THERE'S NO doubt about it - £870 is a lot of cash for a helmet. But then these Shark Race R Pro GP lids are a bit special. Not only are they based on the firm's top-end carbon-aramid Race R Pro shell, they feature the very trick 'Winter Test' graphics used outside the normal MotoGP season by all the factory teams.
Bikes, leathers and helmets all switch to a special 'black' colourway for winter tests in MotoGP and WSB, and the racers all seem to get right into redesigning their lids to suit. Shark has released these Jorge Lorenzo, Scott Redding and Johann Zarco winter test designs, and they're on show right now at the Birmingham NEC show.
Under the cool black design lies Shark's highest-spec track helmet, with a radical aero spoiler out back. The GP version of the Race R Pro features special anodised visor hardware, and a fancy titanium double-D ring fastening on the strap - nice. Of course you get fully washable and removable liner, and the helmet even comes with a proper factory dark visor in the box.
The price might be heavy - but the helmets themselves are light - just a claimed 1400g for each. You get a full set of extra sponsors' stickers in the box should you want the entire race rep look, plus exclusive winter test helmet bag and kit bag. More info from UK importer Nevis: http://www.nevis.uk.com
