Riding in Style: ADV Rider Review of the Richa Brutus Gore-Tex Jacket
When it comes to motorcycle gear, finding the perfect balance of comfort, protection, and versatility is no easy feat. Enter the Men’s Richa Brutus Gore-Tex Jacket, a piece of kit that’s been turning heads for its thoughtful design and robust performance. Recently, ADV Rider had the chance to test this jacket and Richa has delivered something special. Here’s their full story on why this jacket is a standout for riders tackling diverse conditions and bikes.
The Rider and the Fit
Our test rider is a 6’3”, 260-pound guy who wears a 54L US suit size and typically grabs an XL in t-shirts. Richa gear tends to run a tad small, so we went with a 3XL for the Brutus, and it fits like a glove. Whether he’s cruising or leaning into the sportier riding position, the jacket moves with him, offering comfort across quite different riding postures. For anyone sizing up, keep this in mind—check Richa’s size chart and consider going up one or two sizes for that perfect fit.
Built Tough, Wears Light
At first glance, the Brutus feels hefty when you pick it up. It’s a substantial jacket, packed with D3O armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back (a nice touch, as back armor is often an extra cost). There are also pockets for optional chest armor, though those pieces aren’t included. Despite its weight on the hanger, the jacket “wears light” thanks to its snug, ergonomic fit. The weight distributes evenly, making it feel less bulky than expected, even during long rides.
Versatility for All Seasons
One of the standout features of the Brutus is its modular liner system. It comes with two liners: a Gore-Tex waterproof liner and a quilted thermal liner. Both are impressively lightweight and pack down small, giving you options for any weather. The Gore-Tex liner, in a bright signal orange, can be worn under or over the jacket for maximum visibility in rain or fog. The thermal liner, while not designed as a standalone jacket, is perfect for chilly evenings around a campfire. You can mix and match—wear one, both, or neither—making this jacket a year-round companion.
Ventilation That Works
Riding in warm weather? The Brutus has you covered with vents on the chest, lower sleeves, and back. The chest and sleeve vents are a breeze to operate with one hand, even while riding, thanks to a clever combo of a short zipper, Velcro, and a magnet that holds the flaps open for steady airflow. One caveat: those magnets make the jacket pacemakers unfriendly, so keep that in mind. The back vents run vertically along the sides, ensuring you stay cool without compromising the jacket’s structure.
Thoughtful Details
Richa didn’t skimp on the details. The collar features soft inner material, a stretch panel at the throat, and a Velcro closure for a secure fit. There’s a plastic hook and elastic loop to keep the collar open in warmer weather. The sleeve cuffs use Velcro for a customizable fit, and the double-sided zippers on the sleeve vents let you keep them open even with the cuffs secured.
The jacket is loaded with pockets: two large front pockets with Velcro fold-over flaps, smaller snap-shut pockets behind them, two internal pockets for flat items like a phone, and a full-length lower-back pocket perfect for stashing the folded rain liner. There’s also a hidden zipper pocket near the collar for small essentials. Fit adjustments at the sleeves and waist use Velcro straps, and retro-reflective bands on the back and shoulders boost nighttime visibility.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
In a word: yes. The Richa Brutus Gore-Tex Jacket is a fantastic blend of comfort, protection, and versatility. It’s built to last, adapts to any weather, and looks sharp in the black/grey colorway we tested (though other color combos are available on the Richa USA website). Whether you’re carving corners on a sportbike or cruising, this jacket delivers. For more details, check out the full review on ADVrider. https://www.advrider.com/mens-richa-brutus-gore-tex-jacket/
