Motorcycle Pants & Chaps
About Motorcycle Pants & Chaps
Pants guard the legs, and legs take a lot of abrasion and impact in a fall, so riding pants are built with tougher fabric and armor at the knees and hips. Riders shop here for new pants, for something suited to a different kind of riding, or for jeans they can wear off the bike.
The listings show four main types. Off-road pants are light and ventilated, and youth sizes appear in the listings. Textile pants with armor suit touring, adventure and commuting, and often have waterproof liners. Riding jeans and chinos, such as the CE-rated models listed here, look casual but have reinforced panels and pockets for knee armor.
Chaps are leg coverings worn over your regular pants, and some cruiser riders prefer them. Check the listing for the armor included, whether it covers the hips, and any CE class stated, such as AA. Size by waist and inseam, and try the pants in a seated riding position, since knee armor should sit over the knee and not slide down.
Brands here include THOR, ICON, Fly Racing, RST and Scorpion EXO. Pair pants with Motorcycle Jackets, Boots & Shoes and Gloves, and add Base Layers & Underwear underneath or Rain Wear on top. The whole group is Motorcycle & Powersports Gear.
FAQs on motorcycle pants, jeans and chaps
What makes riding jeans different from regular jeans?
Riding jeans have reinforced panels or abrasion-resistant linings and often pockets for knee and hip armor. Some are CE-rated, with the class stated in the listing. Regular jeans tear quickly in a slide, so they offer little protection for riding.
How do I get the right fit in motorcycle pants?
Snug at the waist and thighs, with the knee armor sitting over your knees when you sit in a riding position. The hems should reach your boots without riding up. Check the waist and inseam against the size chart, and allow for layers underneath.
Do riding pants need knee armor?
Knees are exposed in many falls, so armor is a sensible feature. Some pants include it and some have pockets for it, so check the listing. Armor should be positioned correctly, and it can be adjusted or replaced if it sits too high or low.
What are motorcycle chaps for?
Chaps cover the front and sides of your legs and are worn over regular pants. Cruiser riders use them for wind and weather protection and for extra abrasion resistance over the clothes they already have. They are open at the rear and easy to take off at a stop.
Are youth pants sized differently from adult pants?
Often, yes. Youth pants use their own size run, such as the numbers shown in listings, and the cut is smaller. Use the size chart in the listing and measure the child's waist and inseam.
