Chaps vs. Leather Pants
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 5
From: Willow Spring, NC
I have chaps, and recently purchased leather overpants from LeatherUp. I love 'em. They are just as easy to don as chaps and have jean styling with all the same pockets. Very thick leather and full YKK zippers on the outside of each leg. They keep me nice and warm on those cold weather rides. Here's a link.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
I bought a set of chaps and tried them twice - I hate them! A big pain to get into of out of and very little protection from the cold. I wear long underwear and jeans. With lower fairings that seems to do the trick. I never get too hot so I never have to worry about removing extra clothes.
I have a heated jacket liner and if I were to add more cold weather clothes it would be a heated pants liner.
I have a heated jacket liner and if I were to add more cold weather clothes it would be a heated pants liner.
Last edited by Jim Dawson; Sep 6, 2011 at 10:16 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 199
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
Personally I wear overpants. They have better protection than chaps, will store in bags and can be cooler or warmer than chaps. I have a pair of air overpants and with the rain liner in them I've worn them in sub 30 degree temps.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
many say that chaps offer minimal protection but worn over a pair of jeans they can make a huge difference on a cold morning, they're non restrictive, good flying debris protection. With some practice a good pair are very easy to get in and out of & they are easy to stow. maybe not the best for all conditions but they do have there usefulness.
I fail to see how a pair of over pants could be cooler than chaps?
I fail to see how a pair of over pants could be cooler than chaps?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
Likes: 26
From: Sheboygan,Wi
When it cools down up here in WI chaps are nice to help cut some of the cold wind. Now about them being gay. I guess you should ask some members of the Outlaws or Black Pistons up this way about that. I am sure they would take your comments lightly.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,646
Likes: 40
From: Midtown Tulsa
I'd like to get me some of those Xelement pants. Wouldn't want them as over-pants I don't think, though. Do those that have the leather pants wear them as over-pants?
I like my chaps, but I do agree they are lacking in the rear and hip protection...
I like my chaps, but I do agree they are lacking in the rear and hip protection...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
I bought a set of chaps and tried them twice - I hate them! A big pain to get into of out of and very little protection from the cold. I wear long underwear and jeans. With lower fairings that seems to do the trick. I never get too hot so I never have to worry about removing extra clothes.
Then I just throw on some ski pants. Those things are meant to be windproof at sub-freezing temps and at high speed. Never failed me yet.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 65
Bought my first pair of leather chaps this morning. After freezing yesterday to the point I had to stop riding I figured screw it and bought some. A little tight, (was told they are going to loosen up with wear). But keep me warm! And the OL says they look sexy!! Next I'm buyin her a pair... 