Bell Helmets NZ & AU — The Complete Guide for Motorsport Competitors
Aaron HarrisWritten by Aaron Harris — Barcelona 24 Hour class winner, Bathurst competitor, MSNZ licence examiner for helmets and racewear. Rex Harris — RSM and ACMA certified Radio Telecommunications Engineer. Harris Race Radios has supplied motorsport helmets and communications equipment to NZ and AU competitors since 1975. Published June 2026.
Harris Race Radios is New Zealand and Australia's official Bell Helmets dealer. We stock the full Bell range — from entry-level CMR karting helmets through to FIA 8860 carbon shells — and Rex and Aaron Harris are MSNZ-certified helmet examiners who have raced with Bell helmets at Bathurst, Barcelona, and Dubai. This guide is written from that experience
Why Bell Helmets?
Bell is one of the most trusted names in motorsport head protection, used by F1 champions, Supercars drivers, rally crews, kart racers, and speedway competitors worldwide. Every Bell helmet we sell is genuine, sourced through official Bell channels, and carries current FIA, Snell, or CMR certification. No grey-market imports, ever.
Bell Helmets by Discipline — NZ & AU
Circuit Racing
For circuit car racing in NZ and AU, you need FIA 8859-2024 or Snell SA2025 as a minimum. Our top picks: Bell RS7 (FIA 8859-2024, our most popular circuit helmet), Bell GT6 (FIA 8859-2024 and SA2025), Bell HP7 Evo IV (FIA 8860-2018 carbon, for GT and Supercars-level competition).
Rally
Rally helmets need FIA 8859-2024 or FIA 8860. Co-drivers often prefer open-face for visibility. Top picks: Bell Mag-10 (open face, FIA 8859-2024, popular with co-drivers), Bell GT6 Pro Rally (full face, FIA 8859-2024), Bell HP10 (FIA 8860 carbon, professional rally).
Karting
Karting requires CMR 2016 — car racing helmets are not permitted in karting. The Bell KC7 is CMR 2016 approved and our recommended Bell karting helmet for NZ and AU kart racers.
Speedway & Dirt Track
Bell has a purpose-built speedway and dirt range with wider field of vision and rear-facing ventilation. Harris Race Radios is the official helmet supplier to Speedway NZ.
Shop Bell Speedway & Dirt Helmets →
Off-Road & 4WD Racing
Bell pumper helmets feature forced-air ventilation and pre-wired intercom connections — ideal for desert racing, off-road rallying, and 4WD competition.
Shop Bell Offroad Pumper Helmets →
Offshore & Marine Racing
The Bell Offshore helmet features a carbon composite shell, high-vis orange, fast-removable chin bar, and integrated ZeroNoise intercom. Rex Harris is a qualified Radio Telecommunications Engineer and approved Radio Certifier for NZ (RSM) and Australia (ACMA).
Bell Helmet Homologations
- FIA 8860-2018 — Highest FIA standard. Carbon shell required. F1, GT Pro, Supercars Championship, WEC, WRC.
- FIA 8859-2024 — Current FIA standard for most MSNZ and Motorsport Australia circuit and rally categories.
- Snell SA2025 — Accepted by most MSNZ and CAMS categories for circuit, speedway, and off-road.
- CMR 2016 — Required for karting. Car helmets not permitted in karting.
Not sure which standard your series requires? Contact Rex or Aaron — as MSNZ licence examiners, we can confirm exactly what your logbook needs.
Bell Helmets and Radio / Intercom Compatibility
As Australasia's leading motorsport radio specialists, Harris Race Radios can advise exactly which Bell helmet works best with your radio or intercom setup — and supply and wire the complete system. Rex Harris is a qualified Radio Telecommunications Engineer and approved Radio Certifier for both NZ (RSM) and Australia (ACMA). This is a capability no other Bell retailer in Australasia can match.
Shop Motorsport Radio Systems →
Bell vs Stilo — Which Should You Choose?
- Rally — Stilo is the benchmark (~65% WRC market share). Bell is strong but not rally-specialist.
- Circuit racing — Both equally strong. Choice comes down to head shape and fit.
- Speedway & dirt — Bell wins. Purpose-built range Stilo doesn't offer.
- Integrated comms — Stilo has factory-built electronics. Bell uses aftermarket wiring kits (which we supply and install).
Read the full Stilo vs Bell comparison →
Why Buy Your Bell Helmet from Harris Race Radios?
- Official Bell dealer for NZ & AU. Genuine stock, official channels, current homologation. No grey-market imports.
- MSNZ-certified helmet examiners. Rex and Aaron Harris are Motorsport New Zealand certified examiners.
- We race the equipment. Aaron has competed at Bathurst, Barcelona, and Dubai using Bell helmets.
- Huge NZ and AU stock. Fast dispatch via NZC and DHL Express.
- Radio and intercom expertise. No other Bell retailer in Australasia matches our comms capability.
- 60-day returns and free exchanges.
- Direct expert support. Call Rex or Aaron directly — not a call centre.
Contact Us
- 📞 Rex Harris: +64 21 682 912 — RSM & ACMA Certified Radio Telecommunications Engineer, MSNZ Helmet Examiner
- 📞 Aaron Harris: +64 27 449 9654 — Race & Data Engineer, MSNZ Licence Examiner, Barcelona 24 Hour class winner
- 📧 Contact us online
Frequently Asked Questions — Bell Helmets NZ & AU
- Is Harris Race Radios an official Bell Helmets dealer?
- Yes — Harris Race Radios is New Zealand and Australia's official Bell Helmets dealer. All helmets are genuine, sourced through official Bell channels, and carry current homologation.
- Which Bell helmet do I need for circuit racing in NZ or Australia?
- For most MSNZ and Motorsport Australia circuit categories from 2025, you need FIA 8859-2024 or Snell SA2025. The Bell RS7 and Bell GT6 both meet this standard.
- Can I use a Bell car helmet for karting?
- No — karting requires CMR 2016 certification. Car racing helmets are not permitted. The Bell KC7 is CMR 2016 approved.
- Do you supply Bell helmets to Australia?
- Yes — we hold NZ stock and ship to Australia via DHL Express. Most AU orders arrive within 2–4 business days.
- How do I fit a Bell helmet correctly?
- Measure your head circumference approximately one inch above the eyebrows, try the closest size, and check for even pressure with no gaps. See our full fitting guide for step-by-step instructions.
About the Authors
Rex Harris is a qualified Radio Telecommunications Engineer and Approved Radio Certifier for NZ RSM (ARC127) and AU ACMA, with motorsport radio and helmet experience since 1975 starting at the Marlboro Series Grand Prix. Rex is an MSNZ-certified helmet examiner.
Aaron Harris is an active racing driver and race engineer — Barcelona 24 Hour 1st in class (2013), Bathurst 1000 and 12 Hour competitor, BMW Race Driver Series Champion (2011), and race engineer for Earl Bamber Motorsport, TekworkX, Matt Stone Racing, and Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Asia-Pacific/NZ. Aaron is an MSNZ Licence Examiner for helmets, racewear, FHR, and HANS.
Harris Race Radios — New Zealand and Australia's official Bell Helmets dealer. Genuine stock sourced through official Bell channels. NZ stock held locally for fast dispatch. Ships to AU.
Related Guides
- How to Fit a Helmet →
- Bell Helmets Buyer's Guide — NZ & AU →
- Stilo vs Bell Helmets →
- FIA & Snell Standards Explained →
- Motorsport Australia Approved Helmets →
- Helmet Knowledge Centre →