I recently had the opportunity to test out the new Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Rideknit jacket. As an avid motorcyclist and someone who loves trying out new gear, I was eager to see how this jacket would perform.
In this Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Rideknit review, I’ll provide an in-depth look at the key features of the GP Plus R V3 Rideknit, including its safety ratings, comfort, ventilation, and overall quality. I’ll also summarize the pros and cons so you can determine if this jacket is a good fit for your needs.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best leather motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Rideknit Jacket
Introduction
The GP Plus R V3 Rideknit is the latest iteration in Alpinestars’ popular GP Plus R series of sport-oriented leather jackets.
It differentiates itself by adding Rideknit fabric panels designed to improve comfort and airflow compared to standard leather.
My goal was to thoroughly test this jacket in real-world conditions and provide riders with a comprehensive assessment of its capabilities for aggressive street and sports riding. Read on to see my full findings.
CE Certified Protection for the Street
The GP Plus R V3 Rideknit carries a CE AA rating according to the EN 17092 standard. This means it provides robust protection for street and sport riding, though not quite equivalent to a dedicated racing jacket.
The main chassis uses 1.4mm bovine leather reinforced with additional leather layers on the elbows, shoulders, and forearms. TPU shell armor on the shoulders adds further abrasion resistance.
For impact protection, the stock Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 elbow and shoulder armor is decent, but I’d recommend upgrading to Alpinestars’ Nucleon Flex Pro CE Level 2 armor for maximum protection. The jacket is prepped to add an optional Nucleon back protector and chest pads as well.
The protection is suitable for aggressive street riding and casual track days, though racers will want something more hardcore like Alpinestars’ Missile jacket.
Unrivaled Comfort Straight Out of the Box
The highlight of this jacket is absolutely the Rideknit fabric panels strategically placed throughout the inner sleeves, sides, shoulders, and collar. This innovative material provides insane elasticity that conforms to your shape.
Unlike leather, the Rideknit has no break-in period. From your very first ride, it offers complete freedom of movement, whether tucked into a sportbike or sitting upright. The comfort is second to none.
The low-profile collar has an inner Rideknit lining that is smooth against the skin. Arm cuffs seal securely while allowing easy entry for gloves. Well-placed accordion joints and stretch fabric prevent any binding or pressure points.
Sizing
| Size | Color |
|---|---|
| 50 | Black/White |
| 52 | Black/White |
| 54 | Black/White |
| 56 | Black/White |
| 58 | Black/White |
Airflow That Can Handle Summer Heat
Ventilation is also excellent, thanks to generous perforated leather panels and moisture-wicking mesh lining. Rideknit fabric, by nature, is highly air-permeable as well.
Large unzippered vents under the arms let air reach the torso. The collar and back panel are designed to facilitate airflow. I stayed cool wearing this jacket on 90+ degrees sunny rides.
It’s a true 3-season jacket that excels in warm weather. A removable thermal liner would make it more winter-friendly, but most riders will be fine layering underneath.
A Sporty Look With Versatile Fit
I tested a red version of the GP Plus R V3 Rideknit, which looks fantastic. The Rideknit material has an eye-catching textured appearance. Black and white colorways are also available for a more subtle look.
The European sizing chart is accurate, in my experience. Order your normal size as measured for a snug but not overly tight fit. There’s enough adjustability to accommodate layers underneath.
Storage is minimal, with just two exterior pockets, but it easily fits essentials like a phone, wallet, and keys. Inside, the left chest pocket is waterproof to protect valuables.
Standout Features:
- Tech-Air 5 Compatible – designed to integrate Alpinestars’ airbag system
- Pre-curved design – tailored for the sportbike riding position
- Bovine leather chassis – 1.4mm thickness for abrasion resistance
- Rideknit stretch panels – provide unmatched comfort and flexibility
- DFS Lite shoulder shells – guard against impacts
- Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 armor – upgradeable to Level 2 for maximum protection
Advantages of the Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Rideknit
To summarize, here are the main benefits I found with the GP Plus R V3 Rideknit jacket:
- Superb comfort right out of the box thanks to Rideknit fabric
- Excellent dexterity and movement when riding
- Better airflow than most competing leather jackets
- Quality construction with premium materials
- Sporty aesthetics available in stylish colorways
- Nucleon armor provides flexible impact protection
- It can be upgraded with Alpinestars’ Tech-Air 5 airbag system
- Versatile 3-season jacket for street-to-track use
Drawbacks to Consider
No product is perfect, so here are a few downsides worth noting:
- Limited storage – just two small exterior pockets
- No thermal liner included – must layer for cold weather riding
- AA safety rating – fine for the street but not track-dedicated
- Expensive – typical of premium leather jackets
Ideal Rider
Overall, the exceptional comfort and ventilation of the GP Plus R V3 Rideknit make it a fantastic warm-weather jacket for aggressive sports riding and canyon carving. The protection sacrifices necessitated by its stellar airflow still render it safer for street use than the track.
Riders looking for a supple, breathable leather jacket that can handle summer heat without compromising safety will love this Alpinestars offering. Its premium price is justified for those seeking a high-end moto jacket.
My Final Thoughts
Having tested out the new Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Rideknit jacket, I’m thoroughly impressed with its combination of versatility, protection, and comfort. As an avid rider, I’ve worn many leather jackets over the years, but this one stands out for its quality and innovation.
Right away, the Rideknit panels across the inner sleeves and body make this jacket insanely flexible compared to any other leather I’ve owned.
It molds perfectly to your shape with no break-in required. The range of motion is fantastic, whether tucked into a sportbike or sitting upright on a cruiser.
Despite the supple feel, protection doesn’t suffer thanks to the 1.4mm bovine leather chassis and CE armor in the shoulders and elbows.
It’s not a race-level jacket, but the impact pads and abrasion resistance provide ample safety for aggressive street riding. Airflow is also great with the breathable Rideknit material and vent zippers.
The quality and construction meet Alpinestars’ typically high standards. The leather and stitching are clearly built to last after multiple rides.
I like the pre-curved sport fit, which looks stylish and functions seamlessly on a sports bike. Storage is somewhat limited, but overall, the value justifies the premium price tag.
In summary, the remarkable comfort of the Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Rideknit makes it a fantastic 3-season jacket.
While not a race jacket, it offers versatile protection and ventilation for sport riding. The innovative Rideknit material takes comfort to the next level.
FAQs
Does the GP Plus R V3 Rideknit jacket have a back protector?
No, a back protector is not included. But the jacket has a pocket to install an optional Nucleon back protector, which is highly recommended.
How does the sizing compare to other Alpinestars jackets?
The sizing is consistent with Alpinestars’ other jacket models. Refer to the size chart and order your typical Alpinestars size.
Is the GP Plus R V3 Rideknit jacket waterproof?
The outer leather is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. However, there is a waterproof inner chest pocket for storing a phone or valuables.
Can I wear the GP Plus R V3 Rideknit jacket off the bike?
The sporty design and flexible fit make it suitable for casual off-bike use, too. Just remove the armor for comfort.
Does the jacket work for taller or bigger riders?
Yes, it’s available in a wide range of sizes up to 4XL to accommodate most riders. The stretch fabric also helps accommodate larger frames.
The Verdict
The Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Rideknit jacket delivers unparalleled comfort paired with stellar ventilation that outperforms most competing leather motorcycle jackets.
While not quite race-ready, it provides ample protection for aggressive sport riding on the street and light track days.
The premium materials and quality construction justify the price for riders seeking a high-end leather jacket with excellent comfort for summer rides.
Overall, the GP Plus R V3 Rideknit hits the mark as a versatile, multi-season jacket ready to handle serious sport riding demands.
If you want a supple, breathable leather jacket that moves like a second skin on your bike, this one should be at the top of your list.
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