Chaps??
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Chaps??
Got my wife and myself a pair for Christmas this year. Wore them for the first time last week when the temp was UP to 45 degrees. They kept my legs warm, which is why I bought them so I could ride my bike more often. Don't care what anyone thinks about how I look (I'm beyond that stage) I just want to stay somewhat warm and have a longer ridding season. The one thing I'm not too impressed with are their weight. Once in the seat, it's OK, but walking around was noticably different. We stopped at a local grocery store and got a lot of stairs. They probably thought we were going to a costume party. I probably won't ware them unless the temp is below 50 degrees but I will definately ware them.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 8
RE: Chaps??
I wear mine whenever I ride, even when it's hot. Actually, I have to especially when it's hot. I have a very narrow seat and for some reason my engine heat is extreme and would burn the inside of my leg if I didn't wear them. I could NEVER wear shorts. I have had to actually add more padding to the inside of my chaps when I have ridden in extreme temps before. (Stuffed a small towel inside my jeans). I had a problem with traffic jams (accident, rally traffic and toll booth traffic), on a couple of occasions on my last big trip. I know at a couple of those situations, my oil was boiling...not to mention my blood. I thought my bike was going to stall because we were overheating. Sitting & idling on my bike at a crawl, was just nasty. I am actually considering installing a parade fan. The moment I can get moving again, it's just fine...but at a slow pace...it's quite a severe problem.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 105
From: Santa Clarita, So. Cal. & Bullhead City, Az.
RE: Chaps??
Read a couple of replies about long-johns or lined jeans. Tried that, the only problem was you are sort of stuck wearing them all day. With chaps or the insolated bibs you can take them off when you get where you are going. Part of the 'problem' for lack of a better word with chaps is riding 5 minutes somewhere then walking around all day in them. If you don't need them after riding, why keep them on...sortta like leaving your gloves on. Got an acquaintance that walks around all day with his fingerless gloves, doo-rag, and chaps on. Says it "adds to his image" Not too sure what that means, don't really want to know....but the Village People come to mind.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 0
From: Somerset County
RE: Chaps??
Says it "adds to his image"
Trust me - it's not a homophobe thing - It's about calling attention to myself - I just have a hard time doing that - Chaps seem to yell out LOOK AT ME!!!! - It doesn't matter to me if anyone ELSE wears them -If you are warm and comfortable wearing them then by all means go right ahead! Long Johns are fine and you can always slip into the rest room and take them off and slip them in your pak or saddle bags - Bibs are great except they take up so much real estate when you try to pack them - I can't believe this started on the 4th, is 6 pages deep and is still going on - Chaps must be a hot topic!
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Chaps??
I wear em while I ride, then when I get where I am going, into the bag they go. That's what I love about having a bagger. Flip the helmet for a baseball hat, stow the jacket and helmet, and do whatever you want... Everything locked up safe..
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 22,096
Likes: 5
From: Indiana
RE: Chaps??
Well, it is good to see that here most folks wear thier chaps, the other forum this came up in, most were to manly or homophobic or just had a terrible experence with the Village people back in the 70's.