27 November 2025

Alpinestars’ new Nazca line

It may seem counterintuitive that in Ireland, in November, Alpinestars has launched a new jacket named after a Peruvian desert.

It does, though, make sense, insists our man of many seasons, Paul Browne.

 

Megabikes, the motorcycle dealership on the south side of Dublin, appears to stock more Alpinestars’ clothing than anywhere else in the world.

I’m including Alpinestars’ own warehouse in that bold assertion.

For those of us who like the brand, which very much includes me, the place is a treasure trove of cooler-than-cool Italian sartorial excellence!

While Alpinestars might be well known for their racing suits there is so much more going on with the company.

A number of sub-sections exist within the range of clothing that they produce.

Season’s greeting

They have a rugged adventure range called the ‘All Terra’ line to which, this season, they’ve added a new Nazca Gore-Tex Pro jacket.

The jacket’s name, Nazca, is inspired by a part of the Atacama desert in Peru.

Being a desert where it’s never rained, makes it very, very, hot during the day.

Also, being a desert where there’s no cloud cover, makes it very, very, cold during the night.

Then there’s the sand. We might think of sand as being the long, beautiful beach type of sand.

That’s not to be found here. Indeed the ‘sand’ in the Atacama is a bit like pebble-dashing married to a cheese grater.

So, if you’re going to put a name like ‘Nazca’ on your kit it had better be up to the task!

Going to the extreme

This jacket has, then,  been made for the more extreme adventure rider.

Just some of the components include a 3-layer laminated Gore-Tex membrane.

There are several large and highly effective direct ventilation openings, with six on the front and four on the rear.

And, as we’ve seen on another number of brands, there’s a central zip airflow panel. This one is held open thanks to the fasteners being replaced

Since the Gore-Tex is windproof, the energy-sapping chill factor that comes from a strong breeze is much less of a problem.

These Gore Tex panels are also flexible, meaning they can be used to maximum effectiveness without being uncomfortable to wear.

The membrane is also highly effective at wicking sweat away from the rider.

Four fit

The Nazca jacket has four adjustment points to allow for the best, most comfortable fit.

It has six pockets, two inner pockets, two waterproof side hand pockets and another two waterproof chest pockets.

There’s also reflective detailing so you don’t have to cover it all up with a hi-vis vest in the dark.

Protection is impressive.

While there is a pocket for a back protector, it’s airbag ready and has flexible armour on both elbows and shoulders.

Having launched myself at a few cacti plants in the past I really, really, like the Superfabric reinforcements. These are part of the jacket’s outer fabric and cover the shoulders, elbows and biceps where they maximise slash and abrasion resistance.

The jacket has a five year warranty while the Gore Tex has a lifetime guarantee. They’re available exclusively in Ireland from Megabikes. Talk to Ola on 01 4784 200 about booking a fitting.

A motorcycle insurance broker that won’t desert you? Call our team on 0818 945 950!

 

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