The 2019 MotoGP season was a year of immense transition and intrigue. It marked the moment the French double Moto2 World Champion, Johann Zarco, stepped into the "Ready to Race" world of KTM. Draped in the iconic navy blue and vibrant orange of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, Zarco’s stint on the RC16 was a period of intense development that showcased the sheer physicality required to master one of the grid's most demanding motorcycles.
The , available at Leather Collection, is a professional-grade recreation of the armor that shielded Zarco during this pivotal chapter. This suit is engineered for riders who demand the same level of impact protection and aerodynamic efficiency found in the premier class.
Engineered for "Ready to Race" Performance
KTM’s philosophy is built on technical aggression. The RC16 is a machine that requires a rider to be extremely active in the saddle. To facilitate this movement, the Zarco 2019 replica is built with "Active-Response" ergonomics, ensuring the rider remains agile whether they are hard on the brakes or hanging off the bike at full lean.
Premium Material Composition
A world-class racing suit must be both a shield and a second skin. This replica utilizes:
-
Top-Grain Cowhide Leather: Crafted from 1.2mm to 1.3mm premium-grade leather, providing an elite balance of suppleness for comfort and heavy-duty abrasion resistance.
-
Schoeller-Keprotec® Stretch Panels: High-strength elasticated zones are integrated into the underarms, crotch, and behind the knees. These allow for a full range of motion without the leather bunching or restricting circulation.
-
Safety Stitching: Critical seams are reinforced with high-strength nylon thread and triple-stitching to ensure the suit maintains its structural integrity under the extreme friction of a slide.
Advanced Safety: The MotoGP Shield
While the aesthetic is pure factory racing, the core mission of this suit is protection. The Zarco replica incorporates a multi-layered defense system designed to safeguard the rider’s most vulnerable joints and bones.
Technical Protective Features
-
CE-Approved Internal Armor: The suit comes equipped with removable, dual-density protectors at the shoulders, elbows, and knees, meeting the highest international standards for shock absorption.
-
External TPU Sliders: Hard-shell Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) sliders are mounted on the shoulders and elbows. In a fall, these allow the rider to slide smoothly over the tarmac, preventing the suit from "grabbing" the road and causing dangerous tumbling.
-
Aerodynamic Speed Hump: This feature serves a dual purpose: it smooths airflow over the back for better stability at triple-digit speeds and provides vital support for the neck and upper spine.
-
Reinforced Knee Sliders: Replaceable, high-density knee sliders are included, designed to provide consistent feedback during extreme lean angles.
Ergonomics and Thermal Management
Racing a 250-horsepower motorcycle is a physical workout that generates immense body heat. To prevent fatigue and keep the rider focused on the apex, the Zarco replica focuses on comfort-driven innovations.
Performance and Cooling Details
-
Pre-Curved Construction: The sleeves and legs are pre-shaped to mirror the natural curve of a rider in a racing tuck, which significantly reduces muscle strain and "arm pump."
-
Accordion Leather Stretch Panels: Strategically placed leather bellows at the lower back and above the knees allow the suit to flex naturally as the rider shifts weight across the saddle.
-
Climate Control: A 100% polyester mesh lining helps wick away sweat, and localized perforations can be added to the chest and legs to maximize airflow during hot track days.
The Iconic Red Bull KTM Aesthetic
Visually, this suit is a stunning recreation of the 2019 factory livery. Featuring the bold Red Bull Navy Blue and KTM Orange, it carries the official sponsor logos and Zarco’s signature race number "5." Every logo is applied via professional leather patchwork, ensuring a premium finish that won't fade or peel like cheap prints.
Final Thoughts
The Johann Zarco Red Bull KTM MotoGP 2019 Race Suit represents the perfect intersection of racing history and modern safety technology. It allows KTM enthusiasts to wear the colors of a MotoGP icon while benefiting from the same innovations that protect the fastest riders on the planet.