ADV and dual sport riding require gear that can handle both on-road and off-road conditions. The versatile Motonation Lobito Jacket and Matador Pants aim to bridge the gap between pavement and dirt.
But do these jackets and pants truly unleash off-road freedom for ADV riders? But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best adventure motorcycle jacket for you?
Let’s explore the details to find out.
Motonation Lobito Jacket Review
Key Takeaways
- Removable sleeves versatile
- Jacket waterproof versatile
- Pants need waterproofing
How Do the Lobito and Matador Handle Real-World ADV Riding?
To test the jacket and pants, I took them on a mixed backroad and off-road rides through spring showers and cooler fall temps. Here are some of my key findings:
- The jacket layers comfortably over my existing textile riding jacket, with plenty of room for layers underneath.
- Ventilation is excellent – the jacket flows a ton of air when the vents are open.
- The two-layer rain liner kept me dry in light rain, but I stayed damp in heavy downpours.
- The pants are spacious but not baggy when worn over knee guards and boots.
- Leg ventilation is decent, but thighs get warm without a waterproof layer on hot days.
- Snaps and velcro closures around ankles keep pants secure when standing.
- Jacket and pants stand up to abrasion when brushing against branches and bushes on trails.
- The removable thermal liner provides warmth on chilly morning rides.
For dual sport and ADV riding, the Lobito and Matador work well for adventures involving both on and off-road riding. The jacket really shines with its versatility – I love being able to quickly convert it to a vest by removing the sleeves.
The lack of waterproofing does limit the pants’ foul-weather performance. But the abrasion protection and ventilation excel when riding off-road. Overall, both pieces strike a solid balance between protection, weather resistance, and flexibility.
The Motonation Lobito Jacket and Matador Pants provide an abrasion-resistant shell designed to be worn over your existing riding gear.
The jacket includes a removable waterproof liner for weather protection, while the pants are water-resistant but lack a fully waterproof layer.
A Closer Look at the Lobito Jacket’s Construction and Features
- Made from 1.1mm-1.3mm cowhide leather and rugged 600D Cordura fabric
- Classic café racer styling with full sleeve design
- Zipped cuffs and snap button collar
- Two zippered chest pockets and two zippered hand pockets
- Quilted polyester lining and removable thermal liner
- CE-approved Level 1 armor in shoulders and elbows (armor not included)
- Pre-curved sleeves with zippered back ventilation
- Waist adjustment belts are available in sizes S-5XL
The jacket’s sleeves can zip off to convert it into a vest, offering versatility for different weather conditions.
Large chest vents and exhaust vents at the back provide airflow to keep you cool. The two-layer rain liner means you can wear it over or under your current motorcycle jacket (1) for water protection.
Overall, the Lobito jacket provides a flexible shell layer with decent weather protection. The lack of included armor is a bit disappointing, so you’ll need to supply your own protective inserts.
What About the Matador Pants?
The Matador pants share the Lobito jacket’s 600D Cordura outer shell with 1680D ballistic reinforcement on the inner legs.
Key features:
- Vented panels on the thighs with exhaust vents at the rear
- Wide adjustable waist for fit over existing pants
- Articulated knees with room for braces and guards
- Designed to be worn over boots
- Available in sizes S-5XL
While the pants offer good flexibility and ventilation, the lack of a waterproof layer is a glaring omission. This oversight limits their foul weather capability compared to the Lobito jacket.
How Does Motonation’s Gear Compare to Other ADV Jacket and Pant Options?
Klim Dakar Jacket & Pants
- Dakar is fully waterproof and includes more armor than Lobito
- Much higher cost – $899 for jacket & $849 for pants
- Less versatile than Lobito’s removable sleeve design
REV’IT! Sand 3 Jacket & Pants
- Fully waterproof with included armor
- Sand 3 is over $500 more than the Lobito jacket
- Lobito has better airflow from chest and back vents
Alpinestars Toucan Jacket & Pants
- Toucan jacket is waterproof but doesn’t have zip-off sleeves
- Lobito jacket has more storage pockets
- Toucan pants are around $150 more than Matadors
Considering their lower cost, the Lobito and Matador provide impressive capability for ADV and dual sport riding. The jacket’s versatile design stands out as a uniquely flexible option.
Key Takeaways on Motonation’s ADV Riding Gear
- Removable sleeves – The Lobito jacket’s zip-off sleeves allow easy conversion to a vest.
- Ventilation – Chest, back, and sleeve vents provide excellent airflow when riding on hot days.
- Value pricing – Costs hundreds less than premium ADV riding jackets and pants.
Is Motonation’s Gear Right for You and Your ADV Bike?
For ADV and dual sport riders needing a solid abrasion-resistant outer layer, the Lobito Jacket and Matador Pants check a lot of boxes.
The jacket’s removable sleeves, multiple vents, and waterproof liner make it an adaptable companion on multi-terrain rides. Just be prepared to bring your own protective armor.
While waterproofing would improve the Matador pants, their flexibility, and ventilation still make them a good value choice for off-road adventures.
Before you fully unleash into the wild, make sure Motonation’s jackets and pants match your riding needs. But for budget-minded ADV and dual sport enthusiasts, they offer some enticing options worth exploring.
Previous Article: Spidi Mission-T Softshell Jacket Review
Next Article: Schott 641 Horsehide Cafe Racer Jacket Review
Source
Motorcycle Jacket:(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21819816/