Dive into winter with Dainese 

With the colder months looming, a racetrack is probably the last thing on many riders’ minds – but it’s there, many years ago, where Dainese’s commitment to innovation and unwavering quality was born.

The recently retired Valentino Rossi is a true motorcycle racing legend, collecting nine GP world titles over a storied career spanning decades. For on-track protection he demanded the absolute best in terms of quality, features, comfort, and practicality – and that’s where Dainese came into the mix.

Racing certainly improved the breed, and that’s why today you’ll find Dainese leathers at race tracks around the globe, from the top echelons of competition to national titles, down to club racing and track days.

But motorcycle leathers are just part of the Dainese story, as the brand’s unwavering commitment to style, premium materials, safety, and innovation also means it provides unmatched protection for all types of motorcycle riders – particularly sport, road and adventure enthusiasts.

In a continuation of the company’s dedication to excellence, Dainese’s massive 2023 range of motorcycle apparel is now on sale in Australia and includes the full gamut of textile and leather gear for both men and women, as well as its Smart Jacket range which brings MotoGP technology to the masses via an innovative airbag protection system.

Furthermore, as winter bears down on most Australian riders, the 2023 Dainese line-up includes two highly functional Gore-Tex jackets that are premium in every sense: the Dainese Hekla and Dainese Springbok. Let’s take a closer look…

RRP: $1499
Colours: Army Green/Black or Iron Gate/Black
Sizes: S–4XL

Does your riding take you far, both on- and off-road? Then superior riding apparel takes on an even more critical dimension, as Australia’s often harsh environment can entail every type of extreme – from intense heat to freezing cold.

The Hekla adventure-touring Gore-Tex motorcycle jacket fits the bill, as it has a quick-drying, waterproof and breathable laminated membrane for all-seasons use, as well as Level 2 Pro Armor soft protectors in the shoulders and elbows. It’s also extremely comfortable and pliable for those long days in the saddle, with six-way ventilation across the sleeves, chest and back.

The Hekla’s removable thermal and waterproof layer, called Polartec Power Air, is a revolutionary knitted fabric that encapsulates micro air-pockets to promote excellent regulation of body heat. The item can also be worn separately.

Securing a perfect fit for the Hekla is seamless thanks to the jacket’s adjustable neck, waist, sleeves, and cuffs – this is way more than a generic, one-size-fits-all proposition. Moreover, functionality also extends to the waterproof inner and outer pockets which are all accessible via one hand (with a glove fitted, too). Meanwhile, the Hekla’s Magic Connection System features a pair of magnets – one attached to the jacket and one to specific gloves – allowing riders to attach their Magic Connection-enabled gloves to the jacket when not riding.

The Hekla also has Fidlock Hermetic waterproof technology in the form of a front pocket which automatically ‘snaps’ closed thanks to extremely clever magnetic technology. It’s a practical location to store all your valuables.

Of course, the Hekla meets the highest level of safety certification – EN 17092 AA – for adventure-touring apparel, guaranteeing maximum protection with features like its Level 2 Pro Armor shoulder and elbow protectors. The jacket can also accommodate back and chest protectors, and it has reflective inserts.

The Hekla is an unmatched leader in design, comfort, safety, and practicality. When you demand only the best in an adventure-touring jacket, the Hekla will meet and conquer every challenge.

RRP: $1299
Colours: Iron Gate or Monk’s Robe
Sizes: S–4XL

With winter just around the corner, staying warm and dry on the bike is a top priority. Enter the Springbok, Dainese’s three-layered waterproof adventure-touring jacket.

Just like the Hekla, the Springbok will take you on the long and winding road, but whether it’s an extended or short journey the Springbok’s safety, functionality and versatility will get you to the other end in comfort and style.

The three layers comprise an outer Gore-Tex jacket, a removable Absoluteshell waterproof lining, and a padded thermal destination layer. Combined, the trio provides a superb bulwark against the winter chill, but the versatility in the shape of the removable lining and ventilation panels – some quite large – means it’s a comfy proposition year-round.

Like all Dainese apparel, user-friendliness is guaranteed from the get-go. The Springbok has four large external pockets – one of which is elastic mesh and easy to access even with one hand – and it shares the integrated magnetic Magic Connection System with the Hekla. Adjustable neck, waist and cuffs allow for a millimetre-perfect fit.

Comfort and freedom of movement are the hallmarks of the Springbok, and the outer Mugello textile fabric is a critical part of the equation. It’s made from micro nylon and elastomeric fabric which is wear- and tear-resistant and extremely comfortable thanks to its stretching properties. The Nanotechnologies applied to the Mugello material means air drying alone is sufficient to restore its oil- and water-repellent properties.

Duratex, a non-permeable fabric, is also one of the four main materials used in the Springbok, and the jacket also has reinforced cowhide suede inserts – adding both functionality and style.

The Springbok meets top-tier safety certification, based on its premium materials and Level 2 Pro Armor soft protectors in the shoulders and elbows. Back and chest protectors can also be fitted.

RRP: $1299 (LS Sport $1599; Leather $1499)
Colours: Black
Sizes: XS – XXL

Dainese’s D-air airbag technology is now a staple in MotoGP, where it’s lauded for its life- and injury-saving brilliance.

But it’s not just elite racers who can benefit from this technology, with the company having now introduced the Smart Jacket for everyday riders. A protective vest that can be worn under or over an existing jacket for complete back and chest coverage, Dainese’s Smart Jacket is safe, versatile, foldable, and well-ventilated, and it doesn’t require a physical connection with the motorcycle.

Looking for more integrated protection? Dainese’s Smart Jacket airbag technology is also available in leather ($1499) or as a full textile jacket, the LS Sport ($1599). Note that the Smart Jacket is for road use only – not the track or off-road/adventure riding.

Sophisticated electronics with simplicity of usage: the Smart Jacket is just another example of Dainese ingenuity.

The Hekla, Springbok and Smart Jacket are just three items from the 2023 Dainese motorcycle apparel range, which spans all manner of leather and textile gear to suit the broad spectrum of motorcycle riding activities. Here are a few more highlights from this diverse, premium-quality collection…

The 2023 Dainese motorcycle apparel range is available from quality motorcycle apparel outlets nationwide. For more information visit this Dainese web page or, for Victorian residents, visit the Dainese Melbourne store at 247–249 Lygon Street, Carlton.