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Pol Espargaro rode for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the 2019 MotoGP season, racing the KTM RC16 with number 44. The is a replica inspired by the suit from that season. This guide explains what a leather race suit of this type includes and how to assess its fit and protection.
Key Takeaways
- Pol Espargaro rode the KTM RC16 with number 44 for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2019.
- The suit is a replica inspired by that season and is not affiliated with the rider or team.
- EN 17092 classes is the highest garment class, and EN 1621 covers the armour; check the product page or label for the class of any specific suit.
- Some suits offer kangaroo leather as a lighter alternative to cowhide.
Pol Espargaro and KTM in 2019
In 2019 Pol Espargaro competed in every round of the MotoGP season on the KTM RC16 as a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider. His team-mate Johann Zarco, who rode with number 5, competed in the first 13 rounds before KTM released him, and Mika Kallio took the seat from the Aragon Grand Prix. Pol's brother Aleix raced for Aprilia that year.
What a Race Suit Protects
A one-piece leather race suit covers the whole body with abrasion-resistant hide. Typical features of this suit type include:
- Cowhide construction: cowhide is the common material for race suits because of its abrasion resistance; kangaroo leather is a lighter alternative on some suits.
- Removable armour: protectors at the shoulders, elbows and knees, tested under EN 1621-1 for limb protection.
- Sliders: some suits add hard-shell panels at the shoulders, elbows and knees; the product page lists what a specific suit has.
- Back hump: many race suits include an aerodynamic hump. It is not a back protector; a spine protector tested to EN 1621-2 is a separate item, so check whether one is fitted.
Materials and protectors differ from one suit to the next, so the product page is the reference for the construction of a specific suit.
The Standard Behind Race Suits
EN 17092 is the European standard for protective motorcycle clothing and grades garments into classes. Class AAA has the highest requirements, with elbow, shoulder, knee and hip impact protectors mandatory according to SATRA, which lists jackets, pants and one- and two-piece suits as the garments the standard covers. The label or product page shows the class of a specific suit. Garments are tested for properties such as abrasion and seam strength. A class on the label describes test performance and does not remove the risk of injury in a crash.
Fit and Comfort
A race suit is cut to fit a rider in a tucked position, with pre-curved arms and legs and stretch panels at the underarms, back and knees so the leather does not bunch. A mesh lining helps wick moisture, and perforation is an option on some suits for hot days. A suit that fits well in a tuck is more useful than one that only looks right standing up.
Choosing Leather
Cowhide is the usual material for race suits. Kangaroo leather is lighter and thinner for a given strength, which is why some track riders choose it, but it is not a requirement for the colours.
Related KTM and MotoGP Gear
The gathers gear linked to the rider across seasons, and his 2019 team-mate is represented by the .
Riders who prefer a later KTM look can compare the , which is inspired by a more recent season.
Updated: October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike and number did Pol Espargaro use in 2019?
In 2019 Pol Espargaro rode the KTM RC16 for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing with race number 44. He competed in every round that year. His brother Aleix raced for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini with number 41, so the two brothers were on different factory bikes.
What does EN 17092 classes mean?
EN 17092 grades protective motorcycle clothing into five classes. Class AAA carries the highest requirements, with elbow, shoulder, knee and hip impact protectors mandatory. Classes AA and A are lower, and B and C are lower still. The class is shown on the garment label and reflects how it performed in testing.
What does EN 1621 cover on a race suit?
EN 1621-1 covers impact protectors for the limbs, such as shoulder, elbow and knee armour, and EN 1621-2 covers back protectors. Both standards test how much impact force passes through the protector. Protector makers give their own guidance on when to inspect or replace armour after an impact or with age; follow it.
Is this suit connected to the rider or team?
No. It is a replica inspired by the Pol Espargaro 2019 Red Bull KTM suit. Rider, team and brand names are used to identify the season and style the design refers to, and the suit is not licensed, produced or approved by the rider, the team or the manufacturers.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
