Two classic American performance brands have come together to create a spectacular new motorcycle helmet. This custom Buell edition of the Simpson Mod Bandit – featuring a forged carbon shell pinstriped by Bob Smutz of Flyin’ Kolors – makes its debut at the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and is available to preorder from the Simpson Motorcycle website beginning August 1.

Buell Motorcycle Co. was first formed in Wisconsin by legendary engineer and motorcycle racer, Erik Buell, to build bikes for AMA racing. From its debut in 1983 to the time production ended in 2009, more than 135,000 motorcycles had been built, inspiring loyalty among riders looking for high performance and exclusivity. After an interim period as Erik Buell Racing (EBR), Buell began its return under new ownership in 2021, starting with the Hammerhead superbike and 1190SX street bike, then a brand-new touring motorcycle, the SuperTouring.

Coming next is the highly anticipated Super Cruiser, which promises superbike performance in a cruiser package. Buell worked on the initial concept with Roland Sands Designs. Its engineers have completed several prototype development phases since the initial reveal in 2023, as the company works toward start of production in the fall of this year. More than 6,000 riders have preordered the 175-horsepower machine, which has generated huge online engagement from Buell’s fanbase, and sparked an enthusiastic response from the wider motorcycle community ahead of its release.

The Super Cruiser inspired the design of the new Simpson x Buell helmet, which also features Buell’s branding and its Pegasus logo.

“We decided to base this special helmet on the Mod Bandit, which is our highest selling model by unit right now,” explains Jamie Beckett, Simpson’s Director of Motorcycle. “Our customer feedback tells us that we’re making modular helmets cool, because ours combine that practical functionality with the signature Bandit design.

“The Forged Carbon Ghost Bandit that we launched in the spring got a huge response,” he continues, “so we’ve decided to create the Simpson x Buell helmet using that same combination of chopped carbon fiber and infused resin, which gives each helmet a unique pattern. This is the first time that we’ve ever done forged carbon on the Mod.”

Shop Simpson motorcycle gear here.

On top of the carbon sit the Buell graphics and Bob Smutz’s pinstriping. Smutz is local to Buell’s new base in Grand Rapids, Mich., and has previously worked on Buell’s machines.

Like every Mod Bandit, the Simpson x Buell helmet is DOT and ECE2205-certified. It also features one-hand chin-bar opening, the ability to lock the chin bar in the open position, multiple adjustable intake vents, compatibility with a communication system, and an internal sun shield. It’s compatible with the Pinlock anti-fog system, too.

Released under the tagline, ‘Ride with us’, the helmet is being unveiled at the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which runs from August 1-10 in Sturgis, S.D. In a nod to the year of Buell’s founding, 1983, the first batch will consist of 830 helmets.

That limited-run, first batch is available to preorder from the Simpson Motorcycle website from August 1, with the first deliveries scheduled for November. Existing Buell email subscribers – including anyone who has preordered the Super Cruiser – will automatically receive details of how to order. Expect to also see the Simpson x Buell helmet on Buell’s website and at participating Buell dealers, at a later date.

“We’re excited to come together with Simpson helmets, which has a rich history and heritage with American racing performance products,” says Bill Melvin, Buell Motorcycle Co.’s owner and CEO. “The chipped carbon fiber perfectly complements our own racing performance and the carbon-fiber bodywork on our bikes. And with a Bob Smutz (Flyin’ Kolors) design, it was a no-brainer.”

“We see this fantastic helmet as just the beginning of where Simpson and Buell are going,” adds Beckett. “We are proud of this multi-year partnership between two American brands with enthusiast followings, and we plan to do some great things together. Like Buell, Simpson was born from racing and has a long history of serving the US motorcycle community. With the upcoming launch of the Super Cruiser, we expect 2026 to be a huge year for Buell, and we expect it to be a huge year for the collaboration helmet.”