Manufacturers of motorcycle helmets in the motorcycle sport include AGV (short for "Amisano Gino Valenza"). Gino Amisano founded the business in 1947, and it has been a subsidiary of Dainese since 2007 before being acquired by Investcorp in 2019. In motorcycle racing, the AGV brand is well-known.
Since its founding, AGV has been a dominant force in helmet design and motorcycle racing, constantly developing in every field, including aerodynamics, comfort, and safety, as well as graphics, sponsorship, and advertising.
AGV was established in 1947 by Gino Amisano (1920-2009), and it quickly gained a reputation for its cutting-edge materials and designs that were tested on the racetrack and developed with sponsored World Championship riders, including 15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini and contemporary MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.
AGV has grown steadily since being acquired by Dainese, an innovative motorbike and dynamic sport wear manufacturer from Italy, in July 2007.
AGV and Dainese produce incredibly comprehensive safety and performance solutions that deliver cutting-edge protection from head to toe by combining their research and design skills.
A legend was created when Gino Amisano's company proudly adopted the initials of his name and the name of his hometown, Amisano Gino Valenza. A legend who would change practically all facets of motorcycle racing.
Amisano's first products, leather saddles for the revolutionary Lambretta and Vespa just released on the market, and an equally innovative leather helmet, were immediately on the cutting edge. Amisano was trained as an accountant and had prior experience as a partner in a company making leather saddle covers and soft helmets for cyclists.
In the pic above is the First shell helmet and first fiberglass helmet.
AGV's futuristic design, in contrast to the soft helmets of the period, produced a leather outer over a mold and then slowly baked it to make a solid protective shell that was equipped with a cozy energy-absorbing padded leather interior. Thus, the first instance of the contemporary helmet idea was created.
In order to find a creative solution that represented a breakthrough advancement in helmet design, AGV tested a wide range of alternate shell materials before developing the first fiberglass crash helmet in 1954.
Just two years later, AGV made the next significant advancement by replacing its traditional "pudding basin" or "shorty" shape with the significantly more protective, encompassing "Jet" helmet.
Pioneering changes
from the racetrack to the movie screen
Following on from these successes, Amisano started a rider sponsorship scheme in 1972, which is still in place today, and this is when AGV's global exposure truly took off. From Marco Lucchinelli, Franco Uncini, Kenny Roberts, Barry Sheene, Randy Mamola, Johnny Cecotto, Steve Baker, and Angel Nieto to the all-time greats Giacomo Agostini and Valentino Rossi, who have both worn AGV helmets throughout their careers, the names read like a roll call of the world's top champions and most adored riders.
The intense engagement of multiple world champion Valentino Rossi in the design, testing, and development of AGV's helmets has culminated in his designation as the company's Honorary President in 2008.
Following on from these successes, Amisano started a rider sponsorship scheme in 1972, which is still in place today, and this is when AGV's global exposure truly took off. From Marco Lucchinelli, Franco Uncini, Kenny Roberts, Barry Sheene, Randy Mamola, Johnny Cecotto, Steve Baker, and Angel Nieto to the all-time greats Giacomo Agostini and Valentino Rossi, who have both worn AGV helmets throughout their careers, the names read like a roll call of the world's top champions and most adored riders.
The intense engagement of multiple world champion Valentino Rossi in the design, testing, and development of AGV's helmets has culminated in his designation as the company's Honorary President in 2008.
Claudio Costa's life-saving "Mobile Clinic"—which started offering riders trackside medical care in 1977—was another significant advancement on the racetrack made possible by Amisano's foresight and generosity.
The first full-face helmet to be worn at an Italian Grand Prix in 1969, worn by Alberto Pagani at Imola, had the name AGV. In the meantime, helmet development progressed at a rapid rate. AGV's models made the design their own by enhancing the early examples that were seen in the United States in terms of comfort, aerodynamics, and field of vision. These advantages and the models' greatly increased safety assured not only their quick adoption by all the best motorbike riders but also in Formula 1. Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda, and Nelson Piquet all wore the AGV emblem within a short period of time.
2to4wheels is a dealer for AGV helmets.
