GP Plus V4 is quite a telling name: GP is clear, ‘Plus’ signifies that little extra and V4 means we’re already on the fourth version. Which is different from all others.
Remarkable is the revised silhouette (well, you’d have to put them side by side to notice) but specifically the different, better, lighter choice of materials including the new and extended GP-R Lite elbow protectors stand out. The GP Plus V4 motorcycle jacket is compatible with the Tech-Air® airbag systems.
Use of the new A-CS™ Plus stretch material deserves its own little explanation, being material technology originating from the MotoGP that has been applied to the side panels of the ALPINESTARS GP Plus V4, offering a higher elasticity, increased wear-resistance and a tear-resistance that even exceeds that of cowhide (!). The thinner and lighter unit is a bonus because the rest of the construction was updated as well, now consisting of a combination of regular cowhide and premium cowhide, with a dosage of stretch material on the chest, shoulders, back of the neck and inner arms. It provides more comfort and flexibility.
The non-removable mesh lining adds to that comfort level, offering decent temperature regulation and a little slack, thanks to the removable thermal lining. The ventilation openings on the torso allow sufficient wind in at the right times to keep everything comfortable.
There are plenty of customisation options at the – zipped – preshaped sleeves and in the waist. The sleeve ends as well as the collar are finished in soft 3D material.
The only thing waterproof is the inner pocket, to safely store your documents. There are plenty of other storage compartments: two outer pockets as well as two additional inner pockets, to be closed off with a zip or Velcro.
Impact protection was passed on directly from the racetrack, hence, this is top quality. CE certified internal protectors on the elbows (GP-R Lite) and shoulders (Nucleon Flex Plus) come standard and are removable. You do keep that feeling of wearing a genuine motorcycle jacket which is quite obvious when taking a close look at the list of materials and their protective qualities. The full name of the shoulder construction – with bulges and slider – is Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS), which only fortifies that feeling.
Optionally, a Nucleon Plasma back protector (level 2 certified) or Nucleon KR-CELLi back protector (level 1 certified) or Nucleon KR-R CELL back protector (level 2 certified, snap-on system) can be integrated easily. The chest protectors can also be upgraded to Nucleon Flex Pro Ci level.
A connecting zip allows for the combination with just about every pair of Alpinestars motorcycle trousers.
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.
