We’ve previously tested this jacket’s predecessor – the Streetwind Eco – and the biggest difference between it and the Eco 2 is in the aesthetics. Where the Eco sported a solid yellow chest and back area, the Eco 2 uses black with fine yellow and grey graphic lines, while the back gets neatly done Streetwind and Eco lettering. Like before, the jacket is available in other colourways too, but in this ‘Yellow’ version, the shade is now used as highlights on the forearms, chest and rib areas, so it’s less in-your-face but still striking enough to stand out from a sea of dull, all-black jackets.
Besides that, nothing much has changed since, but that’s just fine. Royal Enfield says this is India’s first sustainable riding jacket, made from recycled plastic bottles that are turned into yarn to weave the jacket. The weave is, of course, a mesh – RE says 90 percent is made of mesh – and it is very breathable.
We’ve had this all through summer, and ventilation has been good throughout. What’s nice is that even when you stop, you don’t feel like you’re steaming up inside. The feel of the fabric, too, is just fine and fairly soft against your body. It also has a cushioned collar, which feels nice and prevents the chafing that you tend to get from stronger fabrics. The fit seems to have improved, where earlier it felt a bit baggy, it fits tighter now, though this was on different testers this time around, but the size used was the same – small. As is the norm, there are regular adjustment tabs on the cuffs, waist, biceps, and forearms.
In terms of protection, the jacket is constructed with the recycled and abrasion-resistant 600d polyester and 610d Cordura fabric at impact zones. It offers CE level 2 protection via Royal Enfield’s Ergo pro-tech protectors at the shoulder and elbow. It does not have back or chest protectors; however a back protector can be added via the pocket provided.
As for utility, there are reflective accents at the front and back, along with Velcro patches on the left shoulder for any personalisation, and two front pockets with zippers, enough to accommodate a plus-sized phone.
If you are in the market for this jacket, you might find a few ongoing discounts. The MRP for this jacket stands at Rs 6,500. However, you can get it with quite a substantial discount of Rs 2,500 on multiple e-commerce websites, depending on size, bringing its effective price down to around Rs 4,000.
At its discounted price, the RE Streetwind ECO 2 does make a strong case for itself and could very well be your first investment in a proper riding jacket for the city and the occasional highway rides.
Where: royalenfield.store
Price: Rs 6,500
Dinshaw Magol
Rishaad Mody
