Richa Tourag Textile Suit

Richa Touareg 1

Rallying in The Richa Touareg

Buying a textile suit is quite a process. Not only do you need to take into account reviews, the fit, materials, the brand and the cost but you have to consider the fact that all things being equal you are likely to be wearing it for a few years. With all that in mind I would like to share my views on the Original Richa Touareg. I have one for a number of years now so I think I am very well placed to give one a good review and share it with you.

I bought my suit in late spring 2017 at the annual MCN Festival of Motorcycling show at the East of England show , the year I returned to motorcycling. It’s the grey version. I had originally bought some quality but budget gear for my return. The reasoning being if biking wasn’t going to be for me then I hadn’t at that point invested too much cash. Once I realised my return to two wheels was as fulfilling as I had hoped I started looking for some quality gear. I still couldn’t or didn’t have the budget for some of the top flight gear.

I was browsing the retail tents at the show when I saw the Touareg. Tried it on and as it was around £500 for the Jacket and pants bought it. I must say I even decided to ride home in it and got a couple of strange looks as I swapped gear in the carpark!

Immediately I started riding in the gear I could feel a difference. The fit and feel were above that of the Weiss Jacket and Trousers I worn on the way down.

The Jacket

Described as a Touring and Adventure jacket I can confirm its all of that. The jacket is designed with drop liners for waterproofing and warmth meaning you can use either or both together depending on if its warm and wet or warm and cold, or can be removed altogether. That means it is a true four-season jacket. I have worn it down to -8deg C, with a few other layers and remained comfortably warm. It also has excellent ventilation with kippers on the arms, side and top of the chest as well as a ventilation zippers on the back to allow a really good through flow of air on those all too infrequent hot summer days. Additionally should the mercury start to boil the two chest pockets can be removed to get you half way to a mesh jacket. I’ve tried it at 33deg C and it really works.

Storage is excellent with chest, waist and a napoleon pocket on the back. All are variously push stud and Velcro or zipper closing. They also prevent water ingress. Additionally, there are two smaller waist pockets that have water proof zips. The work too.

Armour is D30 on the Elbow/forearm, shoulders and back.

The adjustment for fit is excellent with Velcro and buckles for the upper and lower  arms and Velcro straps for the waist. This is extra important as your size really changes as you remove or add the layers and having the jacket fit properly to provide good protection is important.

Trousers

Being a bit of a shorty, I found these fitted me perfectly. Richa do a range of leg lengths so I certain you will find something that fits you. Again, like the jacket the pants come with D30 armour on the hips and knees with adjustment for where exactly on the knees the armour sits. Once set up they are all day comfortable.

 My Opinion

To date I have probably covered about 30 000miles in this suit. That has been in all four seasons, wet and dry, hot and cold, on and off road. All I have to say really is congratulations Richa. I have never really been disappointed by this suit. In the cold its kept me warm and the heat I’ve managed to stay cool. There is always an option with the liners and ventilation options that will see you comfortable.

I’ve washed the suite at least half a dozen times using NikWax Tec wash and NikWax TX. Direct for a final finish to the jacket outer. So far apart from so light fraying around the cuff of the sleeve and some of the Richa text on the leg fading, it has so far come up looking almost new. The Nikwax TX. Direct also seems to add some shower proofing to the outside of the jacket. Because this is a drop liner jacket and trouser the outer can and will get wet. This can lead to you feeling wet between the legs, a sensation known as wetting out. Jest assured though you are, actually, dry. If you have the thermal liners in, you don’t feel it at all.