Total Motorcycle Community Forums

HI!

I am brand new to riding and need to shop for chaps. There are a lot listed on eBay, but I am hesitant to buy not knowing the quality of the leather, etc.

What are the brand names I should look for? Or the specs, i.e. thickness of leather, etc.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

As with any leathers, you want at least 1.1mm thickness, and you want them long enough to trim for the length of your own inseam. Gender specific helps with chaps, too, since women's chaps will have a little more room in the thighs than men's.

And keep in mind, chaps are only going to be marginally helpful if you wreck. They'll keep your legs from being chewed up, but your backside is still hanging out there and the odds are pretty good you'll be sliding on it. If all you have between your butt and the asphalt are jeans...it's not going to be pretty.

I wouldn't wear chaps... I like my butt the way it is. - so I can't recommend them from personal experience. I CAN say that you want something that has sturdy fastenings and stitching. Look for unblemished leather (no "creases" or wrinkles) and 1mil thickness. Creases become the weak points, and thinner leather may wear through or tear if you slide.

Since you live in Washington state, you're likely to run into unexpected rain or cool temps, right? Why not visit your nearest cycle shop and try on some of the textile gear available. I have to say, I find it to be more versatile than leather and easier to take care of. A pair of overpants that will cover your behind as well as your legs, and includes armor for the knees and hips (two common points of impact).

P

Lion_Lady wrote:I wouldn't wear chaps... I like my butt the way it is. - so I can't recommend them from personal experience.

A pair of overpants that will cover your behind as well as your legs, and includes armor for the knees and hips (two common points of impact).

P

Overpants - what a good idea! I was thinking chaps because I can take them off when I arrive at my destination. I didn't know about "overpants". I'll definitely look into that. Thanks!

One of the best quality chaps I have found are from http://www.caspersleather.net/Chaps.html they are thick and altered for your needed fit. they are one piece (per leg) so no seams other than the zipper which has an overflap.

Went shopping yesterday on my first day out with my first bike. The local power sports shop had 50% off Fieldsheer that day, and I found some Fieldsheer Marlyn chaps that fit really nice. Tried on overpants, but they didn't have any cut for women. The unisex fit didn't work, and I hated the way they felt. Happy with the chaps though!

Thumper said

you want at least 1.1mm thickness

This is true with Asian or European Union made leather but American, Mexican and Guatamellan leather is usually measured in ounces of weight. Canada, Central and South America may use ounces or mm sometimes both. (most motorcycle leather is rated the European way but most horse stuff still uses ounces)

Each ounce of weight is equal to 1/64" (0.0156 inch or 0.396mm) thickness. Here is a conversion chart.

http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/conversions.html

I agree with Lion Lady about the over pants being better (at least drier) than chaps.

Thistleback wrote:Went shopping yesterday on my first day out with my first bike. The local power sports shop had 50% off Fieldsheer that day, and I found some Fieldsheer Marlyn chaps that fit really nice. Tried on overpants, but they didn't have any cut for women. The unisex fit didn't work, and I hated the way they felt. Happy with the chaps though!

That got your legs and front side covered, but what about your fanny? Damn near every time I've come off the bike, I hit or slide on my arse.....

Have you ever heard of kevlar underwear?

Johnj wrote:Have you ever heard of kevlar underwear?

Bullet proof knickers????? What will they think of next??