hange is occurring in the street motorcycle market. The strong upward sales of sport and performance streetbikes are setting new trends in buying patterns across the U.S. and Alpinestars is leading the way in answering the challenge.
     The increasing number of sportbike riders is increasing demand for high technology riding apparel and footwear. They are an ‘educated’ group who are looking for ever greater performance, protection and comfort from the gear they invest in and furthermore, they are looking for everything from underwear, protection, boots and apparel and they want to find it all in their local dealership. Alpinestars is one of the few companies, with the full range of products, that has kept pace with the advance of high-tech demand and their MX-1 leather sport riding jacket reflects that ability very effectively.
     The MX-1 jacket takes its design and technology directly from the racetrack to the street. Employing much of the innovation that Alpinestars uses for MotoGP, World and AMA Superbike, the MX-1 jacket features the external thermo-plastic shoulder protection, together with internal elbow armor that is used in the race suits, an aerodynamic and ventilated speed hump on the back and additional ventilation in critical areas of the jacket.
These features, together with the placement and cut of the full sleeve length and underarm stretch panels and the use of premium quality full-grain leather, make the MX-1 a top performer in technological specification. But, it is the background work and relentless pursuit of performance improvement that makes this and other Alpinestars products so good at their intended job.
     Alpinestars dedicates enormous effort and investment in its Research and Development programs. The technology employed in the MX-1 has been developed, tested and refined in the company’s own laboratory, undergoing tests which determine its impact protection, abrasion resistance, its seam strength, the performance of the ventilation and proprietary (but nevertheless important) tests to check resistance to UV damage, shipping conditions and surface creasing with repeated flexing.
     Nothing is left to chance. Protection, both external and internal is rigorously tested in an impact measurement machine before being sent for independent assessment of its impact resistance performance. Every color of leather offered is measured to ensure that each and every jacket exceeds the minimum standard for abrasion resistance and the seam construction is repeatedly tested for burst strength and design to keep improving overall jacket strength. Ventilation is measured using electronic data acquisition to monitor and adapt the airflow through the jacket. This ensures the rider gets maximum benefit from the airflow while riding, which is vital for comfort and performance in hot and humid conditions. Those seemingly unrelated tests for sunlight resistance, reaction to changeable conditions while shipping and leather surface strength help development of technology to prevent ‘ageing’ of the jacket before and after it is sold to the customer meaning less returns and greater long-term customer satisfaction.
     The fit of the jacket has also been given much attention. Designed for the riding position on a sportbike, the MX-1 has pre-shaped arms, body hugging cut and an adjustable waist to keep the jacket streamlined at all times. With such an aggressive design comes the issue of comfort but Alpinestars has taken care of that with the use of cleverly designed stretch areas. Located on the back of the shoulders, under and down the arms these expansion zones give the rider plenty of free movement while riding and while standing upright, once off the bike. They also ensure a great fit in all of the standard sizes offered; from 48 to 60, while color options include Black, Red and Blue.
     Down to the smallest details, nothing has been overlooked here. An internal, quilted, removable liner allows you to start the day well insulated and finish the day with just the permanent internal mesh lining to keep you cool. The internal pocket layout has even been duplicated on both liners so you can keep those valuables stored the same way however you wear the jacket. Neoprene comfort is built into the collar and self locking arm zippers ensure you do not find the cuffs opening, at any time and with safety in mind, a back protector pocket and waist connection zipper allow Alpinestars RC back protector and any of their riding pants to be used in conjunction with the MX-1.
     This then, is one well-conceived and constructed riding jacket that counters conventional wisdom and outdated paradigms, which demand a retail price of $349.95 and no more. Sportbike riders are, by nature, passionate about the sport and are looking for style and performance. Alpinestars is a brand that appeals to motorsports enthusiasts in all disciplines and with the growth of their profile in AMA competition as well as NASCAR and Formula 1, customers in the sportbike sector are familiar with Alpinestars.
     Sales of the MX-1 are already very strong, in fact, the jacket constantly sells out at a retail of $549.95 and Parts Unlimited has increased inventory levels in anticipation of continued growth in the premium sportbike apparel market and for the Alpinestars MX-1 in particular. Talk to your Parts Unlimited rep for more details and get the MX-1 in your store today…your serious sportbike customers will thank you.