#RacingSuit

Updated April, 2021

The one thing I’ve learned wearing Alpinestars’ GP Plus Leather Suit is trackside photographers have no problem picking me out of a crowded field of leather-clad motorcyclists. Whether I’m at a press launch with a bunch of other journos all outfitted with newish leathers, or at a trackday thick with fellow sportbike junkies in sometimes outlandish attire, the asymmetrical styling of the GP Plus suit is more obvious and attention-grabbing than a naked Margot Robbie (we should probably test that statement for accuracy…).

If you’ve been reading or watching MO sportbike reviews/videos in the last three years, you’ve certainly witnessed me wearing Rev’It Stingray leathers – the white with red and black highlights color scheme is both attractive and hard to miss. The Stingray has been my go-to one-piece leather suit for so long I’m loathe to retire it, but I was informed that earlier this year Rev’It discontinued this particular style. So, before I get too far behind current fashions, it’s time give my Stingray a farewell salute.

In case you haven’t heard by now, I crashed in the middle of our 2015 Literbike Track Shootout. Well, to put it more accurately, I was taken out by another rider. If you missed it, jump to the 0:41 mark of our accompanying video to see exactly what happened. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to be wearing proper gear, including the Alpinestars GP-Pro leather suit, which took the brunt of the damage, but I was really hoping I wouldn’t have to write this review, as putting any piece of protective gear through the ultimate test really, well, sucks.

Italy is a beacon of motorsports, and that also holds true in terms of motorcycle race apparel. Alpinestars and Dainese are the two most prominent Italian apparel companies, but Spidi is another compelling player in the market. World-championship riders wearing Spidi leathers include Marco Melandri, Scott Redding, Leon Camier and Ayrton Badovini. (Not to be confused with Sidi, which is a different Italian company that makes footwear for motorcyclists.)

The wait is almost over. Introduced in 2011 to European consumers, it took another 4.5 years for the D|air technology to reach our shores. Early adopters can pre-order D|air Racing suits now with an expected arrival date sometime in September.

Alpinestars is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014. Part of the reason for the company’s success is its ability to adapt with the times and advance with the changing motorcycle landscape. From motocross boots to racing leathers and (almost) everything in between, when it comes to gear, Alpinestars has become a trusted name in this sport.