Many riders dream of spending a full day in the saddle, exploring new roads as they hunt out new horizons, and having the right clothing is a vital part of their riding wardrobe. Versatile, waterproof, breathable, protective, lightweight, comfortable, durable, quick drying and practical, adventure kit offers exceptional levels of real-world usability. It can be tailored to suit the weather conditions.Iif it’s hot, simply remove the lining or open a vent. If it’s cold simply add a layer and close the ventilation. It‘s practical too. The large number of pockets featured in many textile jackets and trousers are perfect for storing must-have essentials while riding. Adventure gear really is a rider’s one-stop-shop for year-round riding.
The Dual Sports market plays a significant role in inspiring the styling of rider products. While few riders actually ride their road bike off-road, a large percentage of dual sport bike consumers like the rugged styling of adventurer gear and take their inspiration from it to fuel their two-wheeled passion.
Every bike manufacturer now offers extremely versatile bikes which are just as capable of being used for every day commuting duties as they are of transporting their owner on a real-world adventure. This philosophy also applies to the ever increasing number of small capacity machinery which is available. Bikes such as the BMW GS, Ducati Multistrada, Honda Africa Twin, Kawasaki Versys, KTM Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom and Yamaha Tenere are rugged, versatile and truly capable all-rounders.
The most popular rider products catering to these riders are the ones which have the DNA of Dual Sports, but are still practical and versatile enough to be used for daily commuting under any weather conditions. This is where Alpinestars products excel. Alpinestars uses feedback from its R&D department and its Dakar Rally athletes specifically for the challenges of protecting riders against the most difficult riding conditions to offer superior safety, protection against the elements and durability, while also ensuring comfort and practicality in a lightweight, breathable package.
Dual Sports has always been central to Alpinestars’ activities. Although they are very active and visible on track, and with the best athletes in road racing and motocross/off-road, the main purpose of Alpinestars is to develop products for the rider that rides on the road, whether they be commuters, riders who cover long distances or adventure riders. Their presence at the Dakar Rally is a powerful demonstration of this. In recent years all of the top riders competing in the event have used Alpinestars racing gear, which is based on their Adventure touring products. Touring and Adventure touring is a very large part of Alpinestars’ customer base and has always been part of our focus in product development.
Alpinestars new range of technical off-road and Enduro riding jackets boast an array of features taken straight from the company’s involvement in dirt bike racing to create stylish products which blend race DNA protection with everyday functionality and comfort.
All the items in the Alpinestars 2021 Collection are bristling with technical and performance innovations in materials, protective features and rider-friendly comfort features to allow riders to hit the dirt or trail harder, for longer, to maximize their time in the saddle, while still delivering the comfort, protection and light weight dirt riders expect.
The Venture R jacket typifies this approach. Developed and tested in some of the most grueling conditions and terrains around the globe such as the Dakar, the Venture R Jacket is highly robust and durable with reinforced stitching, a rip-stop poly-fabric main shell for excellent abrasion resistance with an incorporated water resistant treatment for improved weather performance.
This jacket also features elbow and shoulder PU reinforcement for additional abrasion resistance. It is optimized for use with Alpinestars’ Bionic Neck Support for the ultimate in rider protection.
As well as offering superior protection, the Venture R Jacket has been designed to offer enhanced levels of rider comfort. Stretch panels on the forearms provide increased flexibility and movement. The cuff adjustment closure system reduces material bunching for a snug fit.
It’s versatile too. This jacket can be adapted to suit every environment thanks to its removable sleeves and zippered air intake. Exhaust vents which are strategically positioned for optimized airflow that can be controlled according to rider’s needs.
And it’s also practical, with generous and convenient storage options. This jacket is equipped with two fastening front hand cargo pockets, one zippered waterproof chest pocket and a large back utility pocket for real-world practicality.
Other considered rider-friendly touches include a slim collar construction with stretch main fabric and microfiber comfort inner lining, a microfiber comfort edge on the collar and cuffs, pre-curved sleeves for reduced fatigue when riding, an inner water hydration compartment to accommodate a water pouch and BNS loops to seamlessly incorporate neck supports.
The Session Race Vest is equally versatile. A softshell vest that acts as a windbreaker with a polar fleece liner for excellent thermal capabilities, the Session Race Vest is optimized for comfort and convenience with a water resistant main shell treatment for effective all-weather performance. There are also two front hand pockets and one chest zippered pocket for secure and convenient storage of essential belongings, while inner pocket compartments ensure valuables remain safe.
It’s comfortable too and comes equipped with a slim collar construction with stretch main fabric and microfiber comfort inner lining and a microfiber comfort edge on collar and cuffs, allowing riders to make the most of their time on two wheels.