The MS Racing/alpinestars story.

[joglo]

As mentioned here a bit earlier, there was another MS Racing brochure for 1988 including the first bikes (in white and blue).
This famous '88 Christmas catalog.
It's currently on sale at ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/143967833510
Please find below the some pictures, not sure but maybe there was only one picture showing MTBs, the rest was all Motocross accessories, protectors and apparel.





@john and @FluffyChicken would it make sense to upload this also to the Alpinestars brochures Archive? The quality isn't great and the brochures aren't complete, but it's the only thing available about MS bikes, in particular the first series. Just let me know what do you think?

 

[dirttorpedo]

Interesting brochure. The paint scheme on the Pro Comp XT is completely different than the neon mix on my example. The fork is different as well. I wonder if that was done using early preproduction models.

 

[27motorhead]

@joglo amazing addition to this thread! Proper dodgy 80s marketing/advertising there! Also like the fact that the Pro Comp XT in the brochure is 0.1lbs heavier than the Exage model... And then the Exage model has 1.62" wide tyres... Love it!

 

[joglo]

Interesting brochure. The paint scheme on the Pro Comp XT is completely different than the neon mix on my example. The fork is different as well. I wonder if that was done using early preproduction models.

just go back a few posts before
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/the-ms-racing-alpinestars-story.116406/post-3461720it seems there was a first series of MS Racing bikes already in 1988 (with non-neon colors) and MS Racing / Motocross dealers have been offered an initial package with 12 bikes, accessories and POS material.

Also to me this was new but very interesting. I personally only know the neon bikes.
But blue and white MS Racing bikes had been actually sold, I've found meanwhile a few (old) offers.


Please also notice, we found out meanwhile that at least the aluminum MS Racing bikes had been produced by Merida (they also had identical bikes, just with different paint job).

 

[Obi-Juan]

A super interesting thread

 

[27motorhead]

A super interesting thread View attachment 1007180

Nice bikes! These MS Racing bikes looked so good back in 1989. Whilst on holiday there was a bike shop down Cornwall way had a few in the window and they just looked SO good. That Pro Comp XT looks great and good to see you have original rocker stem too!

 

[Turista500]

Any thoughts on Alpine LX? I have acquired one but can find very little information on that model.

 

[yakboy]

My new project...great thread

 

[Obi-Juan]

Nice bikes! These MS Racing bikes looked so good back in 1989. Whilst on holiday there was a bike shop down Cornwall way had a few in the window and they just looked SO good. That Pro Comp XT looks great and good to see you have original rocker stem too!

Thank you.
It's a blessing to have found it and in such beautiful condition.
I've disassembled the stem and am going to repaint it with powder coat. It had some rust that wasn't visible to the naked eye.

 

[Obi-Juan]

View attachment 1008772
My new project...great thread

It's absolutely perfect! And it already has the bottle cage and the yellow turbo! Great, congratulations!

For now, I've got a classic Zefal aluplast (Zefal always comes to the rescue of a classic bike) in yellow.
Well, take the opportunity to order in several colors; it's always good to have one stored in the garage.

I haven't decided on the saddle yet, but I'm in love with that turbo.