The Atem V5 is already the fifth version of this rather pure motorcycle racing jacket with an evolution that leans more towards revolution this time. As in: quite a lot has been changed and improved. The upgrade is a small trend shift, even though the essence remains the same: Alpinestars at its best.
Creating a top level pureblood track jacket, it’s what the Italians have perfected over the years. This is exactly what the Atem V5 is with just enough practicalities to be useful on public roads as well. Anyway, the Atem V5 rests on the shoulders of an entire family tree of namesakes and has been completely CE certified, category 2, AA. This takes it just a tad below professional racing gear.
The premium cowhide of previous versions has been replaced by a construction of Flex Plus cowhide ‘Race’, which is 10% lighter than regular cowhide, offering at the same time 80% more flexibility. Less rigid and stronger, in layman’s terms. The result is a superior freedom of movement, an ultra-adaptive racing fit and improved wear and tear-resistance.
In combination with the Alpinestars composite stretch technology (A-CS® Plus), hence, the stretch panels, this delivers a lighter, more comfortable and (even!) tighter motorcycle jacket. The newly added advantage are the elasticated accomplishments: A-CS® Plus has about 30% more stretch while offering a cutting resistance six times larger than leather. To keep all of that flexible, there’s RIDEKNIT® on the inside of the arms. This motorcycle jacket is quite a piece of technical knowhow and the low-cut sports collar construction seems to want to go even faster.
It doesn’t really matter that this takes us away from typical leather, does it.
The sleeve ends are neatly finished, with a single zip. You can hide the pull of the central YKK zipper behind a strip of Velcro and you can adjust everything to fit more or less tightly in the waist. The two pockets with zips and the waterproof inner pocket show us that this can perform outside the racetrack as well, even though this is clearly a motorcycle racing jacket – and not a touring motorcycle jacket.
The latter is undeniable: the hump on the back gives it away a little as well. That hump is obviously aerodynamic, yet also well ventilated and with a storage compartment for a camelbag.
It evidently benefits high-speed performances and if the hump doesn’t convince you, then the integrated protective material will: Nucleon Flex Plus protectors on elbows and shoulders, GP protectors on elbows that come standard, while a Nucleon Plasma back protector (level 2 certified) or a Nucleon KR-CELLi back protector (level 1 certified) can optionally be integrated. The same can be said of the double chest protectors.
DFS RR shoulder and elbow protectors with double density for superior friction control eliminate all doubt: this is a motorcycle racing jacket. One that can perfectly integrate the Tech-Air® 5 and Tech-Air® 3 airbag systems.
The cut on the back is a little longer to be sure your lower back is always covered in that typical motor riding position. 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.
