Retro looks, comfort and unbeatable value. There’s something incredibly satisfying about slipping into a piece of gear that just feels right, especially when it looks as good off the bike as it performs on it. The MotoDry Clubman Evo Vintage jacket is just such a thing.
It’s got old school charm with modern practicality baked in, and for the price, honestly, it punches way above its weight class. I’ve been wearing the Clubman Evo throughout the colder months, and I’ll tell you straight up, this jacket has impressed me.
With its waxed-cotton style finish and vintage brown colouring, it looks like something you’d find in an old school motorcycle film. But don’t let the throwback aesthetics fool you. This is a modern, CE-certified jacket that delivers solid performance where it counts.
The first thing you notice is how comfortable the it is, feeling broken-in straight out of the packaging. There was none of that stiff, restrictive nonsense you get with some jackets straight off the hanger.
The internal winter liner has kept me toasty on those chilly early morning rides up to Wollombi and the Hunter Valley, even when the bike’s temperature gauge is showing a snow flake and 0-degrees.
It’s not just a token thin layer, it’s properly insulated and well thought-out. Now, I haven’t had the chance to remove the winter liner yet, but I’m anticipating it’ll breathe nicely once summer rolls around.
The outer shell feels lightweight enough that with the liner removed, this should be a perfectly capable warm-weather jacket. Venting is fairly subtle, but the cotton blend outer seems like it’ll offer decent airflow in motion.
Fit-wise, the Clubman Evo lands right in the sweet spot. It’s snug but not restrictive, and the cut across the shoulders allows for a natural riding position. One small gripe I’ve got is that I wish it were just a touch longer, maybe an inch or two, especially at the back.
When you’re leaning forward on the bike, it does ride up a bit, which isn’t a deal-breaker but something to be aware of if you’re wearing low-cut jeans or prefer full lower back coverage.
A detail I do really appreciate is the wrist closure system. MotoDry have included two snap buttons per cuff, which means you can choose a tighter or looser fit depending on what gloves you’re wearing.
I rotate between a thicker winter glove and a more minimalist short cuff option, and being able to dial in the fit at the wrist makes a noticeable difference in comfort and wind protection. Storage is also generous.
You get multiple external pockets with snap closures for that classic look, plus internal stash options for a phone or wallet. The zip feels durable, and all the stitching and finishings are high quality. It’s not something I expected at this price point, to be honest.
Underneath the stylish exterior, the Clubman Evo packs CE Level 2 armour (yes, not the basic stuff you usually get at this price) in the elbows and shoulders, and a back protector slot ready to take an optional upgrade.
The armour is flexible and doesn’t make the jacket feel bulky, which is a big plus for everyday wearability. Sure, it’s not a full race-spec piece of kit, but for general riding, commuting, or weekend café runs, the Clubman Evo ticks all the right boxes.
The biggest pro here though is the price, which starts from $249.95. That’s crazy value for a properly spec’d and well designed piece of gear. I’ve worn jackets that cost twice as much and didn’t offer half the comfort or practicality.
In a world where motorcycle gear can often leave your wallet crying in the corner, the MotoDry Clubman Evo Vintage Jacket stands out as a welcome exception. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get something that looks sharp and feels great.
Stylish, comfortable, versatile, and absurdly good value, the Clubman Evo comes in sizes from Small to Stout and is available at all good motorcycle accessory stockists. You can see the full range of MotoDry jackets on their website.
Pros – comfortable from new; retro styling; wrist closure system.
Cons – could be an inch or two longer; back protection an optional extra.
Our test product was provided by MotoDry Australia. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this product.
