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Johann Zarco, a Moto2 world champion in 2015 and 2016, joined Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the 2019 MotoGP season and raced the KTM RC16 with number 5. The is a replica inspired by the suit from that season. This guide explains the season behind it and what to look for in a race suit of this type.
Key Takeaways
- Johann Zarco rode the KTM RC16 with number 5 for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2019.
- He competed in the first 13 rounds of 2019 before KTM released him.
- The suit is a replica inspired by that season and is not affiliated with the rider or team.
- EN 17092 classes is the highest garment class, and EN 1621 covers the armor; check the product page or label for the class of any specific suit.
Zarco and KTM in 2019
Zarco arrived at KTM as a double Moto2 champion after two seasons with Tech3 Yamaha. His 2019 season with the RC16 was short: he competed in the first 13 rounds, KTM released him early, and test rider Mika Kallio replaced him from the Aragon Grand Prix. The replica reproduces the look of the factory team from that season, and the product name identifies the rider and year it is inspired by.
What a Race Suit Protects
A one-piece leather race suit covers the whole body with abrasion-resistant hide. Typical features of this suit type include:
- Cowhide construction: cowhide is the common material for race suits because of its abrasion resistance; kangaroo leather is a lighter alternative on some suits.
- Removable armor: protectors at the shoulders, elbows and knees, tested under EN 1621-1 for limb protection.
- Sliders: some suits add hard-shell panels at the shoulders, elbows and knees; the product page lists what a specific suit has.
- Back hump: many race suits include an aerodynamic hump. It is not a back protector; a spine protector tested to EN 1621-2 is a separate item, so check whether one is fitted.
Materials and protectors differ from one suit to the next, so the product page is the reference for the construction of a specific suit.
The Standard Behind Race Suits
EN 17092 is the European standard for protective motorcycle clothing and grades garments into classes. Class AAA has the highest requirements, with elbow, shoulder, knee and hip impact protectors mandatory according to SATRA, which lists jackets, pants and one- and two-piece suits as the garments the standard covers. The label or product page shows the class of a specific suit. Garments are tested for properties such as abrasion and seam strength. A class on the label describes test performance and does not remove the risk of injury in a crash.
Fit and Comfort
A race suit is cut to fit a rider in a tucked position, with pre-curved arms and legs and stretch panels at the underarms, back and knees so the leather does not bunch. A mesh lining helps wick moisture, and perforation is an option on some suits for hot days. A suit that fits well in a tuck is more useful than one that only looks right standing up.
Related KTM and MotoGP Gear
The gathers gear linked to the rider, and the range covers other items from the same period.
For a more recent Red Bull KTM look, riders can compare the or the , a jacket for everyday riding.
Updated: October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike and number did Johann Zarco use in 2019?
In 2019 Johann Zarco rode the KTM RC16 for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing with race number 5. He competed in the first 13 rounds, after which KTM released him early and Mika Kallio took over the seat from the Aragon Grand Prix.
What does EN 17092 classes mean?
EN 17092 grades protective motorcycle clothing into five classes. Class AAA carries the highest requirements, with elbow, shoulder, knee and hip impact protectors mandatory. Classes AA and A are lower, and B and C are lower still. The class is shown on the garment label and reflects how it performed in testing.
What does EN 1621 cover on a race suit?
EN 1621-1 covers impact protectors for the limbs, such as shoulder, elbow and knee armor, and EN 1621-2 covers back protectors. Both standards test how much impact force passes through the protector. Protector makers give their own guidance on when to inspect or replace armor after an impact or with age; follow it.
Is this suit connected to the rider or team?
No. It is a replica inspired by the Johann Zarco 2019 Red Bull KTM suit. Rider, team and brand names are used to identify the season and style the design refers to, and the suit is not licensed, produced or approved by the rider, the team or the manufacturers.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
