For one, the motorcycle pants can save you from being the next guy laying on the couch with gauze around his leg and sporting a rather foul matter of road rash. Instead, you can be the guy setting up new gearings on your ride in the garage even after a nasty slide crash.
How so? Well, it is well known that the riders sacrifice a lot in the name of safety, including style as well. The over-engineered protection pants, though, provide unparalleled protection, but these safety gears are also as subtle in appearance as a bear sneaking in a downtown cafe. But then again, going for other options like regular jeans or worse sweatpants is like setting yourself up for a nasty road rash and an unaffordable week-long couch break.
If you start brainstorming through the endless options right now, not only would your brain start melting down or freeze. All the while trying to ransack through each one to differentiate between what is fake and what is not worth the bucks is exhausting enough to even think about.
To save you from such hassle, we took it upon ourselves to offer you the helping hand with the assembled reviews and guidelines that have been thoroughly checked through. We have been in the customer as well as seller’s shoes and so are well aware of the shortcomings you wish to avoid and an idea of the criteria you have built.
Here are our top 3 choices if you are in hurry or don’t like reading too much.
Best Motorcycle Riding Pants Reviews
Heading into biking with your gloves and boots besides that helmet is a sane move. However, it is the regular daily wear pants that are the problem. Usually, the motorcycle pants are an afterthought or just not considered part of the gear. Though completely wrong, they not only save you from possible road rashes or abrasion imparted injuries that can render your lower half possibly useless since you can never predict the intensity or the outcome of the crash!
The riding pants are usually water-resistant and heat-resistant, besides being abrasion-resistant to ensure that you don’t lose traction and grip as you cruise down the street.
Therefore, start rummaging through our top 10 selects and take your pick since we all know it is a sound move that has been long overdue now!
1. Dainese New Drake Air Textile Pants
Pros
- The composite protectors are removable.
- Built from cordura 750D fabric
- Uses a perforated, suretta fabric
- Sewin in soft hip padding
- The fastening system of a jacket to trousers
- Elasticated fabric and calf zip
Cons
- The lining is heavy and restricts free movement.
- The armor paddings are quite thick and don’t offer enough room for the knee to bend
Dainese New Drake Air Textile Pants Rank first in our recommendations, one of the most popular motorcycle pants.
What makes it so high in demand is the innovative versatility these textile pants offer, i.e., full 750D textile built, which not only ensures the right amount of movement and elastic freedom but also makes it a heavy fitter safeguard.
Another interesting feature of the Dainese New Drake is that since they employ integrated elasticated inserts, mesh-backed vents, and knee armors, all of which duly meet the CE standard regulations of armor protection. These sleek-styled pants don’t cut back on the breathability and protection of the rider by any means.
What makes it even better is the strategically placed “flip-up” vents on the thigh domains that not only are innovatively distinctive but also warrant maximized levels of airflow that can be readily closed during winters or uncalled rain. Thus, making them compatible for all-season riding since they act as both insulators and coolers besides keeping the water out.
2. Oxford Super Leggings
Pros
- Built from 92% poly / 8% elastane shell
- The abrasion-resistance is warranted by 95% DuPont™ Kevlar® / 5% elastane lining
- Fitted knee protectors meet CE Level 2 (CE: EN1621-1-2012)
- The internal pockets offer an option to keep or remove the hip armor inserts
- 2 front hand pockets
- Belt loops have flag stretching for additional security.
Cons
- Lacks a zipper closure system
- They lack stretcher fabric around the waistband area.
- The seams are not durable and start falling apart even after careful follow up of washing instructions
Oxford Super Leggings is the most popular motorcycle leggings among female riders. Why is it at such a peak of the demand hierarchy? It is all due to the full aramid lining setting and maximized protection levels with the abrasion-resistant armor internal pockets located at the knee and hip domains since they are the most targeted areas during an impact.
All the while keeping a profile of the yoga pants, these Oxford Super Leggings further include a rather slim but abrasion-resistant pair of knee inserts. Thus, this thin protective gear can be worn as a base layer under your casual clothing to provide a sneaky Batman-style way of hidden protection.
What makes this purchase even more validated is not just that it readily meets CE-rated Level 2 protection standards but also comes in a variety of inseam sizes to fit you accordingly 28 inches for the short, 30 inches for the regular average height riders, while the 32 inches inseam is for the taller ones out there.
3. Klim Badlands Pro Pants
Pros
- The main body domain employs SPL 200 3 layer Pro Gore-Tex
- Waterproof YKK zippers
- 500D carbonite ripstop panels bolster in key impact areas
- Quick-adjust upper shin inserts
- Integrated jacket to a zipper system
- Leather coverage is heat-resistant for grip and protection.
- Moisture-wicking internal mesh built Polygiene odor fighter.
Cons
- The vent zippers leak in heavy rains.
- The fit is rather poor restricting movement
Klim Badlands Pro Pants can readily take all the rocks and gravel without giving you a rash that comes with the ADV riding usually. The strategically located super fabric and carbonite ripstop panels bolsters make the Kimland Badlands readily resistant to regular wear and tear as well as the single track spills which warrant its durability. It is the 3M Scotchlite reflective panels and liners that offer enhanced visibility that actively alerts the oncoming rider about you and readily saves you from possible mishaps.
Furthermore, it is the innovative Gore-Tex 3 Layer Pro Laminate technology that makes this heavy-duty textile wear something that can take on any pounding besides being waterproof and readily breathable as well. While the YKK vision zippers are water-resistant as well and readily allows you to suit up with no hitches.
What makes it even more of a baddie is the custom D3O Air Pro armor at the knees, hip, and tailbone domains that promptly allow any impact absorbance to the maximum without it injuring any lower regions. Thus making you capable of bouncing back on the saddle of your ride with ease.
4. Joe Rocket Phoenix Ion Pants
Pros
- Jacket attachment is eased with an 8 inches zipper
- 360 reflective visibility
- Heat and melt resistant material on the lower areas exposed to hot engine pipes
- Unwanted bunching is avoided by the adjustable waistband Sure fit feature.
- Knee panels are height adjustable.
- Hip protectors are readily removable.
- The hips, tailbone, and knee domains feature articulated expansion panels.
Cons
- The pants are huge with a small waist area.
- The zippers don’t last long.
- Lacks a hooker system and instead have snap closure buttons
Being one of the top choices of motorcycle riders, the Joe Rocket Phoenix Ion Pants feature a cooling mesh air shell beside the knee and hip armor that promptly meets the CE Rated protection regulations.
This unit is rather impressive with the inseam zipper system integrated for easy access and wear and offers high adjustability for nearly every body type. Moreover, the visibility is ensured by the INNO-LITE ultra-reflective panels around the knee domains that make you readily visible to the oncoming driver.
5. Alpinestars Missile v2 Airflow Pants
Pros
- Zippered ventilation
- Loop ankle and hook adjustments
- Outer stretch zones and internal mesh built work cordially to allow freedom of movement
- The seat Area is internally reinforced
- Sport knee sliders are replaceable
- 1.3mm bovine leather built
Cons
- The price leans a bit on the expensive scale.
- Lacks a removable liner
- The crotch area has a small room and restricts movement
Featuring a distinctive black/ white/ fluo-red color, the Missile V2 Airflow Pants home in features like the accordion zippers stretch zones above the knee domain, promptly allowing the rider to adjust the fit.
Furthermore, it is the premium leather built that makes it abrasion-resistant, while the strategically located and highly perforated panels on the thigh domains allow large airflow through the wear at an adequate speed. What makes this unit worth the buck is the high rear waist construction with a pre-curved leg built that ensures a fatigue-free ride and further enhances the fit.
The jacket-to-pant zipper system integration makes it promptly easier to wear and access while also serving as a good alternative to a two-piece suit gear. The supplemental protection is offered by the optional hip safeguards accommodated by pockets in the armor, while it is the knee GP-R protection that promptly meets the CE Rated Level 1 standards.
6. Firstgear Kathmandu Overpants
Pros
- Removable integrated short bibs and suspenders
- Exterior storm flap and rain gutter to keep moisture out
- Front flap pass for internal pocket access
- Pant-to-jacket conjunction 10 inches zipper
- 2-year warranty
- Fly-wide zippered gusset for easy on/off waterproof and breathable
Cons
- The zipper teeth are not durable.
- Poor waist adjustment and knee pad location
Compatible with ADV riding, the Firstgear Overpants readily employ D3O T5 CE-rated armor around the knee and hip domains. While the chamude suede knee patches lower tank scratching chances, it is the thinner and highly flexible CE-rated foam armor that makes it an unrivaled unit.
Employing YKK #5 rubberized zippers with diagonal thigh vents that can be readily opened and closed to catch air and keep elements out, the Firstgear Overpant overtakes the traditional button-up system by using the hook and loop closure system instead, which is more effective and convenient.
7. REV'IT! Sand 3 Pants
Pros
- SeeSmart Level 1 armor safeguards in the hips
- Connection zipper
- Adjustment straps at waist, ankle beside the 3 position knee armor adjustment
- Stash and hand pockets
- Detachable hydratex (waterproof and breathable) built
- Laminated reflective inserts on the calves
Cons
- Uncomfortable without the liners
- The shin or knee guards are painful due to the heavy and firm material built
The removable thermal liner, as well as hydratex waterproof liner, makes it easier to wear this unit when the temperature scale rises to an unbearable amount. While the massive-sized VCS-zippered vents offer enhanced ventilation to keep your flesh from melting off your bones or sweat dripping down.
The hard end combination of the polyester ripstop and PWR shell built makes the Sand 3 Pants capable of withstanding high impact abuse and use. It is the CE Level 2 certified SeeFlex open net knee armor that allows Sand 3 pants to exceed their ancestors since it makes them more breathable and a better limb safeguard.
8. REV'IT! Tornado 3 Pants
Pros
- Highly laminated reflective inserts at thighs and ankles
- Adjustment waist straps, ankle tabs, and protector pockets
- 750D PWR shell built and elastic waistband
- Detachable thermal and hydratex lining
- Ce Level 2 knee armor
- CE Level 1 hip armor
- YKK zipper slide front lock closure
Cons
- Lacks a heat shield on the inside of the pants
- Knee and elbow padding is very uncomfortable and rigid.
- Have to buy suspenders separately since the gear is pretty bulky
The latest unit of the Tornado series, these Tornado 3 Pants, houses a 750D PWR shell (power stretch fabric) built with a 2-into-1 thermal liner as well as a waterproof hydratex membrane, both of which can be promptly detached to cut back on the bulk in hot weather.
With an 82% Polyester and 18% polyamide construction warranting its durability, it is the CE Level 2 standard rated knee and hip armor padding which comes pre-installed that makes this unit unparalleled. These versatile touring pants can hit the road right away with the PWR shell mesh built panels that make them highly breathable.
9. Alpinestars Andes v2 Drystar Pants
Pros
- Cargo-style zippered pockets
- Waist buckle adjustment and highly stretchable material for the fit
- Zippered air intakes
- CE certified impact protecting removable knee guards.
- Reflective graphic details and logos
- Pre-contoured leg built and stretch accordion knee panels.
Cons
- The size chart is not according to the right fits.
- Zippers are not durable
These reinforced poly-fabric textile-built V2 Drystar pants are innovative units. These skillfully master the temperature control with an enhanced Drystar membrane that readily exchanges heaps of moisture and heat; such highly directed ventilation system integration helps V2 Drystar achieve the 4-season compatibility effortlessly.
10. REV'IT! Offtrack Pants
Pros
- Adjustment straps and tabs
- Laminated reflective inserts
- 3D mesh safeguard pockets
- CE certified vented shell protection
- Stretch panel and seat grip panel
Cons
- Lack a rear exhaust type zipper airflow built
- Very thin hip armor
The zippered vents beside the outer shell constructed from an abrasion-resistant material, i.e., 600D polyester, make Offtrack Pants highly versatile and functional. It is the detachable thermal and hydratex waterproof lining that allows you to cut off the extra weight while optimal protection is warranted by the CE level 2 knee safeguards and CE Level 1 hip inserts.
Motorcycle Riding Pants Buying Guide
Water-Resistance
The riding pants must employ a water-resistant microfiber built, i.e., the superior and unbeatable GORE-TEX material functionality, to ensure there is maximized airflow to stay sweat-free but also keep the water out. Any sort of discomfort like water soaking up your regular pant-coated legs could lead to additional weight you have to support.
Not only it is your weight and heaps of pounds of steel underneath you but also soaked wear that you have to support at each stop you make. Such discomfort can cause a distraction big enough to lead to a mishap which we are sure you want to avoid.
Visibility
Either it is the piping or lining or inserts that employ high vision reflective inserts, being visible to the other rider is an important factor. Be it from the legs alone or the full gear, the more visible you are, the safer it is.
The reflective gear makes you conspicuous to the other rider by reflecting the headlights shown upon it to alert the oncoming rider or car about you to avoid any sort of crash. Since there can either be dust or fog is blurring out the vision or the nighttime street with a low-quality street light.
Abrasion-resistance
No one can predict if you are going to have a minor tumble on the road or not, with all the heavy gear like helmets restricting some of your vision. Any such tumble can readily cause your bike to go sliding or cause you to lose traction for a second there.
If the pants feature knee sliders or knee puckers that are usually built from hard plastic like TPU, on the outside of the knee domain, it would readily allow you to do adventure riding and perform stunts like cornering even at extremely low angles. So even if you do end up landing your butt off the seat or legs sliding against the gravel, it is better to stand and dust the possible road rash off instead of getting one.
Padding and Armour
With slim and unobtrusive armor now developed by manufacturers like the D30, the knee and hip areas are heavily secured. Since it is the knee and hips that are the most high-impact targeted areas, the CE-rated armor offers the best protection.
However, the alternative foam padding doesn’t offer similar levels of CE-rated armor protection but is suitable for slow-speed riders. The foam padding is usually preferred on the hip areas since it is less bulky to drive around with and more pliable. Though it is an absolute no-go for aggressive street or race rider community.
Heat-Resistant Panels
We usually have our legs and feet placed to some really hot exhaust pipes and a heat-spitting engine throughout the entire ride. Especially on bikes lacking fairings or cruisers or ADVs (adventure touring bikes), it is more common.
Much of the construction material of textile pants are prone to burning since they are rather designed for the riding community that uses heat-resistant panels on the lower inseams of their rides. Therefore, the high-quality and thick leather or reinforced heat constructed textiles should be your pick to protect you from extreme heat exposure.
Conclusion
The aforementioned picks are must-try units since neither one will make your wallet bleed over and over again over the repair work. They sure follow the spend once and cry happy mantra. We hope you find your pick!
