Royal Enfield Crossroader Touring Jacket Review: Introduction

A proper touring jacket needs to balance protection, weather insulation, weight, and comfort across long hours and seasons on the saddle. Unlike a full mesh summer jacket, this category demands thicker materials, better impact protection and some degree of versatility when conditions change. Royal Enfield’s Crossroader enters a highly competitive segment where established riding gear brands already offer proven options.

Name: Royal Enfield Crossroader Riding Jacket

Sizes Available: S-8XL

Price: Rs 14,950

Colours available: Red, Black, Neon, Light Grey

Specs

Material - 600D abrasion-resistant polyester with 610D Cordura reinforcement

Armor - CE Level 2 KNOX Microlock armour for shoulders and elbows, CE Level 2 back protector, CE Level 1 chest protectors

Size tested - M

Adjustment - Straps and Velcro tabs on sleeves, waist, hips, and cuffs

Fit type - Touring fit, long

Ventilation - ‘SuperFlow’ mesh panels

Weather protection - Separate rain jacket (8000mm water resistance), wearable inside or outside

Pockets - 2 large outer pockets, 1 waterproof internal pocket, large rear pocket, ID/medical card holder on left arm

Pros - Very good cold-weather insulation even without thermal liner; lots of storage

Cons - Heavy; ventilation won’t match a full mesh jacket

DESIGN

The Crossroader follows a very functional touring design. It doesn’t try to look sporty or flashy, instead focusing on coverage and practicality. Branding is present but not over the top, and reflective elements are neatly integrated for added visibility. The titanium shoulder sliders add a purposeful look. A cushioned collar is also part of the package, helping reduce irritation during long hours in the saddle.

FIT & PROTECTION

The Crossroader feels substantial the moment you pick it up. Once worn, the fit is snug and comfortable. Adjustment is handled through multiple straps and velcros on the sleeves, waist, hips and cuffs.

The longer length gives better lower-back coverage than shorter road and everyday jackets. It gets CE Level 2 KNOX Microlock armour at the shoulders and elbows, along with a large CE Level 2 back protector. CE Level 1 chest protectors come as standard, and the titanium shoulder sliders add another layer of impact protection. 

INITIAL RIDES

I used the Crossroader for 8 days straight during the 2025 Royal Enfield Tour Of Sikkim ride – in consistently cold conditions. Even without the optional inner thermal liner, the jacket never really let me feel cold.

The thick outer shell does a good job of blocking wind and retaining warmth, which makes it well suited to colder climates and early-morning starts. The thickness also adds to the weight, and it is a heavy jacket – but it didn't bother me even once.

Because of the low temperatures, it’s too early to comment on how well the jacket is ventilated – especially in peak summer. It’s clear though that the Crossroader prioritises insulation and abrasion resistance over outright airflow.

The included rain jacket adds versatility and can be worn either inside or over the main shell. While the primary jacket itself isn’t waterproof, the rain layer is easy to deploy and offers decent coverage. Storage is one of the Crossroader’s biggest strengths. The multiple cargo pockets, waterproof internal pocket, large rear compartment, and ID/medical card holder make it a genuinely practical jacket.

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

Next up, the focus will be on how the jacket handles warmer weather, ventilation in slow traffic, and overall comfort during everyday use. That should give a clearer picture of whether it works just as well off the highway as it does on long touring rides.