Barkbusters
Barkbusters (Rideworx Pty Ltd) is an Australian manufacturer founded in 1984 that designs and produces modular handguard systems and accessories for motorcycles and mountain bikes, serving riders and OEMs across 30+ countries worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersUnanderra, Australia
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Barkbusters does
Barkbusters, legally Rideworx Pty Ltd, is an Australian proprietary company that has designed and manufactured motorcycle handguards continuously since 1984 from its base in Unanderra, New South Wales. The company specializes in a modular handguard system comprising heat-treated aluminium backbones (bike-specific hardware kits) paired with interchangeable plastic guards offered in multiple variants — JET, VPS, STORM, CARBON, EGO, and BBZ fabric — that riders can swap based on weather and riding conditions. The product range covers more than 30 motorcycle makes (Adventure, ATV, Cruiser, Dual-Sport, Enduro, MX, Scooter, Street, Supermoto, Track, Trail) and a parallel mountain bike line (single-point-mount handguards and deflectors) launched in 2017. The AERO-GP lever protector has been tested and approved for MotoGP competition.
Barkbusters firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Barkbusters
- Legal name
- Rideworx Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://barkbusters.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Barkbusters (Rideworx Pty Ltd) is an Australian manufacturer founded in 1984 that designs and produces modular handguard systems and accessories for motorcycles and mountain bikes, serving riders and OEMs across 30+ countries worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Barkbusters industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Motorcycle Handguards & Accessories
- NAICS
- Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)
- SIC
- Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Riding Gloves & Hand Protection Retail (CRAMANAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cycling & Bike Retail (Sales, Service & Accessories) (CRAMABAH), Bike Apparel, Helmets & Protective Gear Retail (CRAMAHAC)
Keywords
Where Barkbusters is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Unanderra
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices3 records
Markets served
Barkbusters business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Motorcycle Handguard Systems: Sale of complete handguard systems including aluminium backbones (hardware kits) and interchangeable plastic guards (JET, VPS, STORM, CARBON) for motorcycles across multiple categories: Adventure, ATV, Cruiser, Dual-Sport, Enduro, MX, Scooter, Street, Supermoto, Track, Trail
- OEM Handguard Protectors: Custom designed handguard protectors sold directly to motorcycle OEMs for integration with new vehicles, featuring heat treated aluminium backbones designed specifically for each motorcycle model
- Accessories and Spare Parts: Sale of replacement parts and accessories including bar end weights, wind deflectors, LED lights (indicator and position), skid plates, grips, plug sets, and mounting hardware
- MTB Handguard Products: Mountain bike handguard products including single point mount handguards, deflector and plug sets, guard pairs, clamp sets, and screw kits for the cycling market
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Hardware kits with guards (complete systems) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Guards Only (replacement/interchangeable) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories and spare parts |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Grips (universal fit) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Barkbusters product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Barkbusters designs, manufactures, and sells hand and lever protection hardware for motorcycles and mountain bikes, with its core product being a modular handguard system combining a heat-treated aluminium backbone (hardware kit) with interchangeable plastic guards (JET, VPS, STORM, CARBON, EGO, BBZ, AERO-GP) tailored to specific bike models. The product line extends to grips, bar end plugs and weights, wind deflectors, E-mark approved LED indicators and position lights, skid plates, and spare parts, sold through its own websites, a global distributor and dealer network, and direct OEM supply to manufacturers such as Ducati, MV Agusta, and KTM.
Product overview
Barkbusters is a manufacturer of handguards and hand protection products for motorcycles and mountain bikes, operating two distinct product lines. The motorcycle division (barkbusters.net) offers a modular handguard system consisting of interchangeable aluminium backbones/hardware kits and plastic guards in multiple styles (JET, EGO, STORM, CARBON, VPS, BBZ, AERO-GP), along with accessories including grips, LED lights, bar end weights, and spare parts. The MTB division (cycle.barkbusters.net) offers single-point-mount MTB handguards with optional deflector accessories. Products are designed for various motorcycle categories including Adventure, ATV, Cruiser, Dual-Sport, Enduro, MX, Scooter, Street, Supermoto, Track, and Trail. The company has been designing and manufacturing in Australia since 1984.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- JET Guards (JET-003) JET plastic handguards providing hand and lever protection for motorcycles, available in multiple colors matched to popular motorcycle brands and designed to be used with Barkbusters aluminium backbones.
- EGO Handguard High-strength handguard with heat-treated aluminium backbone and replaceable plastic guards, designed for motorcycle riders needing durable hand and lever protection.
- STORM Guards (STM-003) STORM plastic guards designed for excellent wind and cold weather protection, impact resistant, and sold as a left/right pair compatible with Barkbusters aluminium backbones.
- CARBON Guards (BCF-003) Premium hand-laid carbon fibre replacement guards with a UV-stable gloss coated resin finish, designed for riders wanting lightweight, high-end styling and protection.
- BBZ Fabric Handguard (BBZ-001) Stylish fabric handguard with waterproof membrane lining, built specifically for blizzard conditions to provide maximum cold weather protection for motorcycle riders.
- AERO-GP Lever Protector (AGP-001) Aerodynamic GP-styled lever protector tested and approved for MotoGP, built from injection-moulded nylon composite, designed for street and track bikes with adjustable fit.
- VPS Guards (VPS-203) VPS plastic guards with variable height wind deflector set, made of high impact resistant plastic and available in an extensive color range, compatible with Barkbusters aluminium backbones.
- BLG OEM Handguard Protectors Custom designed handguard protectors with heat-treated aluminium backbone, supplied primarily to motorcycle OEMs (notably Ducati) for original equipment fitment on specific models.
- MTB Handguard (MTB-001) Single point mount handguard designed for mountain, e-bikes, downhill, enduro and leisure bikes, with a minimalist slimline design, flow-through air venting, and lightweight high-strength nylon and aluminium clamp.
- BHG-154 Hardware Kit (KTM 390 Adventure / Enduro / SMC R) Two Point Mount hardware kit for KTM 390 Adventure, Enduro, and SMC R (2025+) motorcycles, with heat treated aluminium backbone, compatible with JET, VPS, STORM, and CARBON guards.
- BHG-155 Hardware Kit (MV Agusta Enduro Veloce / LXP Orioli) Two Point Mount hardware kit for MV Agusta Enduro Veloce and LXP Orioli (2025+) motorcycles, with heat treated aluminium backbone, bar end weights included, and compatibility with JET, VPS, STORM, and CARBON guards.
- Mini Hardware Kit (BLG-018) Two Point Mount hardware kit designed for mini bikes, specifically Suzuki DRZ70 and Honda CRF50, with a compact design for smaller handlebars.
- Mini Hardware Kit (BHG-039) Two Point Mount hardware kit for Yamaha TTR90, TTR110, and TTR110E mini bikes, providing compact handguard mounting for junior riders.
- Universal Hardware Kit – Single Point Bar End Mount (STM-005) Universal hardware kit for hollow handlebars, with aluminium frame and a unique internal locking system, designed to fit a broad range of motorcycles and ATVs.
- Barkbusters Grips Universal fit motorcycle grips with soft dual compound construction, anti-vibration and shock absorption properties, sold in pairs in multiple color options and compatible with all Barkbusters products.
- Bar End Plug (B-045) Handlebar end plug pair machined from high grade aluminium, available in an extensive anodised color range, designed as a Barkbusters accessory and spare part.
- LED Amber Light Indicator (LED-001-AM) E-mark approved LED amber light set designed for turn indicator use, with 15 super bright LEDs per light, sold as motorcycle lighting accessories.
- LED White Light Position (LED-002-WH) E-mark approved LED white light set designed for motorcycle position lighting, sold as a Barkbusters accessory.
- VPS Skid Plate (VPS-002) Skid plate set designed for VPS guards, protecting the outer edge of the Barkbusters aluminium backbone from wear and impact.
- Bar End Weight External (B-066) External bar end weight set that helps reduce handlebar vibration, adding approximately 180g per side, sold as a Barkbusters accessory.
- VPS Wind Deflectors (B-093) Variable height wind deflector set designed for VPS guards, available in black or white, sold as a Barkbusters accessory.
- EGO Wind Deflectors (B-092) Wind deflector set designed for EGO guards, providing maximum protection from the elements, available in black or white, sold as a Barkbusters accessory.
- 1-inch Handlebar Adaptor Kit (B-074) Adaptor kit that enables 1 inch handlebar compatibility with STM-005 and AERO-GP Barkbusters products.
- MTB Deflector & Plug Set (B-084) MTB deflector and plug set designed for maximum coverage from trail debris, available in an extensive color range, sold as a Barkbusters MTB accessory.
- MTB Plug Set (B-085) MTB plug set designed for fitting MTB deflectors to the Barkbusters MTB handguard, sold as a spare part.
- MTB Guard Pair (B-087) MTB plastic guard replacement set, sold as a left/right pair, designed for the Barkbusters MTB handguard.
- MTB Clamp Set (B-088) MTB handlebar clamp kit with a nylon frame and anodised aluminium saddle, sold as a Barkbusters MTB spare part.
- MTB Screw Kit (B-089) Set of 8 screws used to mount MTB deflectors and plugs to the Barkbusters MTB handguard.
- EGO Mini Handguard (EGO-204) Strongest Barkbusters handguard designed for mini bikes with 22mm handlebars, featuring a heat-treated aluminium backbone and replaceable EGO plastic guards, sized for junior riders.
Quantifiable outcome
- Products tested and approved for MotoGP competition (AERO-GP)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Barkbusters
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Barkbusters technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Barkbusters partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and minor.
- BIHR (Europe-wide network)coreBIHR serves as the primary European distribution partner for Barkbusters MTB products, operating across multiple countries including France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK
- SIMZ WERKZ (Singapore)regionalRegional distributor for Barkbusters MTB products in Singapore, located at 5G Gambas Crescent, Nordcom I, Singapore 757043
- MEFO Sport Polska (Poland)regionalRegional distributor for Barkbusters MTB products in Poland, located at Łącko 476, 33-390 Łącko, Poland
- R&G (UK)regionalUK distributor for Barkbusters MTB products, located at Shelleys Lane, East Worldham, Alton GU34 3AQ, UK. Website: rg-racing.com
- PACIFIC POWER SPORTS (USA)regionalUS distributor for Barkbusters products, operating from US distribution center
- Bruce Collins Enterprises (Australia)regionalAustralian distributor for Barkbusters products in Victoria, located at 43 Aylesbury Drive, Altona Vic 3018, Australia
- Cycle Motion (Australia)regionalAustralian MTB distributor for Western Australia, located at 2/37 Action Road, Malaga WA 6090
- MOXBIKES (New Zealand)regionalNew Zealand distributor for Barkbusters MTB products, located at 120 Courtenay Drive, Kaiapoi, New Zealand 7630
- MASTERBikes (Chile)regionalChilean distributor for Barkbusters MTB products, located at Av Presidente Kennedy, Vitacura, Región Metropolitana, Chile
- BIG TRAIL CENTER (Peru)regionalPeruvian distributor for Barkbusters MTB products, located at Av. Benavides 4210 Urb. El Dorado, Santiago de Surco, Peru
- Josh CarlsonminorProfessional mountain bike athlete and brand ambassador for Barkbusters MTB handguards. Racer for Giant Factory Off Road Team and 2020 Australian E-Bike Cross Country & Enduro Mountain Bike Champion
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Barkbusters competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- UFO Plast: Italian manufacturer of motorcycle plastics, handguards, and protection accessories distributed globally. Direct competitor in aftermarket plastics and hand protection, particularly strong in motocross.
- Acerbis: Italian manufacturer of motorcycle plastics, handguards, and protection accessories. Direct competitor in the motorcycle handguard and body protection category, serving OEM and aftermarket channels across adventure, motocross, and enduro segments.
- Zeta: Japanese brand offering motorcycle handguards, protection, and accessory parts across motocross, enduro, and adventure riding. Directly comparable product portfolio targeting the same rider segments as Barkbusters.
- Polisport: Portuguese manufacturer of motorcycle plastics, handguards, and protection parts supplying both OEM and aftermarket. Direct competitor with broader product lines but significant overlap in hand protection.
- Cycra Performance: US-based manufacturer specializing in motorcycle handguards, brake levers, and protection products for motocross, off-road, and street applications. Direct competitor with comparable product breadth in the handguard niche.
- R&G Racing: UK-based aftermarket motorcycle accessory brand offering crash protection, frame sliders, and hand protection. Direct competitor in the broader motorcycle protection and accessory market; also listed as a Barkbusters distributor in the UK.
- Enduro Engineering: US manufacturer of handguards, skid plates, and protection parts focused on off-road and enduro motorcycles. Direct competitor in the off-road handguard segment with comparable bike-specific fitment focus.
Others
- Motion Pro: US-based manufacturer of motorcycle cables, levers, grips, and control-related components. Adjacent competitor in handlebar-area accessories; complements rather than directly substitutes for handguards, but competes for the same rider wallet.
Broad incumbents
- KTM PowerParts: OEM accessories division of KTM, supplying factory-designed handguards, protection, and performance parts. Functions as both a customer of Barkbusters (for specific 2025+ fitments) and a competitor in proprietary hand protection.
Emerging players
- Fastway Performance: Brand offering motorcycle handguards, fork seals, and suspension components. Smaller-scale competitor in the handguard and protection category with focus on motocross and off-road.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Barkbusters social profiles
Digital presenceBarkbusters financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Barkbusters leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Barkbusters funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Barkbusters M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Barkbusters
What does Barkbusters do?
Barkbusters designs, manufactures, and sells hand and lever protection hardware for motorcycles and mountain bikes, with its core product being a modular handguard system combining a heat-treated aluminium backbone (hardware kit) with interchangeable plastic guards (JET, VPS, STORM, CARBON, EGO, BBZ, AERO-GP) tailored to specific bike models. The product line extends to grips, bar end plugs and weights, wind deflectors, E-mark approved LED indicators and position lights, skid plates, and spare parts, sold through its own websites, a global distributor and dealer network, and direct OEM supply to manufacturers such as Ducati, MV Agusta, and KTM.
Is Barkbusters a public or private company?
Barkbusters is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Barkbusters founded?
Barkbusters was founded in 1984.
Where is Barkbusters based?
Barkbusters is headquartered in Unanderra, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Barkbusters make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Motorcycle Handguard Systems are the primary driver. The others are OEM Handguard Protectors, accessories and Spare Parts and MTB Handguard Products.
Who are Barkbusters's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are UFO Plast, Acerbis, Zeta, Polisport, Cycra Performance, R&G Racing and Enduro Engineering. Motion Pro is listed as an others. KTM PowerParts is listed as a broad incumbent. Fastway Performance is listed as an emerging player.
Does Barkbusters have an API?
No public API is recorded for Barkbusters.
What industry is Barkbusters in?
Barkbusters's product category is Motorcycle Handguards & Accessories. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMANAE, Riding Gloves & Hand Protection Retail, with a secondary code of CRAMABAH, Cycling & Bike Retail (Sales, Service & Accessories). Its NAICS code is 336991 and its SIC code is 3751.