In the early 2000s, the Japanese motorcycle aftermarket was dominated by high-end cast magnesium wheels. At that time, customizing wheels was not yet a common culture among general riders. Forged magnesium was just emerging too, but either way, it was prohibitively expensive and primarily used in racing.

Amid this landscape, with a desire to “bring the benefits of high‑performance wheels to more people,” Active Co., Ltd. established the brand **GALE SPEED** in 2002.

The key innovation that drew attention to GALE SPEED was the use of **forged aluminum**, which was becoming common in automobile wheels. Compared to forged magnesium, forged aluminum offered lower cost, better density-to-strength ratio, and greater design freedom—making it both rigid and lightweight.

Leveraging these advantages created a new value: wheels that offer “race‑level performance while still being street‑friendly.”

GALE SPEED’s inaugural model, **“TYPE‑C,”** was unveiled at the 2002 Tokyo Motorcycle Show and launched in 2003. Priced at ¥148,000 for a front‑and‑rear set—on par with stainless‑steel full exhaust systems at the time—it was an unprecedented bargain in the aftermarket wheel sector and made a huge impression on riders.

With its striking design and performance, plus its radical challenge to the notion that “high‑performance wheels must be expensive,” TYPE‑C rapidly raised brand awareness and cemented GALE SPEED’s position in the aftermarket wheel market.

Subsequently, GALE SPEED expanded its lineup with models tailored to different needs: **TYPE‑R** and **TYPE‑GP1S** aimed at further weight reduction, and the classic‑style **TYPE‑N** and **TYPE‑J**. They also explored magnesium and carbon versions, continuing to evolve and compete globally.