Great news for you hot weather and summer-loving riders: You don’t have to boil up in hard motorcycle armor shells and leathers during sweltering climates to achieve proper riding protection. You also don’t have to sacrifice safety for cool body temperatures by wearing dirt bike gear. That’s because the Alpinestars V3 Air Motorcycle Jacket will keep you both cool and protected.
(WARNING) You should not wear dirt bike armor on a motorcycle to stay cool in hot temperatures. Dirt bike gear protection is not made for street impact or road rash abrasion.
At first glance, it may not look like a standard protective motorcycle jacket, but there’s more to this jacket than meets the eye. With Alpinestars T-GP R V3 Air Jacket, what you don’t see is what you get. Alpinestars didn’t feel the need to put protective armor and padding on display. And just because they’re not showing it off, it doesn’t mean the V3’s protective features are of any less quality. On the contrary, this is what makes the jacket so impressive. It doesn’t look like it’s armored nor does it look capable of both race and street protection. It’s an understated sports/naked motorcycle jacket for sure. And, that’s what makes it special. The V3 Air is the type of motorcycle jacket that does more with less. Despite being light and airy, the V3 Air provides adequate safety protection without being bulky or restricting. The GP Plus R Race Protection System is perfect for hot weather and summer riding. It’s also fully capable of useful upgrades, including additional protective padding slots for the chest, back, and a zip-up waist connector for Alpinestars race pants—perfect for going full-tuck to rpm rage around a hot racetrack in the summer.
While there are some trade-offs protection-wise when it comes to opting for a lighter and slimmer protection profile, in general, the V3 Air provides more than enough protective features to keep you safe in a fall and slide. There are two GP Lite exterior sliders for the shoulders, and the main shell consists of a highly durable poly-fabric for abrasion resistance. Sleekly hidden inside the jacket, Alpinestar’s latest Nucleon Flex Plus Armor conforms to the shoulders and elbows with innovative impact absorption and airflow cooling design features.
To give you the most genuine and unbiased review possible, every product we review is tested daily throughout the normal course of day-to-day life for a period of no less than one week.
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v3 Air Jacket
It’s sleek. It’s comfortable. It’s breathable. It keeps you cool. It stretches. It flexes. The hybrid mesh textile combo is perfect for summer street riding and made for aggressively tucking in with a wide-open-throttle on the track. The GP Plus R Race Protection System utilizes innovative and upgradable nucleon flex plus armor padding offering next-level rider protection in a stealthy, sleek fitting design.
Manufacturer Alpinestars
Materials Textile and mesh. Highly durable and abrasion resistant poly-fabric main shell and subtly incorporated class-leading Nucleon Flex Plus protection.
ProsLighter than the previous V2 generation jacketsComfortable and flexibleClimate versatile ? great for moderate to hot conditions.Well-ventilated high airflow cooling designRoom for plenty of protective upgrades ConsNo removable inner linerIncluded armor has been downgraded to CE1 but can be upgraded back up to CE2
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R V3 Air Motorcycle Jacket First Impressions
The V3 Air is a modern and sleek-looking jacket. Finely shaped with geometric minimalism, the mesh textile hybrid fabric and reflective trim go together nicely. As far as protection goes, it didn’t look like it had much protective armor aside from the GP Lite external shoulder sliders. After slipping it on, I felt the armor padding in the elbows and shoulders but only slightly. This made me skeptical of the protective padding. Would it be able to provide enough protection in a critical situation? Besides the skepticism about the padding quality, and more on that later, the jacket looked great. It felt snug, stretchable, comfortable, durable, and form-fitting. The back of the jacket was mostly mesh. Excellent for cooling in hot weather but again, is this going to hold up in a fall when I’m sliding on the ground? I grabbed the mesh backing of the jacket. It was airy and stretchy yet felt strong and tear-resistant. Looks can be very deceiving on this jacket. Tough-looking is not something Alpinestars is going with the V3. Interesting. I would soon come to see just how durable and strong this motorcycle jacket really was. It was time to put Alpinestars’ GP Plus R Race Protection System to the test.
How It Feels When Riding
The Alpinestars V3 Air feels just as its name would suggest. Like air. It’s light. It’s breathable. The way it takes in air to cool you and the way it expels air to ventilate you gives it the functionality of an air intake or organ. At full tuck on the highway, air passes through it, over it, and around it. In the hot, sticky summer 90-degree-plus temperatures of North-East America, coming to a full stop at red lights is much more bearable compared to my experience with other motorcycle jackets, especially leather. And, due to my particular style tastes, the jacket color I tested was black on black. Furthermore, I tested it in the summer sun. When the bike really starts moving, the breezy air that flows into the jacket feels like heaven.
High-Quality Protection With A Low-Profile Design
Photographed by Manuel Aleman @motoreveries | TopSpeed.com
Alpinestars is a premium brand, and with the V3 Air, you should expect no less. The attention to detail is high caliber, from the design of the weighty zippers to the immaculate embossed and 3D logo prints across the jacket’s fabrics and shoulder sliders. And, don’t let the open-air design and sleek construction fool you. The fabric and mesh are light and stretchable, but this jacket still proves to be one tough cookie. The 600 Denier polyester and double polyurethane coating are made to hold together in the event of forceful abrasion. The jacket pockets are deep and secure. Overall, everything feels sturdy and solid.
However, at first glance, the armor may look a bit soft and seem flimsy compared to harder impact padding designs. On the other hand, upon further research, although soft, the armor padding is designed to harden upon impact to absorb and redistribute energy with its open and compressible CE-graded Fusion Flex Plus technology. Thanks to modern innovations in motorcycle protective wear, padding no longer has to feel hard to do its job. I also recognized that the protective armor padding is very similar to the Alpinestars Bionic Action V2 Protection Jacket for off-road riding. Check out that review here.
The V3 Air jacket is an innovative combo hybrid that utilizes the best of both off-road dirt bike and on-road motorcycle design technology. And, it paid off well. The Nucleon Plus Flex Armor flexes and molds to your every move. The open-cell padding structure is not just for airflow. The open cells that make up the armor padding compress and release to harden and soften to absorb and release the energy of any impact force from a fall or collision.
How To Remove And Insert The Nucleon Plus Flex Armor Pads
A Premium Stretch And Flex High Airflow Fit
Photographed by Manuel Aleman @motoreveries | TopSpeed.com
The T-GP Plus R V3 Air is probably one of the most comfortable motorcycle jackets I’ve ever ridden in. It keeps you cool in hot situations. It minimizes wind resistance and wind drag while letting air in and out. This makes for a very refreshing ride on the highway and racetrack. On the other hand, there are not many bells and whistles for adjustment features. Besides the adjustable zippers in the forearm areas of the sleeves and the two waist straps, there’s not much else to adjust your fit. This is in no way a reason to look down upon the jacket design. Alpinestars designed the jacket to flex and stretch with your body as if to make all, if not most, of the fitting adjustments for you. With that said, the V3 Air was comfortable in all the awkward positions I put it in. Twisting around to do a 180-degree grab to get some items from my rear cowl bag was very doable thanks to the flex and stretch structure and design. The jacket twisted and contoured in all the ways I needed it to.
Aggressive Aerodynamics And Race Flexibility
Shot by Brian Hazel at Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain, NY.
The V3 Air does what it’s supposed to do, and it does it well. The mesh fabric and open-cell armor keep you cool at slow speeds and full stops. At high speeds, both sitting up and tucking in, air flows in and out without any significant resistance. The advanced aerodynamic profile and sleek fit of the jacket minimize wind drag. The zippers and adjustment straps are sturdy and securely stay locked in place. Shoulder and elbow areas are snug, flexible, and comfortable. Movement and positioning feel unrestricted. The armor padding flexed and contoured with all my postures, from leans in switchback turns to back stretches for sore rider muscles.
Keeps You Cool During Hot Summer Riding
Shot by Brian Hazel at Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain, NY.
The T-GP Plus V3 Air is best worn in hot to moderate temperatures. It’s the ideal jacket for local commuting on your motorcycle and navigating through traffic to deal with frequent stops in hot weather. The breathable mesh fabric, combined with the open-cell design of the protective armor padding, brings cool air to the body to help maintain temperature levels. In the summer, most motorcycle jackets can feel fine while riding, but at full stops, they tend to store up too much heat. This can put the rider in unbearably hot temperatures. That’s not the case with this jacket. I’ve tested the V3 Air in 90-degree Fahrenheit weather. From riding in the traffic-jammed tunnels of NYC to parking under direct sun at Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn, I did not once feel unbearably hot.
Related Tried And Tested: Alpinestars Bionic Action V2 Protection Jacket
A flexible and breathable sleek second skin for motocross and off-road riders.
Fit, Comfort, And Sizing Recommendation
Shot by Brian Hazel at Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain, NY.
The T-GP Plus R V3 Air Jacket is fitted for premium sports performance in hot to moderate weather. Its highly dynamic design embraces a snug and true-fit sizing scale. There’s hardly any experience of wind drag when wearing this jacket, so it will fit like a glove. For those of us riders with more bulk and an awesome amount of mass, you may want to go up a size or two. For slim folk, go with your typical true-fit measurements. There’s also a version of the V3 Air jacket for women called the Stella.
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R V3 Air Motorcycle Jacket Sizing Chart
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″
27.2-29.5
20.1-21.1
64.2-66.1
S
35-37.2″
29.5-31.9
21.5-22.2
66.5-68.5
M
37.2-39.4″
31.9-34.3
22.6-23.2
68.9-70.5
L
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
26-26.8
74.8-76.4
3XL
45.9-48″
40.2-42.1
26-26.8
74.8-76.4
4XL
48-50.2″
42.1-44.1
26.8-27.6
76.8-78.3
Related Tried And Tested: Alpinestars Bionic Action V2 Protection Jacket
A flexible and breathable sleek second skin for motocross and off-road riders.
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R V3 Air Summer/Hot Weather Motorcycle Jacket Competition
The summer and hot-weather textile sports motorcycle jacket category focuses on four things: aerodynamics, temperature regulation for hot climates, fall protection for impact absorption, and road abrasion resistance for slides. You also want a jacket that lets you easily go into the aggressive riding postures that a sports bike and naked bike require.
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R V3 Air Vs. The Dainese Energyca Air Motorcycle Jacket
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v3 Air Jacket
It’s sleek. It’s comfortable. It’s breathable. It keeps you cool. It stretches. It flexes. The hybrid mesh textile combo is perfect for summer street riding and made for aggressively tucking in with a wide-open-throttle on the track. The GP Plus R Race Protection System utilizes innovative and upgradable nucleon flex plus armor padding offering next-level rider protection in a stealthy, sleek fitting design.
Manufacturer Alpinestars
Materials Textile and mesh. Highly durable and abrasion resistant poly-fabric main shell and subtly incorporated class-leading Nucleon Flex Plus protection.
Available Sizes XS-4XL
Color Black, Black/Camo/Red Fluorescent, Black/Dark Gray/White, Black/Red Fluorescent/White
ProsSleekLighter than the previous V2 generation jacketsComfortable and flexibleClimate versatile ? great for moderate to hot conditionsWell-ventilated high airflowRoom for plenty of protective upgrades ConsNo removable inner linerIncluded armor has been downgraded to CE1 but can be upgraded back up to CE2 Dainese Energyca Air Tex Jacket
Dainese’s sport motorcycle jacket embraces racetrack functionality in combination with a highly breathable mesh panel design. It’s made for high airflow and elevated stretch for aggressive motorcycle riding positions. Included are aluminum exterior shoulder sliders and CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow protective impact padding.
Manufacturer Dianese
Materials Abrasion-resistant stretch Cordura with mesh inserts, removable windproof lining, certified composite protectors, and aluminum plates on the shoulders
Available Sizes S-4XL
Color Black and Orange
ProsPlenty of available protective and racing upgradesGenerous protective padding for the elbows and shouldersComfortable and flexible stretch designLots of airflow ventilationPlenty of available protective and racing upgrades ConsShould have waterproof liner at this price range
The Energyca Air Jacket is yet another stylish specimen of motorcycle gear made by the Italian hands of Dainese craftsmanship. Its sporty design is more geared for the racetrack than the V3 Air. It also comes with removable exterior aluminum shoulder pads to extend the life of the jacket. In case of a fall and slide, you can just slap on a new set of shoulder sliders and hit the track again. Furthermore, the Energyca Air optimizes rider-body ergonomics and increases airflow to keep the rider cool, thanks to its Cordura Comfort flexible fabric. It also comes with a windproof lining and a jacket-to-pants connection. Its downfall compared to the V3 Air is its price point. At the $400 mark, you usually expect to see motorcycle jackets include CE Level 2 protective padding along with a solid waterproof liner.
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R V3 Air Vs. The Viking Cycle Warlock Motorcycle Jacket
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v3 Air Jacket
It’s sleek. It’s comfortable. It’s breathable. It keeps you cool. It stretches. It flexes. The hybrid mesh textile combo is perfect for summer street riding and made for aggressively tucking in with a wide-open-throttle on the track. The GP Plus R Race Protection System utilizes innovative and upgradable nucleon flex plus armor padding offering next-level rider protection in a stealthy, sleek fitting design.
Manufacturer Alpinestars
Materials Textile and mesh. Highly durable and abrasion resistant poly-fabric main shell and subtly incorporated class-leading Nucleon Flex Plus protection.
Available Sizes XS-4XL
Color Black, Black/Camo/Red Fluorescent, Black/Dark Gray/White, Black/Red Fluorescent/White
ProsSleekLighter than the previous V2 generation jacketsComfortable and flexibleClimate versatile ? great for moderate to hot conditionsWell-ventilated high airflowRoom for plenty of protective upgrades ConsNo removable inner linerIncluded armor has been downgraded to CE1 but can be upgraded back up to CE2 Viking Cycle Warlock Motrocycle Jacket
Viking Cycle produced a useful sporty/adventure motorcycle jacket. It’s got a bunch of useful pockets and plenty of adjustment features. The make is of a sturdy, quality build with good protection and great ventilation. The body temperature regulation features make it versatile enough to wear for multiple seasons—hot to cool.
Manufacturer Viking Cycle
Materials 100% 600D Polyester coated by PU
Available Sizes XS-4XL
Color Silver Mesh, Red Mesh, Hi Viz Neon Mesh, Black Mesh
ProsHigh airflowDoes well in warm to cool weatherA good amount of adjustmentsPlenty of useful pocketsDurableCheap price point ConsBugs are hard to clean out of the front meshConsiderable wind drag
Viking’s Warlock Motorcycle Jacket has great ventilation and a good amount of protection. The outer mesh fabric sections infuse a breathable design around the body, while the abrasion-resistant fabric and CE-graded armor provide sufficient impact and slide protection. The zip-down front airflow vents offer superior cooling. The thermal liner can also be removed for even more venting—a feature the V3 Air jacket should have. The Warlock is also comfortable in cool to hot weather, making it a sort of unofficial all-season motorcycle jacket. I test-rode a 2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster wearing the Warlock at the Proving Grounds of Arizona in October. It was 80 degrees Fahrenheit around then, and the jacket didn’t make me swampy. Furthermore, in rainy conditions, the waterproof liner keeps you and your items dry—a feature lacking in the V3 Air. The Viking also has more adjustable features and an abundance of useful pockets—it packs: 6 interior pockets and 4 exterior pockets.
Ultimately, Viking’s Warlock proves to be a cross-combo between sport and adventure motorcycle riding. It’s great for long trips with lots of items. However, it does not lean as heavily into the sports riding experience as the Alpinestars V3 Air. Although the Warlock has a waist zip to attach matching riding pants, it lacks the sleek aerodynamic design of the V3 Air and suffers from wind drag. While there is some protective padding in the front, it is not upgradeable nor officially recognized as full-size chest protectors. There are small shoulder pads inside the jacket but nothing comparable to Alpinestars’ GP Race slide-resistant shoulder pucks. The Warlock is more on the adventure/sports side of motorcycle experiences, while the T-GP Plus R V3 Air gains the edge on the racing/sports end.
Is The Alpinestars T-GP Plus R V3 Air The Right Motorcycle Jacket For You
The V3 Air is excellent for hot and warm climates and is stretchable enough to add an underlayer for moderate to cool temperatures. The jacket is also heavily influenced by Alpinestars’ racetrack research and development data. So think of it as race gear that swaps out leathers for hot-temperature cooling mesh. It’s an ideal jacket for the sporty naked bike street rider and the local commuter who rides through stop-and-go traffic. While not an ideal jacket for long road trips, a tank bag or cowl bag will make a day trip doable.
Being that the V3 Air jacket is crafted for sporty riding, it embraces a minimal sleek design focused on wind aerodynamics. So it offers fewer pockets and less adjustment features than other jackets. This can be disappointing at first, but on second thought, I came to realize that it was designed in such a way that it didn’t need as many adjustment straps because of its flex technology and ergonomic features. Functionally speaking, if you can design a jacket in such a way that it needs fewer moving parts than other jackets to accomplish what they do and more, then you have evolved motorcycle jacket design and set a new benchmark for the entire category.
The Alpinestars T-GP Plus R V3 Air Motorcycle Jacket goes for $279.95. Optional chest protector, back protector, and CE2 armor padding upgrades are available separately. Color options include:
Black Black/Camo/Red Fluorescent Black/Dark Gray/White Black/Red Fluorescent/White
