Chaps?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Potsdam, NY
Chaps?
Just curious why do people wear chaps and what is their history?
I'm not really a big fan of them anymore. I used to wear chaps cause I thought they offered protection in a fall until a former co worker crashed at speed a few years back wearing chaps and slid well over 100 feet on his ***. He lost almost an inch of muscle tissue and had to undergo a number of skin graphs. Could not stand up or sit for a while. He also damaged is knee from the impact. The doctors told him the ***, hips and the knees are the parts of the lower body that take the abuse in a get off. Since chaps only protect the knee from abrasion but not impact and don't protect the hips or ***, I switched to motorcycle overpants with padding/armor in the knees and hips. I actually find they are more comfortable in the hot and cold because of the insulation and venting that chaps don't have. Guess I'm confused as to why chaps are still as popular as they are.
Why do people wear them, is it style, warmth, or are they like I was and under the impression they will save your legs. If they are wearing them for protection I was hoping this post might save someones ***
Also was wondering if anyone knew what their history was.
I'm not really a big fan of them anymore. I used to wear chaps cause I thought they offered protection in a fall until a former co worker crashed at speed a few years back wearing chaps and slid well over 100 feet on his ***. He lost almost an inch of muscle tissue and had to undergo a number of skin graphs. Could not stand up or sit for a while. He also damaged is knee from the impact. The doctors told him the ***, hips and the knees are the parts of the lower body that take the abuse in a get off. Since chaps only protect the knee from abrasion but not impact and don't protect the hips or ***, I switched to motorcycle overpants with padding/armor in the knees and hips. I actually find they are more comfortable in the hot and cold because of the insulation and venting that chaps don't have. Guess I'm confused as to why chaps are still as popular as they are.
Why do people wear them, is it style, warmth, or are they like I was and under the impression they will save your legs. If they are wearing them for protection I was hoping this post might save someones ***
Also was wondering if anyone knew what their history was.
Last edited by fat_tony; Dec 18, 2009 at 10:10 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,661
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From: East Northport, NY
I'm no history buff, but I would say they came from the indigenous tribe of the American Cowboy. I believe they were for protecting a (Horseback) riders legs while riding thru brush and such. And maybe a lil protection from wind snow and rain.
Now they just make you look cool and provoke images and sounds of YMCA
Banned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 771
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From: Hurricane,WV
Here we go again. You know, chaps have been around for a long time, and have been worn to protect riders legs from getting the brunt of an ice cold wind during cold weather riding. Not to mention flying objects from the road and such. They are not made to protect your a$$. Some people wear them ,some don't. Either way, I do when I need to, and don't give a rats a$$ if anyone else wears them or not. Google chaps, and you will find the history of them.
This subject =
This subject =
Last edited by Nightking; Dec 18, 2009 at 11:28 AM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
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From: Calgary eh
They protect you while you're riding. Break the wind, shed the rain, they'll deflect road debris a bit, help with bug splats, etc. But if you come off the bike they're not going to be much good.
I wear leather's the kind with the *** in them. So in the unlikely event (knock on wood) that I came off the bike I would have that extra protection.
Plus I think they look gay. haha.
I wear leather's the kind with the *** in them. So in the unlikely event (knock on wood) that I came off the bike I would have that extra protection.
Plus I think they look gay. haha.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,661
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From: East Northport, NY
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,788
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From: Texas
I'm no history buff, but I would say they came from the indigenous tribe of the American Cowboy. I believe they were for protecting a (Horseback) riders legs while riding thru brush and such. And maybe a lil protection from wind snow and rain.
Now they just make you look cool and provoke images and sounds of YMCA
Now they just make you look cool and provoke images and sounds of YMCA
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Club Member
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From: Back in Oz M8
Some wear 'em , some don't.....I don't
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