Built for the Ride: Sympatex for Motorcycling
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„“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
For Sabine Rieger, Sales Manager at Sympatex and passionate motorcyclist, this quote captures the essence of her work. Riding has always been more than a hobby for her—it’s a lifelong passion. Today, that passion drives a growing business: helping more motorbike brands integrate Sympatex membranes and laminates into their collections. The goal is simple yet powerful: gear that performs on the road while leaving a lighter footprint.
1. From South Tyrol to Sympatex
Sabine’s story on two wheels started in South Tyrol, Italy. She still remembers the thrill of independence after passing her license test and riding her first solo passes on a Suzuki Bandit 600. Sunlight, switchbacks, a touch of nervousness—and a spark of freedom that has never left her.
Since then, motorcycles have shaped her life. Today, she owns three bikes—each with a different character:
- Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 – small and manoeuvrable, perfect for relaxed cruising: “Ideal for flower-pickers and connoisseurs.
- Ducati Panigale V2 – sporty, reliable, easy to handle: her trusted track companion.
- Ducati Streetfighter V4S – her dream bike for country roads: “Too much power? Sure. But that’s part of the fun.
2. Why the right gear matters
One memory still stands out: A sunny ride suddenly turned into a heavy downpour on the way to meet friends. Without waterproof clothing, it would have meant being soaked, cold, and waiting for hours to dry. With the right gear, she stayed dry—and enjoyed the day instead of enduring it.
It’s experiences like this that remind Sabine why she is passionate about her work: performance gear is not just a technical detail. For riders, it makes the difference between cutting a trip short or enjoying every mile.
3. Sympatex and motorcycling: a natural fit
As an ingredient brand, Sympatex doesn’t build jackets or boots. Instead, we deliver high-functional solutions—membranes and laminates—that enable our partners to make better products across apparel, gloves, and footwear.
Our focus is threefold:
Built for function
- 100% waterproof and windproof with lasting breathability (poreless technology).
- Abrasion-ready solutions designed for the demands of motorcycling.
- Comfort that holds up over long distances and changing conditions.
Built for responsibility
- PFAS-free across membrane, laminate, and C0 DWR finishes.
- Monomaterial polyester options to simplify recycling at end-of-life.
- Fiber-to-Fiber (F2F) innovation so today’s gear becomes tomorrow’s resource.
Built for standards
- Selected Sympatex articles were abrasion-tested by TÜV Rheinland in accordance with EN 17092 (Darmstadt method) and achieved Class AA.
- Transparent test data, clear specifications, and application support from first sample to series production.
“Motorcycling itself isn’t particularly sustainable,” Sabine admits. “But with the right clothing, we can move the footprint in the right direction—without compromising protection or fun.”
4. What’s new: the Sympatex Motorbike Flyer
To make things easier for product teams and buyers, Sympatex has just published a compact Motorbike Flyer. It highlights performance features, standards guidance (including EN 17092), abrasion/DWR options, and our PFAS-free approach. The flyer is available both as a PDF and in print—perfect for quick reference or team discussions. Download here: 20250916_Motorbike_POS_Brochure_EN_PR_small.pdf or ask marketing@sympatex.com for printed copies.
Partners already on the road with Sympatex
Well-known brands and retailers such as Louis, Modeka, and Held already integrate Sympatex into their motorbike collections—and more are in the pipeline. As a result, Sympatex’s share in the moto segment is steadily growing.
Much of this momentum is thanks to Sabine herself. With her rider’s perspective, her persistence in testing and certification, and her ability to connect brands with the right solutions, she has become a trusted partner for the industry.
5. Heading to EICMA (Milan, 4–9 November 2025)
In November, Sabine will be at EICMA in Milan (November 4–9, 2025), meeting with partners and new contacts to discuss abrasion-resistant, PFAS-free Sympatex solutions for apparel, gloves, and footwear — and to see how they’ll be integrated into upcoming collections.
If you’re in Milan, reach out and connect—on the show floor or over an espresso. Sabine will be there on 5–6 November.
📅 Book a call with Sabine
Want to know how Sympatex solutions can support your next moto collection—whether apparel, footwear, or gloves?
👉 Book a materials call with Sabine and get first-hand insights into performance, certification, and sustainability options for your product line.
