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The first motorcycle one-piece track suit I ever bought was the Alpinestars Stella Motegi. Back then, I was more concerned about the aesthetic qualities of a garment than the level of safety it could provide. Due to my lack of experience with how wool fits, it was not fun to wear. It was very short, but it was either that or the next size up, which was very wide. The same cannot be said for the modern Alpinestars Stella Missile V2 one-piece suit. 
I’m above average for a woman’s height and size, which makes finding form-fitting clothes frustrating. Being 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds, I long ago accepted that off-the-rack clothing would never fit me. Nowadays, I prioritize proper fit and protective features, but a garment still needs to look good and cut feminine. Although form-fitting clothing looks good in the mirror, it can restrict movement and be a hindrance while on your bike. If your clothing is too loose, padded parts can shift and reduce their ability to absorb impact, and that’s the last thing we want.
I tested the Alpinestars Stella Missile V2 while competing in the 2022 Royal Enfield Build Train race program offered at select stops of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship Series. From the hot and humid Virginia International racetrack to the cold and rainy track in America, I experienced almost every type of element and put its strength to the test during the crash during the qualifying session. I would have to say the Alpinestars Stella Missile. The V2 is much better than I expected, especially compared to the old Stella Motegi. Women’s clothing has improved in build quality and features in recent years, and the Alpstars Stella Missile V2 is proof of that. Not only does the Stella missile fit better, but it also offers better protection. It is also compatible with other airbag systems such as the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag system.
The faster and harder you drive, the higher your risk of serious impact in a crash, so safety features are at the top of the list when looking at gear. On the outside, this suit has dual-density TPU armor on the shoulders and knees, including replaceable elbow pads. Armor helps protect your body from significant impacts and helps prevent skidding in the event of a crash. Moving on to the interior, Alpinestars CE-rated GP-R armor is soft enough that you won’t even notice it’s there, but it’s good enough for added impact protection. Another great benefit to the Alpinestars Stella Missile V2 one-piece suit is that it has race hip armor to protect those important curves. I would say the only downside is that the suit is a bit thick, using a cost-effective cowhide. You’ll see it on a hot day, but you’ll find plenty of anti-scratch protection.
Air flow can be improved through vents on the chest and thighs. This is not a problem when the weather is cooler, such as when running at Road America. However, at the damp Virginia International Raceway, the case is not comfortable. Note that I use the Tech-Air 5 Airbag Vest, adding a layer that restricts airflow. I was impressed with how quickly it stretched and softened. After putting on the Alpinestars Stella Missile V2 suit for the first time, I was skeptical. I had to do a few “log rolls” and sumo dances before getting on the bike. However, after a few laps around the track it resolved nicely.
Remember when I said I’m an above-average size woman and off-the-rack clothes never fit me? My height is one of the main issues. A little extra length in the muscle helps tall women. When I’m on the bike in full gear, I stretch the accordion panels on the lower back, and feel the tension in my shoulders. Again exercise is personal and body specific. But the accordion on the knees felt great, and I didn’t feel any tightness in the leg and knee area. Overall, mobility is excellent in the Stella Missile V2, apart from the tightness on the padded shoulders. This was my first time wearing a tech-air fit suit so I wasn’t sure how this would feel and what to expect. All Tech-Air compatible suits use a specific cut to accommodate airbag deployment. I currently own the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5, which is designed to work with any suit or jacket, with four centimeters (over 1.5 inches) of room around the wearer’s chest to accommodate airbag inflation.
Because the Tech-Air 5 is a universal system, it doesn’t use a combination of zippers and velcro to securely mount it to the suit – you need a Tech-Air competition airbag system for that. There is extra compression when you pull everything out, making sure everything is in the right place. However, the safety benefits outweigh the minor comfort. The optional Tech-Air 5 system works flawlessly, and both the suit and the Tech-Air vest did their job when I held the high side during the performance. The Tech-Air 5 vest worked in tandem with Stella Missile’s various armor bits to protect my bones and joints. I walked away with a small scratch on the suit along with a few minor scrapes. The outfit held up well enough to where I could compete with confidence on the same day.
As I mentioned, if the suit offers key protective features, I believe it’s a great suit. Overall I’m very pleased with it and would recommend it to any female rider looking for high quality off the shelf clothing. Overall, the Alpinestars Stella Missile V2 offers all the essential protection features that I believe help create a 1-piece suit. Very good clothes. I’m happy to run and practice in this suit and recommend it to female riders as a high quality one-piece suit that is airbag compatible and reasonably priced.Action photography by Robert MartinezAlpinestars Stella Missile 1-piece suit quick facts
- Size: 38-50
- Colors: black/white; Black / Diva Pink / Matte
- Certificates: CE AAA class riding clothes; CE-certified shoulder, arm and knee protection; Alpinestars Tech-Air Airbag compatible
Alpinestars Stella Missile 1-Piece Suit Price: $1000 MSRP
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