why wear chaps?
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 304
Likes: 177
From: Cleburne, Texas
I have both chaps and overpants. I almost exclusively wear the overpants. They were only $100 from Branson Leather and have served me well. They are definately warmer than the chaps and do provide that extra level of protection for the buttock area, if I happen to go down. They are just as easy to put on/off as chaps and keep my jeans underneath nice and clean. So, I'm with you! I think overpants are a better idea. They are more expensive though.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 2
From: Lafayette, LA.
If it is cold enough, I'll wear a snow mobile suit. Now thats a sight. Chaps are warm, comfortable, will protect you from road rash, pack easily, and because I can.
Never tried the leather pants but they kind of remind me of the worst period of history in our life...DISCO.
Never tried the leather pants but they kind of remind me of the worst period of history in our life...DISCO.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 0
I let my dad borrow my leather overpants on his last ride. He was begging me to find some for him after that, he has chaps. Just saying for those who havent tried it, they are nice. Found mine on ebay, used, fully lined for 70 bucks.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
and price may be an issue. It sounds like chaps may have less leather than leather over pants.... So they may be cheaper?
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Oklahoma
I have yet to wear chaps. Most of my street riding has been in the warmer months.
IMHO, chaps are for two functional reasons:
1. Limited protection. (You'll still cheese-grate your butt.)
2. Leg warmth in colder months.
Just fully realized reason #2 recently. Previously I had been good to go in colder weather with jeans. For some reason, this past Saturday I got chilled to the bone on an all-dayer that included some riding with temperatures in the 40's. Took me about two hours to really de-chill once home.
Thus, those new, never used chaps up on the top of the closet WILL be used next time during cooler weather.
Aside from the above functional reasons, I think there is another reason for many riders that wear chaps:
1. "Image" factor.
For some reason chaps are supposed to go with the "Harley Image"? You'll have to ask the HD long-timers as to "why".
IMHO, chaps are for two functional reasons:
1. Limited protection. (You'll still cheese-grate your butt.)
2. Leg warmth in colder months.
Just fully realized reason #2 recently. Previously I had been good to go in colder weather with jeans. For some reason, this past Saturday I got chilled to the bone on an all-dayer that included some riding with temperatures in the 40's. Took me about two hours to really de-chill once home.
Thus, those new, never used chaps up on the top of the closet WILL be used next time during cooler weather.
Aside from the above functional reasons, I think there is another reason for many riders that wear chaps:
1. "Image" factor.
For some reason chaps are supposed to go with the "Harley Image"? You'll have to ask the HD long-timers as to "why".
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 16
From: Norfolk, VA
Myself, I came from a background of dirt track racing where everyone was required to wear full leather pants. It only makes sense to me.
To me, chaps look gay. They remind me of those long black stockings/garders you'd see on stripers and hookers. They look good on women though, as long as she's wearing a bikini bottom.
To me, chaps look gay. They remind me of those long black stockings/garders you'd see on stripers and hookers. They look good on women though, as long as she's wearing a bikini bottom.
I own both chaps and overpants, if I leave home and need to wear something it will be the overpants. If I leave home and want to bring something with me to stuff into my saddlebag just in case it is the chaps.........and my long black stockings.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA