Icon Victory Riding Pants. photo: motorcycle-superstore.com
Wow! I can't believe a whole month has gone by since I started this series for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. We've covered helmets, jackets, and boots, so far. Today, we're thinking about bottoms.
No, not that kind of bottom.
The kind you wear.
On a motorcycle.
For protection.
I'm talking about pants, or, heaven forbid, chaps.
For the longest time there's been three basic formulas for bona fide riding pants - leather pants, leather chaps and armored leather or Cordura pants. Lately, though, a new trend is emerging and it seems to be catching on.
Icon is making riding pants that look like a pair of burly, structured jeans but provide about as much protection as a pair of heavy leather pants. The Icon Victory Riding Pants are generously cut, understated and stylish with Aramid (a relative of Nomex) reinforced knees and hips for protection when it's time to dump your bike.
Next up we have leather pants. These come in two basic varieties: armored and non-armored. Plain leather pants provide a surprising amount of abrasion protection but offer little against impacts. Armored leather pants provide both protection against abrasion, as well as some impact protection. Protection, like style, is a personal choice. Choose wisely.
photo: amazon.com
If you're just not that into leather, there's a wide range of products made out of various types of ballistic nylon that'll suit your riding needs. These pants tend to be lighter than leather but their optional insertable armor ensures maximum protection against abrasion and impact.
Lastly, we have chaps. Like I've said before - they're not just for the Village People anymore. Chaps, though rarely armored still provide a fair deal of protection while offering a great deal of versatility. Keep in mind: chaps are generally worn over pants - you should wear those pants when getting fitted for chaps.
Comments
Nice overview of what's available, Fish!
Motorcyclist tested various materials for abrasion resistance.
Denim wore through almost immediately, Kevlar synthetics did much better until it melted, but the density and layered structure of leather protected the best.
This mx gear would be great to have when you are riding when it's colder out. I love riding motorcycles but I don't have the clothes for it so I can only ride during certain times of the year.
I have had a lot of motorcycle savvy friends tell me how important the right kind of pants are. Like Beast said you want something that is not going to wear out too soon, and you also want a pair of pants that aren't going to catch on anything. Thanks for the one's you posted! ( http://funbike.com )
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