Maki-e patterns add a touch of elegance to the street
The F-17 is OGK Kabuto’s racing model, which has “omnidirectional aerodynamics” as its main concept. It is the company’s flagship helmet, packed with aerodynamic technology that uses an aerodynamic device to control the airflow around the helmet while riding, reducing the load on the rider.
The newly added “Mips ALEIX-JAPAN” design is based on the special livery worn by MotoGP rider Aleix Espargaro, who became a Kabuto support rider in 2023, at the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix. Aleix Espargaro is a 34-year-old from Granollers, Spain. He is a Kabuto support rider and competes in the world’s most prestigious motorbike road race, MotoGP™, for Aprilia Racing. In 2023, he won one sprint race and two final races, marking Kabuto’s first victory in the premier class. Although he announced his retirement from regular MotoGP™ racing at the end of the 2024 season, he achieved the remarkable feat of winning a sprint race at the Catalan Grand Prix shortly after.
Aleix uses a bicycle as part of his training, and his deep connection to cycling is reflected in the traditional Japanese pattern also seen on the helmets of the Japanese national cycling team, for which Kabuto is an official sponsor. The design features a white and red base interspersed with cherry blossoms, a symbol of Japan, and traditional patterns such as the hemp leaf pattern, which is believed to ward off evil, and the yagasuri pattern, which is inspired by the feathers of a hamaya arrow (a type of arrow used to protect against evil). Furthermore, lines that resemble ink brush strokes emphasize the Japanese element, creating a beautiful graphic befitting the Japan GP. While the design is Japanese, its somewhat eccentric impression stands out in the city, where there are many stop-and-go traffic. It can also be used for commuting to school or work, adding a touch of elegance to the street. This model also comes with a special sticker featuring a black Japanese pattern and the logo.
White Red
White Red
White Red
White Red
Next-generation sports full-face helmet in pursuit of comfort
OGK Kabuto’s new flagship full-face helmet, the F-17, was developed to reduce the strain on the rider during race-level riding. Its main concept is “omnidirectional aerodynamics,” and it is equipped with new functions that take the aerodynamic know-how that OGK Kabuto has cultivated to the next level.
The cap body is an improved version of the aerodynamic device “Wake Stabilizer (PAT.)” used in the previous model, and also features a newly developed device “Crest Spoiler (PAT.P.)”. By adding a bow-shaped device to the top of the head, it is said to reduce the lift that occurs in various situations, such as when driving straight, cornering, and checking behind, improving stability while riding.
In terms of comfort, the design concept has been completely redesigned to provide a comfortable, enveloping fit. At the same time, attention has been paid to ease of putting on and taking off, improving convenience for touring and everyday use. In terms of heat dissipation, ventilation has been added to the head side in addition to the top ventilation. Also, by widening the opening area of the chin ventilation, a structure has been adopted that actively sends fresh air to the inside of the shield. This promotes the discharge of hot air and also reduces fogging of the shield.
The interior uses DEOFACTOR® antibacterial processing for the inner pads. Although it is a racing model, it also has features that take into consideration utility for touring, such as OGK Kabuto’s standard cheek pads that are compatible with glasses, an Emergency System (PAT.P.) that allows the helmet to be removed quickly and safely in the event of an accident, and a dedicated space for installing an intercom.
<Main features>
・All-directional aerodynamics with cutting-edge aerodynamic form, equipped with a crest spoiler (PAT.P.) and a wake stabilizer (PAT.)
・Mips® safety technology that prevents rotational motion caused by oblique impacts to the head from being transmitted to the brain Equipped with a system
; Cutting-edge aerodynamic form for omnidirectional aerodynamics that maintains concentration while riding
; Cutting-edge shell molding technology and safety design that combine excellent penetration resistance and impact absorption
; New shell structure “ACT-2” that further evolves the ACT structure
; Center lock with a large lever and new two-axis “DAF-R ratchet”; Side ventilation
that efficiently captures wind even when cornering, allowing for the same amount of air intake as when riding straight; Top aero ventilation that streamlines the
airflow while also releasing hot air trapped inside the helmet
; The outer surface of the inner padding is treated with DEOFACTOR® “antibacterial processing” that inhibits the growth of bacteria on fibers
; Kabuto’s unique emergency system (PAT.P) allows for easy, quick and safe helmet removal in the event of an accident
; Cheek pads that are compatible with glasses
; Dedicated mounting space for an intercom
; Five sizes available from XS to XL;
Includes the “GC-01 Liquid Bottle Kit” glass coating kit for helmets
Overview of OGK Kabuto "F-17 Mips ALEIX-2"
■ Price: 70,400 yen (including consumption tax)
■ Color: White Red
■ Sizes: XS (54-55cm) / S (55-56cm) / M (57-58cm) / L (59-60cm) / XL (under 61-62cm) / XXL (under 63-64cm)
■ Standards: JIS standard, MFJ approved
■ Shield: DAF-1R Shield (Clear)
■ Accessories: DAF Pinlock® Original Insert Lens, Breath Guard No. 10, Wind Shutter No. 5, GC-01 Liquid Bottle Kit, KF17 Joint Base, Special Sticker
