#RaceSuit

I might as well just come out and say it: In my years as a motojournalist, I’ve had the pleasure of testing dozens of track leathers, from ill-fitting, inexpensive off-the-rack items to full-on custom-sized suits, and the Alpinestars Fusion Race Suit is the most comfortable and best breathing one I’ve ever had the pleasure of donning. Since that’s my opinion, I figured I shouldn’t string you readers out. However, if you want to find out why I feel this way, I’d be happy to tell you. 

[Full disclosure: Alpinestars is a supporter of my racing program, but I am not being paid a penny to wear any Alpinestars products, nor am I being paid to write this review.]

We’re often told to buy the best products we can afford. We’ve associated cost with quality, and so it is that the $100 toaster I bought 12 years ago is still toasting like a champ after replacing the $20 toaster I bought before that which crapped out after a year.

The Swiss are known for many things: chocolate, watches, multi-purpose pocket knives. However, you may not know there’s a Swiss company with their own equally storied tradition of making stylish, high-quality motorcycle wear: iXS.

The company established their North American presence back in 2014, but iXS has been proudly serving the European market since 1979. Now, with forty years of experience guiding their innovative lineup, riders can choose from over 210 different products, all in a variety of styles and colors – including, of course, Swiss Red. Whether you’re into sportbiking, cruising, traveling on a touring bike, adventure riding, urban wear, or vintage looks, there’s an iXS product line you’ll want to check out.

When I was told I would be tasked with putting together the $250 and up category of our 2017 gift guide, I must admit, I smirked on the inside. What an easy thing to do! Motorcycling can be expensive and the parts we pine after generally are expensive. So here is a list of items in the $250 and up category for that someone speciale in your life. The sky’s the limit!