As an experienced dual sport rider, my favorite place to ride is on rough dirt trails and winding backroads. But I also log plenty of miles on the street commuting and running errands.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best adventure motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
The previous Alpinestars Venture R jacket has been my go-to for dual sport riding. But I was eager to test the updated Venture XT model to see if Alpinestars improved on an already great jacket.
Alpinestars Venture XT Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Snug fit limits flexibility
- Included armor for off-road
- Versatile dual sport protection
Overview of the Alpinestars Venture XT Jacket & Pants
The Venture XT continues the Venture lineup’s focus on premium protection for adventure and dual sport motorcycling. Here are the highlights of this versatile riding gear:
- 500D polyester shell with water-resistant coating
- Removable CE-certified Nucleon Flex Plus armor in shoulders, elbows, and knees
- Chest and back protector pockets
- Pre-curved, articulated sleeves for riding comfort
- Zippered chest intake vents and back exhaust vents
- Velcro and snap waist adjustments
- Multiple exterior and interior pockets
- Removable quilted thermal liner
- YKK zippers throughout
That positions the Venture XT in the premium price tier for serious dual sport and adventure riders.
Now, let’s dig into my experience testing this gear on the road, on trails, and everywhere in between.
Putting the XT to the Street Test
Riding a dual sport bike means splitting time between paved roads and rugged trails. So, my first test was evaluating how the Venture XT jacket performs in on-road conditions.
Heading out for a long highway stint, I immediately appreciated the jacket’s comfortable ergonomic cut. The pre-curved sleeves and articulated elbows make for a relaxed fit in the riding position.
Ventilation is excellent thanks to the large chest intake and back exhaust vents. Even on hot days, I stay cool by unzipping the chest vent for maximum airflow.
The jacket also excels at blocking wind and chill on colder rides. Zip up all the vents, and the quilted thermal liner turns the XT into a cozy cocoon.
For commuting around town, the plentiful storage options come in handy. The exterior hand pockets provide quick access, while the interior pockets and chest compartment offer secure storage.
So far, the Venture XT is top-notch as an on-road motorcycle jacket. Next, I wanted to see how it would fare off the pavement.
Hitting the Dirt: Off-Road Evaluation
Once I had a feel for the Venture XT’s street manners, it was time to get dirty! I rode my KTM 500 EXC to some local trails to test the jacket’s off-road performance.
Right away, the durable 500D shell proved its worth fending off branches and roots on narrow woodland trails. The water-resistant coating also came in handy when I got caught in a surprise rain shower.
The jacket offers excellent mobility for active off-road riding. Between the pre-curved sleeves and stretch panels at the back, I never felt restricted by yanking the bars or moving around on the bike.
One downside is that the XT fits more snugly than the previous Venture R. There’s less room for bulky body armor underneath.
But the built-in Nucleon Flex Plus armor provides ample impact protection. I was glad to have the CE-certified elbow, shoulder, and knee guards during some rocky tumbles!
Venture XT vs. Venture R – How They Compare
XT vs R: Key Differences and Similarities
Since I’ve logged thousands of miles in the Alpinestars Venture R, I was curious how the updated Venture XT would stack up:
Shared Features
- 500D polyester shell
- Removable thermal liner
- Pre-curved sleeves
- Chest and back protector pockets
Venture XT Advantages
- Armor included
- Vents on jacket and pants
- Storage pockets on pants
- Water-resistant coating
Venture R Advantages
- Roomier fit
- Sleeves zip off completely
- Better with knee braces
The Venture XT has more features tailored specifically to off-road riding. But the Venture R offers more versatility to work with your existing armor.
For serious dual sport riders, the XT brings premium protection. But I still prefer the R because it accommodates my knee braces.
Alpinestars Men’s Textile Jacket Sizing
| SIZE | CHEST (IN) | WAIST (IN) | ARM (IN) | HEIGHT (IN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2XS | 30.7-32.9 | 24.8-27.2 | 19.3-20.1 | 61.8-63.8 |
| XS | 32.9-35.0 | 27.2-29.5 | 20.1-21.1 | 64.2-66.1 |
| SM | 35.0-37.2 | 29.5-31.9 | 21.5-22.2 | 66.5-68.5 |
| MD | 37.2-39.4 | 31.9-34.3 | 22.6-23.2 | 68.9-70.5 |
| LG | 39.4-41.5 | 34.3-36.2 | 23.6-24.4 | 70.9-72.4 |
| XL | 41.5-43.7 | 36.2-38.2 | 24.8-25.6 | 72.8-74.4 |
| 2XL | 43.7-45.9 | 38.2-40.2 | 26.0-26.8 | 74.8-76.4 |
| 3XL | 45.9-48.0 | 40.2-42.1 | 26.0-26.8 | 74.8-76.4 |
| 4XL | 48.0-50.2 | 42.1-44.1 | 26.8-27.6 | 76.8-78.3 |
| 5XL | 50.2-52.4 | 44.1-46.1 | 26.8-27.6 | 76.8-78.3 |
| 6XL | 52.4-54.5 | 46.1-48.0 | 26.8-27.6 | 76.8-78.3 |
Riding With the Alpinestars Venture XT: The Verdict
After hundreds of miles on the street and dirt, here are my final thoughts on the Alpinestars Venture XT jacket and pants:
Best For:
- Riders seeking robust included armor
- Hot weather riding due to ample vents
- Off-road and dual sport versatility
- Premium protection level
Not Ideal For:
- Riders who prefer removable sleeves
- Cool-weather riding due to snug fit
The Venture XT is a specialized piece of gear purpose-built for aggressive dual-sport riding. It offers premium protection and ventilation with its robust armor and abundance of vents.
But the snug fit and non-removable sleeves limit its flexibility compared to the previous Venture R. For riders seeking more versatility, the Venture R is still a great choice.
So consider your riding style and needs. For hardcore dual sport riders, the Venture XT brings premium off-road chops. But casual riders may favor the flexibility of the Venture R.
Either way, both Venture jackets deliver versatile, high-quality protection on and off the pavement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of armor is included?
The Venture XT includes Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus CE-level 1 armor in the elbows, shoulders, and knees. This armor is flexible and slim for comfort while still offering impact protection.
Is the jacket fully waterproof?
No, the Venture XT is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. The 500D shell is coated with a water-repellant treatment and features waterproof zippers and pockets. But it will soak through in heavy rain.
How does the sizing compare to other Alpinestars jackets?
The Venture XT fits more snugly than other Alpinestars jackets like the Venture R. I recommend sizing up if you need to wear bulky armor underneath. Refer to the size chart for the best fit.
What colors is the Venture XT available in?
It’s only offered in black, with grey, blue, and orange accents. More color options may be released in the future.
Conclusion
Is this the best adventure motorcycle jacket? The Alpinestars Venture XT brings premium protection and ventilation for aggressive dual sport riding.
While not as versatile as the previous Venture R, it’s an excellent choice for riders who demand rugged armor and cooling airflow.
I’ll keep both my Venture XT and Venture R in my gear closet as they excel in specific scenarios. This detailed review gave you the insights needed to decide which Venture jacket is right for your dual sport adventures!
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