Pants...what to do?

[therippa]

Hi all,

I'm new to the whole motorcycle thing, and have purchased decent gear for my head, feet, upper torso, and hands. What's left is pants, which I didn't think was that big of a deal until I read the article about the road rash queen in another thread.

So, I'm looking into pants, but I'm not even sure what I need. The idea of overpants to wear over my jeans sounds logical, but I'm afraid that still won't be enough protection. Leather overpants would just be too hot. I'm also considering leather pants, but it gets even more confusing there...should I just settle for the cheap Teknic Chicane's or pony up for a pair of Vanson's that'll last me my whole life.

So, what did you guys do for your first pair of pants, and with hindsight, what would you do now?

Thanks!

[Black_peter]

Chaps..
I know it sounds all Village People but quality chaps offer the strength of pants (and almost the same coverage) and they are more comfortable over pants. That was what I got as my first pant option. I got Vanson's. Roll them up and stuff them in your helmet.. good to go.

[KatanaSoldier]

If you want the ultimate in protection, grab a pair or leather racing pants. Shift racing, Teknic, Joe Rocket, etc are a few of the brands among the many. Look for when online stores are clearing them out. You will save hundreds. Flea bay is also a great option for some used ones as well. As long as they are not scuffed up and are armored, then you are good to go.
Just make sure they are very snug in fit as you do not want them to roll up on you if you go down. At a minimum, you should be wearing some reinforced riding jeans. Nothing protects like leather though.

[Nero]

Leather may afford the best protection, but it's not too practical in the Florida heat in the summertime. -My textile gear may not protect like leather, but it breaths better. If that may be a problem in your area, look at the newer gear that offers leather/armor in those areas that require it and textile/mesh panels in other areas to allow for air circulation...

[ZukiFred]

You would be surprised at how long the "cheap Teknic Chicane" pants will last you. I bought mine about 4 years ago and wore them for every ride (which is almost every day) and they are still doing well.
Also as Black_Peter mentioned Chaps are another alternative.

[therippa]

You would be surprised at how long the "cheap Teknic Chicane" pants will last you. I bought mine about 4 years ago and wore them for every ride (which is almost every day) and they are still doing well.
Also as Black_Peter mentioned Chaps are another alternative.

I'm not saying they're cheap in quality, only in price

Thanks for the advice everyone, and please keep it coming!

[jgalar]

New enough has been sending this sale to my email for the past week or so...$39.99

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/tour_master/jean_textile_motorcycle_pants.html

[Madman]

Buy the best you can afford. My first pair was Rocket textile. Since then I now have Rocket Speedmaster 5.0. If I could have afforded it back then, I would have bought Speedmaster pants. The new 5.0's that just came out are actually very comfortable and breathe well. I'm sure impressed!

[StevieB]

Chaps..
I know it sounds all Village People ...

I just couldn't resist!

[StevieB]

My first pair of mc pants came shortly after my first jacket. Fieldsheer textile.

One bit of advise (well, two):

Get zippers that go up above the knee. Ones that stop below the knee are near useless, cant get them on or off over even shoes.

And go with CE armor in the pants. If pants you buy do not have CE armor, buy a set and install them.

[Randy G]

Go to Ironpony.com and check out the Teknic Closeouts. I bought Teknic Thunder leather pants for $74!! comes with armor. And a Teknic Lightning Leather jacket for $119For an inexpensive pair of riding pants go to Newenough.com and check out the Tour Master riding jeans on Closeout for $39. They are not jeans, they are a textile pant with knee and hip armor. Great deal at $39 cheaper than levis and much safer.

[DreKat]

I purchased Shift riding jeans made of Kevlar, they are comfortable they look like regular jeans and I can wear them out and about.

[trinc]

textile has it's place but remember anything that fits a little loose will move around in a crash. i'd look into perf'd leather that zips 360 degrees into your jacket.


tim

[Nero]

Anything that fits a little loose will move around in a crash.

tim

Thank you! Finally someone makes a compelling case for wearing briefs (tighty-whities) over boxers...

Put yo' jewels in a turd-hammock...for safety's sake, boys!!!

[Dee Dub]

I suggest you wear pants....