Motorcycle Pants vs. Chaps, Leather vs. Nylon

Motorcycle Pants vs. Chaps, Leather vs. Nylon

by Vanimal
(Oshawa, Ontario, Canada)

Hi,

I'm a first time rider and super pumped (and very nervous!) about getting on my bike for the first time. I just bought a 2003 Yamaha V Star 650 Classic. I'm 40 years old, and am petite at 5' 3" and 105lbs. Any advice on riding wear (specifically leather pants vs. nylon ones and chaps vs. full pants?) I own a ballistic nylon Joe Rocket jacket but am willing to purchase leather if it'll keep me safer. I'm "dressing to slide, not ride"! Thanks for the tips!!!!! I really appreciate it!!!

Comments for
Motorcycle Pants vs. Chaps, Leather vs. Nylon

Click here to add your own comments

May 21, 2011

Wear all the gear.
by: Wanda

I prefer a full-face helmet. Mine is a Nolan N84, and I am looking at a Schuberth C3W. Try a bunch on to see which one fits your head best. If there are any pressure points or if the helmet is too heavy, you will be miserable. I like leather gloves with gauntlets that come up over my sleeves. Mine are BMW Prosummer gloves. I have the Prowinter gloves too. I ride in Olympia Airglide nylon armored jacket and overpants--both have mesh panels for airflow, a must in the summertime. The jacket and pants have removable liners, so I can adjust for weather conditions. It is important to protect one's feet and shins. I like leather boots that come up over the ankles. Right now I am riding in Vendramini Wynna Lady boots. Gear is a personal thing, so I recommend going to shops to try on as many different brands as you can. The BMW shops tend to carry Olympia gear. You can also find good deals on eBay. There are many online stores too, and most allow returns/exchanges. Hope this helps, and good luck!

May 16, 2011

Pants
by: Lynn - Florida

I agree with searching the close-out areas for good deals. Since you are so tiny, you will have good luck finding discontinued items in small sizes (from my experience). Since I live in a very warm climate, my favorite jacket is my Joe Rocket mesh jacket with removable waterproof liner & removable armor. I tend to wear jeans and add leather chaps during our winter months. I have been searching for armored riding pants like I wore when riding dirt bikes that don't have crazy colors. Haven't had much luck yet. I have also seen protective long-johns that you wear under your jeans. Lots out there between dealers and websites.

May 16, 2011

Gear
by: Lois

After riding behind my husband for 25 yrs and then riding on my own I find I have quite a bit of gear. 3 leather jackets 2 nylon jackets 1 denim 2 mesh (all have full armor) leather overpants, nylon overpants (with removable insulation) 4 pair of gloves and 2 helmets 1 modular 1 full face 1 pr touring boots 1 pr lace up boots. This is what I have in the closet now and it's all brand name. I have gotten rid of a few things over the years. I live in the mountains and we get all kinds of weather so I'm prepared no mater what it's like outside; oh did I mention the rain gear?

Check your local dealers and on line for sales and closeouts remember it doesn't have to cost a fortune it just has to be made well. I have gotten many items at closeout prices at the beginning of the riding season when they are trying to get rid of last years gear to make room for the new. Also end of year blowouts.

Good luck safe riding!

May 16, 2011

I'm a Newbie Too
by: JoAnn

I am also very new to this but I've spent a lot of time reading and researching what's best to wear for protection.

I decided to go with a cordura jacket. It's lighter than leather weight-wise, just as protective if not more, with a liner it can be very warm and without it's good for summer days. Most come with vents so you can get air in there. Mine has back, shoulder and elbow armor too.

I went with a full-face helmet after hearing tons of stories of bees, rocks, etc. hitting people in the face.

Check www.revzilla.com for some great selections. I stumbled on the site by chance and was very pleased with the selections and prices.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask (or answer) a Question