Premium motorcycle brands explained: from Alpinestars to Airoh

A good brand isn't just a logo on a jacket or a helmet. It's a promise of safety, fit, and how long your gear will last. At WheelsWork, we don't carry every brand, but we stand behind the brands we do carry, chosen because they have proven themselves in practice on the road and on the track.

In this article, we'll take you through the big names in our range. Where do they come from, what made them famous, and why would you choose them as a rider? From Italian craftsmanship to Slovenian racing technology: this is the story behind the motorcycle clothing, boots, helmets, and exhausts you'll find with us.

Alpinestars: Italian craftsmanship since 1963

Alpinestars was founded in 1963 by Sante Mazzarolo in Asolo, Northern Italy. It started as a maker of mountain and ski boots, but Mazzarolo saw the rise of motocross and designed a motocross boot that would set the standard for rider protection. From that boot, Alpinestars grew into one of the leading names in motorsport, with world champions on and off-road.

Today, Alpinestars stands for complete head-to-toe gear: motorcycle jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and protection where technology and fit come together. Those who choose Alpinestars opt for six decades of experience in protection developed in racing and effective on the street. View the Alpinestars collection at WheelsWork.

Akrapovič: Slovenian racing technology in titanium

Behind Akrapovič is Igor Akrapovič, a former racer from Slovenia who started building exhausts in the early nineties. The aftermarket systems of that time didn't meet the demands of racing for him, so he made them himself. When a German superbike team discovered that his exhaust performed better than the factory part, the breakthrough was a fact.

Since then, the name Akrapovič has been associated with dozens of world titles and pioneering work with titanium and carbon. An Akrapovič exhaust is about three things: more performance, less weight, and that unmistakable sound, built in Slovenia with an obsession for material and finish. Discover Akrapovič exhaust systems by motorcycle brand.

Sidi: the benchmark for motorcycle boots since 1960

Sidi was founded in 1960 by Dino Signori in Maser, Italy. The brand name comes from his initials. What started with mountain and ski boots grew into one of the most respected names in motorcycle boots worldwide, worn by multiple motocross world champions, among others.

For decades, Sidi has stood for craftsmanship, fit, and durability. Many models are constructed from replaceable parts, so a boot is maintained rather than discarded. For riders who want to make no compromises on protection and longevity, Sidi is a staple. View Sidi motorcycle boots at WheelsWork.

Leatt: protection designed by a doctor

Leatt's story began in 2001 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. Chris Leatt, then a medical intern and motorcycle rider himself, witnessed the death of a fellow rider from a neck injury, the same weekend his young son had just started motocross. He searched for protection against such injuries, didn't find it, and decided to develop it himself. The result was the Leatt neck brace, first sold in 2004.

From that single product, Leatt grew into a brand that makes head-to-toe protection for motocross, enduro, and adventure: helmets, body armor, gloves, boots, and technical clothing. Innovation and safety are in Leatt's DNA. View the Leatt collection at WheelsWork.

Airoh: Italian craftsmanship in lightweight helmets

Airoh was founded in 1997 by Antonio Locatelli in the province of Bergamo in Northern Italy. The brand name is an acronym for Antonio's Innovative Range Of Helmets and immediately reveals what the brand is all about: developing helmets that the best riders on the road and off-road trust. Its foundation lies in a family business that has been building helmets since the 1980s.

From those racing roots, Airoh grew into a fixture in motocross and road racing, with dozens of world titles to its name. Characteristic is the combination of low weight, high safety standards, and Italian design. Whether you choose a motocross helmet, an adventure helmet, or a sporty road variant: with Airoh, you get racing technology that has been developed for daily use. View Airoh helmets at WheelsWork.

Simpson: American racing legend since 1959

Simpson was founded in 1959 in the United States by Bill Simpson. After a severe drag racing accident, he focused entirely on safety: first with the drag racing parachute, later with the fire-resistant racing suit that has saved countless lives. From those safety roots, Simpson built helmets that gained iconic status.

The unmistakable Bandit shape, originating in racing, makes a Simpson helmet instantly recognizable. The brand combines that distinctive look with serious safety technology, for riders who want to stand out without compromising on protection. View Simpson helmets at WheelsWork.

LS2: great value for money, with modern safety

LS2 has grown into one of the most well-known helmet brands for riders who want to combine safety, comfort, and a competitive price. The range extends from affordable entry-level models to high-end helmets with a lightweight carbon outer shell.

What unites the models is modern technology: constructions that comply with the latest European safety standard ECE 22.06, a Pinlock visor against fogging, and a low weight for comfort on long rides. This way, LS2 offers remarkably good value for money. View LS2 helmets at WheelsWork.

Brands you can rely on

The common thread through all these brands is the same as that of WheelsWork: quality over quantity. Each of them is a name that has earned its stripes, each in its own field, from the motocross track to the long-distance ride. We choose them because we stand behind them ourselves.