Over the years, I’ve worn many chest protectors, neck braces, kidney belts, elbow guards, and even wrist protection. I have even ridden with nothing at all. I don’t know why I was against trying full body armor, such as the Alpinestars Bionic Action v2 protection jacket. Maybe it was my preconceived beliefs that it would be uncomfortable, restrictive, hot, and, worst of all, dorky. I now know I was wrong about them all.
My hand was forced in this case. Editor Don Williams insisted that I be properly protected when I tested the 2026 Triumph TF 450-E, as well as during subsequent photoshoots. He said I could wear whatever I wanted on my own time. However, for Ultimate Motorcycling duty, CE-approved upper body protection was mandatory, along with a helmet, goggles, jersey, kidney belt, gloves, pants, knee guards, and boots. Okay, so maybe I was already wearing plenty of protective gear, so why not add high-end elbow, shoulder, back, and chest armor?
Putting the Alpinestars Bionic Action v2 protective jacket on for the first time, I was impressed with the fit. I’m 5-foot-6 and under 140 pounds, and the Medium fit me perfectly. I felt a little awkward initially, as I was silently reminding myself of all the times I poked fun at my riding partners for suiting up in similar upper-body protection in the past.
The center zipper makes putting it on as easy as any jacket. The extended elbow/forearm guards have a hook-and-loop adjustment for a personalized fit. The jacket’s integrated kidney belt felt good and also used hook-and-loop for a secure fit that is supportive and comfortable.
Slipping an Alpinestars Racer jersey over the Bionic Action jacket was smooth, and it hides the entire contraption. I must say, the shoulder pads and chest give a slight illusion that I spend time in the gym working on my glamour muscles.
My first ride was in June in the Mojave Desert, so I was worried about the heat. Regardless, I suited up and gave it a go. I expected a bout with heat exhaustion, and that I was going to be so happy to rip the 2.6-pound protective jacket off after my ride.
Instead, I was pleasantly surprised. I forgot all about it, except that I had a peace of mind that I was fully protected after all these years. Due to the excellent ergonomic design of the Alpinestars Bionic Action v2 protection jacket, my joint moments—shoulders, elbows, and wrists—are unencumbered. When I got back to our camp after the ride, I wasn’t in a hurry to rip it off and kept it on until the next ride.
Alpinestars’ new Cell Technology doesn’t just keep you safe. Counterintuitively, the highly ventilated armor helps keep me cool. The armor is a spacer between my skin and the jersey. This allows air to flow over my torso and arms.
I was sold on the Alpinestars Bionic Action v2 protection jacket after the first day of wearing it. I have since worn it every time I’m out on my Husqvarna TX 300, and not just when Don’s around to enforce the rules.
As a husband and father of two young athletes who also do testing for Ultimate Motorcycling, I appreciate the importance of the protection offered by the jacket. While I fortunately haven’t tested the impact protection aspect of the jacket, I am glad to be wearing it for that inevitable hard fall.
While it’s covered by a jersey and is nicely ventilated, I still sweat in it—we ride in temperatures in the 90s—and body oils inevitably find their way onto the body-hugging mesh chassis. Although Alpinestars doesn’t recommend it, I have washed the Bionic Action v2 in the washing machine on the Gentle setting in cold water without any apparent damage.
You’re supposed to soak it in lukewarm water with mild soap for 10 minutes or so, and then rinse it thoroughly, and lay flat to dry in a shaded area for up to 48 hours. Again, I didn’t quite follow directions and used a heavy hanger for drying. This is my first experience with a garment of this type, so if it falls apart early, I’ll know why. Based on the experience of other staffers with similar Alpinestars armor, I believe the jacket will last for as long as I need it.
At $200, the Alpinestars Bionic Action v2 protection jacket is affordable and comfortable armor that can pay for itself in a single mishap. That makes it a good investment, no matter how long you’ve been riding.
Alpinestars Bionic Action v2 Protection Jacket Fast Facts
- Sizes: S – 2XL
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Certifications: EU: CE Level 1; UK: UKCA
- Colors: Black; Gray/Black/Yellow Fluo; Sand Black/Tangerine
Alpinestars Bionic Action v2 Protection Jacket Price: $200 MSRP
