[dubtecv2]

First, a little background:

I've spent some time (and way too much money) looking for the perfect helmet. My first was an HJC CL-14 that came with my SV...I hated that helmet. I did some research and decided on a Shoei. I had just gotten a shiny new credit card that I was dying to break in, so I picked up a Shoei X-11 Vermeulen 3 TC-2 lid at Cycle Gear.

The X-Eleven was heaven compared to the HJC, but didn't fit me quite right (the rear was too low and hit my jacket when in a tuck pushing the helmet forward obstructing view). Cycle Gear just so happen to have a sale soon, so I sold the X-11 and bought an RF-1000 for $80 under MSRP. The RF was great...light, fairly quiet, good aerodynamics, and most importantly it fit well (cheek pads were a little loose but felt great with a balaklava on). Only complaint was the shield wasn't anywhere close to being fog free. It came with a breath guard, but I wear glasses and can't use those because they direct breath on my glasses and fog them up instead.

Jump to a couple weeks ago. I had a couple bucks burning a hole in my pocket and just so happen to be at Cycle Gear (imagine that!) when I spotted a new Scorpion EXO-1000. I had read a little about this helmet and was intrigued...100% fog-free shield, built-in sun visor, fit well. I couldn't resist and bought it on the spot.

When I bought the Scorpion I had just moved down here and finally had a garage to work on the bike. I spent 90% of my time doing little things that I had wanted to do but never had a time or place. I think I rode with the Scorpion helmet twice? The fog free shield was nice, but it had a reflection in the sides that was very distracting. The flip-down sun visor was a nice feature, but it wasn't dark enough and had an oddly-shaped nose cutout that was also distracting. Most importantly, it was very heavy (over 4lbs!). So I returned it, disappointed that I hadn't found the right one yet.

Move to the weekend before last. Someone on TulsaSportbikeRiders.com (I moved here from Tulsa) posted a link where a Shark RSR2 helmet could be purchased for $250 shipped. Sounds like a pretty good deal, I thought...then I found its MSRP: $630! GREAT deal! I spent a couple hours researching this helmet and couldn't find a single bad review. Everyone that owns one seemed to love it, uncluding a fried I had back in T-Town. The following Monday I put in my order for the Shark RSR2. Received it today... On to the review!

Shark RSR2 Duhamel replica

First impressions...this thing is light! My RF-1000 (which I consider to be a light helmet) weighs 1,610 grams, or 3.55lbs. Comparitively, the Shoei X-11 weighs 1,635 grams, or 3.60lbs. The Scorpion EXO-1000 weighs 1,821 grams, or 4.02lbs. The Shark RSR2? 1,400 grams, or 3.09lbs! That's almost half a pound lighter than my 'light' RF-1000...

Fit and finish: Awesome. The paint and graphics are smooth, all the vents open and close with a positive feel. Visor mechanism works effortlessly and flawlessly, which bring me to the visor itself...

This thing is thick! Unlike most helmet visors which are 2mm thick, this Shark visor is 3mm thick! That's 50% thicker than the visors offered by Shoei, Arai, HJC, Scorpion, you name it. From what I've read it the same visor (or close to it) that Shark uses on their F1 helmets. If it's good enough for Formula 1, it's good enough for me. It's fog- and scratch-free, and comes with tear-off posts (a few tear-offs are even included!). The mechanism isn't like Shoei's or most others. There are no defined positions for the visor to click into. It's a smooth action and is infinitely adjustable. There's a small metal nub that locks into a hole at the bottom of the visor to keep it locked down...

Fit: I'm on the small side of a medium and this helmet fits well. Some have said it runs small, that a large fits like a medium, but I don't find that to be true. It does fit a little tighter than my medium RF-1000, but it's definitely not tight. Padding is very luxurious, almost velour-like. One thing that sold me on this helmet is it's cut so that it won't hit the back of your neck or jacket when in a tuck...seems to be true!

That's all, for now. I haven't ridden with it yet but will tonight.

Here are some pics to hold you over:

 

[7Zark7]

Hells yes. I love mine. Went from a RF900 that was way too big to this superlight well fitting helmet.

 

[wacky_woodchuck]

I love mine as well... I see you got the matte Duhammel...I had to go with the glossy version...as I got mine as a steal as well. Not a steal like you...but still good.

Here's my review on it...

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=83877

 

[qazan]

nice review. i am looking for one too. if you dont mind can you post where did you buy it from?

 

[Spacecoast]

I did quite a bit of helmet research in the last month or so. I was changing over to a full-face and did not want to make a costly mistake. The best helmets...Shark RSR2, the Bell Star (yes, I was suprised too, but go do the research) and the Scorpion EXO-700. I got my Scorpion for $109 delivered and I'm very satisfied.

 

[wacky_woodchuck]

I did quite a bit of helmet research in the last month or so. I was changing over to a full-face and did not want to make a costly mistake. The best helmets...Shark RSR2, the Bell Star (yes, I was suprised too, but go do the research) and the Scorpion EXO-700. I got my Scorpion for $109 delivered and I'm very satisfied.

No offense intented..But the Scorpion 700 is not in the same league as the RSR2, Bell Star, Arai Corsair and other top of the line racing lids.

It's a great budget lid and works great. It's the best budget helmet out there.... Just be glad you didn't try on a RSR2 or Star....you would have busted out your wallet. ;D

 

[frick]

I have two, and the second is because I loved the first so much (I wanted 2 helmets). I've owned several helmets.

My only annoyance is that the Respro Foggy mask is unable to have the side velcro stick to the liner because the liner is too plush. However, that's no big deal at all because the flaps are held by compression anyway.

The visor is thick and costs $70 so it's expensive, but it also doesn't flex as much and holds a better seal on the gasket around the viewport. I think it has better optical properties than most other visors I've used. It barely leaks air, if at all. My old clear visor has a lot of pits right between my eyes from rocks on the freeway and there's never been any cracks (I had an old Shoei years ago and it had a little spidering from a rock on the freeway). Polarized sunglasses will get some rainbowy affect, though. I use the dark smoke visor as well.

The new Sharp helmet testing reports gave it 5/5 stars in a crash. It's very light, comfortable, and the vents actually close! When open, there's a lot of airflow. I have never had any problem with whistling. You can also get thicker cheek pads. Plus, it's a rare helmet to see and it sticks out, and it's ECE rated.

helmetharbor.com has a great review on it (and shows the "shark fins") as well as webbikeworld.com

(You should put this in the reviews section. There's already a thread started on RSR2's as well.)

 

[Spacecoast]

No offense intented..But the Scorpion 700 is not in the same league as the RSR2, Bell Star, Arai Corsair and other top of the line racing lids.

No offense taken..but I did look at the Arai and did not like it for the $$ being asked. Also, the shield mounting point system is very weak and subject to early failure. But you are correct, the Scorpion 700 is a budget helmet. But a $500 helmet is not more protection. Also, the liner is fully replacable..not all Arai's are..sometimes only the cheek pads.

 

[candela]

Great story and review. Any way you can share that link, I'd be interested in purchasing the lid at that price too.

 

[Jetengr]

nice review. i am looking for one too. if you dont mind can you post where did you buy it from?

Yeah, seriously, that's a great deal. I want one now. Love the design too. So, where can I find it?

 

[scottyb0119]

yeah wheres the link please...

 

[Jawn]

No offense intented..But the Scorpion 700 is not in the same league as the RSR2, Bell Star, Arai Corsair and other top of the line racing lids.

It's a great budget lid and works great. It's the best budget helmet out there.... Just be glad you didn't try on a RSR2 or Star....you would have busted out your wallet. ;D

+1. I heard and read alot of great things about the scorpion so I went and bought one. It's a great helmet for the price, but that's about it. It isn't even in the same league as the shoei rf900 I was replacing. I'm pretty disapointed and am in the market for a new helmet. I'm liking the RSR2 and am glad to see this review. Now to find a deal on one.

 

[dubtecv2]

$250 shipped is a members-only price. SportbikeTrackGear.com has them for $299.95 shipped; they only have Medium, Large, and XXLarge left.

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=2447

Alright, went for a ride last night.

The Shark RSR2? Downright fabulous. Aerodynamics are by far the best I've experienced. Even in fast-moving Dallas highway traffic there was no buffeting or uncontrolled movements. Seemed to flow a good about of air - I was wearing a balaklava which hindered my ability to feel air moving over my head.

The helmet was very quiet. No whistles or abnormal wind noise. I would still suggest wearing earplugs (especially with my loud a$$ exhaust, lol).

The visor had the best optical clarity of any visor I've had the pleasure of peering through...no distortion, no reflections, etc etc. I'd like to get my hands on a smoked or mirrored visor, but at $70 a pop that won't be for a while.

The viewing area to the side is a little limited...I assume this comes from its racing origin. Not really a problem, just have to turn your head a tad further to check over your shoulder.

Overall? It's a keeper. Buy one. Now.

 

[Leechy]

I'm very much contemplating buying one of these. I went to a dealer and tried one on and it fit great! But one size smaller was very out of the question.
My question is... how much do these helmets loosen up after getting broken in? I bought an Icon helmet last year and it loosened up big time.. it's hardly wearable now. I'm hoping the Shark would stay fitting snug, otherwise it would most likely end up too loose.

 

[dubtecv2]

Buy it. Don't think about it, buy it. Show that credit card who's boss!

 

[frick]

I'm very much contemplating buying one of these. I went to a dealer and tried one on and it fit great! But one size smaller was very out of the question.
My question is... how much do these helmets loosen up after getting broken in? I bought an Icon helmet last year and it loosened up big time.. it's hardly wearable now. I'm hoping the Shark would stay fitting snug, otherwise it would most likely end up too loose.

Well, all helmets loosen up to a degree, it's normal. You can replace the cheek pads and even get thicker pads for the cheeks. You should do this, regardless of what helmet you have, if you have the option. I haven't looked for a vendor, but you should also be able to replace the headliner too.

How much the helmet will loosen will also likely depend on how much hair you have, if you wear thick balaclavas or headliners, and in general how much you end up stretching it out vs. someone else.

Are you SURE one size too small was out of the question? Are you used to having your face crushed properly? Nearly all riders wear a helmet that is too big for them.

 

[Leechy]

I do agree that they all loosen up. Everything does when you wear it a few times. But there was no way I was gonna be able to get my noggin into a size smaller. The large size fit, and I couldn't even get the medium over my forehead.
Something tells me I'll be back to the place locally that sells them to try them on at least one more time before I buy one... just to make sure.

Buy it. Don't think about it, buy it. Show that credit card who's boss!

Oh, it knows. And believe you me... it won't forget!

 

[NextSV]

Dubtec. How do you become a member on STG? I am thinking if I can get one of these for $250 I will do it. I am also going to call a few other places and try to get a price match. Do you find these fit true to size? I measured my noggin and I will need a medium according to the site (same size my KBC is).
Thanks,

 

[hsilman]

fyi motorcyclecloseouts.com has a couple of shark rsr2 in different sizes and designs for $199.99 shipped.

 

[brock uppercut]

i picked up an rs1 for around 240 or so . i went to the local bike shop , tried on a few helmets , went home , typed the helmet up on google and found the cheapest price .
the only drawbacks that i found with mine is the paint will scrape off if it touches anything harder than sofft wood , so just be very careful handeling it .
and i went from an open faced helmet to a full helmet , which tends to make me ride faster
other than that i agree with everything that has already been said about this helmet