When it comes to motorcycle helmets, few names command as much respect as Shark. From their roots in southern France to their global reputation today, Shark Helmets has earned its place as a leader in safety, innovation and performance.
A Racer-Founded Legacy
Shark was established in 1986 in Marseille by brothers André and Robert Teston - both former professional racers. Their goal was simple but ambitious: to create the safest, most high-performance helmets on the market. With their racing background, they understood the demands of competitive riding and set out to deliver products that would exceed expectations on both the road and the track.
Early Innovation and Racing Success
Just a few years after its founding, Shark made headlines with the release of the XRC Carbon - the world’s first mass-produced full-face helmet made from carbon fibre. This helmet wasn’t just lightweight; it set new benchmarks for impact resistance and aerodynamic performance.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Shark helmets were worn by world champions such as Carl Fogarty, Raymond Roche and Troy Corser. These riders trusted Shark not just for its protection, but also for its engineering excellence and rider-focused design.
Manufacturing Expansion and Global Reach
By the mid-1990s, Shark had established manufacturing operations beyond France, with production facilities in Thailand and Portugal to meet growing international demand. Their distribution network expanded rapidly, reaching over 80 countries worldwide.
Today, Shark sells more than 800,000 helmets per year and has sold over 11 million units globally - a clear sign of the brand’s consistent growth and rider trust.
Acquisitions and Brand Development
In 2011, Shark’s parent company, 2Ride Holding, acquired Trophy Group - owners of protective gear brands Bering, Segura and Bagster. This move allowed Shark to become part of a broader group specialising in motorcycle safety equipment.
Further growth came in 2019 when the group acquired the Nolan Group, bringing additional brands such as X-lite, Grex and N-Com into its portfolio. Together, these brands represent a significant share of the European helmet market.
R&D and Technological Commitment
At the heart of Shark’s ongoing success is its commitment to research and development. The brand operates a dedicated R&D centre in Marseille, where advanced technologies like wind-tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics are used to optimise helmet shape, noise control and airflow.
Shark helmets consistently receive high ratings from safety bodies such as SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme), and all helmets are backed by a five-year warranty.
Trusted by Professionals, Chosen by Everyday Riders
Today, Shark remains a fixture in professional racing, with riders in MotoGP, WSBK and endurance racing relying on their helmets. But the brand’s appeal isn’t limited to the paddock. Commuters, tourers, and weekend riders alike value Shark for its combination of safety, style and performance.
Final Thoughts
Shark’s journey from a French workshop to a globally recognised name is a story of passion, precision and progression. At ThrottleChimp, we’re proud to offer a full range of Shark helmets - from cutting-edge race designs to versatile touring models - so every rider can experience the difference for themselves.
Explore the Shark range today and ride with confidence.