Roy Richter got his start in the auto industry in 1933 as a pattern maker at Bell Auto Parts in Bell, CA. Auto racing became a passion as did building race cars - his first car put together from used parts in the Bell junkyard. His cars were successful winning championships and setting track records. Eventually, Richter bought Bell Auto Parts and put his passion into manufacturing safety products.
In 1954, Bell helmets found life out of a garage behind Bell Auto Parts with the manufacture of the first helmet called the "500." Two years later, on higher than expected demand, the Bell Helmet Company emerged as a division of Bell Auto Parts.
Today, Bell prides itself on enabling the world's best to be their best. That best encompasses performance and safety as well as one of the most uniquely graphic lines of helmets out there that is both eye-catching and thought provoking.
The Bell RS-1 helmet is moderately priced but performs closer to a high-end helmet. Its Kevlar/fiberglass composite shell tips the scales at only 1575 grams. Bell used their Velocity Flow Ventilation System for maximum cooling and their exclusive Magnefusin magnetic strap keeper eliminates flapping strap ends.
TrackdayMag.com found several carry-overs from the top-of-the-line Bell Star helmet on the RS-1. Most prominently, the RS-1's visor and attaching mechanism - a personal favorite of the magazine - and the interior comfort liner and the wide magnetic chin strap. It was also noted the RS-1 weighs 25 grams more than the Star but it's hardly if at all noticeable once on your head. TrackDayMag summed up its review by saying you can't buy a better helmet for the price and it's essentially the Star helmet for two-thirds the money.
Motorcycle Safety News described the helmet's profile as best suited for aggressive sport and track riders but commented that it certainly works for any type of rider. The RS-1 is DOT and Snell approved. Motorcycle Safety News found nothing negative about the helmet and concluded that if it's a solid fit on your head, you should consider the RS-1.
We discovered that for all the features, the RS-1 still registers in several hundred dollars less than Bell's Star helmet which uses a lighter TriMatrix Composite shell (Kevlar/Carbon/Fiberglass blend). MotoSport carries seven different looks (some with color options, too!) of the Bell RS-1 helmet. Check out the awesome graphics and pick your style today!
Ready to buy? See our Bell Full Face Helmets page for additional specifications and order yours today!
