Bell Bullitt GT Review: Is This Retro Lid Worth It?

Our Bell Bullitt GT Review is an exploration of how a legendary helmet design adapts to today’s safety and style demands.

We examined the evolution from the original Bell Star, measuring how contemporary materials and ECE 22.06 certification shape the experience for real-world riders.

We focused on the intersection of retro aesthetics and contemporary engineering, highlighting what sets this motorcycle helmet apart in a crowded market.

Is this Bell Bullitt GT Review the resource you need to decide if classic looks and current protection align with your riding priorities?

Our Bell Bullitt GT Final Verdict

What We Like

Shell Construction Delivers A Classic Look and Real Protection

The Shell construction gives you a classic silhouette with either composite fiberglass or carbon fiber, both ECE 22.06 and DOT certified. Shell construction feels sturdy, but the wall flexes a bit if you squeeze the sides.

Aerodynamics Provides Smooth Riding but Lacks Sporty Stability

Aerodynamics keeps the ride smooth at city and moderate speeds, thanks to the rounded shell and subtle exhaust cut-out. Aerodynamics doesn’t eliminate buffeting or create negative lift, so you’ll feel some movement at highway speeds, especially with no chin curtain.

Sizing Offers Custom Comfort with Some Sizing Quirks

Sizing gives you a round-oval shape that’s true for most, with an improved feel over the original Bullitt. Sizing can still be tricky for some riders, including me, had to size up, and cheek pads come in 35mm or 45mm but you can’t always swap for thinner or thicker.

Interior and Padding Brings Plush Comfort and Easy Maintenance

Interior and padding uses antimicrobial PU leather and suede for a plush, removable liner that’s easy to wash.

The interior includes 50mm speaker pockets for comms, but the leather trim around the face shield is a thin split, not full-grain, which feels less premium.

Ventilation Balances Vintage Looks and Practical Cooling

The ventilation now lets you close the four forehead vents with a slider, which is a big upgrade for rainy days or cold mornings.

The ventilation mechanism still can’t match modern lids for airflow—on hot days or at low speeds, it gets warm behind the face shield, and there’s no chin vent to help.

Visor Mechanism Delivers Wide View and Quick Changes

The visor mechanism gives you a massive field of view and a tool-free quick-release mechanism. Visor mechanism can mist up in cold weather because there’s no Pinlock, and some users report the visor shakes or flips up at speed if you turn your head.

Noise Levels Trade Silence for Open-Face Vibes

Noise levels are higher than most contemporary full-face helmets because of the big chin opening and large viewport.

Noise levels can be tamed with earplugs, but you’ll notice wind noise and buffeting, especially above 40 mph.

Safety Certifications Provide Confidence for Global Riders

Safety certifications include ECE 22.06 and DOT, so you can ride legally in Europe and North America.

Safety certifications are a big step up from the original Bullitt, giving you peace of mind with the classic look.

Weight Keeps Things Manageable for Daily Rides

Weight comes in at 3 lbs 5 oz for fiberglass and 3 lbs 1 oz for carbon in size large, which is light for a lid that meets ECE 22.06.

Weight is still a bit more than some racing lids, but the even distribution and compact shell make it easy to wear all day.

Bluetooth Options Make Tech Integration Simple

Bluetooth options are easy to install with large 52mm speaker pockets and enough space for most intercoms.

Installing a Bluetooth kit can be fiddly if you care about the classic look since cables have to run over or under the bonded neck skirt.

Color Options Let You Show Off Your Personality

Color options include ten solid and graphic choices, from gloss black to wild carbon graphics, each with matching black, brown, or red leather interiors.

The color options for carbon are pricey, but the finish on every model is top-notch and gets compliments at every bike night.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The Bullitt GT brings style and comfort, but there are some potential drawbacks. The drawbacks are you get some wind noise, some visor quirks, and a premium price tag—especially for carbon.

The Bullitt GT doesn’t have a Pinlock option, and sizing can be tricky if you’re between sizes.

Prices change as special offers are available from Revzilla.com, so check out the best prices before buying elsewhere.

Revzilla won’t be beaten on price with their price match guarantee. If the item doesn’t feel right, or you’re just not happy with it, you can return any new, unused, and unaltered item within 90 days of delivery of your item.

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Specifications

  • 42% fiberglass or 40% carbon fiber shell construction
  • Three shell sizes across XS to XXL
  • ECE 22.06 and DOT certified
  • Weight: 3 lbs 5 oz (1,500g) for large fiberglass, 3 lbs 1 oz (1,400g) for large carbon
  • Multi-density EPS liner for impact absorption
  • Five closable metal mesh forehead vents
  • Large rear exhaust port for airflow
  • Tool-less ClickRelease face shield mechanism
  • Rubber face shield gasket for improved sealing
  • Magnetic Magnefusion Shield Closure Mechinism
  • Enlarged eye port for a wide field of vision
  • Removable, washable, anti-bacterial micro-suede liner
  • 3D cut cheek pads with integrated speaker pockets
  • Optional cheek pad sizes for a custom feel
  • Padded chin strap with stainless steel D-Ring and leather pull tab
  • Available in ten solid and graphic color options
  • Leather liner in black, brown, or red
  • Accessory shields (flat, bubble, tinted) available
  • Can be worn as an open-face with supplied side covers
  • Double-D ring fastener
  • Industry-leading five-year warranty

Key Takeaways

Here are a few takaways to consider:

  • Delivers classic aesthetics always.
  • Offers ECE 22.06 protection.
  • Features closable forehead vents.
  • Provides wide visor visibility.
  • Supports glasses inside comfortably.
  • Weighs less than its rivals.
  • Allows Bluetooth speaker installation.
  • Includes plush removable liner.
  • Creates noticeable wind noise.
  • Lacks Pinlock-ready shield.
  • Costs more for carbon.
  • Supports open-face riding.
  • Earns strong safety ratings.

Bell Bullitt GT Shell Materials

The standard version of the Bullitt GT uses 42% fiberglass materials in its shell, while the carbon fiber variant employs 40% carbon fiber construction. This dual-material approach gives you flexibility based on your priorities and budget.

The standard version of the Bullitt GT uses 42% fiberglass materials in its shell, while the carbon fiber variant employs 40% carbon fiber construction. This dual-material approach gives you flexibility based on your priorities and budget.

Aerodynamics

The Bullitt GT isn’t designed for aerodynamic performance or speed-focused riding. It features a smooth aerodynamic shape that allows air to flow around it reasonably well, but its limitations become apparent quickly at highway speeds.

The subtle exhaust cut-out at the back represents the only nod to modernity in this retro-styled design. I’ve experienced no problems with the aerodynamics during normal riding, but the relaxed feel and open design create stability issues at speed.

Bell Bullitt GT Size

It fits true to size for most riders, although one of our team noted noted that a medium fit him spot on across nearly every manufacturer.The fit characteristics show a little snugness around the crown but provide nice fitment down the sides, which creates that classic Bell profile without the bobblehead look.

It fits true to size for most riders, although one of our team noted noted that a medium fit him spot on across nearly every manufacturer.

The fit characteristics show a little snugness around the crown but provide nice fitment down the sides, which creates that classic Bell profile without the bobblehead look.

There are three shell sizes available to maintain proportions: small covers XS and SM helmets, medium handles MD and LG, while large accommodates XL and 2XL sizes. This shell sizing approach keeps the vintage aesthetic intact across all head sizes.

The original Bullitt more naturally fits a rounder-shaped head, but the GT’s updated headform attempts to broaden compatibility.

Bell Bullitt GT Interior

The interior materials feature antimicrobial properties that help resist odor and bacterial growth during extended wear.I've found this helpful during summer riding when sweat becomes a concern. The liner comes fully removable and easily detaches for hand washing.

The interior materials feature antimicrobial properties that help resist odor and bacterial growth during extended wear.

I’ve found this helpful during summer riding when sweat becomes a concern. The liner comes fully removable and easily detaches for hand washing.

Bell uses a brow mount mechanism at the front of the headliner that eliminates pressure points caused by the traditional snap mechanism.

The snaps for the liner sit at the back and bottom of the neck where you won’t feel them during rides. This design choice addresses a common complaint about snap-based mounting mechanisms creating hot spots on the forehead.

Cheek Pads

The cheek pads can be swapped out to fine-tune your fit, offering different thicknesses of 35mm and 45mm.

Your helmet size determines which thickness of cheek pads comes as standard, and you’re limited by what your size includes – if you get 35mm pads standard, you can’t go thinner, and if you get 45mm pads, you can’t go thicker.

I’ve experimented with different cheek pad thicknesses and found the adjustment range helpful for customizing fit.

The three-snap mechanism on each cheek pad makes swapping straightforward, though you’ll need to purchase replacement pads separately at around $22.99.

Ventilation

The ventilation features four forehead vents that represent a major upgrade over the previous model – these vents are now fully closable.

The closing ventilation mechanism uses an easy-to-operate slider or trigger located under the chin bar that I can operate while riding.

You can hear the vents closing as plastic pieces slide into position behind the metal mesh screens.

A single exhaust vent is included at the back that helps pull hot air out using the Venturi effect.

However, they removed the chin vent that existed on the older version after CFD analysis suggested it wasn’t effective. The large opening ventilation design allows substantial air to flow up and under the chin bar area.

I’ve noticed the exhaust vent introduces some wind noise around 30-40mph, though it disappears at higher speeds.

The mesh over the forehead intakes prevents bugs from entering, which I appreciate during summer rides through wooded areas.

Bell Bullitt GT Visor Functionality and Design

The visor can be cracked just open for more airflow, though it tends to close down from this cracked position at anything above slow urban speeds.

The visor can be cracked just open for more airflow, though it tends to close down from this cracked position at anything above slow urban speeds.

I’ve found that tucking the leather tab under the visor and closing it down helps maintain more of a cracked position for increased airflow.

The first positive stage of the visor opens about 7cm and stays open up to motorway speeds, then from there it’s right up to the positively locked fully open position which stays open at any speed.

The visor mechanism feels very smooth in operation, and the visor seats itself without locking down.

Bell uses a magnetic closure tab to hold the visor down when fully closed – it’s a neat feature that works well and prevents the pull tab from flapping about.

The company made a secondary wiper blade mechanism to help seal the visor while keeping the aesthetic of the hinge plates.

The GT features a new quick-release visor, no-tools visor mechanism that represents a major upgrade over the original model.

Just press the central button on the side covers then slide them back and the visor is easily removed. Pop the visor back on and they snap securely back in place – it’s brilliant for cleaning and for swapping visors.

You can wear it as an open face by removing the visor and installing the supplied plastic side covers.

Goggles will fit in the aperture, though I found that with mine at least, I had to pitch the helmet up just a fraction due to the position and angle of the forehead lining. The strap isn’t retained though, so make sure you have one with silicone grips on the inside.

Sun Visor

The Bullitt GT doesn’t include an internal drop-down sun visor. This means you’ll need to rely on tinted visors or sunglasses for sun protection.

There are various tinted visor options including iridium dark silver and smoke variants, with original Bullitt visors listed at $39.95 USD for colored, clear, and smoke flat visors.

Bell Bullitt GT Noise Levels

It is relatively noisy and noisier than some of its competition due to fundamental design choices that favor the vintage aesthetic.They made improvements to soundproofing, but these changes are minimal because of the large front opening design that defines the Bullitt's character.The large opening creates a compromise - you get increased visibility but sacrifice quiet operation.

It is relatively noisy and noisier than some of its competition due to fundamental design choices that favor the vintage aesthetic.

They made improvements to soundproofing, but these changes are minimal because of the large front opening design that defines the Bullitt’s character.

The large opening creates a compromise – you get increased visibility but sacrifice quiet operation.

I’ve noticed that air comes in under the helmet at a speed where there’s no chin guard, and this airflow generates substantial noise that becomes annoying after 100 miles or so of highway riding.

Testing data shows the Bullitt DLX averaged 102 dB on sound meters, which places it in line with other classic-looking helmets like the AGV X3000 and Shoei Glamster.

While this isn’t terrible for a vintage-styled lid, it’s still louder than sport-touring lids that prioritize acoustic comfort.

The exhaust vent at the back introduces some wind noise around 30-40mph, though this disappears at higher speeds.

I’ve found that the visor mechanism can also contribute to noise levels. At high speeds, it can sound as if it is whispering to you because of the visor.

One way to solve the rattle issues is to add foam sealing around the lens opening, which eliminates annoying rattles at highway speed but doesn’t eliminate wind noise altogether.

If you’re planning long-distance tours, earplugs become a necessity rather than an option.

Bell Bullitt GT Safety Certifications

The Bullitt GT is certified as a full-face helmet under ECE 22.06, which represents the latest and most rigorous European safety standard.

The Bullitt GT is certified as a full-face helmet under ECE 22.06, which represents the latest and most rigorous European safety standard.

This certification addresses previous concerns about safety standards that existed with earlier classic helmets in the market.

The GT meets DOT certification standards, creating what the company describes as an “extra bump of safety feature” by achieving both certifications in one shell design.

I like that they didn’t compromise on safety to achieve the vintage look – the GT version now meets these current, stricter safety standards while maintaining the classic Bell aesthetic.

Bell Bullitt GT Weight

It weighs 3.20 pounds (51.2 ounces) for a medium size in the standard fiberglass version, with Bell listing it at 1,450g +/- 50g.A large size actually measured 3.16 pounds (50.6 ounces) on our scales, making it lighter than the claimed 3.31 pounds (53.0 ounces).This puts the Bullitt GT among the lighter full-face motorcycle helmets I've tested, particularly for one meeting the tougher ECE 22.06 standard.

It weighs 3.20 pounds (51.2 ounces) for a medium size in the standard fiberglass version, with Bell listing it at 1,450g +/- 50g.

A large size actually measured 3.16 pounds (50.6 ounces) on our scales, making it lighter than the claimed 3.31 pounds (53.0 ounces).

This puts the Bullitt GT among the lighter full-face motorcycle helmets I’ve tested, particularly for one meeting the tougher ECE 22.06 standard.

The carbon version drops weight further to 2.98 pounds (47.6 ounces) for a medium, with the large carbon shell coming in at 3.09 pounds (49.4 ounces).

We measured our medium carbon version at 2.98 pounds (47.7 ounces), confirming Bell’s specifications are accurate.

VersionSizeWeight (lbs)Weight (oz)
FiberglassMedium3.2051.2
FiberglassLarge3.1650.6
CarbonMedium2.9847.6
CarbonLarge3.0949.4

I’ve worn this helmet for hours without neck strain, and the weight distribution feels balanced. The shell construction keeps mass low while maintaining the classic Bell profile that riders love.

Compared to the original Bullitt at 3.09 pounds (49.4 ounces), the GT version maintains a similar weight while adding contemporary safety compliance.

The Bullitt GT proves you don’t need to accept heavy weight for classic styling. At $435 for the standard version and $615 for carbon, the weight savings justify the price difference for riders who value comfort during long rides. This vintage look doesn’t come with the neck fatigue penalties of heavier classic helmets.

Bell Bullitt GT Bluetooth Options

The Bluetooth mechanism is designed with integrated speaker pockets that accommodate most communication systems on the market today.

The Bluetooth mechanism is designed with integrated speaker pockets that accommodate most communication systems on the market today.

The pockets were engineered at 50mm in diameter and 12mm deep, making them larger than typically needed for current systems by preemptively making them as big as possible for future compatibility.

The helmet features large speaker pockets that provide plenty of space for Bluetooth installation. I’ve found these pockets accommodate popular Bluetooth units from Sena, Cardo, and other manufacturers without modification.

They clearly anticipated the growing demand for Bluetooth comms in classic helmets and built the Bullitt GT to handle them properly.

Bluetooth installation is straightforward with plenty of space on the side of the helmet to mount the main unit.

The bonded-in neck skirt means the cable will likely need to run over it or tucked in just in front, but this doesn’t create any comfort issues during riding.

I’ve tested several Bluetooth kits in the speaker pockets and found them spacious enough for the most popular brands.

The only thing is, I wish they would make a drop-in Bluetooth kit. Looks like the helmet has a space on each side for speakers but I’m not seeing anything online specific to these helmets.

Bell Bullitt GT Color and Graphic Options

The Bullitt GT color options are built around ten solid color and graphic choices that span both fiberglass and carbon versions, giving you a huge range of style possibilities for this classic-looking helmet.

The Bullitt GT delivers what I consider a superb finish across all colorways, with some designs being totally breathtaking in their execution.

The standard fiberglass version starts at $399.95 for plain gloss black, blue, green, and matt black finishes.

Graphic versions like the ‘Wander’ model cost $429.95 and showcase their attention to detail – I’ve examined the stripe application on this model and found it seamless, with the off-white and solid black sitting beautifully under a deep gloss topcoat.

Carbon versions command $649.95 for plain finishes and $699.95 for graphic options. Each helmet comes finished with either a black, brown, or red leather liner that complements the exterior styling.

The carbon weave adds a contemporary touch to the classic Bell aesthetic while maintaining the vintage appeal that riders love.

VersionFinish TypePrice (USD)Lining Options
FiberglassPlain Colors$399.95Black, Brown, Red Leather
FiberglassGraphics$429.95Black, Brown, Red Leather
CarbonPlain$649.95Black, Brown, Red Leather
CarbonGraphics$699.95Black, Brown, Red Leather

An array of flat and bubble visors are available with 15 styles to choose from, creating a total of 150 variations when you combine helmet colors with shield options.

I’ve tested several shield combinations and found the variety lets you customize the look from classic racing to modern street style.

The visor options include clear, tinted, and iridium finishes that change the entire character of the helmet.

A clear shield gives you that classic racing feel, while a dark-tinted visor creates a more aggressive street appearance. The bubble shields add vintage flair that takes you back to the golden age of motorcycle racing gear.

Bell Bullitt GT FAQ

Is the Bullitt GT comfortable for long rides?

How noisy is the Bullitt GT?

Can I wear glasses with the Bullitt GT?

Are the new Bullitt GT visors compatible with the original Bullitt?

Can I install Bluetooth?

Is the Bullitt GT good for touring?

How does the ventilation perform?

What’s the weight difference between fiberglass and carbon versions?

What color options are available for the Bullitt GT?

Bullitt GT Conclusion

The new Bullitt GT is a polarizing helmet that divides motorcycle communities between those who value looks over substance and riders who prioritize performance metrics above all else.

I’ve found that many acknowledge objectively better and more versatile helmets exist for less money, yet the Bullitt GT remains a bestseller due to its iconic classic aesthetic and rich legacy in motorcycle culture.

Purchasing the Bullitt GT represents a decision made “from the heart, rather than the head”. The helmet costs $399.95 for standard colors and reaches $699.95 for carbon graphics, placing it at a premium price point where performance-focused alternatives offer more features for less money.

But numbers don’t tell the whole story when you’re talking about a lid that honors Bell’s classic racing heritage.

The GT version includes several welcome updates based on user feedback that address previous complaints.

The closable forehead vents, improved visor mechanism with tool-free removal, and updated ECE 22.06 safety certification show Bell listened to the community.

At 3.16 pounds (50.6 ounces) for a large fiberglass version, it’s reasonably light for a classic helmet meeting modern safety standards.

This vintage-looking helmet succeeds at what it sets out to do – honor Bell’s star legacy while delivering a classic aesthetic that turns heads at bike nights. J

Just don’t expect it to compete with modern sport touring helmets on performance metrics, and you’ll love what this retro lid brings to your riding experience.

The Bullitt GT proves that sometimes the heart wins over the head, and there’s nothing wrong with choosing a helmet that makes you feel good about your ride.

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