Alpinestars 365 Gore-Tex Leather Jacket

Alpinestars 365 Gore-Tex Leather Jacket

CW EVALUATION

Leather that shines in the rain

NOTHING BEATS LEATHER IN AN OFFthe-bike tumble. But when the sky goes dark and rain begins to fall on your faceshield—plop, plop, plop—you’d better have a waterproof cover-up close at hand. Unless you’re zipped into Alpinestars’ 365 jacket, that is.

At a glance, the 365 doesn’t appear to reinvent the wheel—er, jacket. It’s waist-length and mostly black with subtle logos and reflective striping. There’s a central zipper, a mandarin collar, hand-warmer pockets and a dropped tail. CE-approved BioArmor is located in the normal spots, plus the chest. The interior is mesh-lined, and a fleece vest can be zipped-out and worn separately. Fit is Euro-slim; Big Belly Deli regulars needn’t apply.

Setting the 365 apart from the crowd is the use of Gore-Tex Pro Shell leather. Also available in textile form, Pro Shell is a tri-layer system—outer fabric, central membrane and lining—that Gore calls breathable, windproof and “durably" waterproof. Here, the perforated leather is chemically treated to beat back the sun's rays (keeping you cool) and deflect rain (reducing soak-in).

DETAILS

Alpinestars USA, Inc.

2780 W. 237th St.

Torrance, CA 90505 310/891-0222 www.alpinestars.com Price...$1299.95

Àjps

A Styling good for adventure-tourers to sportbikes and even cruisers

A Vents? With breathable Gore-Tex Pro Shell leather, who needs ’em?

A Proprietary BioArmor half as thick, twice as energy absorbent as earlier foam padding

Downs

▼ Snug fit limits layering options

▼ Black only; Euro chest sizes 48-60

▼ Princely price

Waterproof YKK zippers-main, pockets and sleeve ends-corn plete the lock-down.

Three rides in heavy rain provided all the proof we needed: The 365 is waterproof—period. At nearly $1300, though, it’s one of the priciest noncustom riding jackets we’ve tested. Add the matching pants, plus tax, and you’re nearing $3K. That’s a lot of coin. But if you’re looking for a leather coat that will keep you dry,

the 365 gets our vote.