Alpinestars channel their knowhow and experience towards the sport-touring segment in this motorcycle jacket that mainly stands out due to its materials and design. Breathable, waterproof, all-weather, for every day of the year and the next. And Tech-Air®-ready, so with the potential to be maximally safe on the road.
Tech-Air® is actually racing gear, but the RX-5 Drystar® is clearly a touring jacket. In cut, in style, in functionality. The (somewhat) longer jacket can get some getting used to if you are familiar with Alpinestars’ faster-than-lightning usual designs but it should be said that the Italians take this relatively new course with consideration and added value. It is not really three-quarter length but the chances of your lower back becoming bare are practically non-existent.
The outer material is a combination of wear- and tear-resistant fabrics (with sufficient stretch) and forms the first line of defense. Right below that, you can feel the integrated Drystar®-membrane – breathable and waterproof – that qualifies as the ‘bad weather’ department. Another layer and we enter the removable thermal lining. Two wide ventilation zippers on the chest and two more on the upper arms, the accompanying double air outlets in the back are the best warranty for a decent summer ride. The weather would have to do all types of crazy antics to faze this RX-5 Drystar®.
A motorcycle jacket like this one, with layers and all the seasons as playing field should have a little play. This translates into individual adjustment options in the waist (velcro strips), a pushbutton on the upper arm and velcro on the collar. The zippers on the sleeve ends are long and double as extra ventilation channel. Good. A decent, central YKK waterproof zipper with cover flap inspires trust. By the way, the size table of the RX-5 Drystar®-motorcycle jacket goes up to 5XL.
On the shoulders and elbows, Alpinestars goes for impact protection in the shape of Nucleon Flex Pro Armor. This translates into thin, flexible protection that allow for maximal movement while warranting sufficient safety. Extra protection can be found in the form of GP Lite shoulder sliders that are actually – as you might suspect from the name – a light version of the real shoulder sliders from the racing suits. You can optionally fit a Nucleon Plasma back protector (level 2 certified) or Nucleon KR-CELLi back protector (level 1 certified) and even a Nucleon Flex Pro Ci chest protector. There is no such thing as not enough protective material in this RX-5, resulting in an AA-classification, beside the known CE-certification.
Les goûts et les couleurs… Alpinestars provides a number of reflective elements in the form of their logo and you can store a thing or two in the wide slash pockets with zippers. The two inner pockets provide even more storage space.
The connecting zipper can be convenient when you want to combine the RX-5 with good quality motorcycle pants.
There is maintenance clothing and then there is clothing maintenance. Good, solid motorcycle clothing is an investment in comfort and personal safety. So invest in its maintenance after your purchase and enjoy your gear for longer.
We put the best tips & tricks on this maintenance page.
