Rukka Kemi jacket in black

The Rukka Kemi jacket is new for 2024.

 

The Kemi has a lot in common with a number of Rukka jackets. It is equipped with a three-layer, laminated, waterproof membrane. It comes with vents on the chest, at the shoulders, in the arms, up the flanks, and in the back. 

 

You get volume adjusters on the biceps, lots of pockets, Neoprene in the collar, Velcro straps at the sleeve ends, and so on.

 

The Cordura outer chassis is re-inforced with Armatech panels for extra abrasion resistance at the shoulders and elbows. Now, like the Nivala, the Kemi is rated A under EN17092, but as it comes with Rukka’s huge Level 2 armour in the shoulders and elbows, one can suggest with a degree of confidence that, in the real world, the Kemi will outperform most AA-rated jackets from a protection perspective; and most definitely so were you to exchange the jacket’s Level 1 back protector for one that meets the higher Level 2 standard.

 

As with all Rukka jacket’s the Kemi comes with a six-year warranty, once the jacket has been registered with the UK importer.

 

But there are three things that make the Kemi particularly worthy of note.

 

First, it is incredibly comfortable. And this is largely down to the stretch that is built into the outer chassis of the jaket, in the same way it is with the Nivala and the Comfo-R. We reckon the Kemi's more comfortable even than the vastly more expensive Nivala; this is partly down to the stretch, and partly down to its weight. It is much lighter than the Nivala. In truth, we think the Kemi might just be the most comfortable, waterproof Rukka jacket ever!

 

The second thing that sets the Kemi apart is that it does not have a Gore-Tex membrane. Now for us that’s certainly not a positive. Gore makes the best membranes. And Gore does not allow the manufacturers it works with to cut corners. You simply cannot make a sub-standard Gore-Tex jacket. Which is why we have often made it clear that if you want a laminated jacket that works you need to go for one with a Gore membrane. But let’s not forget that we are talking about Rukka here. After all these years, they should know how to make a laminated jacket work properly. I think, therefore, that one can be reasonably confident that the Kemi will not let you down.

 

This having been said, whilst you will get Rukka’s six year warranty that will also cover waterproofing, obviously; you will not benefit from Gore’s lifetime, waterproof warranty. And that is something you will need to take into consideration because the Gore promise is pretty amazing. We have seen it in action, and it stacks up. You will always pay a significant premium for Gore-Tex, but for many high-mileage riders, and for those who ride in the worst of weathers, it is worth the extra outlay.

 

The only way to make a decision is going to be to try the Kemi on, and come to a view as to whether it’s as comfortable and nice to wear as we suggest. If it is as comfortable as, or more comfortable than, the Nivala, then the price differential cannot be ignored.

 

Of course, the Nivala is better spec’d.. You get a concealed storm collar. You get GTX cuffs. You get a down jacket, whereas you get no thermal lining with the Kemi. You also get a Level 2 back protector with the Nivala. You only get a Level 1 protector with the Kemi. All these factors have to be taken into consideration, but the fact is that, never before, has £750 bought you a 3-layer, laminated jacket from Rukka; let alone one that’s this nice to wear.

 

The big deal here, of course, is the Gore-Tex membrane. And where we get to is that if you do 15,000 miles a year, and ride through the worst of weathers, you might still find Gore’s lifetime warranty reassuring. But we cannot believe that the Kemi will be anything but well put together. It will be more than up to the job for most motorcyclists. And certainly it’s going to be more than a match for any non-Gore-Tex jacket out there.

 

The Kemi is in every other way a proper Rukka jacket. It will have been built to last. And with its over-sized armour it is going to be incredibly protective. Ultimately, we cannot say whether the Kemi really does represent the best of both worlds, in the way that it appears to. But what is clear is that it is going to make a 3-layer, laminated Rukka outfit more attainable than one has ever been in the past.

 

As ever, there is no right or wrong. There is no definitive answer. You’re going to have to try one on, and then take a view as to how important it is to have Gore’s warranty.