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Rev'it Cayenne Jacket
by "Burn" for webBikeWorld.com
More: wBW
Reviews Home
| See the
Cayenne Jacket Slide Show |
Owner Comments
(Below)
Also:
2008 Cayenne Pro Review!
NOTE: More Rev'it Cayenne
photos in
the
Cayenne Jacket Slide Show
The BMW GS-series introduced a radical
new approach to motorcycle design that opened up an
entire new genre of riding that increases in
popularity each year.
Like many others, I scoffed at those
silly-looking adventure-tourers for many years.
Now I'm a convert: the webBikeWorld 1998
Triumph Tiger hack bike is an absolute blast to ride and
its "sit up and beg", SUV height riding position is a
refreshing change for these old bones.
Besides, I get to wear cool-looking
adventure-touring gear, and I can practice for my
trans-African treks on the wild streets of Baltimore.
It's also funny to watch the faces of the local
T-shirted cruiser and sportbike crowd as I look down on
them from my lofty perch.
The new Rev'it Cayenne jacket is perfect
for the role. From its earthy taupe color scheme
(which doesn't reproduce correctly on computer monitors)
to its - get this - removable fanny pack and
hydration-ready infrastructure, I'm prepared for
anything, from Baltimore to Bangui.
Well, almost anything. I'm not
sure if Bangui has a Chipotle.
Rev'it is proud of the new Cayenne
jacket, and rightly so. This jacket has so many
unique features that it will be a real challenge to
describe. If you're near a Rev'it dealer and
you're in the market for a first-rate 3/4-length jacket,
I highly recommend a visit to check out the Cayenne.
We've been Rev'it groupies ever since
their products hit the U.S., and as long as they keep
pumping out stuff like this, we'll offer no apologies.
Let's see -- where to start? How about from the
inside out?
Removable Twin Liners
The Cayenne jacket has two removable full-length liners
which can be mixed and matched, depending upon the
weather situation. The insulating, innermost 3 oz.
padded liner attaches to a waterproof Hydratex shell with a
combination of snaps along the sides and a couple of
short (7.5" or 19 cm) zippers located near the upper
chest (see
slide show liner photo).
It's a fairly thick liner that should keep
its owner nice and toasty during winter riding.
The liner has a stretchy neoprene mobile phone pocket in
the right-hand side and a 6" wide by 7" deep (15 cm by
18 cm) zippered pocket in the left-hand side.
The waterproof Hydratex shell then
attaches to the jacket with a series of metal snaps.
Since the Hydratex shell has its own zipper and
wind/rain blocking zipper cover, it could be worn alone
as a sort of windbreaker with or without the insulating
liner, although it doesn't appear to be specifically designed
for that purpose. The Hydratex liner does not include
pockets, probably to maintain its ability to remain
waterproof.
The Cayenne's outer shell is made
entirely from Schoeller Keprotec with Kevlar (see
note in Owner Comments below).
Although this is an expensive material, Rev'it said that
they have used it for its superior abrasion resistance.
The Cayenne can be worn
with or without either one of the liners. I'll describe
its outer
surface in just a moment, but the inside of the jacket
also includes a non-removable mesh liner, which
makes it comfortable to wear when the insulating liner
and Hydratex liner are removed.
The jacket has a couple of internal
pockets; the right-hand side has a 6" wide by 8" deep
(15 cm by 20 cm) zippered pocket built into the mesh
liner. The left-hand side has a 6" long by 6" deep
zippered pocket located just inside the outer flap.
Some of the other Rev'it jackets have a pocket in a
similar location, and this pocket location is perfect for
storing a wallet. It makes it easy to get to the
wallet during a fuel stop without having to unzip
the various layers to reach inside.
Ready to Hydrate?
Ready for that Death Valley adventure ride? The
Cayenne jacket also has two internal loops and a couple
of rubberized grommets (for lack of a better term) that are designed to
hold a hose from a hydration bladder and pass it through from the inside to the
outside of the jacket.
A grommet is located on
the outer side of the upper left section of the jacket,
which allows the hose to hang, ready
for use by the rider. Note
that the hydration bladder must be supplied by the owner
and does not come with the jacket.
The Cayenne zips up tight with the
Rev'it designed multi-layer front flap system (see
slide show front photo). In
addition to the Cayenne's double-layer wind-blocking flap
system, the
waterproof Hydratex liner has its own cover that also
protects against wind and rain. The outer
shell has a relatively heavy zipper, with an extra length of
material on the zipper pull to make it easy to grab.
When the jacket is zipped up, a final
outer flap can be pulled over and seals the jacket's
zipper and the waterproof liner's zipper.
The Hydratex liner and the outer shell also have a doubled-up section of material
added to protect against moisture intrusion, as if there
could be any moisture that could get through this maze!
It's wind and waterproof, no ifs, ands or buts.
►
PHOTOS:
See the
Cayenne Jacket Slide Show
Pockets, Pockets, Pockets!
The outside of the outer shell has more pockets and
features that you can count (see
slide show pockets photo). Two big "100%
waterproof" labeled cargo pockets are located on the
lower front. Not only do they have a full-length
"hook and loop" flap cover, the material underneath the
cover is doubled over, and they have a full-length
zipper!
These 6" wide by 7" deep (15 cm by
18 cm) pockets must cost a fortune to manufacture. Besides the complex flap system designed
to keep out water, and the fact that the pocket itself
is waterproof, each pocket is cut on a taper to fit the
styling of the jacket.
The pockets have four swooping lengths
of stitching for an additional styling touch; and the outside corner
of the pocket material is darted and tucked to ensure
that the volume of the pocket is equal all the way
across. It's a marvel of textile engineering for
sure, and demonstrates the signature Rev'it obsession
with details that will probably not even be noticed by
the average owner.
The left-hand mid-chest section also has
a cargo pocket; this one isn't waterproof, but it's
slightly bigger at 7" wide and 8" deep (18 cm by 20 cm).
It has a split flap cover, which allows partial access
to the pocket and also gives acts as a styling feature.
Each side of the upper chest area on the
front of the Cayenne has a covered vent section.
The material covering the vent is secured to the shell
with a zipper, a snap and full-length "hook and loop"
fastener.
This section
can either be folded up and snapped to the upper section
of the jacket to reveal half of the vent, or it can be
completely removed to completely uncover the vent.
When the material is removed, the
mesh vent underneath measures approximately 5-1/2" wide by 5"
high (14 cm by 13 cm).
"But wait -- that's not all": Behind the split pocket on the left-hand side
is yet another waterproof pocket, this one covered with
one of the special Rev'it waterproof zipper reflective fabric
covers. When the zipper is closed, the fabric
closes up tight against the elements. This pocket
is 6" wide by 8" deep (15 cm by 20 cm).
And we're not done yet: an identical
waterproof pocket, also hidden behind a waterproof
zipper, is located on the right-hand side of the jacket,
also under the vent area.
Another mobile
phone pocket, this one located horizontally, just under
the right-hand side lower cargo pocket and
aforementioned waterproof zippered pocket, is 7" deep
and 3" wide (18 cm by 8 cm). This could probably
hold a GPS or water bottle, it's that big.
But hang on, there's another one: the right
arm of the Cayenne has an outer patch pocket, this one
is about 3-1/2" wide by 6" deep (9 cm by 15 cm).
I've been playing with the Cayenne
jacket for a few weeks, but there are probably more
pockets that I just haven't found yet!
► PHOTOS:
See the
Cayenne Jacket Slide Show
Removable Waist Pack
One of the most unique features we've ever encountered
on a motorcycle jacket has to be the Cayenne's removable
waist pack (see
slide show waist pack photo). The lower rear portion of the Cayenne
jacket is removable, and includes a nylon adjustable
belt hidden inside the jacket when not in use.
The
belt allows the owner to carry the pack around the
waist, or maybe over the shoulder. The entire
removable section is actually much wider than what is
typically called a fanny pack; calling it a waist pack
would probably be more appropriate.
The waist pack has a huge, waterproof,
compartmentalized pocket across the back that measures
16" (41 cm) across and 7" deep (18 cm). It has a
zipper with dual zipper pulls and can be completely
opened to expose side expansion panels. One
compartment is about 6" (15 cm) wide and has a nylon
fabric divider.
Two more pockets, located one on each
side of the main waist pack pocket are 3" wide and 7"
deep (8 cm by 18 cm). The Cayenne has more pockets
than probably any other motorcycle jacket made.
About that trip to Bangui? Who needs luggage?!
More Vents
In addition to the front vents mentioned above, the
Cayenne has two 6" long (15 cm) vents on the front of
each arm with a zipper opening (see
slide show arm photo). The arms
also have two dual-position cinch straps with snaps to
snug up the fabric, designed to keep the CE-approved
elbow armor in place. Two rear shoulder vents can
also be opened with zippers (see
slide show rear vent photo).
Conclusion
Did I miss anything? Probably... There are
sections of reflective striping here and there; lots of
elastic in the sides of the jacket; zippered sleeve
cuffs; large "hook and loop" closures for the cuffs; and
CE-approved hard armor in the elbows and shoulders.
To paraphrase the back-from-the-dead Lee
Iacocca, "If there's a higher-tech, better made jacket
out there, buy it!" I'm convinced that the Cayenne
jacket and Ultimate pants combination will serve more
purposes over a wider range of temperatures, climates
and geography than any other motorcycle riding outfit
available.
While the price may seem high, the
functionality of this jacket (and pants combo) is
without peer. It's like getting 3 sets of clothing
in one.
► PHOTOS:
See the
Cayenne Jacket Slide Show
|
Product
Review: Rev'it! Cayenne Jacket |
|
BUY IT!
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REV'IT! motorcycle clothing at RevZilla and help support webBikeWorld!
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| Available
From:
REV'IT! |
Suggested
Retail Price: $499.99 |
| Colors: Black, Gray/Black,
Gray/Red Sizes: XS to XXXL. |
Made
in: China |
| Product
Comments: The perfect compliment to the Rev'it! Ultimate pants.
Dual removable liners, one is a waterproof liner and one is an
insulating liner. Knox CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor.
Large elastic panels in waist. Outer shell is also mesh lined.
Very comfortable, ultra-versatile and even provides
decent air flow. Total weight with both liners, size XL: 7 lbs.
(3.2 kg). Review Date: August 2005 |
Note: For informational use only. All material and
photographs are Copyright © webWorld International, LLC - 2000-2011. All
rights reserved. See the webBikeWorld®
Site Info
page. NOTE: Product specifications, features and details may
change or differ from our descriptions. Always check before purchasing. Read
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►Your Comments and
Feedback
Please send comments to
Comments are ordered from most recent to oldest.
Not all comments will be published ( details). Comments may be edited for
clarity prior to publication.
From "D.H." (7/09): "After three plus years and maybe 30,000 miles of
using the Rev’It Cayenne and Ultimate Pants, I feel the need to share my
experience with the gear and company. Here is my story of my recent
communication with the “company” and the results.
I bought the gear for the protection, ventilation, pockets and all the other
features mentioned on your website. The Cayenne is a good fitting jacket
with great ventilation. It is comfortable and looks good.
At the time it seemed fair to pay the price for what seemed to be a good
value compared to competitive products. Within the next twelve months,
Rev'It stood behind their product and replaced the Ultimate Pants because
rivets holding the waist line adjusters detached from the material.
That was fine by me and I continued to be very happy with the product and
service. I was so happy I bought a full summer suit for my wife and
she already had a Rukka three season suit.
Later that year I got caught in a medium rain with the liners in the pants
and jacket, the water never seemed to hesitate in finding its way to my
crotch. I contacted Rev'It via the internet and inquired as to how
they recommended wearing the gear so that a person wouldn’t get wet. I
never did hear back from them on that one. I did, however return to
the place of purchase and they were more than happy to replace the liner.
Next time out, I had same results. Oh, well back to the rain gear.
One of the key reasons I bought the gear was to avoid doing just that.
This led me to begin the process of researching the issue thinking mine was
an isolated incident and my problem alone. It seems I'm not the only
one with the complaint. The internet has several comments about
leaking Rev'It riding gear and failed, faulty or design issues.
This spring, I attended an open house at the original place of purchase to
find the company rep there. I spoke with him at length and told him
of my woes. Being in sales myself, I will tell you if I were in a
position to hire someone, he would be the type of person I would want
working for me. Very open, seemingly honest and responsive. He
handed me a card and told me to contact him if I so desired.
Shortly afterward, as though that
conversation placed a hex on me and the jacket, the
Cayenne began to have significant problems other than
normal wear and tear. The collar adjuster broke,
the loops used to hold the rain liner in the sleeves
failed and the Velcro used to adjust the sleeve opening
delaminated.
I contacted the company rep who eventually put me in
touch with a person who offered to send me a $3
replacement collar adjuster at no charge. Okay, I
admit this is outside the warranty period of one year
but when you pay $800+ for riding gear, you expect it to
last more than 3 years without significant issues.
The company also stated I could send the gear across
country for repairs that might be slow in getting it
back. It is June and I’m leaving shortly for a two
week trip. I’ve been patient to date but now time
is critical. That is not an option.
Being frustrated and some of my final decision made
based on the review on your website recommendations, I
thought it best to help you maintain your credibility
with a “real world” account of what to expect from
Rev'It the company and their riding gear. Granted,
it looks great but buyers beware. The proof is in
the ownership experience. I’ve had my fill of
Rev’It’s claim of quality. I had a Chevy Vega that
held up better than this stuff. The
Pros
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Good looks.
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Great ventilation.
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Great storage.
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Good adjustability on collar,
sleeves and waist.
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Great feature package (hydration,
waterproof pockets, protection).
The Cons
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Poor material quality. It might look
good but don’t be fooled.
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Poor weatherproofing design. The
liners leak and can’t stop water from entering in anything more than a light
rain.
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Poor rain liner quality in both
jacket and pants.
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Poor sleeve liner fastening design.
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The Velcro on the sleeve adjusters
came apart from the rubber outer tab.
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Poor waist adjuster design on
Ultimate Pants.
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Too heavy when wet.
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ONLY a 1 year warranty.
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Slow to no response from customer
service. (It took 4 weeks to get an offer to mail me a $3 replacement part
and it took several emails to get movement).
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Material frays on sleeves as Velcro
fasteners are opened and closed. (The same on my wife’s Rev’It jacket too).
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Bulky thermal liner.
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Poor collar adjuster quality (Mine
broke).
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Too expensive for the quality but a
fair price at half the cost.
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Can’t hold up to the rigors of
normal treatment for a mere 3 year, 30k miles. "
From "B.A.": "I own this jacket as well, and have worn
it through a rather extreme range of conditions over the last 6 months. I
love the jacket, but I have had a few issues with it.
Insulating liner: It's not terribly
warm, it's thick, and it's poorly positioned. In
fact, with the insulating liner in, it is nearly
impossible to wear any gauntlet style gloves. I
have actually found it to be warmer, and more
comfortable, to just leave the liner in the closet and
use a thin fleece pullover underneath. That at
least allows me to have the fleece stop far enough up
the sleeve to wear my Rev'it Fahrenheit gloves (the old
gauntlet ones, not the newer model).
Wet weather riding: The "waterproof" liner just doesn’t cut
it in truly heavy rain. I don't know if it's a flaw in the liner, or
in the positioning of it, but you will get wet if it rains hard enough.
Even if you don't, the outer liner will still be soaked, making it rather
uncomfortable to wear until it can finally dry out. If you're
expecting really heavy rain in this gear, you need to bring some real rain
gear to wear with it. The stitching in the end of the sleeves of the
liner isn't terribly durable either, and started coming apart after a few
weeks of use. A quick visit to the tailor did fix that easily enough
though.
Hot weather riding: FREAKING AWESOME! I had a Joe
Rocket Alter Ego 2.0 before I bought this, and this jacket, in grey, is
actually more comfortable in 80-90 degree temps than the Alter Ego.
The interior mesh liner does an amazing job of circulating the air that
comes in the vents.
I do love this jacket, and don't regret buying it. But it
does have its flaws."
Editor's Note: Some motorcycle pants and
jackets like the Cayenne have a non-waterproof outer shell and a waterproof
liner, so the outer shell can become waterlogged but the liner is supposed
to keep the water off the rider. The advantage of the removable
waterproof liner is that it can be removed in warm (and dry) weather, which
allows better air flow.
From "S.C.": "I
appears that Rev-It changed the material they use for the outer shell of the
Cayenne jacket since your review was posted. I just purchased a Cayenne
and the outer shell is made from Schoeller Dynatec instead of Keprotec.
The Rev-It web sites also list the outer shell as being Dynatec. The
Schoeller site (see
the .pdf file) implies Dynatec falls somewhere in between Cordura and
Keprotec."
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