Best Motorcycle Pants For Beginners

In many ways, motorcycle pants are very similar to regular pants. They are made of similar materials and are meant to be worn in a similar fashion. However, there are some key differences that you should be aware of if you are thinking about purchasing a pair of motorcycle pants or any other type of motorcycle gear. Here is a beginner's guide to motorcycle pants to help you get started. 

‍

“Do I Really Need To Wear Motorcycle Riding Pants?” 

If you’ve taken an MSF course, they may have mentioned that riding with denim jeans would suffice for the purpose of the course. This may even hold true to your everyday riding, and many riders would agree. 

‍

However, based on motorcycle accident data, the place where riders have the most injury are the lower extremities, at a rate of nearly 30%, according to the CDC (Centers For Disease Control). Lower extremity injuries can range from small scrapes, to road rash, to broken bones and to even fatal injuries (I talk more about types of motorcycle injuries here). So with that knowledge in mind, maybe getting actual riding pants isn’t such a bad idea.  

‍

Tips For Buying Motorcycle Pants

One of the most important things to consider when choosing motorcycle pants is the level of protection they offer. This is especially important if you are going to be doing any off-road riding, as you are more likely to come into contact with rocks and other debris. Look for pants that are made of Kevlar or other similarly tough materials. 

‍

You should also make sure that the pants have reinforced knees and hips, as these are the areas that are most likely to come into contact with the ground in the event of a fall. Another thing to keep in mind is that motorcycle pants should be form-fitting. This is because loose-fitting pants can get caught on the bike or on other objects, which can lead to a serious accident. If you are unsure about what size to get, it is better to err on the side of caution and go with a smaller size. 

‍

Finally, make sure that you take the time to break in your motorcycle pants before you hit the road. This means wearing them around the house for a few hours or taking them out for a short ride. This will help you get used to the feel of the pants and will also help to ensure that they fit properly. 

‍

Types of Riding Pants

There are many different types of motorcycle riding pants available on the market. Depending on the style of riding you do, and your personal preferences, there are a variety of pants to choose from. Some common types of materials motorcycle riding pants are made of include: leather, denim and kevlar. Each type of pants has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right pair of pants for your riding style and needs. Below are some of the most common types of motorcycle pants you’ll see. 

‍

Street Pants 

‍

‍

Street pants are designed to provide the rider with a comfortable fit while protecting them from the elements. They are often made from a durable material such as leather or Kevlar and can include features such as padding, reinforced knees, and reflective strips. Street riding pants can help to keep the rider safe and comfortable while out on the open road.

‍

Racing Pants

‍

Motorcycle racing pants are designed to give the rider a high level of protection while on the track. They are made of a thick material such as leather, that can resist abrasion in the event of a crash, and they often have Kevlar panels in high-wear areas. Racing pants also have reinforced knees and hips, as well as integrated armor in the form of pads or plates. This armor helps to protect the rider's joints and bones in the event of a fall. In addition to all of this, racing pants are also often equipped with zippered leg openings that make it easy to put them on and take them off over boots or shoes.

‍

Touring Pants

Motorcycle touring pants are a type of motorcycle gear designed specifically for long-distance riding comfort. They are usually made from a durable, water-resistant material such as Cordura or Kevlar, and feature reinforced knees and seat areas. Many touring pants also have removable thermal liners for cold weather riding. Some of the benefits of motorcycle touring pants include increased comfort while riding, protection from the elements, and added safety in the event of a crash.

Off-road Pants

Off-road pants are a type of motorcycle gear designed for riding in off-road or rough terrain conditions. They typically feature additional padding and protection in the form of reinforced fabric panels and abrasion-resistant materials in high-wear areas. Some off-road pants also include integrated armor panels for added impact protection. Off-road pants can help protect riders from scrapes, bruises, and other injuries sustained in falls or crashes. They can also help keep riders comfortable and cool in hot or humid conditions by providing ventilation, flexibility and airflow.

‍

Best Motorcycle Pants For Beginners 

While you may hear from other riders that buying all the gear upfront isn’t entirely necessary, and to only get the most important pieces of gear, based on the injury rates from above, it may be wise to think differently. Below are some budget friendly motorcycle pants that are highly rated across the internet by actual riders. 

‍

HWK Enduro Riding Pants ~ $60 

These are 600D Cordura textile motorcycle pants that can also be used not just for riding. These HWK Enduro pants feature armored pads in the knees and hips, as well as reinforced stitching throughout high impact areas. Additionally, they include adjustable velcro straps and Scotchlite reflective piping. Lastly, these are waterproof and windproof, making them a great choice for really cheap. The HWK Enduros are a great pick for both on and off-road riders. 

‍

Fly Racing F-16 Pants ~ $70

The F-16 racing pants from Fly Racing offer riders low profile stretch cuffs, mesh comfort liners for great airflow, 600D polyester textile and ergonomically pre-shaped knee accommodates. They also include fly closure and knee braces and guards. For only $70 this is a great choice for beginner sport riders/racers. 

‍

ScorpionEXO Covert Jeans ~ $130

If you’re looking for a more casual approach to safety, the Covert jeans from ScorpionEXo have got you covered. They’re made from 14 oz. heavy abrasion resistant denim and DuPont Kevlar, and come in two color ways. These would be perfect for your everyday commuter or cruiser. 

‍

Alpinestars Ramjet Air Pants ~ $240

Alpinestars Ramjet Airs are a little pricey for a beginner, but are also some of the cheapest in their class. With Air-Flow mesh technology, the Ramjet Airs offer riders optimized cooling comfort. If you live in a warmer climate, these may be perfect for you. Some additional features include accordion textile stretch inserts, full mesh lining, zippered and velcro adjustments and outer shell reinforced with PU coating for tear resistance. 

‍

KLIM Dakar Pants ~ $250

Lastly, the KLIM Dakar pants, which are great for dual-sport and touring riding. There are a lot of great features on these pants, so the price is actually not too bad considering you're getting really good quality and a ton of great add ons. The best features on these pants however are the 840D Cordura abrasion resistant fabric, goat leather on the inner knees, waterproof fabrics, and adjustable zippered thigh vents. These pants come in four different color ways and are overall some of the best on this list. The only downside is that you have to buy the armor separately. 

‍

Conclusion 

If you're new to motorcycle riding, or even if you're an experienced rider who's looking to switch up your gear, it's important to know what kind of pants are available and what will work best for you. There are many different types of motorcycle pants to choose from, depending on your budget, style, and riding preference. Overall, motorcycle pants are a great investment for any rider, offering protection, comfort, and peace of mind on the road. With so many options available, there’s sure to be a pair of motorcycle pants that’s perfect for you.