There’s been a noticeable shift in the motorcycle world lately. More riders are tuning into electric bikes, biodegradable cleaners are becoming a thing, and yeah—even gear is getting the eco treatment.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not vegan. I don’t actively seek out vegan products. But I do get the appeal, especially if the gear still performs and looks the part. And when an Italian company comes along saying it’s built a leather-free race suit that offers more protection than anything else on the market?
Okay, you’ve got my attention.
This is where a company called Virus Power enters the picture. It’s a relatively young brand out of Prato, Italy. And while “Virus” may not exactly conjure images of dragging knee on a circuit, it might just have some things going for it. They’ve come up with a new line of racing suits that don’t use a single bit of leather. Instead, they’re built around a textile called MultiProtective, and if the numbers are anything to go by, it might be a game-changer.
Virus Power claims their suits offer up to 12 times more protection than what’s currently mandated by motorcycle safety regulations. That’s not just marketing speak either. These suits are the only ones in the world to receive AAA certification under the EN17092:2020 standard, which is as high as it gets for motorcycle apparel. And all of that, without any animal-derived materials.
The suit also comes in light—just 8.8 pounds—which, for a full race suit, is pretty impressive. It’s built to work with airbag systems, too. On top of that, Virus Power says it offers excellent abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and cut protection. Even the heat transfer is dialed in, helping shield riders from burns during long slides. That’s thanks to a low heat exchange coefficient in the fabric, which also happens to be extremely breathable.
In fact, British Superbike racer Scott Redding is already onboard. After returning to Ducati for the 2025 WorldSBK season with MGM Bonovo Racing, he started racing in a Virus Power suit. And from the sound of it, he’s loving it. “For me, it’s the future of motorcycle racing suits,” Redding said in a report by MCN. “Comfort-wise, it’s absolutely amazing. I want it to be an elite racing suit, and it’s all made in-house, fantastic.”
Virus Power is actually a spin-off from a workwear company called Pri.Ma.Tex, so they’ve got some serious experience with technical textiles and safety gear. Apart from being animal-free, their suits are also Global Recycled Standard-certified, which means every part of the supply chain uses verified recycled materials. That’s no small feat, and it’s a big deal for folks who want sustainable gear without sacrificing protection.
Now, all that tech and sustainability don’t come cheap. The base suit starts at €1,399 (about $1,465 USD), and the top-of-the-line version will set you back €2,699 (roughly $2,870). Customizations and personal touches? That’s extra. There’s even a version tailored specifically for women. It’s not available in the US just yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that changes soon.
So here’s the takeaway: even if you’re not vegan, even if you love your well-worn leather suit, the fact that we’re now seeing viable, race-ready alternatives like this is worth celebrating. Riders come in all stripes—and it’s cool to see gear evolving to match that. I won’t be trading in my leather gear tomorrow, but I’m definitely curious.
And if this is where the future’s headed? Count me in for the ride.
Sources: Virus Power, New Atlas
