Rukka Nivala 2.0 trousers in black

The Nivala 2.0 suit is the replacement for what will now be known as the Nivala 1. The original was Rukka’s most comfortable suit ever, as well as their most popular. The only reason that the suit is being replaced is that the fabric used by Rukka on the suit is being discontinued.

The new pant is very similar to its predecessor. It is made with a similarly stretchy fabric, and put together using a Gore-Tex, 3-layer pro-Shell laminate construction. Motorcycle garments don’t get more waterproof than this.

Armacor, a combination of Kevlar and Cordura, is used on the knees for added abrasion resistance. The protectors in the knees and hips are D3O XTR, Level 2.

For warmth, the Nivala 2.0 pants are supplied with a separately-worn, duck-down filled thermal, inner pant. If you still feel cold when you’re wearing these, it may be time to get a car! In hot weather, zips on the thighs will access direct-to-body ventilation.

You get adjusters at the waist and in the lower half of the legs. Long zips will allow you to wear the pants over any kind of touring boot, if perhaps not an off-road one. In the bum, you get Rukka’s Anti-glide system to prevent sliding around on the bike’s saddle. Whilst the Air-cushion system prevents uncomfortable condensation in the seat by adding a small air gap between the skin and the pant itself. Leather patches run up the insides of the legs, to prevent burning on an exhaust pipe, but also to allow a better grip against the tank.

There are two zip pockets that cannot be considered properly waterproof. The pants come with a set of braces and, of course, you get a zip to allow the top and bottom halves to be zipped together.

When you buy this suit from an authorised UK dealer, you will enjoy the benefits of a six-year warranty. But on the continent, the warranty is only for two years, and of course for any warranty work you will have to send the pant back to the dealer you bought it from.

The pants come in continental sizes 46 (28” waist) up to 66 (48” waist). But usefully, in most sizes, they are available in short and long leg configurations. Now, the short leg pants are 7 cms shorter. The long legs are 7 cms longer. Out of interest, there’s no short version available in the 28” waist size, and there’s no long leg in the 46” and 48” waist sizes.