What HT Protaper Inc. does

ProTaper, founded in 1991 and operating as a brand under Turn 14 Distribution, designs and manufactures precision-engineered control components, drivetrain parts, suspension devices, and tires for motocross, off-road motorcycles, ATVs, and cycling applications. Core product lines include handlebars (EVO, SE, Contour, ACF, Fuzion, Micro, Sport, and SE Mini Bike variants), grips with proprietary tri-density and Vibrasonix surface compounds, footpegs (including aerospace Grade 5 titanium variants), levers, throttles, chains (Gold Series and Pro Series Forged with cold-forged chromium-carbide pin collars), Race Spec sprockets with proprietary Angled Mud Groove design, the patent-pending SELA Self-Engaged Launch Assist device, and the 2025-introduced SMX/MXT off-road tires. The catalog covers fitment for major OEM brands including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, Husqvarna, Suzuki, and Gas Gas, spanning 285+ drivetrain SKUs and 91+ control SKUs.

The company generates revenue exclusively through one-time hardware sales, with no subscription or recurring component. Pricing is segmented across four tiers from accessories under $10 to premium titanium components above $300, and is distributed through direct-to-consumer e-commerce at protaper.com with a vehicle-specific fitment finder, an authorized global dealer network, and wholesale distribution via its parent Turn 14 Distribution. The customer base is segmented into three personas: professional and competitive racers (including AMA Supercross/Motocross competitors), weekend recreational riders, and youth/beginner riders served by purpose-built smaller components such as the Micro Handlebar Kit.

ProTaper's competitive positioning rests on proprietary materials and manufacturing processes (proprietary 7000-series aluminum alloys, unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced tubing, aerospace-grade titanium, CNC machining, shot peening, cold-forging), 34 years of brand recognition in motorsports, and category-specific innovation such as the patent-pending SELA launch assist and VDS elastomer-mounted bar system. The company has filed patent applications on SELA and a tie-down design, holds a registered ProTaper trademark, and operates as a privately held subsidiary within the Turn 14 Distribution portfolio of powersports brands.

Name

HT Protaper Inc.

Legal name

Turn 14 Distribution d/b/a ProTaper

Website

https://protaper.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Short description

ProTaper, founded in 1991 and owned by Turn 14 Distribution, designs and manufactures precision-engineered handlebars, grips, footpegs, chains, sprockets, suspension devices, and off-road tires for motocross and powersports riders, sold globally via e-commerce and an authorized dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Motocross / Powersports Aftermarket Parts

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991), Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (44133)

SIC

Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714), Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)

akta.pro primary industry

Powersports Aftermarket Parts & Accessories Manufacturing (IMACAEAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Motorcycle, powersports & ATV parts and accessories distribution (CRAOANAK)

Keywords

• Motocross handlebars
• Powersports controls
• Motorcycle drivetrain parts
• Off-road motorcycle tires
• Motocross accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Worth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Powersports Control Components: ProTaper generates revenue primarily through the sale of premium handlebars, grips, levers, throttles, footpegs, and control accessories. Products are sold as one-time purchases with no subscription model. Pricing ranges from under $10 for small accessories to over $300 for premium titanium components.
2. Drivetrain Products: Sale of chains, sprockets, and shifters for motorcycles and ATVs. Products include premium motocross chains with tensile strengths up to 8,800 lbs and precision-machined sprockets. Wide price range from under $30 to nearly $200 depending on product complexity.
3. Suspension Products: Sale of the SELA (Self-Engaged Launch Assist) device and related suspension components. The SELA product is priced at $199.99 MSRP.
4. Apparel and Accessories: Sale of branded apparel including t-shirts ($39.99), lanyards ($2.34), and other branded merchandise.
5. Wheel and Tire Accessories: Sale of tire tubes, tire covers, and related wheel accessories. Products include heavy duty tubes ranging from approximately $25 to $38.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

ProTaper designs and manufactures premium aftermarket control components (handlebars, grips, levers, throttles, footpegs) and drivetrain parts (chains, sprockets, shifters) for motocross, off-road, and powersports vehicles. The product line has expanded into tires (SMX/MXT), suspension (SELA launch assist), tie-downs, lift stands, engine hardware, and branded apparel, sold under the ProTaper and ProTaper Sport brands.

Product overview

ProTaper is a manufacturer of premium motorcycle control components and off-road vehicle parts, established in 1991 and part of Turn 14 Distribution. The company offers a comprehensive product portfolio centered around handlebars, grips, levers, throttles, footpegs, and drivetrain components (chains, sprockets, shifters). Their core products include the EVO Handlebars (flagship unbraced design), SE Handlebars (7/8" design), and various grip lines (Pillow Top, Race Cut, Clamp-On). ProTaper has expanded into new categories including tires (SMX/MXT series), suspension (SELA launch assist device), and VDS bar mounts. The product line spans Controls (handlebars, footpegs, grips, levers, throttles), Drivetrain (chains, sprockets, shifters), Tires, Suspension (launch devices), Transport (bike stands), Apparel, and Engine Components. Products are designed for motocross, off-road, and enduro riding with applications across major motorcycle brands including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, Husqvarna, Suzuki, and Gas Gas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Handlebars Precision-crafted handlebars for motocross and off-road motorcycles, available in multiple lines including EVO (flagship unbraced design), SE (7/8" design), Contour, ACF (with unidirectional carbon fiber core), Fuzion, Micro Bar (for youth riders), Sport, and SE Mini Bike Handlebars. Designed for exceptional performance, strength, and longevity across racing and recreational riding.
• Footpegs Precision and responsive footpegs including titanium footpegs and 2.3 Platform Foot Pegs with replaceable cleat design, built for ultimate control and confidence on the trails.
• Grips Superior comfort and vibration dampening grips available in Pillow Top (with Vibrasonix surface compound), Race Cut, Clamp-On, Tri-Density, Dual Density, and Neon Race Cut variants for a secure hold in all conditions.
• Levers Clutch and front brake levers including XPS Profile Pro, AOF (Adjust On-the-Fly), and Profile Lever lines in various styles for precision control.
• Throttles Twister Throttle Assemblies and Aluminum Throttle Tubes for smooth, consistent throttle operation across Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, and Suzuki motorcycles.
• Chains Premium motorcycle chains including the Gold Series (420MX, 428MX1, 520MX1, 520XRC) and Pro Series Forged chains featuring cold-forged chromium carbide layered pins for high tensile strength (up to 8,800 lbs).
• Sprockets Race Spec (RS) Rear Sprockets with revolutionary Angled Mud Groove design and 7075-T6 heat-treated billet aluminum construction, offering up to 40% greater tooth surface area over competing sprockets.
• Shifters Aluminum shifters with forged 6061 aluminum construction and folding shift tip with knurled grip surface for improved control and precise OEM fitment.
• SELA (Self-Engaged Launch Assist) Patent-pending launch assist device with a self-engaged twist dial that temporarily compresses front suspension during starts, reducing wheelie tendency and optimizing rear wheel traction. MSRP $199.99.
• SMX/MXT Off-Road Tires Off-road motorcycle tires including the SMX 04 for soft-to-intermediate terrain (outstanding grip and slide control) and MXT 04 for intermediate to hard terrain (enhanced all-around performance with rugged construction).
• Lift Stand Heavy-duty motorcycle lift stand with rugged steel frame, wide grippy base, cushioned non-slip top, precision-engineered lift mechanism, and centrally located tool holder.
• Tie Downs Patent-pending tie downs with spring-loaded swivel carabiner base hook, 1,200 lbs straight tension strength, and industrial strength non-slip cam lock.
• Tire Covers and Heavy Duty Tubes Tire covers for transport protection and heavy duty tubes engineered for motocross, off-road, and enduro riding applications.
• Apparel ProTaper branded apparel including lanyards and t-shirts featuring official ProTaper branding.
• VDS Bar Mounts Vibration Damping System bar mounts with precision-tuned elastomer system that reduces rider arm pump and improves feel through dual-direction compression and rebound damping.
• Engine Hardware Engine component hardware including sprocket bolt kits and replacement hardware kits compatible with over 70 ATV and motocross models.

Quantifiable outcome

• Handlebars up to 25% lighter and 45% stronger than competing products
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Turn 14 DistributioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTurn 14 Distribution is the parent company of ProTaper. It is a powerful portfolio of parts, accessories and apparel brands in the powersports industry. Turn 14 distributes top brands and offers its own brands including Answer Racing, Biker's Choice, BikeMaster, Bully Locks, CoverMax, DragonFire Racing, FirstGear, Kuryakyn, ProTaper/ProTaper Sport, QuadBoss, Speed and Strength, and TwinPower.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Renthal: Direct competitor in motocross and off-road handlebars, grips, and chain/sprocket systems. Renthal is a premium UK-based manufacturer that overlaps ProTaper across nearly every core category and competes for the same professional racers and weekend riders.
• Motion Pro: Specialist in motorcycle cables, levers, throttles, and control components. Direct overlap with ProTaper's levers, throttles, and controls categories, serving the same OEM replacement and aftermarket upgrade buyer.
• FMF Racing: Manufacturer of motocross and off-road motorcycle performance parts including exhausts, engine components, and select controls. Sells through the same dealer network and rider demographics as ProTaper.
• Works Connection: Manufacturer of aftermarket motocross and off-road motorcycle components including controls, clamps, and suspension-related accessories. Competes with ProTaper for professional and amateur racer customers through the same dealer and racing channels.
• ODI Grips: Leading manufacturer of motorcycle and bicycle grips, including vibration-dampening and locking-grip technologies. Directly competes with ProTaper's grip lines (Pillow Top, Race Cut, Tri-Density) at both pro and consumer tiers.
• Moose Racing / Parts Unlimited: Aftermarket powersports parts and accessories brand under Parts Unlimited, one of the largest powersports distributors in North America. Overlaps with ProTaper across controls, drivetrain, and accessories, and shares much of the dealer channel.
• Pivot Pegz: Specialist manufacturer of adjustable pivoting footpegs for motocross and off-road motorcycles. Competes in ProTaper's footpeg category with a similar premium, performance-focused positioning.
• TAG Metals (Tagger MX): Aftermarket manufacturer of motocross and off-road handlebars, clamps, and controls targeting the same enthusiast segments as ProTaper, with strong brand recognition in the amateur/professional racing community.
• Acerbis: Italian manufacturer of plastics, hand guards, controls, and accessories for motocross and off-road motorcycles. Competes with ProTaper in handlebar-mounted accessories and protection products across global dealer channels.

Broad incumbents

• Dunlop Motorcycle Tires: Major established tire manufacturer with a strong motocross/off-road motorcycle tire line. Highly relevant as ProTaper has entered the tire category in 2025 with SMX/MXT — Dunlop represents the entrenched competition ProTaper must displace.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 HT Protaper Inc.