Many felt they were just too hot.
The folks at Bell listened to the praise
and criticism. Thev are always receptive to both.
Input from users and thoughts of their ow n have resulted in the production of the Moto 111. The Moto 111 could have been on dealer shelves over a year ago but Bell wanted the new design also to be a safer design. The Moto Star carried a Snell 1970 rating, the Moto III is Snell 1975 approved. To obtain the 1975 Snell rating without increasing the weight and size of the helmet slowed them down some . . . but they did it.
The shell is made from multiple layers of fiberglass and is the same thickness as a Moto Star. By using a new formulation of resin, strength has been increased without increasing weight or size.
The front part of the shell has been redesigned. The nose/mouth protrusion has been placed farther from the wearer. This allows more room for large noses and helps keep the guard from pressing against the end of the rider’s nose at high speeds. The guard is slightly taller and has been vented so air can pass through to the rider. Coarse foam covers the back side of the vents and filters out large particles. Padding on the inside of the nose guard has been changed to thinner, lighter foam. The
clever new styling removes weight from the* front of the helmet, and provides more room for goggles.
A five-snap bill is standard on the Moto III. Instead of color coordinating the shell and bill as in the past. Bell chose a dark smoke color for the bill. Available shell colors are red. yellow or white. The smoke bill blends nicely with these colors and the five-snap attachment will help keep it on the helmet without duct tape.
Inside, a new formulation of polystyrene plastic foam is employed. It is made in one piece and gives better protection without being thicker or heavier. The internal padding has been redesigned to increase comfort and decrease the rocking experienced by some wearers. The reworked padding has a space for ears and the chin strap has been moved rearw'ard. This redesign has removed the pain associated with removing the helmet and the padding and chin strap placement stop all the rock.
Unlike its predecessor, the new Moto III is rapidly gaining popularity with motocrossers. Bell has done an excellent job of making what the riders wanted. Comfort and protection are first class.
See your local motorcycle dealer and take along $104.95.
