Help me choose Rukka kit

[Tobers]

My Frank Thomas goretex kit has done very well over the last 3 years, but is a bit knackered, zips going etc.

I really like it though as the goretex is in the outer jacket & trousers, and the inner is just a thermal shell. As a result it's waterproof all the time with no faffing about with putting liners in.

However, its a bit chilly in winter, and is quite tired.

So...I'm intrigued about Rukka kit. It comes highly recommended. I ride every day all through the winter, and want something warm, very weatherproof and cool in summer. It also needs to be comfy and fit properly, as well as very protective.

I'm a bit baffled by Rukka stuff though. There seem to be lots of types of kit which is pretty expensive going on ludicrous. Are the adjustable air fueatures worthwhile etc.

Help.....

Ta

 

[redcastle]

Bloody hell Tobers.
Ive just put a Rukka jacket in fsaw for a mate. Never seen one before.
Its very impressive.
I wore it this afternoon outside to try it. It was hot but the jacket was cold inside................how do they do that??
stiff material but my mate says the water just rolls off and its really warm,all the usual removable stuff. goretex blah de blah
big bucks though. he's asking a reasonable price but still too salty for me.

short at the front and long at the back so you dont get a pile of crumpets when your riding.

If you want to have a chat with him, not necessarily to buy but to get the lowdon PM me and I'll give you his number. He's a sound bloke so im sure he wont mind.

 

[type_259]

short at the front and long at the back so you dont get a pile of crumpets when your riding.

LOL! I know that feeling.........

 

[SilverFish]

...
I wore it this afternoon outside to try it. It was hot but the jacket was cold inside................how do they do that??
.....

That would be the Outlast Phase Change Material, developed for the button moon landings or something. The firts thing it will do when you put it on is drawer heat away from your body and store it up until there is a sudden drop in temparture. Then it will slowly release it thereby reducing the discomfort of a cold area. See here for the makers blurb.

Ive got the Rukka Smart Rider Outfit, horrendously expensive but invaluable at the same time. Had it about three years now and I ride in all seasons, commuting a round trip of 70 miles. The suit keeps me dry, warm and safe. Its also comfortable and practical. I would use a heated waistcoat if it is actually minus something before windchill.

Its got vents, a 3/4 length zip to attach trousers, umpteen Goretex pockets which are cleverly integrated, the Kevlar/Cordura material (which is why its so stiff), lots of Scotchlite, elastic Goretex on cuffs and the waist, a removeable storm collar, neoprene neoprene collar, and other features I still dont realise are there. Probably.

Its also a strange feeling, maybe a bit smug but I hope not, going into an expensive clothes shop and knowing that youve got the most expensive suit on by miles.

I've had a small leak around the crotch (ahem) and Rukka/Goretex tested it and then exchanged it for a new one.

Im very happy with it, have absolutely no short, mid or long term plans to replace it with anything. The only other thing I would wear on a bike is when it gets real hot and Im only going a few miles when I would put on my Hood jeans and a plain leather biker jacket.

The SRO is Rukka's top of the line item, and they do have a pretty full product range. Infinity in Farnborough have a good selection and are always helpful.

Have fun choosing,

Mike

 

[ahutcheon]

In case you're not dead set on Rukka, I've got some Dainese stuff from their touring range (X-Tech jacket and P-line trousers?) that's armoured, goretex and has removable thermal liners.

Still going strong after five years, waterproof and OK on hot days without the liners, OK with the liners (and thermal undies etc.) when there's a good frost on the ground (insulation gives out around the same time as my willingness to ride due to ice on our unsalted roads rather than just in the paddocks). Great at all temperatures in between. Bit over £500 when I bought it, no idea nowdays.

My partner has some Belstaff kit with a different waterproof membrane that she is happy with as pillion. Less idea how well it lasts, but I like the way the liner works as a light jacket when you head to the pub in the evening.

 

[Fanum]

For the same price as a top of the range Rukka Tobers, (and just the jacket at that) you could have an Aerostich made to order......

I've got a decent Rukka Jacket...it's a bit old now I admit, but I stopped wearing it the day I got my 'stich

 

[tony brown]

Have had an air power suit since it first cam out pocket zip went almost strait away sent it back gortex liner zip went sent it back for repair. Cold in winter brilliant in hot weather
At just under £1000 4 years ago very expensive. I think a belstaff jacket and chaps for me next time

 

[shready]

I have had a Rukka suit for about 6 or 7 years now. Trousers and jacket have leaked twice but were replaced under warranty. Zips on the trouser ankle have been replaced as they break quite easily. Apart from that the kit is OK but way overpriced (IMO).

I don't wear it any more and have an HG suit instead which cost me a fraction of the Rukka kit but is just as good and definately warmer in the Winter.

I would go with an Aerostitch, I will next time.

 

[Gunboat Willy]

My Tourguard trousers 'shrank' Mainly around the waistband. I've been pleased with the Tourguard kit but it has a couple of design niggles. Main advantage is the bonded goretex and water shedding outer material, so it doesn't 'wet out'...ride in the rain one day, stick the clothing on the next and go riding again without the chill factor you get with other types of wet jacket. (I've got another jacket with a goretex inner jacket and when it rains, you don't get wet...but you do feel as if you are!

So...I bought the Rukka A-tech two piece. It cost and arm and a leg and a kidney but with a 5 year guarantee and loan replacement kit while your own is being checked out/sorted it's not too bad looked at over time. It's not (in any sense) fashionable - in fact it looks quite old-fashioned - but that wasn't a factor. The overall design and useability is good though. Main dislike are the outer jacket pockets are too small (but other designs like the SRO seem to have rearranged the pockets to address this) and I would have liked a little pouch pocket a la Tourguard trousers - I don't mind popping stuff like keys and cash in there, but wouldn't put keys in the Rukka trouser pockets - too close to my 'nearest and dearest' should I do any tarmac surfing.

The overall shape is functional and there's lots of adjustment (press studs for tightening up the arms, velcro flaps elsewhere). It's kept me warm in cold weather (riding to work with the jacket and liner over a business shirt mostly) and not too hot in warmer weather (still have the liners in at the moment). The armour is light - almost like MX stuff - and is like a rubbery mesh with big holes in the mesh. If you want to remove the knee armour it comes out via zips on the outside of the trouser leg...which I'm sure would be very handy if I wanted to keep taking the armour out and putting it back in again

Overall, very pleased so far. (Wouldn't mind having an Aerostich as well though )

Edited: to correct the type of kit I'd bought, not very good with this makes and models malarkey - it's this one.

 

[cookie]

i agree with Gunboat Willy. i too have an A Tech & find it performs well (and so it should at the eye watering price).

pockets are a gripe & i might have gone up a range if i had checked them out before deciding on the A Tech. Frankly, my wallet prevented me looking any higher.

i would never again go for a free hanging gore tex membrane like most suits have, if i intended riding in the rain*. had a HG one & it was shite, leaked like a seive and suit was soaked. gore tex xcr is the bonded stuff used in the better rukkas & streetguards and is the way to go if possible IMO.

i don't know what aerostitch use, but i'd like one of their suits as well + a bmw savanna for when/if weather ever gets hot

*pretty much estandard conditions for any GS do's

 

[Gunboat Willy]

pockets are a gripe & i might have gone up a range if i had checked them out before deciding on the A Tech.

Nonononono!! Do what I've done...congratulate yourself on your wisdom of resisting the urge to go for something with bigger pockets. Small pockets are the wise persons choice. It's a major safety feature...stops you loading them up with nasty, sharp, body-threatening things. It must be a good thing - Rossi doesn't have pockets in his stuff does he?

 

[GilesK]

I have had an A-Tech since December 04. I bought it from Germany - prices were much less than here.

It hasn't leaked and has been extremely comfortable. Only problem has been that a zip pull broke.

According to the paramedic who tended to me after I hit a car on a roundabout 7 weeks ago, the A-Tech, together with my Shoei helmet and Daytona boots saved me from very serious injury. (The 2 broken ribs were enough tho'!)

My 3 month old 1200GS with 1500 miles on the clock wasn't so fortunate - it's been written off. (Driver of the car accepted full liability but won't be prosecuted because she and 2 other witnesses haven't sent statements to the police and they haven't the time to follow it up.)

I can't find any marks on the A-Tech - amazing.

So for me it was an extremely good buy and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Rukka. Mine will be for sale soon, as I've promised to give up biking.

 

[Steptoe]

Small pockets are the wise persons choice. It's a major safety feature...stops you loading them up with nasty, sharp, body-threatening things.

Safety police alert - What next

- Rossi doesn't have pockets in his stuff does he?

Another thing Rossi doesn't have is a tent on the back of his bike and panniers

 

[cookie]

Nonononono!! Do what I've done...congratulate yourself on your wisdom of resisting the urge to go for something with bigger pockets. Small pockets are the wise persons choice. It's a major safety feature...stops you loading them up with nasty, sharp, body-threatening things. It must be a good thing - Rossi doesn't have pockets in his stuff does he?

it's not like i need big pockets since buying the suit anyhow

 

[Gunboat Willy]

Safety police alert - What next

Another thing Rossi doesn't have is a tent on the back of his bike and panniers

You missed the at the end of the post didn't you?

 

[Tobers]

Excellent input chaps - thanks very much indeed.

The bonded goretex/outer layer thing sounds very good. I'll go and have a closer look in Infinity and see how far the impending annual bonus will stretch

Andy

 

[Mutley]

Another thing Rossi doesn't have is a tent on the back of his bike and panniers

Now that would be race worth seeing - my money would still be on him

 

[Tobers]

Just been to Hein Gericke and looked at their new Goretex XCR kit.

I have to say it looks very good, and I like the leather areas on it for a bit more protection. I cant imagine it will keep me very warm. It's very thin, but has the bonded Goretex membrane thingy so the suit wont get wet.

Anyone tried it?

 

[Beemer]

I've had the "cheaper" Rukka jacket, at 358 quid, for around 18 months. Like you I ride all yar round in all weathers. It went back after a month as both zips failed on the outer pockets (which are not waterproof). Within 3 months the replacement zips also failed. It's not particularly warm in the winter nor cool in the summer. I would not buy another one. I think they're top of the range stuff maybe better but stay away from the cheaper gear!! I'll probably be going for some HG kit next time.
Steve

 

[silvermog]

Just been to Hein Gericke and looked at their new Goretex XCR kit.

I have to say it looks very good, and I like the leather areas on it for a bit more protection. I cant imagine it will keep me very warm. It's very thin, but has the bonded Goretex membrane thingy so the suit wont get wet.

Anyone tried it?

That would be this then I guess ... PSX XCR JACKET
http://www.hein-gericke.com/uk/product_info.php/cPath/1_15_7/products_id/2480

So, it says that the leather work is Gore provided also ... does that stop the leather from saturating ... otherwise this is going to be white after drying out after a long ride (as my current RST outfit is!) and potentially heavy.

I thought one of the benefits of XCR in this bonded application was the kevlar layer giving 'leather' levels of protection?

Seems a better price for a XCR outfit tho ... although BMW seem to have had the best prices so far last year for their XCR outfit.