Rukka Nivala 2 jacket review

Rukka has now released the Nivala 2 - their new version of the best selling Nivala suit. We review in depth how this matches up to the original. Can it replace and improve on what has become the go to commuter and touring outfit for high mileage motorcyclists?
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[@doolar]

I took my first ride in my Nivala 2 (called Rapto-r in Sweden) jacket today, I was getting a Nivala 1 (called Realer in Sweden), but then the new one arrived at the shop. I agree on the length of the down jacket, but being 185 cm and wearing a 52 size jacket worked out fine with the trousers zipped in (my trousers are the Nivala 1, they were on sale and they seem to be almost identical to the new trousers). Apart from that it feels like a great evolution of the Nivala 1. I miss the arm adjuster, I’m slender so I always had them a button in on my old jacket. I’m happy so far! Best bits are probably the vents and to not have to faff with the breast protector zips. Also I like the integrated storm collar.

[@lpbonney]

If the Nivala 2 is now made from a different laminate material and there is no evidence of its abrasion resistance how can you be sure that it is at least as safe as the Nivala 1?

[@windinthewillows6248]

The elephant in the room! 😂 Storm collar nolonger zipped in, big disappointment as it just causes too much bulk around the neck. I have Rukka Exegal jacket, with a sown in storm guard. I hated it, so had to cut it out, it just made the jacket unbearable to wear, my helmet just wouldn’t sit on my head properly. If you loose a storm guard, Rukka should just sell it as an accessory.

[@Ctaff63]

I was going to buy the kalawesi suit , as it was slightly cheaper. On the day I went to buy it the shop had a few Nivala 1 suits on rack. Although £250 dearer I had to just try jacket on ,especially after watching your review of the Nivala suit. Wow ! What a difference . The fit ,the feel ,doesn’t feel as bulky as other rukka jackets ,I found. Due to the stretch fabric incorporated in the jacket I actually bought size smaller . So glad I tried the Nivala jacket on. It is spot on. It’s just as comfortable with liner on or without which is magic. Trousers also I bought size smaller and for my 32 inside leg I went for short size, spot on,even though guy in infinity insisted I was a regular 🙄. Turns out they only had regular in stock. Yes it’s an expensive suit ,but to feel so comfortable and bombproof at same time,with no need to worry about weather. Living and riding in UK, ie - northern hemisphere s it’s a no brainier. Bear in mind I do approx 10000 miles a year, covid permitting,which isn’t a lot compared to mileage I did when I was younger so well worth it I think. For riders doing couple thousand a year maybe it’s different story . Ps, Nivala is way more comfortable than the Kingsley and kalawesi. But Nivala 1 is hard to get now I believe. It’s down to Chris at motolegends that I bought the nivala1. Cheers mate 😊👍

[@richardwillmott6324]

I came off my GS wearing a Nivala suit. A 70kmph low side. Simply ran out of talent. After I came to a halt. I simply lifted the bike up and continued on my way. Yes the pants were now with a gaping hole in them but the armour took the energy out of the crash. Great suit, comfortable, warm in the winter, fully waterproof but too hot in temperatures over 20 degrees. The armour size in the pants in the knees is a little too bit.

[@richedwards4651]

Loved the elephant in the room, put a smile on my face 😁

[@The-Splat]

What an excellent review! The elephant made me laugh out loud, but why hasn’t Rukka sorted its abrasion resistance? I witnessed a mate’s Nivala 1 fall apart - shredded in a sub-30 mph crash - so abrasion-resistance matters. A lot. Other manufacturers have leapt way ahead of Rukka for safety and protection: Hideout’s Hi-Pro range and the new BKS 100SX textiles are far ahead of Rukka. They are softer and comfier to wear than the Nivala (yes, I have tried them), yet infinitely more abrasion-resistant. It shows what’s possible at the high-end. I hope Motolegends gives Rukka some honest feedback.

[@michaelmclarney1994]

That's a damning real world report and useful to know, thanks. I would expect a far better level of abrasion resistance from an expensive Rukka garment and always consider abrasion resistance when making a purchase. There isa reason why rukka didn't feel the stretchy fabric should be subjected to regular industry abrasion tests as it matters when making a decision. I think Motolegends have a lot invested in their relationship with rukka and won't rock that boat

[@digger8180]

Chris you are getting better at these review posts, well done. I have the original Nivala jacket; as a year round commuter I think it was money well spent, never cold, never wet and very comfortable. I remember informing you of the Rukka/ Halvarssons zip compatibility a good while back, if I recall correctly you mentioned a discount for sharing the information. Perhaps you forgot?

[@paulvarnsverry11]

Rukka’s criticism of the Darmstadt machine is intriguing, given the rest of the industry pushed for it to replace the Cambridge machine as they considered the Darmstadt device was *more* representative of real world circumstances! The Darmstadt test is not particularly difficult to pass, and to pass at a high level (plain denim has achieved EN 17092-2 AAA, for example), which is why I applaud the policy you, Motolegends, have of regularly submitting the products you sell to testing on the Cambridge machine. Do you plan to submit a sample of the Nivala 2 construction for testing? Finally, the National Police Chiefs Council has identified that even EN 17092 AAA does not specify clothing that is suitable and sufficient for operational requirements, and is backing the development of BS 13595 by the British Standards Institution, which will take over from EN 13595 when that standard is de-listed in September 2022.

[@The-Splat]

Rukka has lost some of us as customers because it hasn’t taken the independent tests of its abrasion-resistance seriously. It looked terrible for Rukka when it evaded EN 17092 initially. And now we have a £2k suit with only an A-rating (crap protection). Rukka competes in the UK against Hideout’s Hi-Pro range and the new BKS 100SX textiles. Both the Hi-Pro and 100SX clothing ranges far exceed AAA, yet they are stretchy and comfy. While I imagine the Nivala 2 will sell “because it’s Rukka”, the company is losing sales to more discerning customers because of its approach to CE standards.

[@martinfoster5163]

I definitely agree that the Darmstadt (DAM) machine isn't representative of any type of possible crash. However, Rukka's excuse sounds nonsensical. Stretch materials do have a hard time, that's true, but it's probably more true on the Cambridge (CAM) test and even more significant in reality because of real world impacts. Neither DAM nor CAM have a realistic impact. Stretch materials are fine but should be limited to low risk areas. Accordion panels work just as well to improve ergonomics without compromising safety. I'd love to see how the Nivala 2 does on the Cambridge test. MOTOCAP tests kit independently but I doubt it's sold on the Aus/NZ market where they buy their kit from.

[@thelastcoyote1423]

Thanks for the honest review Chris. Rukka don’t appear to have made forward progress with this suit. I personally prefer the first version for many reasons and there are few pluses to the new one. Appreciate it’s a matter of opinion.

[@Motolegends]

Fair enough! Thank you!

[@Fee.1]

All the gear you sell makes it painfully clear to me what a amateur I am. I think the gear is super cool but I don’t have any way to justify it with how little riding I do and what type of riding I do. Maybe one day I’ll ride more, but I’m not sure it’s sensible to buy it hoping it will encourage me to ride more

[@big500]

5:50… not sure why the volume adjusters are missing just because they’ve put vents in… I have the Kallavesi and that has vents and sleeve adjusters..

[@HRJ1411]

Are you going to make a Kingsley comparison video? Is Nivala 2.0 jacket longer than the Kingsley?

[@gavinwebster7055]

I really like the new design of the jacket, looks much cleaner than the Nivala 1 and better without the volume adjusters. Trousers in 3 lengths is a must at this price. The inner jacket riding up, although it looks much better, is a real issue. For that sort of money the suit should be perfect. I think I'd go for the Kalix and add my own thermal layer.

[@jacoblund612]

Excellent review! I’m vers tempoet, but how does it compare to the Shield-R/Shield-RD?

[@jerrys.]

I recently switched from Armas to the Nivala. Whilst it doesn’t have the cool factor of Armas it is certainly more comfortable and better vented. The Superfabric on the knees of the Armas wore through the paint on my fuel tank so I changed to a pair of Navigatorr which I don’t like at all. Heavy leather on the inner knee/thigh is terrible. The first thing I do with the insulation liner in the trousers is remove it and never ever use it again. I prefer a base layer. If the Nivala pant could be bought without down x the price could be dropped by perhaps £200. That would be a game changer.

[@AndyPutt1]

It is totally possible to make a AAA rated comfortable Textile suit. BKS make them. They actually pass the Cambridge test which is well above and beyond the AAA rating as well.

[@tomg8636]

I must say I don’t really understand why a company like rukka would have this and the Kingsley in the range at the same time. I was expecting them to drop it. I’m a new ish biker so enjoy these reviews and will be looking to get a winter suit as I’m commuting and currently in my Oxford kit which is ok but not comfortable. It would be interesting if they did a Kingsley in this material….. I think that would sell well.

[@hmroa3056]

Always the best and honest source of important-to-the-consumer information. Thank you, "chap"!

[@Motolegends]

Thank you for watching!

[@Steve--RR666]

And the elephant in the room is......😁

[@BikerandBits]

As someone that has used the nivala 1 for around 4 years, I will not be upgrading.....mainly due to the GTX cuffs which I hate, if I could cut them out of my jacket without ruining the jacket I would & the new stiffer collar

[@The-Splat]

I guess we’re all different - I love the GTX cuffs.

[@hovishill2779]

I like the idea of more venting, but the fixed storm collar is a backwards step, it make the collar too bulky when its not being used, why Rukka cannot sell the storm collar separately is beyond me, they sell neck scarfs and balaclavas so why, if a rukka jacket owner cannot buy a replacement storm collar if they loose the original is just ridiculous. What say Nelly 😉

[@simonhenry4680]

Having had both the Armas and the Nivala, and done 6 figure mileages in both, I prefer the Armas jacket and the nivala liner. They're both too hot above 22 or so degrees.

[@markbullen3434]

C’mon Motolegends. Whatever the rationale Rukka is giving for the Nivala 2 only achieving Class A, the fact remains it only achieves Class A and that is a performance level for lightweight clothing offering protection in low speed urban crashes, not open road speeds. The Darmstadt abrasion test is “unfair” on stretch fabrics? Incorrect! Stretch fabrics used in riding jeans, such as cotton denim + elastane and polyamide + elastane, have achieved up to Class AAA. You know this because Motolegends sell such jeans which have achieved up to Class AAA. Viewed in this context, the Rukka Nivala’s performance is distinctly unimpressive and for the price point at which their garments sit, I would expect them to be competing directly with the likes of the Klim Badlands Pro; another Gore-Tex garment that is certified AAA.

[@Motolegends]

You make a relevant point, and it’s the point we have struggled with. It’s a bit unfair to compare a jean with a Gore-Tex product. Making a jean is relatively easy, and making it stronger simply requires a heavier weight of material. So an AAA jean with stretch is not difficult to manufacture. The problem with a Gore-Tex product is the demands made by Gore in terms of breathability. When you add this in, you make it harder to achieve the highest levels of abrasion resistance. The Badlands is no benchmark. It achieved AAA, but it is the most uncomfortable Gore-Tex jacket ever made. A more apt comparison might be the Klim Kodiak. This suit has stretch in it, and that suit also only attained the A level. This kind of tells me that there is something about stretch fabrics and the test. What Rukka tell us is that they believe this suit is highly protective; but they decided in this case they wanted to add comfort. Now, everybody is going to have to reach their own conclusions on this, but Rukka is adamant that the Nivala 2 is almost identical from a safety and protection perspective to the Nivala 1. And we have seen the results of the the Nivala 1 after big accidents. It has always stood up well. This having been said, the truth is that we would have preferred to see this suit classified as an AA garment.

[@markbullen3434]

@@Motolegends Thanks Chris. I have pondered on what you say about Gore maintaining comfort and breathability and how if you change it to improve levels of abrasion resistance… this might suffer. You also say the Badlands is the most uncomfortable Gore-tex jacket ever made, getting a AAA in the process. I have been speaking to a riding colleague who has just bought the new BKS 100SX suit. This is made from a laminate fabric and is also stretchy. I’m told its delightful to wear even with a Techair system inside it. The fabric has stretch and is lightweight and is extremely impressive as it has been tested to EN 13595 and passes Level 2. According to MCN …that’s 80% better than AAA. He also told me that UK police forces have shown interest in this because as per Paul Varnsverry said in his comments on this KZbin review… “National Police Chiefs Council has identified that even EN 17092 AAA does not specify clothing that is suitable and sufficient for operational requirements, and is backing the development of BS 13595 by the British Standards Institution, which will take over from EN 13595 when that standard is de-listed in September 2022. It seems BKS now have this.

[@The-Splat]

@@markbullen3434 BKS is just the latest manufacturer to offer comfortable textiles with the highest protection standard (EN 13595 level 2). Hideout’s Hi-Pro range achieved this protection standard despite being stretchy and incredibly comfy. Some Scott Leathers’ textile jackets achieve EN 13595 level 2 and decent comfort despite a lower price point. You can buy one made-to-measure for under half the price of a Nivala jacket, and I gather Scott sells them to the Met.

[@RT-ok5bw]

You put an smile on my face! Thanks a lot! Vielen Dank! Herzliche Grüße

[@Exodos1234]

The elephant in the room holding a Schuberth helmet... Then reading a newspaper....

[@troopz4683]

Would love this jacket but its a little bit of overkill for what i need.

[@rayfriedman9625]

Still waiting for the Gortex 3 Elephant suit. What the devil is the hold up?!!

[@Rayk76]

Phenomenally comprehensive review 👏👍

[@stephenbryson5618]

Lol there’s an elephant behind you!!

[@MickBla]

Great review (as usual). Just a thought... £2k-ish set and yet not entirely perfect. Hmmm... strange.

[@doolar]

Absolutely, but I’ve found that the “entirely perfect” thing is indeed usually made of unobtainium, and will drive you nuts trying to find.

[@theheroblob5036]

Highlight of the video... fancy-dress elephant picking up the helmet!! Was that Sara? 😂

[@Motolegends]

I am going to try and keep that comment away from Sara; life won't be worth living if she sees it! CP

[@theheroblob5036]

@@Motolegends 😂

[@markmundy3435]

An amazing suit for sure, but way too much for my biking needs. If I were a winter biker I'd have one in a heart beat.

[@dylanrichards9984]

Amazing jacket!

[@t1z1an07]

I suppose it is the Rapto-R jacket.

[@Motolegends]

Hi, yes it is.

[@martinwhite6804]

Great review.

[@Motolegends]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@abbieconlin6271]

The collar is just too high for me. Up to.my ears. Would be ok without the silly neoprene. I understand what they are trying to do.but it should be removable. Just too high....

[@Fee.1]

Inaccurate sizing is an absolute joke in 2022. It’s downright disrespectful that anyone should sell a garment in this price point without accurate sizing.

[@Fee.1]

In Rukka’s defense the stretch fabric not testing well on the Nazi fabric tester is perfectly reasonable but I don’t get why they wouldn’t just put that out front for everyone to know and see they made a reasonable compromise…instead literally nobody would have known this info if some random old guy in Gilford that has some sort of elephant fetish is THE ONLY REASON we have this info. Let that sink in.

[@josephbolger]

5:30 🐘

[@sadecegezmekolsun]

Watch out, elephant in the room 😜

[@AndyPutt1]

The Rukka vents look way better than the useless Klim vents. Klim Latitude jacket for example- 8 vents none of which do anything because of how they're positioned..The Rukka ones look to be positioned to actually scoop air in.. give me that any day over those Klim arm adjuster straps in their awful luminous vomit colours.

[@stocks7765]

well II have a Nivala 1 and on a GS it is rubbish in terms of venting.I bought an extra jacket (klim Carlsbad)and those vents are poisoned perfectly for riding an adventure bike with a big screen

[@AndyPutt1]

@@stocks7765 Ah interesting to hear. On the R1200RT my Klim BajaS4 mesh jacket is excellent in hot weather, but the Latitude I was refering to earlier would be too hot, because its even hot on naked bikes I have. Maybe the Carlsbad design is different?

[@stocks7765]

@@AndyPutt1 yes it is,the vents are on the"flanks"so they catch the wind that comes around the screen

[@chriscahill3667]

What about the elephant in the room!

[@TuncaBergmen]

There is an elephant in the room