Introduction
This is the Ixon Vortex one-piece motorcycle race suit. And we will be using it over the course of the year at every given opportunity from track days to media rides to even a Sunday ride, up to our favourite switchbacks. And in that time, we will focus our attention to the suit’s fit, comfort, durability, and of course, its value proposition, to deliver a ‘buy or not to buy’ verdict.
But that’s for a later report. For now, those not in the know, Ixon is a French motorcycle gear maker. It makes a whole range of riding gear from old-school heritage wear to light protective gear for the urban surrounds. And, of course, it has a decent variety to choose from in the ever-popular ADV genre.
But, it is best known – at least in India – for its track gear. Sold in India by Performance Racing Store, Ixon prides itself for the quality, safety, and the fit it delivers. This, the Vortex, is Ixon’s mid-level racing suit. In India, the entry-level suit is the Starburst. Then there’s this, the Vortex. And, right at the top is the Zenith. The Zenith is all Kangaroo leather and is essentially a MotoGP suit for the road.
The Vortex benefits from Ixon’s MotoGP involvement as well. Ixon says, barring the airbag system, the Vortex delivers similar levels of safety as its championship suit. Now, we haven’t tested it yet, or worn it on a bike. But, as first impressions go, this should prove to be a comfortable suit.
The leather is soft and supple. There are plenty of accordion stretch panels to aid movement. The body-suit interfaces are of soft neoprene-like material so as not to cut into the skin. And the fit promises to strike the right balance between being loose (in crucial areas to accommodate a chest and back protector), and just tight (around the arms and legs) to make the suit both protective and comfortable.
As far as protection goes, this is a CE rated suit. It comes with armour for the shoulder, elbows and knees. It has additional external protection for the shoulder and elbow. And it comes with knee sliders as standard. There are also some TPU pads for added protection in the thigh area.
We will have more on how the Vortex fits and feels on a motorcycle and on a racetrack, in the next report. So do come back…
Product Details
Seller: Performance Racing Store
Make: Ixon
Model: Vortex One Piece Racing Suit
Price: Rs 65,000
Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi
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