Gear Up For Adventure
MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES FOR THE INTREPID MOTORCYCLIST
In this edition of “Gear Up For Adventure,” we delve into the essential toolkit of the intrepid motorcyclist, showcasing must-have accessories that blend innovation with endurance.
Our focus narrows on two prestigious brands that stand at the forefront of motorcycling excellence – Alpinestars and Giant Loop. Renowned for their commitment to quality and rider-centric design, these brands have become synonymous with the adventurous spirit of two-wheel travel.
As we dissect and evaluate their latest offerings, we aim to provide our readers with an informed perspective on how these accessories can enhance their riding experience. Whether it’s tackling rugged terrains or embarking on a cross-country odyssey, the right gear can make all the difference. Join us as we explore how the meticulous craftsmanship of Alpinestars and the rugged reliability of Giant Loop gear prepare you for the journey ahead, ensuring safety, comfort, and style are never compromised.
Alpinestars 2024 Collection
In the realm of motorcycle apparel, Alpinestars has long been synonymous with cutting-edge innovation and unwavering quality. The 2024 collection from Alpinestars reinforces this legacy, offering an array of products meticulously designed for riders who demand the best in protection, comfort, security, and style.
Alpinestars Ardent
3 in1 Adventure Touring Jacket
The Ardent 3 in1 Jacket is a testament to versatility. It’s Tech-Air® Ready and features a four-season liner system, including a detachable Drystar® liner and thermal layer. Its construction from 300D ripstop polyfabric ensures durability, while the CE-certified Nucleon Flex Pro armor provides advanced impact protection. Its asymmetric design and multiple adjusters offer unparalleled adaptability for adventure touring.
Key Features Overview
- Tech-Air® Ready: Compatibility with Alpinestars’ exclusive airbag system ensures that riders are prepared for the Tech-Air® protection, offering peace of mind with cutting-edge technology.
- Four-Season Liner System: The Ardent 3in1 features a rugged adventure jacket with a detachable Drystar® liner for waterproofing and a detachable thermal layer for warmth.
- Custom-Fit Comfort: A dedicated relaxed fit and shape are enhanced with multiple volume adjusters on the arms, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
- Dynamic Ventilation: Stay cool with chest and back opening vent panels, along with 3D arm vents, facilitating airflow to manage body temperature in varying weather conditions.
- Adjustable Waist and Hem: A large waist adjuster side panel and lower hem bungie cord allow for quick and easy adjustments, maintaining comfort and fit on long rides.
- Asymmetric Design: Designed with differing front and back lengths to suit a rider’s posture when seated, this feature ensures optimal comfort and coverage during rides over multiple terrains.
- Utility in Storage: With its cargo pockets, the jacket offers ample space for essentials, allowing riders to keep important items within easy reach.
- Upgradable Protection: The jacket comes ready for chest and back Nucleon inserts, offering the option to easily enhance the protective capabilities as desired for maximum safety.
Protection and Safety Features
- CE Certification: Fully certified to CE – Category II EN 17092-3:2020 – AA Class standards, the Ardent Jacket meets stringent safety criteria required for motorcycle gear in Europe.
- Nucleon Flex Pro Armor: CE Level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro shoulder and elbow armor offers superior impact protection without restricting movement.
- Tech-Air® Compatibility: The jacket is designed to integrate seamlessly with Alpinestars’ Tech-Air® airbag system.
- Abrasion-Resistant Material: With a combination of 300D ripstop, 1200D poly, and 600D reinforcements, the jacket is built to resist abrasion.
- Reflective Details: For improved visibility during dusk and nighttime riding.
- Adjustable Fit: Multiple adjusters ensure that the armor stays in place and the jacket doesn’t shift, which could otherwise compromise its protective functions.
Alpinestars Bogotá Pro Drystar® Jacket
This jacket is a fortress against the elements. The Bogotá Pro Drystar® Jacket, made from 100% GRS-certified recycled Nylon 6, offers environmental responsibility without compromising ruggedness. Its Level 2 CE-certified Nucleon Flex Pro armor, and compatibility with Tech-Air® airbag systems, offer exceptional protection. The innovative three-layer liner system and extensive ventilation panels make it a versatile choice for varying climates.
Protection and Certification
The jacket is equipped with Level 2 CE-certified Nucleon Flex Pro shoulder and elbow armor, offering advanced impact protection. It meets the CE – Category II EN17092 standards and is rated as AA class, ensuring high-level safety for riders. It’s also fully compatible with Alpinestars’ Tech-Air® 5 and Tech-Air® 3 Airbag Systems.
Key Features
- Revolutionary Drystar® Membrane: Provides 100% waterproofing and breathability.
- Versatile Layering System: A three-layer ‘liner to drop’ system for adapting to fluctuating climates.
- Expansive Ventilation Panels: Located on the chest, back, and arms for effective climate control.
- One-Handed Ventilation Operation: Designed for on-the-go temperature regulation.
- Sustainable Construction: Made from 100% GRS certified recycled Nylon 6 materials.
- Reinforced Durability: 600D main shell with 600D woven reinforcements.
Alpinestars Venture XT Pants
In Boot and Over Boot Models
Rounding out the collection are the dual variants of the Venture XT Pants: ‘In Boot’ and ‘Over Boot’.
Both models are crafted for comfort and safety, featuring Nucleon Flex Plus armor and a water-resistant shell. The key difference lies in their fit – the ‘In Boot’ model offers a streamlined inside-boot fit, while the ‘Over Boot’ model is designed for an exterior fit over boots. Each style caters to different rider preferences, ensuring adaptability across various riding conditions.
Key Features and Functionalities
- Ergonomic Cargo Pocket: Positioned for ease of access.
- Reinforced Seat Area: Recognizing the wear and tear on this critical area.
- Synthetic Leather Inner Knee: The inner knee area is reinforced with synthetic leather.
- Upgradeable Protection: The pants are compatible with Nucleon hip inserts.
- Technical Stretch Fabric: Located at key points.
- Thigh Vents: Designed to promote airflow.
Alpinestars Racer Graphite Pants
The 2024 Racer Graphite Pants are a perfect blend of durability and comfort. Crafted from stretch rip-stop fabric and 600D poly-fabric, these pants are designed for extreme off-road conditions. They feature Breathable Stretchnet Zones for airflow, goat leather inner knees for heat resistance, and fade-resistant graphics, making them as stylish as they are functional. The ergonomic sport cut and ratchet closure system ensures a perfect fit for dynamic riding.
Key Features for Ultimate Performance
- Breathable Stretchnet Zones: Located on the lower legs, these zones offer unmatched airflow, keeping the rider cool and comfortable.
- Goat Leather Inner Knees: For enhanced heat resistance, grip, and durability.
Ratchet Closure System: Coupled with waist adjustment straps, it ensures a secure and personalized fit. - Silicon Internal Waistline and Zippered Fly: For convenience and to keep the pants in position.
Fade Resistant Graphics: Ensuring the pants remain visually striking over time.
Giant Loop’s Game-Changing Gear
Adventure riding is a thrilling experience that demands skill, passion, and the right equipment to enhance the journey. Giant Loop, a renowned name in motorcycle gear, offers two exceptional products that promise to revolutionize the riding experience: the MOJAVI Saddlebag™ and the Buckin’ Roll Tank Bag™.
MOJAVI Saddlebag™
The Off-Road Rider’s Dream
The MOJAVI Saddlebag™ stands out with its sleek and lightweight design, tailored for aggressive off-road adventures. It’s known for its revolutionary Bomb Shell™ construction, making it resistant to water, mud, snow, and dust, and features a fully waterproof roll-top design. With a capacity of 12 liters, split into two 6-liter side pockets, it provides ample storage for essentials. The saddlebag’s design focuses on shifting the load from the rider’s back to the bike, enhancing endurance and comfort. Its Hot Springs Heat Shield is a notable protective measure against exhaust heat, making it a durable and versatile choice for rugged terrains.
Key Features
- Waterproofing: A fully-waterproof roll-top design keeps contents dry in all weather conditions.
- Capacity: Provides 12 liters of storage
- Mounting Options: Includes multiple mounting options with Pronghorn Straps and fender hooks.
- Heat Shield: Features the Hot Springs Heat Shield to protect against exhaust heat damage.
Specifications - Volume: 12 liters (732 cubic inches), split into two 6-liter side pockets.
- Dimensions: Each side pocket measures 4” deep x 16” long x 7” wide.
- Weight: Dry weight of 3 lb. (1.4 kg), including all components.
- Materials: Features rugged construction with military-spec fasteners and abrasion-resistant webbing.
Buckin’ Roll Tank Bag™
The Urban Adventurer’s Essential
On the flip side, the Buckin’ Roll Tank Bag™ is an essential accessory for riders who navigate both technical singletrack and urban landscapes. Its minimalist design offers 1.5 liters of waterproof storage, perfect for everyday essentials. The tank bag’s standout feature is its clear smartphone pocket with an electronics cable pass-through, which allows for convenient on-bike charging. The bag’s rugged design, utilizing Bomb Shell™ coated fabric and RF welded seams, ensures durability and protection against the elements. Its universal fit and easy three-point mounting system make it versatile and user-friendly.
Key Features
- Minimalist Design: Slim and trim, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the riding experience.
- Waterproof Construction: Made with coated materials, ideal for any weather condition.
- Smartphone Pocket: Clear pocket with cable pass-through for easy charging.
- Adventure Proof: Constructed with Bomb Shell™ fabric and RF welded seams for maximum durability.
- Universal Fit: Compatible with almost any bike model, thanks to its versatile design.
- Easy Mounting: Three-point mounting system for secure attachment.
- Reflective Accents: For increased visibility in low-light conditions.
- Detachable Harness: For convenience when away from the bike.
Specifications
With dimensions of 4” L x 7” W x 4” H for the tank bag and a weight of just 12 oz., the Buckin’ Roll Tank Bag™ is compact yet spacious enough for essential items. The smartphone pocket measures 7” L x 4” W, ensuring compatibility with most phone sizes.
In the world of motorcycling, experiencing the ride is only part of the journey. Having the right gear and accessories can greatly enhance your ride, making it safer, more enjoyable, and more comfortable. With this exciting lineup of premium products, from the latest motorcycle accessories to high-quality gear, every rider is sure to find something that will suit their needs and amplify their riding experience. So we encourage every rider to explore these products, experience the innovative technology, superior comfort, and high-grade safety features firsthand. There’s a world of adventures out there waiting for you – make every ride unforgettable.
Photos: Alpinestars Media, Simon Cudby, Candace Simpson Photography – Words: Pablo Ferrero
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