Shark RSR 2 Motorcycle Helmet

 

The first thing I noticed when I took the helmet out of the box was the weight. The Shark RSR 2 Fujiwara replica helmet weighs only 1400 grams or 3 lbs. The finish is top notch. All aspects of the helmet are well-finished, and the tolerances are tight. And, if there are ever any problems Shark provides a 5 year warranty.

 

The directions provided with the helmet are helpful, but if you dislike reading brochures, Shark provides information on their web site http://www.shark-helmets.com/. Something very neat that I have not seen before is the video on the Shark web site which shows how to attach shields and remove liners for all Shark helmets. The liner is easily removed for washing and changing the shield is super simple. The shield releases easily by pushing on the center of the circle where the shield is attached to the helmet. You can even adjust the tension of the shield. I like mine on the tighter side so I can take a peak at riders behind me during a race. This normally occurs on the straights riding at higher speeds. I have had lesser helmet shields open, which is not a good thing during a race.

 

Safety is a top priority for most helmet manufacturers. Shark has designed some innovative safety features into their helmets. They are the only manufacturer to use a “crumple zone” type retention system instead of a solid outer shell and soft liner. Shark uses multi-axle fibers of carbon and kevlar to create the shell. This design diffuses the energy better than conventional designs. The neatest part of the helmet is the “Shark Fin Shocks.”  These fins are vertical supports that make up the inner shell. All this technology is designed to do one thing, dissipate energy and keep your brain from slamming against your skull. . While it’s difficult to describe, a visit their web site will clarify what I’m talking about.

 

So the helmet looks nice, weighs next to nothing, but how does it perform?

 

The Shark RSR2 is the first helmet that I have not modified in any way to wear on the race track. And trust me, at speeds in excess of 150 mph, you need a helmet that fits well and performs! According to the Shark specialists, the RSR2 aerodynamic shape is designed to push down on your head as speed increases. Unfortunately, I have had the opportunity to test the RSR2 in a crash. At Road Atlanta, exiting turn 1 and transitioning into turn 2, I pushed the front and crashed. The crash occurred at about 80 mph. Luckily, I was able to get up immediately and move out of the way of other riders. The RSR2 did a great job of protecting my head. The usual paint chips and skid marks did appear, but nothing penetrated the shell.  See the photo below. While I will retire that helmet, I will need to use another Shark RSR2 helmet in my arsenal in the future.

 

So as the saying goes, if you have a $5 head wear a $5 helmet. I think I will stick with my Shark RSR2. 

 

Review by:  Mike Morgan, RIM R&D, AMA Formula Xtreme racer # 811