Since 1948
Kabuto History
From Higashi-Osaka to the MotoGP™ grid: four decades of Japanese-engineered helmets and world firsts.
- Founded
- 1948
- First helmets
- 1982
- World firsts
- 3
Our story
Kabuto helmets fuse Japanese precision engineering with the timeless spirit of the samurai. Born from a legacy of crafting protective gear that balances form and function, every Kabuto model—from the race-proven F-17 to everyday commuters—delivers superior ventilation, lightweight strength, and impact-absorbing technology. Subtle kabuto-inspired accents, like delicate cloud engravings, minimalist crests, and refined aerodynamic ridges, pay quiet homage to Japan’s warrior heritage while preserving the clean, modern lines riders trust on the road and track.
1940s
-
Osaka Grip is founded
OGK began as Osaka Grip MFG. Co., Ltd., a maker of plastic and rubber accessories for bicycles.
1980s
-
OGK KABUTO begins making helmets
Established OGK HANBAI Co., Ltd. (renamed OGK KABUTO in 2006) and started making helmets for motorcycles and bicycles.
-
The teardrop helmet
Developed a teardrop-shaped motorcycle helmet.
-
Olympic bronze in Los Angeles
A Kabuto helmet was worn to a bronze medal at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
1990s
-
RS-1
The RS-1 helmet was introduced.
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RS-1R: the first top-vented helmet
The RS-1R became the world’s first helmet with a top ventilation system.
-
RX-R
1995 would see the RX-R helmet introduced, featuring a top ventilation and shutter system, as well as a quick release shield system.
-
Ragles: the first rear aero-fin
1998 would see another industry first introduced by OGK, this time on their Ragles helmet, which sported the first ever rear aero-fin, as well as the previously featured quick-release shield system.
2000s
-
FF-3: the first FRP shell
2000 saw the FF-3 helmet introduced, which features the top ventilation system and the rear aero-fin all built into a single piece, while also becoming the first FRP (Fibre-Reinforced Plastic) model, a OGK patent.
-
FF-4 & Aeroblade-2
2003 would see the FF-4 and Aeroblade-2 models introduced, both featuring FRP construction
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OGK KABUTO + a first Suzuka 8 Hours win
The company was renamed OGK KABUTO Co., Ltd., and Kabuto took its first Suzuka 8 Hours endurance win, with Tsujimura on the FCC-Honda.
-
FF-5: the wake stabilizer
FF-5 helmet introduced, featuring another new development, this time the first wake stabilizer in the world, a Kabuto patent. It was also the year in which Kabuto took its second Suzuka 8 Hour Endurance win, this time with Akiyoshi on the Yoshimura-Suzuki.
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ISO 9001
Kabuto gets ISO9001 certification
2010s
-
FF-5V: Snell 2010
FF-5V Snell 2010 certified.
-
Kabuto Europe
Kabuto Europe was established in the Netherlands.
-
Aeroblade-3
Aeroblade-3 introduced and was a huge International success.
-
RT-33
RT-33 Introduced. A modern full-face helmet designed for sport, touring, and street use.
-
Aeroblade-5
The Aeroblade-5 was released.
2020s
-
F-17 and the Crest Spoiler
Launched the flagship racing model "F-17" equipped with the patented "Crest Spoiler" to suppress lift forces on the helmet.
-
MotoGP™ with Remy Gardner
Entered MotoGP™ full-time for the first time as a brand, supporting rider Remy Gardner.
-
Aleix Espargaró joins
Signed MotoGP™ rider Aleix Espargaró.
-
Joan Mir + Kabuto Americas
Signed MotoGP™ rider Joan Mir. and KABUTO AMERICAS launches!
Innovation
Firsts that changed helmets
The story continues
Today the F-17 GP Mips® carries that heritage onto the MotoGP™ grid.