ALPINESTARS Explore AST Pants Aluminum-Black

The style of a motorcycle pant determines its look, fit, and intended use. Below are the most common styles in the motorcycling world, with their features:

• Adventure: robust pants designed for long rides and off-road adventures, often with extra protection and waterproof features.
• Custom: stylish and bold pants suitable for choppers and custom bikes, often with a relaxed fit and eye-catching details.
• Off-road: lightweight and flexible for terrain riding, with reinforcements in critical areas and good ventilation.
• Sport: snug and aerodynamic, designed for sporty riding and track use, often with sliders and protective elements.
• Touring: comfortable pants for long-distance riding, with ample storage and weather-resistant materials.
• Urban: casual and versatile, suitable for daily city riding, often with a comfortable fit and light protection.
• Vintage: classic, retro-inspired style, often in leather with stylish accents, combined with modern protection.

Le type de pantalon moto indique le matériau principal du pantalon ainsi que l’utilisation ou les conditions pour lesquelles il est conçu. Cela aide à choisir le pantalon le plus adapté à votre style de conduite et au climat. Les options sont :

• Textile : ce pantalon est fabriqué en matériaux textiles résistants comme le polyester ou le polyamide. Les pantalons textiles sont polyvalents, confortables et souvent adaptés à différentes conditions météorologiques.
• Ventilé : ce pantalon est équipé de larges panneaux en mesh ou en matériau hautement ventilé, permettant une circulation d’air maximale. Idéal par temps chaud.
• Gore-Tex : ce pantalon est équipé d’une membrane Gore-Tex et est totalement étanche au vent et à l’eau tout en restant respirant. Convient à une utilisation intensive et à toutes les conditions.
• Cuir : ce pantalon est fabriqué en cuir et offre une très haute résistance à l’abrasion et une excellente protection. Souvent utilisé pour la conduite sportive ou sur circuit.
• Surpantalon : ce pantalon est conçu pour être porté par-dessus un pantalon classique et offre une protection supplémentaire contre la pluie, le vent et le froid. Idéal pour les trajets quotidiens.

The “Gender” specification indicates who the motorcycle jacket is designed for. This directly affects the fit and cut of the model.

• Men: men’s motorcycle pants are designed with a fit suited to the male body shape, focusing on comfort and freedom of movement.
• Women: women’s models are tailored to the female body shape, combining an adapted fit with comfort and style.
• Child: children’s pants are designed for young passengers, offering an adapted fit, comfort, and protection while riding along.

This specification indicates how well the motorcycle pants protects against wind and rain. Depending on the pants type and membrane, protection can range from maximum, fully waterproof and windproof performance to wind-only protection or no protection against rain.

• Gore-Tex waterproof: the pants features a premium Gore-Tex membrane providing the highest level of water and wind protection. Even during prolonged and heavy rain, the pants remains fully waterproof while maintaining optimal breathability. The ultimate reference for riders seeking uncompromising protection, long-lasting comfort, and top performance in all weather conditions.
• Waterproof: the pants has a waterproof membrane, offering full protection against wind and rain. Protection is reliable, although breathability is generally lower than with Gore-Tex.
• Windproof: the pants effectively blocks wind, but does not provide full protection against rain.
• Not waterproof: the pants provides no protection against rain and is only suitable for dry conditions.

The “Membrane” specification explains how the waterproof membrane is integrated into the pants. Its placement affects comfort and performance in different weather conditions.

• Laminated: the membrane is directly laminated to the inside of the outer fabric. This prevents water absorption and keeps the pants light, dry, and comfortable, even in prolonged rain. It is the highest-quality construction for wet conditions. These pants typically have limited ventilation and can feel warm in summer.
• Removable: the membrane can be zipped in or out, making the pants versatile. Place it in for waterproofing during rain, or remove it for extra ventilation in warm, dry weather. Because the membrane sits under the outer layer, the outer fabric can still get wet, making the pants heavier or colder.
• Over and under: identical to a standard removable membrane, with the key difference that it can be worn both over and under the pants. Because it can be worn over the pants, it is often better finished and more aesthetically refined than a membrane that can only be worn underneath. The main advantage of wearing it over the pants is that the outer fabric of the pants stays dry.
• Fixed: the membrane is permanently integrated into the pants but is not laminated. It provides reliable waterproofing, but the outer fabric can absorb water. This type combines protection with a simple construction and is often a more budget-friendly solution.
• None: the pants does not contain a waterproof membrane and therefore offers no protection against rain. Suitable for dry weather or when used with a separate rain pants.

Knee protectors provide additional protection to the knees in case of a fall or impact. When present, these protectors comply with the European CE standard and are certified Level 1 or Level 2, with Level 2 offering a higher level of protection. The protector brand may also be specified. Not all motorcycle pants are equipped with knee protectors.

Les protections de hanches offrent une sécurité supplémentaire en cas de chute et aident à prévenir les blessures aux hanches. Les options sont :

• Non : le pantalon ne comporte pas de protections de hanches.
• Oui : le pantalon est équipé de protections de hanches conformes à la norme européenne CE, certifiées Level 1 ou Level 2. La marque des protections peut également être indiquée.
• Non, prêt à recevoir des protections CE : le pantalon dispose d’un emplacement pour ajouter des protections de hanches certifiées CE, permettant d’augmenter la sécurité si souhaité.

Coccyx (tailbone) protection provides extra safety in case of a fall by reducing the impact on the tailbone.

The certification class indicates the European safety standard to which the motorcycle pants is certified. The class shows how protective the jacket is in case of a fall or impact. There are three levels:

• AAA: the highest protection level, providing maximum abrasion resistance and impact protection. These pants often use stiffer, double, or reinforced fabrics and leather for optimal safety. Naturally, this comes with a higher price and slightly less flexibility.
• AA: a balance between safety and comfort. The pants still offers good protection with less stiff fabrics, making it more comfortable for longer rides and available at a mid-range price.
• A: this level provides basic protection with soft, comfortable fabrics suitable for daily or urban use. These pants are more budget-friendly but less suited for high speeds or intensive highway use.

The “Type” of a motorcycle pant indicates how many removable layers the pant has and how versatile it is in different weather conditions:

• 1-in-1: the pant has no membrane or a fixed membrane and no removable thermal lining.
• 2-in-1: the pant has a removable membrane or a fixed membrane with a removable thermal lining.
• 3-in-1: the pant has both a removable membrane and a removable thermal lining. This type offers maximum versatility, suitable for hot, wet, and cold conditions.

"Ventilation" indicates which ventilation options the motorcycle pants offers. Ventilation helps regulate airflow and increases comfort during warm or intense rides.

• Mesh panels: the pants contains open mesh panels that allow direct airflow.
• Direct ventilation: the pants has closable ventilation openings that allow air to flow directly through the membrane for a cooling effect.
• Indirect ventilation: the pants has closable ventilation openings that do not go through the membrane. You do not feel direct airflow, but it provides indirect cooling.
• Perforated: only for leather pants, where small perforations in the leather provide ventilation and a subtle cooling effect.
• Not ventilated: the pants has no ventilation options and is completely closed.

Waterproof outer pockets provide practical protection for personal items against rain and moisture. A pocket is only considered waterproof if a dedicated membrane is integrated into its construction. Not every pants has waterproof outer pockets; this feature is mainly found on higher-end models. The number of waterproof pockets varies by pants and is always clearly indicated. These pockets keep valuables dry even during wet rides.

The connection zipper of a motorcycle pant allows the pant to be zipped to a matching jacket for extra protection and windproofing. Note: not every jacket fits every pant, as the length, teeth type, and zipper design can vary by brand. There are zippers that run around the pant, short zippers, or both. The options are:

• Yes, around and short: the pant has both a short zipper and an around zipper to attach to a jacket.
• Yes, short: the pant has a short connection zipper to attach to a jacket, provided the jacket also has a short zipper.
• Yes, around: the pant has an around zipper for full connection to a jacket.
• No: the pant does not have a connection zipper and cannot be attached to a jacket.

Suspenders help keep the pant in place and provide extra comfort while riding. The options are:

• Yes: the pant comes with suspenders included.
• Optional: the pant is prepared with attachment points for suspenders sold separately, so you can add them if desired.
• No: the pant does not have suspenders and is not prepared for attaching them.

An adjustable waist allows the pant to fit better and remain comfortable while riding. The options are:

• Yes: the pant has an adjustable waist, allowing you to customize the fit.
• No: the pant does not have an adjustable waist and the fit is fixed.

Height-adjustable knee protectors allow you to adjust the position of the knee protection according to your body length, ensuring optimal safety while riding. The options are:

• Yes: the knee protectors are height-adjustable for a better fit and optimal protection.
• No: the knee protectors have a fixed position and cannot be adjusted in height.

Stretch zones in a motorcycle pant consist of elastic panels or ribs that stretch with every movement. They provide greater freedom of movement and comfort while riding. The options are:

• Yes, at crotch, knees and lower back: the pant has stretch zones on all key movement points for maximum flexibility.
• Yes, above the knees: stretch zones are present above the knees, improving leg movement while bending.
• Yes, above the knees and lower back: stretch zones are located above the knees and in the lower back for extra comfort during both leg movements and seating position.
• No: the pant does not have specific stretch zones.

A leg zipper is located at the bottom of the pant leg and on the side of the leg. It allows the pant leg to be opened, making it easier to put on and take off the pants. Some pants do not have a zipper but a long flap closed with velcro that provides the same functionality. The options are:

• Side zipper to below the knee: the zipper runs from the pant hem to just below the knee for easy on and off.
• Side zipper to above the knee: the zipper runs up to above the knee, suitable for pants that need a wider opening.
• Velcro only: the pant has no zipper, but a long flap closed with velcro.
• None: the pant has neither zipper nor velcro at the bottom of the legs.

• Textile: durable fabrics offering versatility and suitable for different weather conditions and riding styles. Textile pants are often lighter and easier to maintain than leather pants.
• Leather: classic or sporty look with high abrasion resistance and strong protection. Leather is durable, provides a rugged appearance, and feels solid upon impact.
• Softshell: flexible, elastic fabrics combining comfort and freedom of movement, with a modern, contemporary appearance.

This specification indicates the color(s) of the motorcycle pants. Color mainly affects the appearance and style of the pants.

The outer material of a motorcycle pant determines the durability, protection, and comfort of the pant. Textile pants are often made from materials such as polyester, polyamide, or ripstop, while leather pants are, of course, made from leather. Each material offers its own combination of abrasion resistance, flexibility, and weather protection.

The “Type of membrane” specification indicates which type or brand of membrane is used in the pants, if present. Not all motorcycle pants contain a membrane; this specification does not apply to pants without one. The membrane determines the pants’s wind and water resistance and also affects breathability. Well-known membranes such as Gore-Tex or other specialized membranes provide an optimal balance between rain protection and riding comfort.

Reflective material on a motorcycle pant increases the rider’s visibility in low light or darkness. This contributes to riding safety.