OGK Kabuto

What OGK Kabuto does

OGK KABUTO Co., Ltd. is a Japanese helmet manufacturer founded in 1982 as a spin-off from Osaka Grip Mfg. Co., Ltd. (now OGK Co., Ltd.), headquartered in Higashi-Osaka, Osaka with 129 employees as of July 2024 and 20 million yen in capital. The company designs and manufactures motorcycle helmets (full-face, off-road, modular, and open-face segments) and bicycle helmets (toddler through adult), together with accessories such as shields, visors, and replacement parts. Core proprietary technologies include the Wake Stabilizer aerodynamic device, Advanced Composite Technology (A.C.T.) shell construction, the Aero Fin system (introduced 1998), and integration of MIPS brain protection systems; the company also achieved first-of-its-kind FIM homologation with MIPS technology in 2023 and SG Standard certification for the smallest baby helmet in 2020.

The business operates through a distributor-led model with no direct-to-consumer or mail-order sales. Distribution is organized regionally, leveraging wholly-owned subsidiaries in Korea (Kabuto KOREA Co., Ltd., 2017) and China (Qingdao Kabuto Safety Technology Co., Ltd., 2024), alongside channel relationships with Honda Motor Europe subsidiaries across 15+ European countries and exclusive regional distributors across South East Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas, collectively covering 35+ countries. Manufacturing occurs in two Japanese facilities (Head Office and Kizuri Factory) and the Qingdao plant in China. Brand building is anchored to elite motorsport sponsorships: MotoGP riders Remy Gardner (2022) and Aleix Espargaró (2023, with victories at Silverstone and Barcelona), Olympic gold medalist cyclist Callum Skinner (2016), and UCI World Tour team Lampre-Merida (since 2013). Revenue is hardware-based sales through authorized distributors and dealers at undisclosed consumer price points, with the company remaining privately held under OGK Co., Ltd.

Name

OGK Kabuto

Legal name

OGK KABUTO Co., Ltd.

Website

https://ogkkabuto.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

OGK KABUTO Co., Ltd. is a Japanese helmet manufacturer founded in 1982, designing and producing motorcycle and bicycle helmets for sale through regional distributors and Honda Motor Europe subsidiaries across 35+ countries, with wholly-owned subsidiaries in Korea and China.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety Helmets

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Helmets & Protective Headgear Retail (Motorcycle/ATV/Snow) (CRAMANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bike Apparel, Helmets & Protective Gear Retail (CRAMAHAC), Safety, Lighting & Security Hardware Manufacturing (Helmets/Lights/Locks) (IMACAOAJ)

Keywords

• Motorcycle helmets
• Bicycle helmets
• Helmet manufacturing
• Protective headgear
• Safety equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Osaka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Motorcycle Helmets: Manufacture and sale of motorcycle helmets across multiple categories including full-face, off-road, modular, and open-face helmets for various riding applications from beginner to professional.
2. Bicycle Helmets: Production and sale of bicycle helmets ranging from toddler to adult sizes, including specialized products for babies, children, students, and competitive cyclists.
3. Accessories: Sale of helmet accessories including shields, visors, and replacement parts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

OGK Kabuto is a Japanese helmet manufacturer that designs, develops, and produces motorcycle and bicycle helmets along with related accessories such as shields, visors, and replacement parts. The company offers a wide range of helmet types including full-face, off-road, modular, and open-face motorcycle helmets, as well as bicycle helmets ranging from toddler to adult sizes.

Product overview

OGK KABUTO Co., Ltd. is a Japanese helmet manufacturer founded in September 1982, specializing in motorcycle and bicycle helmets. The company operates under the Kabuto brand across two main product lines: motorcycle helmets (Full Face, Off-Road, Modular, and Open Face) and bicycle helmets (Toddler to Adult). The motorcycle helmet portfolio is organized into four primary helmet types: Full-Face helmets led by the F-17 GP Mips series (including TURBINE, GLANZ, FORTE, and TRICK variants); Off-Road helmets built around the GEOSYS GT Mips series (including BEAT and BLOCK variants); Modular helmets centered on the RYUKI series (including STRIKE, ALERT, and ENERGY variants); and Open-Face helmets featuring the EXCEED series (including ELFI, GLIDE, SWORD, CLAW, DEUCE, and DELIE variants). The Kabuto CORE sub-brand represents the company's core philosophy of balancing safety and style. Key proprietary technologies across the portfolio include the Wake Stabilizer (patented aerodynamic device), A.C.T. (Advanced Composite Technology), Top Aero Ventilation Structure, and integration of MIPS brain protection system. Business lines also include accessories such as Pinlock Original Insert Lens compatible shields, inner sunshades, breath guards, wind shutters, and micro ratchet buckles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• F-17 GP Mips Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet Series Flagship full-face motorcycle racing helmet featuring Wake Stabilizer aerodynamic technology, A.C.T.-2 shell structure, Crest Spoiler, and MIPS brain protection system. Designed for professional racing and high-performance street use. Available in variants TURBINE, GLANZ, FORTE, and TRICK differentiated by graphic design.
• GEOSYS GT Mips Off-Road Motorcycle Helmet Series Dual-purpose off-road motorcycle helmet designed for comfort both on-road and off-road riding. Features MIPS brain protection system, A.C.T. composite shell, integrated Wake Stabilizer, and compatibility with goggles and Pinlock Original Insert Lens.
• RYUKI Modular Motorcycle Helmet Series Avant-garde modular motorcycle helmet designed for city riding and touring, featuring the Comfortable System with chin-open mechanism, micro ratchet buckle, inner sunshade, wind shutter, and Wake Stabilizer aerodynamic technology. Available in variants STRIKE, ALERT, and ENERGY.
• EXCEED Open-Face Motorcycle Helmet Series Open-face motorcycle helmet with compact inner sunshade and aerodynamic design, certified to ECE 22-06. Features SAJ-2 shield system, CF-2 inner sunshade, and rear ventilation integrated with Wake Stabilizer. Available in sizes XS to XXL and multiple graphic variants.
• Bicycle Helmet Range Bicycle helmets spanning from toddler to adult sizes, including models for babies, children, students, commuters, recreational cyclists, and competitive athletes. Includes specialized racing models such as the AERO-SL worn at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Models certified under European EN 1078, Japanese JCF, and SG Standard safety certifications.
• Helmet Accessories and Replacement Parts Accessories and replacement parts for OGK Kabuto helmets, including Pinlock Original Insert Lens compatible shields, inner sunshades, breath guards, wind shutters, and micro ratchet buckles.

Quantifiable outcome

• AERO-SL helmet worn by Callum Skinner earned gold medal at Rio 2016 Olympics
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.

• Aleix EspargarócoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Spanish MotoGP rider signed in 2023. Kabuto became first company to produce FIM-homologated helmet integrated with MIPS technology. Aleix achieved MotoGP victories at Silverstone and Barcelona wearing Kabuto helmets.
• MIPS ABcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Technology partnership for integration of MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) into FIM-homologated helmets. Kabuto became first company to achieve this certification.
• Remy GardnercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Australian MotoGP rider signed in 2022, marking Kabuto's first appearance in the highest level of motorcycle racing (MotoGP).
• Team Lampre-MeridacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013UCI World Tour professional cycling team sponsorship since 2013, marking Kabuto's first appearance in the UCI World Tour. Provides product development feedback from elite cyclists and global brand exposure.
• Honda Motor EuropecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHonda Motor Europe subsidiaries distribute Kabuto motorcycle helmets across 15+ European countries including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, and UK.
• Moto National Accessories Pty LtdregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distributor for Kabuto motorcycle helmets in Australia (Oceania region).
• Kabuto Americas Inc.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor for Americas.
• Ofno CenterregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distributor for Kabuto motorcycle helmets in Israel (Middle East region).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Giro: US-based helmet and apparel brand with strong cycling and snow/motorcycle presence. Comparable to OGK Kabuto on dual motorcycle/bicycle helmet product strategy, MIPS integration, and global distribution through sporting goods retailers.
• HJC Helmets: Korean motorcycle helmet manufacturer competing across price tiers with broad global distribution. Comparable to OGK Kabuto as another Asian-headquartered helmet brand with global distribution, racing sponsorships, and a portfolio spanning motorcycle and cycling segments.
• Arai Helmet: Family-owned Japanese premium motorcycle helmet maker known for hand-built shells, strong safety reputation, and motorsport involvement. Closely comparable to OGK Kabuto on heritage, Japanese origin, premium positioning, and family-controlled ownership.
• AGV: Italian premium motorcycle helmet maker owned by Dainese and closely associated with MotoGP through Valentino Rossi. Comparable to OGK Kabuto as a premium motorcycle helmet specialist with deep motorsport marketing integration and FIM-homologated racing products.
• POC Sports: Swedish premium helmet and protective gear maker focused on cycling, snow, and action sports. Comparable to OGK Kabuto on safety- and style-led premium helmet positioning, MIPS-equipped product lines, and athlete sponsorship marketing.
• Smith Optics: US-based helmet and goggle maker with cycling, snow, motorsport, and outdoor products. Comparable to OGK Kabuto on multi-sport helmet manufacturing, premium safety positioning (including MIPS), and broad global distribution.
• Shoei: Premium Japanese motorcycle helmet manufacturer with strong global brand recognition and MotoGP heritage. Most directly comparable to OGK Kabuto as a Japanese premium helmet specialist with motorsport sponsorship, racing pedigree, and a similar product portfolio of full-face, modular, and off-road helmets.
• Bell Helmets: Iconic American helmet brand with broad motorcycle, bicycle, and motorsport helmet lines. Comparable to OGK Kabuto on multi-category helmet manufacturing (motorcycle + bicycle) and motorsport-driven brand building.
• Schuberth: German premium helmet manufacturer strong in modular and touring segments with European OEM partnerships. Comparable to OGK Kabuto on premium motorcycle helmet positioning, ECE certification leadership, and European distribution depth.
• Lazer Helmets: Belgian helmet brand with strong cycling heritage and expansion into motorsport. Comparable to OGK Kabuto on European distribution focus, cycling helmet product depth, and motorsport crossover marketing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/OGK_KABUTO
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/KabutoActiveChannel
• Facebookfacebook.com/ogkkabuto
• Instagraminstagram.com/ogkkabuto

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about OGK Kabuto