Despite the amazing success and worldly recognition of Dainese rider Valentino Rossi, here in the U.S. the brand isn’t the most well-known except to all but the most hardcore of motorcycle enthusiasts. But with the recent acquisition of fellow Italian helmet and riding gear manufacturer AGV, this year, the company is making a serious push in effort to get American riders more aware to its wide range of technical apparel.
 
To show us, the folks over at Dainese invited us to its ultra-contemporary brick and mortar D-Store to view some of its collection in the flesh. Located in Costa Mesa, California, the D-Store we visited is one of only two here in the U.S. (the other being located in San Francisco, California.)
 
So what’s a D-Store?

As opposed to a typical dealership that only carries only some of Dainese’s products, the D-Store carries the company’s entire collection. From snow sports and cycling, to street motorcycling and full-on motorcycle roadracing, the D-Store is your one-stop for all things Dainese and AGV.

The Collection
 
Within the U.S. there’s no shortage of riding gear manufacturers. Dainese hopes to stand out by offering apparel that combines protection, comfort and, of course, style. The entire AGV and Dainese collection can be best described as extensive. Where other manufactures have only a few options for a specific riding discipline i.e. sport-touring or racing, Dainese and AGV have many options depending on how fat your pockets are.
 
Take a look at their products up close and you’ll be impressed by the quality of the materials and the overall construction. Try on some of their pieces and you’ll notice how well it fits, as if it was tailored to your body specifically. Another plus is the assortment of colorways which ensures a matching outfit no matter what color bike you ride.
 
Models donned some of its newest gear including the new Tattoo Ykz Pelle leather street jacket and Ykz professional racing suit. While tattoo inspired fashion is nothing new, it’s refreshing to see the trendy theme applied to motorcycle riding gear. The functional as well as stylish Horizon jacket/pant combo also impressed us as did the Dominia jacket, designed especially for the ladies.
 
In the helmet department, we saw an assortment of AGV lids, including the new and incredibly stylish (and affordable) AGV Blade helmet. Many other models were also displayed which proved AGV has an option for hardcore sportbike riders to rough riding chopper pilots. Pricing is equally diverse and no matter what you ride or how tight your budget is, AGV has a quality helmet for you.
 
For more information on either Dainese or AGV’s products stop by the D-Store or check it out online at www.dainese.com and at www.agv.com. You won’t be disappointed.