Initial D, the widely popular Japanese manga series, has a following that is unrivaled in the world of reality. Making the jump from manga to anime to live action movie, it has solidified a cult like following though the years. From actual cars to scaled down miniature cars, from themed apparel to little bits like watch straps. Initial D has taken the world by storm. It has been decades ago when the manga series first came out but the popularity of Initial D hasn’t waned.
Thai motorcycle helmet manufacturer, Bilmola, joins the fray with the release of their newest manga series helmet. Bilmola in collaboration with Shuichi Shigeno/Kodansha Ltd introduces the Bilmola Initial D Limited Edition helmet series, a special design from MazTab Design for racing enthusiasts. The manga themed helmets have a limited production run of 4,000 helmets slated for worldwide consumption. That figure excludes the number of helmets for Thailand which has reportedly sold out within 2 days of the helmet’s release according to Sarasit “James” Boonsitsirikul who is Bilmola HQ’s Business International Manager.
Bilmola Helmet Philippines/Nirinsha Corporation, the official Philippine Bilmola distributor, launched the Initial D Limited Edition helmets last September 17, 2023 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City during Inside Racing Performance and Lifestyle Expo. In attendance of the launch was Bilmola Helmet Philippines President, Junjun Ponce, Bilmola HQ’s Business International Manager, Sarasit “James” Boonsitsirikul, and Bilmola Helmet Philippines General Manager, Patricia Liza. The Philippines will be getting an allocation of 1,000 helmets from the aforementioned 4,000 limited production numbers.
The Initial D helmet series comprises of three helmets designs that represent the three main characters from the manga and their cars, Takumi Fujiwara/Toyota AE8, Ryosuke Takahashi/Mazda FC3S and Keisuke Takahashi/Mazda FD3S.
The helmet series uses Bilmola’s Rapid RSLT as the base helmet. The Rapid RSLT features a lightweight, multi-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) shell liner for optimal crash protection. It also features a fully removable helmet liner that is washable and interchangeable. Keeping the helmet fastened to your head is a stepping lock mechanism made from SUS304 stainless steel.
The visor on the Rapid RSLT is a reinforced, anti-scratch, polycarbonate-treated plastic that can bend up to 180°. It has a visor ratchet system that incorporates a quick release system. It is also compatible with Pinlock 30 technology.
The helmet also features built-in universal communication speaker pocket and double-D rings for secure helmet fastening.
The interior liner system also has an ‘Emergency Pull System’ to help riders in an accident that allows easy removal of the helmet in the event of a crash.
The weight of the helmets were quoted to be 1450g ±50g. The Rapid RSLT Initial D series are ECE 22.06, DOT, TISI, and ICC Certification. The Rapid RSLT Initial D helmets are available in sizes XS – 2XL.
The Bilmola x Initial D helmets are expected to be available starting this November 2023 in the Philippine market. Pricing for the Bilmola x InitialD Helmets is currently undisclosed pending importation costs and exchange rates. But a good indicator of pricing will be their most recent release, the limited edition Naruto helmet series, which is also has the same import quantity. Orders can be done at their official dealers nationwide.