Trousers

Why you Need Motorcycle Trousers and How to Choose the Best Ones for You

What, where and when you ride will impact the style of motorcycle trousers you choose. Fortunately, there are enough variations in style, material and safety features to cover everyone's needs. The choice is daunting. So, here we'll take a closer look at why you need to wear motorcycle trousers and which are the best ones to choose.

Why Wear Motorcycle Trousers?

Before motorcycle safety became a universal topic, most bikers were happy to ride in jeans. Denim is proficient at absorbing oil and fending off-road grit, but provides little or no impact resistance. Worst still, even at 30-kph, heavy denim can take approximately only 2-m of road contact before it wears through. Motorcycle trousers protect the lower body, against the elements or in an accident. You may be looking for multi-functional motorcycle trousers that are windproof, waterproof or more. Or, you may want to wear them for a specific reason. Regardless though, they all have one common denominator; safety. With these all-important safety factors in mind, let's look in more detail at what the specific materials have to offer.

Leather Motorcycle Trousers:

Leather motorcycle trousers are an age-old go-to for motorcyclists. There are many types of hide available and most offer excellent abrasion resistance. Leather motorcycle trousers are usually available in two styles. These are casual jeans cut and a more hi-tech design with body armour for sport and touring riders.

Textile Motorcycle Trousers:

If you want your motorcycle trousers to be multi-functional, textile trousers excel. They offer almost unlimited flexibility for the urban commuter or adventure rider. Textiles can be waterproof, insulated, abrasion and tear-resistant. Some styles will offer body armour incorporated into their design too.

Cargo Motorcycle Trousers:

The great thing about cargo trousers is their carrying capacity. Well-secured thigh pockets are ideal for carrying documents and wallets while on the move. They are also suitable for touring in warmer climates and offer a number of safety features. Although some cargo styles provide body armour, it's more common to find them with Aramid or Kevlar fibres woven into the fabric. These reinforced areas feature high-impact sections such as knees, hips and seat.

Jeans-Style Motorcycle Trousers:

Traditional denim may not be up to the job of full-on protection but that's no reason to discount them. Once again, we can thank those exceptional abrasion-resistant fibres. Most motorcycle jeans feature abrasion-resistant areas in the hips, seat and knees. At the same time, some designs may include stretch panels for ease of movement.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Trousers

There are as many different motorcycle trouser styles as reasons to wear them. You can reduce your shortlist by factoring in your riding requirements. For example, year-round daily commutes may call for the four-season flexibility of textile trousers. On the flip side, reinforced abrasion-resistant motorcycle cargo pants are ideal for a summer road trip. If you enjoy urban cruising, leather motorcycle jeans or classic motorcycle jeans with reinforced contact areas could well be an option.

What Features to Look for in Motorcycle Trousers

Regardless of style or material, the most important aspect of motorcycle trousers is safety. For leather and textile trousers, body armour in the knees and hips should offer recognised safety certification. Likewise, cargo pants and jeans should offer recognised abrasion-resistant materials like Aramid or Kevlar in high-impact areas. If you ride a sportbike, check for expansion joints in the back and knees and a zip to connect to a jacket if required. Zip or cuff ankle closures are helpful for a snug fit to motorcycle boots. Meanwhile an adjustable waist makes for a comfortable fit. However long or short the ride, it's a sensible idea to wear motorcycle trousers that provide some form of safety features. Even a slow speed slide can result in injury. A good, well-fitting pair of motorcycle trousers will enhance your ride and keep you safe.