Spring is in the air, and that means the 2016 Alpinestars Spring Collection is here. We’ve selected five favorites out of the nearly 50 new items from Alpinestars, and they range from full-on race apparel to urban cool, and there’s a focus on apparel for the coming rising temperatures.
1. Alpinestars GP Pro Leather Suit for Tech-Air Race System
Alpinestars GP Pro Leathers
Long known as leaders in the goal of racer protection, Alpinestars’ latest GP Pro Leather Suit is now compatible with the new Tech-Air Race personal airbag system.The Tech-Air Race System is a slim-fit vest that fits underneath the GP Pro Leather Suit, and uses the latest in crash detection and bag deployment technology in racing conditions (the firmware can be upgraded and configured to use the Tech-Air Street software for road use). The inflatable bags protect the rider’s upper body, including the back shoulders, kidney area, chest, and upper abdomen. The Teach-Air Race System has all the expected ECE and CE certifications.The GP Pro Leather Suit has its own reputation for safety, and continues to include 1.3mm full-grain leather along with a wide variety of safety and comfort features. CE-certified protectors are used on the shoulders, elbows, and knees, while the suit is compatible with the optional CE Level 2-certified Alpinestars Nucleon KR-R back protector, as well as upgradable for Nucleon chest and hip protection.Prices: Alpinestars GP Pro Leather Suit, $1350. Sizes: 44-58; Alpinestars Tech-Air Race System, TBA.
2. Alpinestars Charlie Leather Jacket
Alpinestars Charlie JacketA retro-look racing-striped jacket with modern protective technology, the Charlie leather jacket is part of the Alpinestars Oscar collection. Features include a main leather shell that has been washed and waxed, a removable flannel liner, a back protector that is upgradable to the Alpinestars Nucleon CE certified back protector, CE certified Bio Armor on the shoulders and elbows, plus a variety of practical pockets.Price: Alpinestars Charlie Leather Jacket, $550. Sizes: S-XXXL.
3. Alpinestars SMX-1 R Boots
Alpinestars SMX-1 R Motorcycle BootsThey may look like casual shoes, but the Alpinestars SMX-1 R boots are performance-oriented with Category 2 CE certification. Aggressive riders will like the flex zones that offer exceptional ankle freedom and new high-traction rubber sole. For safety, the ankle protector is dual-density and offers both abrasion and impact protection. There’s also an internal toe box, shift protectors, and toe guards. A Velcro closure system insures the SMX-1 R boots will stay on your feet.Price: Alpinestars SMX-1 R Boots, $160. Sizes: 38-50
4. Alpinestars Sonoran Air Drystar Pants
Alpinestars SonoranAdventure riders who ride in high temperatures will be interested in the Sonoran Air Drystar pants. Usable as an overpant or on their own, the Sonoran Air has large mesh panels to allow airflow at any speed. If it’s raining, the Drystar function comes into play with its waterproof and breathable capabilities. The knee armor is Alpinestars Bio Air, which means it is CE certified. Hip padding is standard, with Alpinestars CE certified Nucleon hip protectors available as an upgrade. The pants can be zipped to compatible Alpinestars jackets, and the 600 denier, PU-coated pants have large pockets for critical cargoPrice: Alpinestars Sonoran Air Drystar Pants, $250. Sizes: S-XXXXL
5. Alpinestars SP Air Gloves
Alpinestars SP Air GlovesSummer gloves often mean reduced protection, but the Alpinestars SP Air gloves have a full gauntlet to go with the air-flowing mesh inserts. TPU palm sliders and knuckle protectors, plus a bridge between the two outer fingers, offer further protection. Additional cooling comes from perforation of the leather and air intakes on the fingers. The index fingers and thumbs are smartphone- and GPS-compatible.Price: Alpinestars SP Air Gloves, $130. Sizes: S-XXXLFor additional information, visit Alpinestars.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.
