[JeffR]

All,

I edited an earlier post since I thought it wasn't needed.

 

[John Doo]

I find advrider a great place to start if I want info on a certain piece of equipment or gear. Try this part of the advrider forum Gear - ADVrider, search for jeans and a ton of info pops up. It was also the place were I found the tailor made riding jeans: Tailoring & Safety | Ruste Protection.

I read good reviews about Motorcycle Jeans from Hood Jeans UK. I'm still in doubt if jeans are a good idea but for the summer my Stadler gear is hot and restrictive.

 

[Kfrill]

I got a pair of Kevlar reinforced fiber leggings from GoGoGear. KEVLAR LEGGINGS - GoGo Gear It's a new product for them but fairly comfortable. They have 2 pockets in the front and removable armor in the knees. I don't use the armor as it is uncomfortable on my nervy knee. I usually wear a pair of regular jeans over them but they are nice enough to wear on their own.

 

[Crabbyco]

I got a pair of Kevlar reinforced fiber leggings from GoGoGear. KEVLAR LEGGINGS - GoGo Gear It's a new product for them but fairly comfortable. They have 2 pockets in the front and removable armor in the knees. I don't use the armor as it is uncomfortable on my nervy knee. I usually wear a pair of regular jeans over them but they are nice enough to wear on their own.

Nice! How thick are they compared to regular running tights or leggings?
I have a pair of mesh/Kevlar riding pants and was going to wear running tights or shorts under them but these would be another layer of Kevlar.

 

[Ladygadget]

I ride Draggin' Jeans & Bon Armor. You need road rash protection and armor for your knees, elbows, hips etc. And then I do have the riding Smurf suit too. But when you've had a get-off, one really appreciates ATGATT. And I will never, ever wear mesh anything again. It literally melts from the heat generated when it hits asphalt, even at 30mph or less. I have the scars to prove it too.

I understand looking good matters, so don't cheap out, save your money and get some sexy leathers and add some armor. A lot of the stuff we see for sale for women will not protect you if you drop your bike. And it doesn't take much of a drop to really mess up your skin and your bones. And get some REALLY GOOD BOOTS that go up to your calves, have reinforced toes and are reinforced at the ankle. I have at least two female rider friends that have broken their ankles or tore tendons when they went down because they're boots were too low, or they weren't wearing boots at all.

Old Lady Rant Now Over.

 

[jfc77320]

I wont wear mesh or anything synthetic for the same reason. It melts and armor gets torn away easily or does not stay in place. Both times I went down while wearing it at slow to moderate speeds (less than 25mph) I had severe injuries, severe road rash and burns. Very little protection. The other two times I went down at high speeds wearing leather jacket and some armor over my knees. Still had severe injuries and road rash but not as severe and I healed much faster.

I really cant stress this enough. If your willing to spend a sizeable amount to look good, spend a little extra and learn how to fall. Go talk to your local martial arts instructor, explain you just want to learn to fall and see if he has the time to teach you some basic techniques for a fee. Many of them will do it for a modest fee. Yes, you will get thrown around but under controlled conditions. Better to learn on a mat than hard concrete.

 

[Moto]

I wont wear mesh or anything synthetic for the same reason. It melts and armor gets torn away easily or does not stay in place. Both times I went down while wearing it at slow to moderate speeds (less than 25mph) I had severe injuries, severe road rash and burns. Very little protection. The other two times I went down at high speeds wearing leather jacket and some armor over my knees. Still had severe injuries and road rash but not as severe and I healed much faster.

I really cant stress this enough. If your willing to spend a sizeable amount to look good, spend a little extra and learn how to fall. Go talk to your local martial arts instructor, explain you just want to learn to fall and see if he has the time to teach you some basic techniques for a fee. Many of them will do it for a modest fee. Yes, you will get thrown around but under controlled conditions. Better to learn on a mat than hard concrete.

That is a good suggestion, not only will you learn to fall correctly but you'll learn an art form that goes beyond self defense. I'd suggest Aikido or Judo if your main focus is falling correctly.

 

[Kfrill]

Kevlarleggings

Nice! How thick are they compared to regular running tights or leggings?
I have a pair of mesh/Kevlar riding pants and was going to wear running tights or shorts under them but these would be another layer of Kevlar.

I usually wear compression shorts under them on days that I am going to the gym. They are pretty thick and will be hot in summer. More insulating than regular thermals. Oh yeah, they are machine washable. I don't have any other leggings to compare but I have no problems with getting my regular boot cut jeans over them. Snug, but comfortable enough to ride in.

 

[MacGyver1]

Pix of the Sliders Bella black size 6L.

I usually take a 10R or 10L in regular street jeans. These Sliders 6L fit great! Still need a belt, but 4L would be too small. After washing these might fit even better.

 

[MacGyver1]

Sliders Bella Review

Here's a link to a nice review on the Sliders Bella Jeans:

Sliders Kevlar Bella Jeans for Motorcycle Riders Review - Featured Reviews - The GirlRiders Network

 

[Shanghai Dan]

I wont wear mesh or anything synthetic for the same reason. It melts and armor gets torn away easily or does not stay in place. Both times I went down while wearing it at slow to moderate speeds (less than 25mph) I had severe injuries, severe road rash and burns. Very little protection. The other two times I went down at high speeds wearing leather jacket and some armor over my knees. Still had severe injuries and road rash but not as severe and I healed much faster.

I've gone down 3 times at speed (40+), with a mesh jacket, Bohn underarmor shorts, Duluth Trading firehose pants, my Fox Shorty kneepads, leather boots and leather gloves. Popped up after all of them - including tumbles, skids, etc. Gear was thoroughly trashed (everything, including the helmet) but my body was fine - no road rash, no breaks, no skin abrasions.

I really cant stress this enough. If your willing to spend a sizeable amount to look good, spend a little extra and learn how to fall. Go talk to your local martial arts instructor, explain you just want to learn to fall and see if he has the time to teach you some basic techniques for a fee. Many of them will do it for a modest fee. Yes, you will get thrown around but under controlled conditions. Better to learn on a mat than hard concrete.

This was the key. I did Aikido for 4 years, wrestled, and played a little football. I learned how to fall, how to roll, how to bounce around. And I learned to trust my gear. Good mesh jackets (Olympia, Rev'it), quality gloves (I like Coretech) and boots (Bates), and ALWAYS hard kneepads (Fox Launch Shortys are my favorites).

My hands, shoulders, elbows, knees, and head all impacted the ground multiple times, quite hard, as witnessed by the destruction of the protective gear. But I was protected. I trust the gear to do its job, and I know I can "take a fall".

Make sure any gear you have fits you properly! It needs to be TIGHT - so it doesn't move around. Armor that can move is no armor. Immobile on your body is the key. Keep the pads in place and you'll be in a much better situation.

 

[jfc77320]

I also have a background in martial arts and a huge proponent of learning to fall. I believe this saved my life.

Both my high speed wrecks (75+) resulted in less serious injuries and less road rash due to the fact I was able to tumble and roll after the initial impact with the ground instead of impacting and then sliding on the ground. I was actually ejected forward from the bike in both instances and travelled a considerable distance before the initial impact with the ground. The closest I can come to describe it was similar to skipping a stone. Thankfully I had clear road/shoulder without obstructions to impede my momentum and travel.

The other two, one at low speed (25mph) and the other while stopped at a traffic light were devastating due to the fact I was immediately hard slammed into the ground before my momentum finished me off. In both cases I was wearing full armor and suffered burns and severe road rash due to the nylon mesh melting and being torn away in addition to the other impact injuries. I firmly believe I wouldn't have had to go through the additional burns and road rash had I been wearing leather like the other two.

All accidents are different so what works for one may not work for another. Its a crap shoot. Protecting ones self is of the highest importance and armor can and will certainly help but its not a cure all. In my personal experience, wearing lightweight mesh outerwear may be cooler but it afforded me little protection and actually compounded my injuries. Most broken bones will heal up after 4-6 weeks. 3rd degree burns deep road rash can take months of excrutiating pain to heal.

.

 

[Kermit]

I usually take a 10R or 10L in regular street jeans. These Sliders 6L fit great! Still need a belt, but 4L would be too small. After washing these might fit even better.

MacGyver, thanks for posting those pics of the jeans. They appear to be "generously cut" in the butt and thighs...would you agree? My problem with jeans is always the thighs. Almost any pair of jeans will be too big in the waist and too small in the thighs for me. I wear size 6 or 8, but the only brand I've found to fit in the past few years is Eddie Bauer "curvy" styles--those fit me like a glove. I'm curious if you have similar jeans issues, because those look like a good fit for you (and I'm hoping they would be for me, too).

Thanks!

 

[Athena]

I just ride in plain everyday jeans. I found the padded jeans extra hot, and somewhat stiff. Having to suit up, almost takes the fun out of riding, especially if the temp is over 100.

 

[Kimberly]

Tried ordering riding jeans again. This time I got these:

Dainese Women's D19 K Riding Jeans - RevZilla
Slimmer fit, lower waist, slightly stiffer and a little snugger at the knee, kevlar panels, no armor, zippered back pockets, weird white logo patch on waistline...haven't tried to remove it. Kept them since they were on sale.

REV'IT! Women's Broadway Jeans - RevZilla
Despite the picture, much looser fit, maybe "boyfriend" or work pant style, straight leg, soft material, higher waist, kevlar panels, knee armor included and ready for hip armor which I forgot to get. No big logos. I have worn these a few times and they have stretched a bit. Very comfy and very pricey. Kept them because I like them best.

Alpinestars Women's Kerry Riding Jeans - RevZilla
Fit on these was okay, but the knee armor was flat and just stuck out...very strange. Maybe it would bend to the shape of your leg, maybe not. Came with velcro hip armor, which I did not try. Highest waist of the three. Sent them back.

I bought all of these one size up from my regular size. I would say the waist on each was a little big, but the hips fit well.

 

[Kermit]

Good to know, Kimberly. I just placed my third order for Sliders Bella Womens Motorcycle Riding Jeans, trying to find the right fit/size. Overall, I kind of like the jeans, but the waist is huge and the crotch is long, even on the "short" size. The blue is an entirely different jean/fit compared to the black, like it should be a whole different product. I'm good with the second black pair I ordered (two sizes down from my regular size), but still working on the right blue size since the most recent pair they sent looks like it was made for an anorexic third-grader (even though I ordered the exact same size in blue and black, they were very, very different).

 

[jcanavera]

I wanted the flexibility to wear different kinds of pants while I ride. Here is what I ride with under my pants. Here's a video, although I don't wear the upper body armor since I always ride with my jacket which contains armor.

Here's a couple of links. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=16&v=HsZlLNEJLAw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3TQq4xniGE

These come in ladies and men's sizes. I personally won't ride without them.

Jack

 

[ofdave]

Welcome MacGyver1,

I can't speak for ladies jeans except that I like to look at them filled

Well said!!
but men are pigs! (not)

We need a pic thread on this topic

 

[Woodswoman]

I despaired, after wasting a lot of money on postage to return pair after pair of ill-fitting Kevlar-lined jeans. It was like 'curvy girls need not apply.'

Went to a workwear place and bought the heaviest pair of Carhartt logger pants I could find. Twelve-ounce cotton duck fabric with double-faced legs (and I sure wish they had double fabric in the seat, too). Under them, I will wear a pair of Bohn armor pants.

It's a compromise I wish I didn't have to make, but I couldn't even find a pair of men's Kevlar-lined pants whose fit didn't suck.

.

 

[Kimberly]

Boys will be boys! lol

Woods, it really is a pain. I hope those work for you!