In the world of motorcycle helmets, few brands enjoy the prestige and trust commanded by Shark. From their beginnings in southern France to their global presence today, Shark Helmets has become synonymous with safety, innovation, and performance, earning a loyal following among professional racers and everyday riders alike.
A Racer-Founded Legacy
Founded in 1986 in Marseille by brothers André and Robert Teston, both former professional racers, Shark was born from a passion for motorcycling and a commitment to excellence. Their vision was clear to design the safest, most high-performing helmets possible. Drawing on their racing experience, they understood the unique demands of competitive riding and set out to create helmets that would deliver superior protection and performance on both the track and the road.
Early Innovation and Racing Success
Shark quickly made its mark with groundbreaking products, including the XRC Carbon, the world’s first mass-produced full-face helmet constructed from carbon fibre. This innovative design set new standards for lightweight construction, impact resistance, and aerodynamic efficiency.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, world champions like Carl Fogarty, Raymond Roche, and Troy Corser chose Shark for its unmatched combination of safety, comfort, and engineering precision. These endorsements from the racing elite cemented Shark’s reputation as a helmet manufacturer dedicated to performance at the highest level.
Manufacturing Expansion and Global Reach
By the mid-1990s, Shark expanded production beyond France, opening facilities in Thailand and Portugal to meet increasing global demand. With a distribution network spanning over 80 countries, the brand established itself as a truly international player.
Today, Shark sells more than 800,000 helmets annually, with over 11 million helmets sold worldwide; a testament to its enduring growth and the trust it has earned from riders everywhere.
Acquisitions and Brand Development
Shark’s growth accelerated in 2011 when its parent company, 2Ride Holding, acquired Trophy Group, owner of renowned protective gear brands Bering, Segura, and Bagster. This strategic move placed Shark at the heart of a portfolio dedicated to motorcycle safety and performance.
In 2019, the group expanded further by acquiring the Nolan Group, adding prestigious names such as X-lite, Grex, and N-Com to its offering, securing a leading position in the European helmet market.
Research, Development, and Technological Commitment
Innovation remains central to Shark’s success. Its dedicated R&D centre in Marseille uses advanced tools such as wind-tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics to refine helmet aerodynamics, reduce noise, and improve airflow.
Shark helmets regularly achieve high ratings from safety organisations like SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme) and are supported by a five-year warranty, underlining the brand’s confidence in its products.
Trusted by Professionals, Chosen by Everyday Riders
Shark’s presence in professional motorsport is as strong as ever, with riders in MotoGP, World Superbike, and endurance racing depending on its helmets for safety and performance. Beyond the racetrack, commuters, tourers, and weekend riders value Shark’s ability to combine advanced safety with comfort and style.
Final Thoughts
From a workshop in France to a position of global influence, Shark’s journey is defined by passion, precision, and a relentless drive for improvement. At Moto Central, we’re proud to stock an extensive range of Shark helmets, from race-bred designs to versatile touring options - so every rider can experience the quality and confidence that come with the Shark name.
Explore the Shark collection today and ride with confidence.