SHARK - esprit S500

[NOMIS]

Hi looking at buying one of theses SHARK - esprit S500

Does any one have any idea on what they are like on the road, noise ect or any ideas??
Theres one at cycle trads for just over $300 thinking about getting one.

I can spend up to $400 on this so if any one got anything else they recommend let me know.
here a link of the helmet
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/acatalog/Shark_S500_Air_Esprit_Motorcycle_Helmet.html

[Cajun]

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/search/details/?id=40 <-- gives it 4 stars

[vifferman]

The most important thing is the fit, Mr NOMIS.

[NOMIS]

The most important thing is the fit, Mr NOMIS.

Shark seems to fit my head better than anything.. but what about wind noise and all that?
Shoie are niceeee helmets but im afraid the dont make them to fit me to well... And arai havnt had the chance of trying one one, agv i cant really afford but I can save thing is i need a good helmet now as mine was in a crash

[vifferman]

Both Shoei and Arai have more than one shell shape.
I wouldn't worry too much about wind noise - you should be wearing earplugs on the open road anyway. It's kinda subjective anyway - depends on the bike, riding position, your jacket collar, etc etc. So if someone says "Helmet X is very quiet", it may be for them , on their bike, but may not be for you, and vice-versa.
My AGV was a quiet helmet, and when I bought my Shoei XR1000, I thought, "Man! This is noisy!" However, it was just ambient noise, and the Shoei is much, much more quiet on the open road, as it's a more aerodynamic helmet.
Things like vents contribute to the wind noise - the more you have open, the more whistle you'll get. The Shoei seems to be more streamlined than my AGV XVent, and it also buffets around less (it's less subject to turbulence) as it has a spoiler on the back.
Go to the shop, try the Shark on, and operate the controls for the vents, visor, etc. with your gloves on. Be cheeky and ask them if you can test-ride it. They may let you, even if it's on the basis that you pay for it, go for a ride, then buy summat else from them if it's no good.
I've had only one shop offer a test-ride - and a trade-in! I think that was just the salesman, because he changed shops shortly after that. But you never know until you ask.

[NOMIS]

Both Shoei and Arai have more than one shell shape.
I wouldn't worry too much about wind noise - you should be wearing earplugs on the open road anyway. It's kinda subjective anyway - depends on the bike, riding position, your jacket collar, etc etc. So if someone says "Helmet X is very quiet", it may be for them , on their bike, but may not be for you, and vice-versa.
My AGV was a quiet helmet, and when I bought my Shoei XR1000, I thought, "Man! This is noisy!" However, it was just ambient noise, and the Shoei is much, much more quiet on the open road, as it's a more aerodynamic helmet.
Things like vents contribute to the wind noise - the more you have open, the more whistle you'll get. The Shoei seems to be more streamlined than my AGV XVent, and it also buffets around less (it's less subject to turbulence) as it has a spoiler on the back.
Go to the shop, try the Shark on, and operate the controls for the vents, visor, etc. with your gloves on. Be cheeky and ask them if you can test-ride it. They may let you, even if it's on the basis that you pay for it, go for a ride, then buy summat else from them if it's no good.
I've had only one shop offer a test-ride - and a trade-in! I think that was just the salesman, because he changed shops shortly after that. But you never know until you ask.


Yeh they said i can test ride it , as long as i leave the credit card haha.. But my bike aint even ready .. I thnking stick my head out the window of the car look pretty silly kinda dangerous, but oh well

[lesliec]

Hi Nomis.
I've got a Shark S500 and like it a lot - very comfortable. Most of my riding is commuter stuff and noise isn't an issue, but I've just had a South Island ride on a BMW F650GS which goes just a tiny bit faster than my little 125. The wind noise was nasty on Day 1 (roar, not whistle) but then I got some earplugs ($7 or so from a chemist) which made a huge difference. The top vents are very effective (a little much so, some frosty mornings!) but I haven't figured out whether the front one does anything.
I really like the nice airspace between my mouth and the front of the helmet - definitely less claustrophobic than some I tried. If you can get one for a bit over $300, go for it. I think mine was somewhere around $350 a couple of months ago.

[NOMIS]

Hi Nomis.
I've got a Shark S500 and like it a lot - very comfortable. Most of my riding is commuter stuff and noise isn't an issue, but I've just had a South Island ride on a BMW F650GS which goes just a tiny bit faster than my little 125. The wind noise was nasty on Day 1 (roar, not whistle) but then I got some earplugs ($7 or so from a chemist) which made a huge difference. The top vents are very effective (a little much so, some frosty mornings!) but I haven't figured out whether the front one does anything.
I really like the nice airspace between my mouth and the front of the helmet - definitely less claustrophobic than some I tried. If you can get one for a bit over $300, go for it. I think mine was somewhere around $350 a couple of months ago.

Cheers mate but put on a shark r2r just before i was about to buy the s500 and changed my mind right there and then, RS2R is the perfect fitting helmet for me, I just have to save some money. But i tried shoie arai kbc agv helmets and the SHARK RS2R was definatly my best fit by far. Couldnt find a problem with it except the price lol

[placidfemme]

They are great helmets, only thing to consider is that the S500 is now an old model, as of 2008 the entry level Shark is the S800.

Don't worry though, all brand new Shark's come with a 5 year warranty, so at least for 5 more years you know you can still get parts (like visors, vents etc).

Otherwise they are awesome!

Sharks are the only helmet that fit my head

[NOMIS]

Any one got a RS2R for sale?

[klyong82]

I got a S500 nice comfortable helmet but a bit noisy so I got ear plugs to make the sound go away. Best to get the S800 because I think they come with the extra huff..

[Richard Mc F]

I have an S500, great fit but the clear coat is peeling, it is being discontinued and the repacement is the S650

[R6_kid]

I got one from cycletreads for $148... But thats only for gloss black. Ask very nicely and they might order one in for you at the clearance price.

[NOMIS]

I got one from cycletreads for $148... But thats only for gloss black. Ask very nicely and they might order one in for you at the clearance price.

Jeez thats cheap, Well i want a RS2R I don't think ill be able to get anything else after wearing that

[PrincessBandit]

I have a Shark RS2 and it's brilliant. Would definitely recommend to anyone to give them a try.

[NOMIS]

I have a Shark RS2 and it's brilliant. Would definitely recommend to anyone to give them a try.

nice aye, I ordered a shark RSR 2 ( new model ) into the country through power motor sports. be the only on that they have ever got in :-) well in that design

Just brought a Ixon progress jacket to man its bloody awesome jacket aye

[scracha]

They are great helmets, only thing to consider is that the S500 is now an old model, as of 2008 the entry level Shark is the S800.

Nope. The S500 air espirit is a new model. It replaces the old S500 air. I've got both (just destroyed the new one racing though...grrr). They're a different shape. Lots of naughty bike shops aren't telling punters the difference though. The new S500 is a great value lid, quiet, comfortable, performs well in a crash (i fairy fuggin smacked my head) and don't just take my word on that. http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/