Featured Richa Scrambler Waxed Jacket

This is a followup to my post about the Rokker Revolution jeans. Both items were worn for the first time today.

I've had my eye on the Belstaff Mojave Waxed jacket for a couple of years now. The price scared me more than the Revolutions did!

On my visit to Motolegends recently (and feeling flush), I tried on the medium and large sizes. Medium was too restrictive for me across the chest, back, shoulders and biceps. Large felt good though. Sadly (or mercifully for my solvency) all the black larges had sold out, leaving Mahogany and green as my options (I think I actually let out a laugh when I saw the green one. I'm sure there are people out there that like it, but I didn't fancy the covered in moss look).

I was very tempted, but to her credit, Helen at Motorlegends advised me against getting one in Mahogany, because it wouldn't look right with the rest of my kit. How's that for honesty! Wouldn't get that everywhere.

It wasn't until I got home and looked into the alternatives more that I saw the Richa Scrambler jackets. Much cheaper at approx £150 (sale price) and with good reviews. I was tempted, but wished I'd tried one on for size when at the shop.

I am now a massive fan of Motolegends. I would honestly pay a bit more to buy from them, than a cheaper competitor (within reason of course ). That said, they were selling the jacket for the same price as many others. I emailed their customer services and asked about the Richa's fit compared to the Belstaff. I got a reply quickly to say they would ask staff in the shop when it opened the next day.

Following day, I got my reply that the Richa's cut was a bit larger that then Belstaff and that if the Mojave was good in large, the Richa in medium would be the best choice. I took the gamble and abused the credit card again.

The jacket arrived today and I wore it in some rather poor, East Cornwall rain and wind. This is what I found:


Nice, substantial feel to the jacket. Quite oily, waxy to the touch. Mrs B thought it felt wet!

It came with a chunky plastic hanger.

Tried it on. At first I felt it was a bit tight across the chest and shoulders. I kept it on for a while and that feeling went. I might need a 'wide load' sticker on my back though as the shoulder to shoulder width looks massive. Good job I'm into my 80's music because the shoulder armour would have put a Grace Jones outfit to shame!!

I've been told my upper arms are quite large. There was more than enough room in the jacket though. It was a better fit for me in that area than the large Mojave.

The handwarmer pockets are not in the best position though. I found it almost impossible to access them when I was all zipped up. I just couldn't quite contort my arms and wrists enough!

The neck buckle feels a little small and flimsy. That said, it did up well enough.

On the bike the length was just enough to go over the waist line of my jeans (avoiding any annoying water funnellation down my butt crack!!). For comparison, I now ride a Triumph Tiger 800 XRX.

I wore my new Furygan James All weather leather gloves with the jacket. I got no draughts down my arms. That will be down to the elasticated arm gaiters. They did feel a bit tighter on this jacket than others I tried. Those with Popeye style forearms might struggle with this.

I got a proper soaking on the ride. The outer jacket appeared to get soaked through, although water was beading on it nicely so it was doing it's job. I got to the barber and took the jacket off (shaking some excess water off outside the shop door). Underneath I was bone dry. The waterproof lining did it's job . As did the napoleon pocket, keeping my valuables dry.

Once back at home, I hung it up in the garage to drip dry first. I'll bring it into the warm as soon as I'm happy it won't leave a pond of water on the floor!

I've been after a waxed bike jacket for ages now. The Richa might not have the badge or quite the same quality and lustre of the Belstaff, but at £150 it is, in my opinion, fantastic value. Will see how it holds up to repeated use over time.

Very happy with this purchase too.

 

£99 is a good effort