A bold new player is hitting the motorcycle stores in NZ, with the Spartan RS from Shark landed recently by new distributor Forbes & Davies. And if you’re into the streetfighter look but insist on the highest levels of protection, then this will interest you.
Shark helmets might be a familiar name to European riders and MotoGP fans, but here in New Zealand the brand is still very much the new kid on the block, with clothing and accessory giant Forbes & Davies recently securing the rights for NZ. That makes the arrival of the Spartan RS particularly interesting, because this isn’t an entry-level offering aimed at testing the waters — it’s a fully-fledged, modern full-face helmet built to the latest safety standards and pitched straight into the competitive middleweight premium segment.
Sharp, modern, unapologetic
The Spartan RS doesn’t try to blend in. Its angular shell shape, aggressive lines and integrated rear spoiler give it a purposeful, almost race-bred stance. It will look at home on a naked bike or sports-tourer, and just as comfortable the more traditional quality road helmets available.
Shark has been producing helmets for decades and the latest models all feel solid and well finished, with the paint quality and materials what you’d expect from a helmet sitting north in the budget department.
One of the Spartan RS’s biggest selling points is that it’s fully certified to ECE 22.06, the latest and most demanding helmet safety standard. That’s a big tick for riders upgrading from older lids that were designed around now-superseded regulations.
The shell is a multi-axial composite and there’s also a multi-density EPS liner, with the helmet offered in several sizes to better match head shape and improve impact performance. Shark has clearly leaned into safety as a foundation here, rather than treating it as a box-ticking exercise.
Just as important for everyday riding is vision. The Spartan RS uses an Optical Class 1 visor, which translates to excellent clarity and minimal distortion — something you really notice on fast, flowing roads or long highway stretches. A Pinlock 120 MaxVision insert is included, which is a genuine bonus for NZ conditions where fogging can be an issue in the cooler months. The visor also features 4 locking points to aid with ventilation and cooling.
The faux leather and textile interior of the Spartan is designed to feel plush without being overly tight, with a soft interior lining that is removable for washing. And the there’s Shark’s glasses-friendly design which will be welcome for many.
The Sparten has been styled to cope with open-road speeds, cutting cleanly through the air, with no unwanted lift or wobble, thanks to the testing done in the pinnacle of racing – MotoGP. Ventilation is provided via airflow through the crown with exhaust ports helping to manage heat by providing an easy path for fresh air to travel. A drop-down internal sun visor adds everyday practicality, particularly useful on those late-afternoon rides when the sun sits right on the horizon.
Everyday usability: a helmet you’ll actually reach for
What stands out most about the Spartan RS is its versatile design – this isn’t a track-only lid pretending to be practical, nor is it a touring helmet trying to look sporty. It sits confidently in the middle — comfortable enough for commuting, stable enough for weekend blasts, and refined enough for longer touring runs.
It’s also set up for modern comms systems, making it easy to integrate Bluetooth for navigation or music without awkward fitment.
NZ pricing: where it sits locally
In the New Zealand market, the Shark Spartan RS is landing in the mid-to-upper mid-range price bracket, depending on colourway and finish.
The standard RS in black retails for $799 (as does the Shaytan Red/Black/Ant colourway), while the stunning looking Spartan RS Carbon Skin is slightly more at $899 but looks like it’s worth much more.
That places it squarely against established players from Shoei, AGV and HJC, but with the advantage of up-to-date certification and a generous spec list straight out of the box.
Verdict: A quality and stylish helmet
The Shark Spartan RS looks like a statement helmet. It arrives in New Zealand with strong safety credentials, modern styling and the kind of everyday comfort that matters to riders who actually use their bikes.
For Kiwi riders looking to upgrade from an older helmet — or those simply wanting something a little different from the usual brands — the Spartan RS is well worth a look. It doesn’t reinvent the full-face helmet, but it gets the fundamentals right, and in today’s riding environment, that counts for a lot.
Bottom line: a polished, capable all-rounder that marks Shark’s NZ re-arrival with real intent.
To find your nearest Shark dealer or to get more details, head to https://tinyurl.com/shark-spartan-rs-nz
Quick Takeaway: Shark Spartan RS
Great all-rounder for varied NZ conditions — roads, wind, rain and long runs.
Safety first with up-to-date ECE 22.06 certification.
Pinlock included — fog-free rides across seasons.
Comfortable interior and glasses-friendly fit.
Competitive pricing in NZ for a premium mid-range helmet.
