[Beyond the Matchstick Look] TT&CO.'s Star SG/DOT Achieves Both Functionality and Styling That Even BACKLASH's Yu Katayama Approves

【PR】TT&CO.

Helmets are an important item in a rider's fashion.
While gloves and boots are not mandatory, helmets are something that everyone must wear when riding a motorcycle in Japan.

Helmets, which are worn by all riders, are also an item that symbolizes the stylishness of the rider as a whole, including the motorcycle.

This time, we asked Isamu Katayama, representative and designer of the leading Japanese leather brand "BACKLASH," to create a coordinated outfit using TT&CO.'s Star SG/DOT.
Mr. Katayama is also a rider who loves Japanese classic motorcycles and spoke about the deep appeal of the Star SG/DOT.

KAWASAKI Z1 & LTD Ownership

Mr. Katayama started riding motorcycles at the age of 18, when he was in high school.
Mr. Katayama, who will be 60 years old as of April 2026, aspired to become a leather fashion designer after the death of his father, who loved leather and motorcycles. His own brand, ISAMU KATAYAMA BACKLASH, celebrated its 26th anniversary last year.

He owns a KAWASAKI Z1-R, which he had admired since he was young, and rides a custom Z-LTD for commuting around town.
This time, we asked him to create a coordinated outfit for the Star SG/DOT using his Z1-R and a BACKLASH leather jacket.

Achieving Both Functionality and Style

The TT&CO. Star SG/DOT is the most versatile full-face on-road helmet in the brand's lineup, compatible with a wide range of motorcycles.
It pairs well with various types of bikes, including naked bikes, American cruisers like Harleys, tourers, and adventure bikes.

It is particularly well-suited for classic naked bikes, and it matches Mr. Katayama's Z1-R perfectly.
Mr. Katayama shared his first impression of the Star helmet:

"I usually wear vintage-style helmets, and I believe helmets are crucial items that define the first impression of motorcycle fashion.
The Star, while a brand new product available today, has a vintage feel to it. It's a stylish full-face helmet with a compact shell.
At the same time, it meets the safety standards SG and DOT, providing the peace of mind that comes with a full-face helmet."

"There are other vintage-style helmets with compact shells, but it's rare to find a full-face helmet that meets safety standards while pursuing style.
Some Japanese helmet manufacturers have released vintage-style models, but to me, they look somewhat futuristic and lack the vintage charm of TT&CO.'s Star.
I believe it's a one-of-a-kind neo-classic helmet that balances both functionality and style."

Perfect Fit

The Star allows for size adjustment with its interior padding, and the standard size is M/L (58-59cm).
Mr. Katayama found the standard size to be a perfect fit.
"The fit felt quite good right from the start.
Unlike some overseas helmets that can cause headaches after prolonged wear, this one felt comfortable enough for long touring rides.

I expect the fit to become even better as it breaks in.
Personally, I think it might be a good idea to have separate interior padding for commuting, where a looser fit is preferred, and for touring, where a more secure fit is desired."

The Star allows for size adjustment by changing the interior padding.
It's possible to use it more loosely by changing only the cheek pads, or to achieve a tighter fit as needed.

Styling That Avoids the "Matchstick" Look

Although Mr. Katayama is a professional in leather goods, he has a specific consideration when creating a total look that includes the motorcycle and the rider.
"I often notice with helmets that while they look cool on their own, when a rider wears them, the shell can be too large, making the rider look like a 'matchstick' with a disproportionately large head.
This can ruin the overall look of the motorcycle and the leather jacket.

However, the Star doesn't create that matchstick effect. When viewed from a distance, it has the ideal helmet size for fashion.
Thanks to this, I felt that both the motorcycle and the leather jacket looked more stylish as a complete outfit."

Seeing Mr. Katayama stand next to his motorcycle wearing the Star, it was easy to understand what he meant.
The balance of size is a crucial point in fashion; if one element is off, the entire look can be compromised.

The Star's subtle yet perfect size, combined with its adherence to safety standards, is a testament to the manufacturer's efforts.

Wide Field of Vision Also Ensured

Mr. Katayama also noted the wide field of vision offered by the Star.
"Helmets of this type can sometimes have a narrow field of vision, but the Star provides ample width.
It's easy to see clearly even through the shield, and it's comparable to modern futuristic full-face helmets.
It's also cool that only the rider's eyes are visible, so you could even wear sunglasses inside.
With light smoke and mirror shields available, you can also create a cool look where your face is hidden from view."

Recommended for Which Riders?

Mr. Katayama, who demonstrated the excellent compatibility between his beloved Z1-R and the Star, was asked who he would recommend the Star to.
"I highly recommend it for its excellent compatibility with classic bikes, but I think it would also pair well with modern bikes that have a classic style.
If I were to pair the Star with a classic bike, I'd wear a tight leather pant with a leather jacket for a vintage look.
However, with a Harley, it would also match a casual style with chinos or denim.
The fact that the same helmet can be used for both styles is a significant advantage."

"With five colors available, if your bike is black, you could match it with a glossy black Star and a leather jacket.
Or, if your bike has a colored tank, you could use a semi-gloss black Star to draw attention there. There are many ways to coordinate.
This time, I paired the vintage blue with a white leather jacket to change the atmosphere, and it worked out well."

"I recommend the Star to those who seek not only functionality but also stylishness in their helmets.
As mentioned, it offers reliable full-face functionality, and there are no other helmets that are both stylish and meet safety standards.
While there are smaller helmets if you disregard safety standards, as one gets older, one might prefer not to take risks, making the Star an accessible helmet for such individuals."

The TT&CO. Star successfully realized Mr. Katayama's ideal rider fashion.
It's a helmet that looks stylish when worn as part of a complete outfit, so riders who value fashion as well as functionality should definitely try it out.

Information provided by [ TT&CO. ]