The Kabuto F17 GP MIPS brings MotoGP-level aero, advanced impact protection and exceptional comfort. We put this Japanese flagship through 6,000km of road and track testing.
One of my all-time favourite and most-used helmets is the Kabuto RT-33. I’m now on my second one, both in flat black with a smoke visor, and despite Kabuto Australia no longer listing the RT-33 in its current range, I still regularly wear mine. Why? the fit and quality…
Testing the Kabuto F17 GP MIPS on the Norton Manx R in Spain earlier this year at Circuit Monteblanco.
So when Kabuto Australia offered me the opportunity to test the F17 GP MIPS long-term, I was already a fan of the brand. If it was anything like the RT-33 and the other Kabuto helmets we’ve reviewed over the years, I knew it was going to be good.
Read our Kabuto reviews here…
I’ve met senior Japanese Kabuto staff during a visit to Australia several years ago, when we enjoyed lunch and a discussion about the company and its products in Sydney. They were an enthusiastic, knowledgeable group and, importantly, genuine motorcycle enthusiasts. That passion matters when you’re developing equipment designed to protect riders, because you need to understand how the product is actually used, not just how it looks on a shelf. I hope to visit their factory one day.
The History Of Kabuto
The OGK story began in Osaka, Japan, in 1948, initially producing plastic and rubber accessories for bicycles. Helmet manufacturing developed as a separate business, with OGK establishing its dedicated helmet operation in 1982. The company became OGK Kabuto in 2006, with the Kabuto name drawing on the traditional Japanese protective helmet worn by warriors.
The Kabuto name drawing on the traditional Japanese protective helmet worn by warriors
Over the decades, the company has developed a reputation for aerodynamic innovation, including its early top ventilation systems, rear aero-fin designs and patented Wake Stabiliser technology. Its RT-33, which I have spent so many years wearing, is one of the models that helped establish the brand with Australian riders.
Remy Gardner is one of the Australian riders associated with Kabuto, with his own F17 GP MIPS replica graphics available locally.
Today, Kabuto Global continues to develop motorcycle and bicycle helmets from its Japanese base, while Kabuto Australia is represented by Moto National Accessories, which is the official Australian distributor. The racing programme has also grown considerably. MotoGP riders Joan Mir and Aleix Espargaró have worn Kabuto’s flagship F17, while WorldSBK riders Remy Gardner and Tito Rabat have been part of the brand’s international racing programme. Remy is particularly significant for Australian riders, with his own limited-edition Gardner F17 GP MIPS replica available locally.
THE F17 GP MIPS
At $1,499.95 RRP for the top replica graphics, this is serious money for a helmet, although the standard flat black version starts at $1,299.95 RRP. Like all high-end helmets, it comes at a price, but when you’re talking about protecting your head, it is difficult to put a value on the investment. And with a head like mine, which already has a fair amount of titanium in it, I want the best protection I can get.
The F17 GP MIPS is Kabuto’s flagship racing helmet, developed for high-speed circuit use but equally suitable for road riding. It uses an A.C.T.-2 composite shell construction, designed to combine strength and impact absorption with low weight. The shell has been developed using structural analysis, while the aerodynamic package incorporates Kabuto’s patented Wake Stabiliser and Crest Spoiler. These features are designed to reduce turbulence, air resistance and lift, particularly when turning your head or riding in crosswinds.
The F17 GP MIPS is Kabuto’s top-level racing helmet, combining Japanese engineering, advanced protection and MotoGP-developed aerodynamic technology.
Safety technology includes the MIPS system, which uses a low-friction layer intended to allow controlled movement during certain angled impacts, helping reduce rotational forces transferred to the head. The F17 GP MIPS is certified to ECE 22.06 and carries FIM homologation for circuit racing. That is an important distinction for riders who want a helmet suitable for serious track use, rather than simply a sporty-looking road helmet.
Kabuto has been developing motorcycle helmets for decades, building a reputation for quality, innovation and attention to detail.
Ventilation is extensive, with a large central intake, additional side and chin airflow, and rear exhaust outlets. Inside, the COOLMAX lining is fully removable and washable, with Kabuto’s DEOFACTOR antibacterial treatment. Emergency-release cheek pads, speaker attachment space, glasses-friendly padding and a supplied breath guard and wind shutter round out the practical equipment. The DAF-1R visor is Pinlock-ready and tear-off compatible, with the original Pinlock insert supplied.
“I can’t fault the F17 GP MIPS. It is comfortable, exceptionally stable at speed, well ventilated and beautifully finished”.
The F17 arrived beautifully presented. The packaging, graphics and soft helmet bag all add to the experience, and as a bit of a gear nerd, I enjoy opening a quality product. It was a little like opening a bottle of Yamazaki whisky, or at least how I imagine that experience would be!
The F17 GP MIPS meets ECE 22.06 and carries FIM homologation, making it suitable for serious circuit competition.
My first job was to remove the clear visor and fit the optional smoke screen. The visor mechanism is brilliant. A simple release button allows the visor to come off, and the replacement clicks into place quickly and easily. It is one of the easiest visor systems I’ve used, and I wish more manufacturers would make it this straightforward.
I then fitted the BikeReview stickers of course, installed the breath guard and familiarised myself with the ventilation controls and central visor lock. The vents have positive, tactile operation and are easy to use while wearing gloves. Everything feels properly engineered for gloves, rather than designed around someone operating it with bare hands in a showroom.
After 6,000km of road riding and plenty of track time, the F17 has impressed with its stability, comfort and finish.
The fit was immediately excellent for me, I’m a 58-59cm. It sits evenly, feels comfortable and secure, and doesn’t have any obvious pressure points. I did experience a slightly itchy scalp and stinging eyes during the first few hours, possibly related to the new helmet smell, but that disappeared and hasn’t returned. It could also have been the local bushland in Spain causing hayfever, so who knows.
Kabuto’s Wake Stabiliser and rear spoiler help manage airflow, reducing turbulence and buffeting at high speeds.
Road and Track Test
On the road, the F17 has been fantastic. I’ve covered approximately 6,000 kilometres in it since May, including several long days of six to eight hours and 500 to 700-kilometre rides. Whether riding a nakedbike or something with fairing and windscreen protection, the helmet remains comfy and stable. There is very little buffeting, no noticeable neck strain and excellent visibility through the visor.
Ventilation is effective, particularly with the upper and front vents open, and the visor can be left slightly cracked for additional airflow when conditions allow. Noise levels are also better than many dedicated race helmets, although I still recommend earplugs for any long ride, regardless of brand.
On track, the F17 really comes into its own. At speeds nudging 300km/h, it remains stable, with virtually no vibration or buffeting. Turning my head at speed to check lines and look through corners doesn’t unsettle the helmet, and the aerodynamic package seems to work regardless of the angle I’m holding my head. The ventilation also does a good job of extracting heat when you’re working hard on track.
Multiple intake vents and rear exhaust outlets help draw heat away from the head, useful during hard track sessions.
The visor offers excellent clarity, and the overall stability gives me confidence when pushing hard. Knowing the helmet has been developed for top-level competition and carries FIM homologation is reassuring, particularly given the amount of track testing I undertake each year.
The DD-ring fastening is secure, although the rings are quite thin compared with some other helmets. At times, the strap can jam slightly when tightening or releasing it. I’ve experienced something similar with my RT-33, so it is not new to me, but it remains a small annoyance. I’d say they these thin DD-rings are designed that way to be safer and secure the strap more, though.
The Kabuto F17 GP MIPS is an expensive helmet, but its exceptional aerodynamics, comfort and racing credentials make it a serious option for sports riders and track-day enthusiasts.
The interior is easy to remove, wash by hand and refit. I’ve done this once, and it returned to its original shape and comfort without any issues. The helmet also has dedicated space for intercom speakers and cable routing. The visor is tear-off ready, with replacement DAF-1R tear-offs available separately.
The removable, washable lining is comfortable and easy to maintain, speaker spaces allow intercom installation.
After approximately 6,000 road kilometres and plenty of track time, I really can’t fault the F17 GP MIPS. It is comfortable, exceptionally stable at speed, well ventilated and beautifully finished. The visor system is among the best I’ve used, and the fit is spot on for my head.
I’ve always rated the RT-33 highly, but the F17 may have finally taken its place as my favourite Kabuto. It is expensive, certainly, but it is a genuine race-developed helmet with the safety credentials, aerodynamics and comfort to back up its price. For serious sports riders, regular track-day riders and racers wanting a top-level helmet that also works brilliantly on the road, I highly recommend it.
This accessory helmet bag is perfect for international or domestic travel, you can carry your Kabuto as well as some of your hand luggage and documents.
Kabuto F17 MIPS Australian RRP pricing and colours (November 2026)
Flat Black $1,299.95
Forte Flat Black / Red $1,499.95
Glanz Blue / Yellow $1,399.95
Aleix Espargaró replica $1,499.95
Joan Mir replica $1,499.95
Remy Gardner replica $1,499.95
Michele Pirro replica $1,499.95
DAF-1R Dark Tint / Smoke visor: $109.95
Ratings | Gear Review | Kabuto F17 GP MIPS helmet
Straight 10s
The Kabuto F-17 GP MIPS brings MotoGP-level aerodynamics, advanced impact protection and exceptional comfort. BikeReview puts this Japanese flagship through 6,000km of road and track testing.
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