Having a good pair of motorcycle riding pants is a very important part of this enjoyable hobby. Yes, you can surely use any kind of regular trousers for your rides, but when it comes to safety and protection, it is always better to have a specialized gear that was designed specifically for this activity.
Motorcycle pants are made from stronger materials, that are very durable, yet comfortable for riding. They are usually equipped with some kind of padding or protective armor and stretch zones at key areas. This ensures the maximum safety and protection while keeping the flexibility of the regular pants.
If you already have a safety motorcycle helmet, riding boots and biker jacket, then you are probably looking for some type of motorcycle pants.
Therefore, we are here with our review of the Top 10 Best Motorcycle Riding Pants, the money can buy in 2023.
List of the Top 10 Motorcycle Riding Pants
Best Motorcycle Riding Pants Reviews
The reviewed products are sorted into 5 different categories and types of materials they are made from, so you can quickly and easily find the exact type of pants you are looking for. There is also an additional category, in which we will discuss the best motorcycle pants for women. All of these pants come from reputable brands in the motorcycle gear industry and offer high levels of comfort and protection. So, no matter what type of pants you are interested in, you can be sure we are showing you some of the best choices that are available for sale in 2023.
Best Motorcycle Riding Jeans
A pair of high-quality motorcycle riding jeans is usually equipped with an inner lining that is there for protection. Some of the jeans even come with armor inserts that can be placed into pockets. All of these safety features, that the motorcycle jeans offer, will protect your legs from injuries and will also make you feel much safer while riding your bike. If you are looking for motorcycle riding jeans, then we have some good news for you. There are plenty of them! However, only a few of them are both comfortable to wear and safe enough for riding a motorcycle in various speeds and weather conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the highest rated jeans that are suitable for motorcycle riding and that will also make you look good.
Scorpion EXO Covert Pro Jeans
The Scorpion EXO Covert Pro Jeans are an improved version of the original Covert Jeans from Scorpion. They are very stylish jeans, that you can wear not only while riding a motorcycle, but on almost any occasion. The Scorpion EXO Covert Pro Jeans come in two colors, dark blue and stonewashed blue. They have a classic 5-pocket jeans layout and there is a couple of internal pockets for SAS-Tec knee and hip armor that you can buy separately.
The exterior material used in the jeans is called Cordura 373 GSM and it is a textile fabric that looks and feels exactly like denim. It is a combination of cotton (85%) and nylon (15%) and it has a very good abrasion resistance properties. The Scorpion EXO Covert Pro Jeans are equipped with 250 GSM DuPont™ Kevlar® Lining, which means that they offer an increased protection compared to regular jeans. Other than that, you will find an internal mesh lining that goes from knees down to the bottom and it is supposed to increase airflow and improve comfort.
Overall, I would say that the The Scorpion EXO Covert Pro are the perfect jeans for everyday street riding and occasional long distance commuting. They offer an outstanding protection and they look very good at the same time. I don’t like the fact that the armor is not included in the box and you will have to buy it separately. Other than that, there are almost no flaws and I definitely recommend checking them out.
Scorpion EXO Covert Pro Jeans
️Pros: Stylish design, Extreme protection, Pockets for Armor, Very comfortable, Fit is true to size
Cons: Armor sold separately
Drayko Drift Riding Jeans
The Drayko Drift Riding Jeans have a looser fit when compared to most other motorcycle jeans on the market. They are made from a hand-distressed denim and only come in one color (blue). They are very fashionable jeans and you wouldn’t really tell that they are motorcycle jeans at the first glance. The loose fit allows you to put the jeans over the boots and it also provides better airflow.
The jeans have reinforced seams and the quality of the stitching is excellent. They are CE approved jeans. The fabric is made from DSM Dyneema, which is considered the world’s strongest fiber. Inside the jeans, there is Military+ Grade DuPont Kevlar and it is supposed to be much stronger than regular Kevlar. It is very robust, yet extremely soft and flexible material. The breathability is great, so you will have absolutely no issues when riding in hot weather.
The Drayko Drift are superb jeans for motorcycle riding that you can also wear casually. The comfort they provide is unbelievable and the protection is one of the best you will find in any type of motorcycle jeans. The only slight disadvantage is their fitting. They can be too long for some persons as they only come in one length.
Drayko Drift Riding Jeans
️Pros: Relaxed fit, Superb comfort, Extreme protection, Reinforced seams, Very breathable
Cons: Sizing issues
Best Textile Motorcycle Pants
Another category of motorcycle riding pants on our list are textile pants. They are made from various types of fabric that is both lightweight and durable. Textile can be considered a cheaper material when compared to leather, but it is not always a truth. Some of the highest quality textile fabric can last much longer than leather and it is also much easier material to clean and maintain. So, if leather is not your thing and you are looking for something lighter and more compact than denim jeans, then textile pants may be the right choice for you. Thanks to their low weight and weather protection, they can be used for both long distance touring and off-road riding.
Klim Dakar “In the Boot” Pants
The Klim Dakar “In the Boot” Pants are textile pants that are very versatile but they are best suited for motocross riding or just off-road riding in general. They offer a much higher protection than usual off-road riding pants and are also a little bit heavier. The Klim Dakar “In the Boot” Pants are available in multiple different color combinations, so you can choose the one that matches the colors of your dirt bike. The pants have a couple of pockets on the sides, which I have found very practical.
The exterior of the pants is made from 600D Cordura material on the main body area and 840D Cordura material on the seat and knee areas. Inside the knees, you will find a heavy-duty melt-resistant leather that will protect your knees from crashes. At the cuffs, the pants are equipped with Karbonite ripstop cordura material. To ensure you will have a high levels of mobility in these pants, Klim has equipped them with multiple stretch panels that you will find at the back of the pants, above your knees, at the back of your legs and in the crotch area. On top of that, the pants are coated with a DWR coating, which is there to deflect mud and water. At the bottom, the pants are equipped with Velcro adjusters that you can use to tighten the pants around your legs.
The Klim Dakar “In the Boot” are great textile off-road riding pants that offer sufficient ventilation and good protection. They are very comfortable to wear and thanks to the thicker materials, they can even be used in colder temperatures. Unfortunately, there are no armor inserts in these pants, so I would recommend to use an additional inner armor with them. So, if you are looking for some cool pants that will go well with your textile motorcycle jacket, then the Klim Dakar textile pants will be a really good choice.
Klim Dakar “In the Boot” Pants
️Pros: Many color options available, Very versatile, DWR coating, Condura material, Multiple stretch panels
Cons: No armor, Pretty expensive
Tourmaster Venture Air 2.0 Textile Pants
The Tourmaster Venture Air 2.0 is a new and redesigned version of the first Venture textile pants from Tourmaster. These can be considered 3-season riding pants as they offer very good temperature versatility and weather protection. The pants are waterproof thanks to the Aqua-Therm liner that consists of two stages. The first stage is waterproof and windproof, while the second insulated stage can be added to improve the warmth of the pants. On the sides, you will find two zippered pockets with 600 denier Carbolex covers. In the waist and cuff areas, the pants have a Velcro adjusters that you can use to fine-tune the fitment.
The material used in the pants is called Armor-Link mesh and they also come with 1680 denier ballistic polyester seat panel and knee panels. The Tourmaster Venture Air 2.0 pants are equipped with CE-approved knee armor that can be set in three different positions for increased comfort and abrasion resistance. In the hip area, there is a soft armor that is removable. The calf and inseam of the pants have stretch materials that will improve the fitting and comfort of the pants even further. On the back of the pants, there is a pant-jacket zipper that you can use to attach the pants to your jacket.
The Tourmaster Venture Air 2.0 Pants offer a combination of features that you won’t simply find on any other pair of motorcycle riding pants. They are 3-season waterproof pants that can be used for long distance touring, off-road riding or even street commuting. Their waterproofing and breathability are both amazing and they can be quickly turned from warm and waterproof pants into very lightweight vented summer pants.
Tourmaster Venture Air 2.0 Textile Pants
️Pros: Extreme versatility, CE-approved knee armor, Waterproof liner, Very good airflow, Comfortable
Cons: Average quality of Velcro and armor
Best Mesh Motorcycle Pants
Mesh motorcycle riding pants are basically textile pants that offer higher levels of ventilation thanks to their unique design. They are equipped with mesh panels that allow the air to enter the pants. This will keep your legs cool and dry during long summer rides and ensure the heat will stay out. On top of that, mesh pants are very lightweight and flexible, so you will feel very comfortable while wearing them. Now, let’s not waste any more time and see what are the best mesh pants for riding a motorcycle and if mesh is the right material for your riding style.
Joe Rocket Phoenix Ion Mesh Pants
The Phoenix Ion are mesh riding pants made by a popular motorcycle gear brand called Joe Rocket. We have already reviewed the Phoenix Ion Mesh jacket in the Best Motorcycle Jacket Reviews of 2023 and it finished pretty high on the list. The pants are made from the same type of fabric as the jacket and they are available in two colors (black, silver). They have 2 external pockets on the sides and a pant-jacket zipper on the back.
The material used in the exterior shell is called Ballistic Nylon and the big frontal panels are made from FreeAir mesh. The pants offer CE safety rating and they are one of the safest mesh pants on the market. In the knee areas, the pants are equipped with INNO-LITE ultra reflective knee panels that also come with knee protectors. The seat and hip areas are equipped with DYNAX reinforcements and additional hip armor protectors. In the inseam areas, you will find a melt resistant material and couple of additional zippers. The pants have reflective stripes, which will highly improve your visibility and riding safety.
As you can see, the Phoenix Ion mesh pants from Joe Rocket offer an incredible amount of features. They are super-light, extremely comfortable to wear and the ventilation is excellent. They even come with armor inserts, which is a big plus. With these pants, you will get a premium product for an entry-level price. Therefore, I can barely find anything bad to say about these pants. If you are looking for good summer riding motorcycle pants, then the Phoenix Ion pants from Joe Rocket are a no-brainer!
Joe Rocket Phoenix Ion Mesh Pants
️Pros: High quality mesh, CE-approved knee & hip armor, Extreme comfort & airflow, High visibility, Good value
Cons: –
Revit Cayenne Pro Textile Mesh Pants
Another mesh pants on out list of the best motorcycle pants reviews are the Cayenne Pro textile mesh pants form Revit. As the name suggests, the material used in these pants is a combination textile fabric and mesh panels. They are two-season warm weather pants that suit best for adventure riding during summer. They are available in multiple different color combinations (grey & black, sand & black, green & black). These are very versatile pants that have many pockets. Without a doubt, you will be able to carry a lot of stuff in them. The waist of the pants is adjustable, so you don’t have to wear a belt. In the back, you will find a jacket connection zipper.
The exterior of the Revit Cayenne Pro pants is made from PWR shell with Teflon coating and you will also find a couple of big Schoeller-dynatec 3D mesh panels in the front of the upper leg area. In the inside of the legs, the pants are equipped with leather panels. You will also find some stretch panels in the waist and crotch areas. The pants offer CE certification thanks to the fully ventilated SEEFLEX knee armor inserts and TRYONIC Seesoft hip protector inserts. In the lower leg area the pants have a couple of reflective strips and a Velcro system for increased adjustability around the boots.
At $400, the Revit Cayenne Pro are definitely not a cheap pair of pants. But, you will get a lot of features for that price tag. A pair of great adventure riding pants with 2 cargo pockets that offer high amounts of protection and airflow. The comfort levels and build quality are both excellent and it is exactly what we expect from Revit.
Revit Cayenne Pro Textile Mesh Pants
️Pros: Very stylish adventure riding pants, Lots of pockets, CE certified, Good ventilation, High flexibility, Adjustable
Cons: A little too expensive
Best Leather Motorcycle Pants
If you are a fan of sport bikes and motorcycle racing, you might be looking for a pair of protective leather pants. They will provide high impact resistance and increased wind protection. Leather is a natural material that offers very good breathabality in hot summer weather, while keeping your legs warm in colder weather. It will also protect your skin from abrasion caused by sliding on a track. Leather motorcycle pants usually come with a couple of protective pieces of armor that can be attached directly onto your knees using Velcro panels. This increases the protection even further, so you don’t have to worry about any kind of leg injury while crashing on the road. Let’s take a better look at some of the leather pants that you can use for motorcycle racing.
Alpinestars Missile V2 Leather Pants
Alpinestars is one of the most popular brands in the motorcycle gear industry and they always deliver the highest-quality products. The Missile V2 leather pants are available in two variants: Standard and Airflow. The standard pants do not have any perforation in the leather, while the Airflow pants come with perforated leather and increased ventilation. They have a very tapered slim fit, so they almost feel like a second skin. At the top of the pants, you will find an adjustable waist with a zipper in the middle of the crotch area. There are no pockets on the pants. In the back, there is a usual jacket to pant connection zipper.
The main part of the Missile V2 pants is constructed from genuine bovine leather that is 1,3mm thick and has a very premium feel. The pants are also equipped with a couple of textile stretch zones on the calf and crotch. Above the knees, they have another stretch zones that are there for increased comfort and safety. Other than that, you will also find a pair of large Velcro panels around the knee areas that have CE approved protective knee sliders attached to them. Inside the pants, you can use a pair of additional hip armor inserts that are sold separately. The airflow of the pants can be adjusted by using zippers.
The Alipnestars Missile V2 pants are a phenomenal piece of riding gear. They are equipped with premium materials and offer super high levels of impact protection that is needed for track racing. Thanks to the adjustable airflow zippers, they can be used even during hot summer weather. The only small nitpick I have about these pants is the fact that they don’t have any pockets, but they are racing pants after all.
Alipnestars Missile V2 Leather Pants
️Pros: Premium leather, Extreme protection, Very good comfort, High flexibility, Adjustable airflow zippers
Cons: No pockets
Dainese Delta 3 Leather Pants
The Dainese Delta 3 is another pair of motorcycle racing pants that have their chassis made from a premium race-grade cow hide leather. They are an upgraded version of the Delta Pro 2 leather pants and they offer nicer look and better aerodynamics. The look and feel of the pants are both very aggressive. The pants come in 4 color options and they can be attached to a leather motorcycle jacket to create that seamless racing suit appearance. As most racing pants, the Dainese Delta 3 pants don’t have any pockets. The waist area is adjustable and there is a zipper in crotch. They are very snug pants, so if you have larger hips, they might not fit you.
The pants are made from a S1 bielastic fabric and “Tutu” cowhide leather with CE certified protectors at the knee and hip areas. The interchangeable knee sliders are little bulkier than sliders on most other racing pants, so you can have a lot of fun while sliding them on the track. The hip armor is non-removable, so keep that in mind. On top of the knees, you will find a couple of elasticated panels that are there for increased comfort and mobility. The Dainese Delta 3 leather pants have a large stretch panel in the crotch area that goes down to the inside of the legs and provides extreme flexibility, while pushing some air into the pants.
Overall, the Dainese Delta 3 are outstanding leather motorcycle pants that have some minor flaws. They are very good looking racing pants, but they don’t have any pockets. The hip armor is non-removable and the fit can be too tight for some people, but this is the price for extreme aerodynamics and protection. Also, the seat of the pants only has a single layer of leather, while the previous version had a double layer.
Dainese Delta 3 Leather Pants
️Pros: Very good design, 4 color options, Premium leather, Good protection, Large stretch panel
Cons: No pockets, Non-removable hip armor, Too tight
Best Motorcycle Overpants
Motorcycle overpants are a type of pants that are designed for riding in cold and rainy weather. They are usually waterproof and provide high amounts of wind protection as well. You can wear such pants on top of your jeans or shorts and don’t have to worry about getting wet. They can be used during 4 seasons, which makes them the most versatile category of pants on our list. If you are living in an area with lots of rain or if you are planning an adventure ride and want to be prepared for colder temperatures, then a pair of overpants would be the best choice for you.
Firstgear Kathmandu Overpants
The Kathmandu Overpants from Firstgear are textile motorcycle pants with removable braces and adjustable waist area. They have a very loose fit, so you can wear any type of pants underneath them. The pants are equipped with a lot of large pockets and a connection zipper that can be used for attachment to your Firstgear jacket. They are available in one color variation (grey and black) and they come in many different sizes.
The main material used in the The Kathmandu Overpants is called 420 Denier Hypertex, which is a textile material specifically designed for extreme riding conditions. They are equipped with CE approved armor in the knee and hip areas. In the crotch area, inner thighs and knee backs, you will find a breathable stretch fabric that is waterproof and adds flexibility to the pants. Inside the pants, there is an insulated liner that you can easily detach. The pants have a wide leg opening, which ensures they will fit over any type of motorcycle boots.
The Firstgear Kathmandu Overpants are very interesting motorcycle pants. You can use them for almost any type of adventure riding, street riding and long distance commuting and they can even be used during winter. So, if you are a serious adventure rider and would like to have some high quality waterproof pants, then the Kathmandu Overpants are a really good option to consider.
Firstgear Kathmandu Overpants
️Pros: CE approved armor, Waterproof, Very Warm, Breathable stretch fabric, Lots of pockets, Versatility
Cons: Not enough airflow
Tourmaster Motorcycle Overpants
Another motorcycle pants that are good enough to be on our list are the overpants from Tourmaster. These are very simple pants that don’t have that many pockets. They are also very affordable, as they only cost around $100. But, even for the budget price, you will get an awesome waterproofing with these pants. They have a slightly narrower fit than most other overpants, but you will still be able to wear them over your jeans or underpants. The sizes range from S to 3XL and they come only in black color.
The shell of the pants is constructed from 600 Denier Carbolex Plus material and they come with 1680 Denier Ballistic polyester knee panels. The knee armor is CE approved and it can be adjusted into 3 different positions. You can also use additional soft hip armor inserts with these pants. The Tourmaster Overpants are equipped with a Rainguard waterproof and breathable barrier, which is a waterproof technology designed for various weather conditions. On the sides of the pants you will find a pair of Phoslite reflective stripes for increased visibility. Along the sides, the pants have large openings with zippers, so you can easily take the pants off with you boots on.
I am truly impressed by these overpants from Tourmaster. You will get so many features for such a low price that these pants are a no-brainer if your budget is tight. I would say that these are one of the best cheap waterproof motorcycle pants on the market.
Tourmaster Motorcycle Overpants
️Pros: CE approved knee armor, Waterproof, Large side openings, High visibility, Very good value
Cons: Not enough airflow, Only come in black
Best Women’s Motorcycle Riding Pants
Are you looking for a good pair of motorcycle pants for women? Then you don’t have to keep looking anymore. Females have different proportions than males, especially in the hip area. That’s why we have decided to create an additional category of women’s motorcycle pants in this article. We are here to help you with your search and show you some of the best motorcycle pants that are designed specially for female riders.
Oxford Women’s Super Leggins
The Super Leggins from Oxford are motorcycle pants for women that feature skinny fit and extremely low profile design. The pants look exactly like any casual women’s leggins, but they are specifically designed for motorcycle riding. Thanks to their low thickness, they can be used as a pair of protective underpants in combination with other pants. They have two deep hand pockets in the front and durable stitching on the belt loops.
The Oxford Women’s Super Leggins are equipped with Aramid lining, which is a material providing good levels of abrasion resistance. Inside the pants, you can find some internal pockets that can be used for adding knee and hip armor inserts. The knee armor inserts provide CE Level 2 certification. The abrasion resistance is achieved thanks to DuPont Kevlar liner, which is a lining commonly used in most motorcycle jeans.
The Oxford’s Super Leggins are a pair excellent motorcycle pants for women that offer good comfort and CE protection. They look awesome and come with an affordable price tag of around $120. The only slight disadvantage of the pants is their lower airflow, which is tolerable in this type of pants.
Oxford Women’s Super Leggins
️Pros: Stylish look, CE approved knee armor, DuPont Kevlar liner, Comfortable, Very affordable
Cons: Not enough airflow
Alpinestars Stella Andes V2 Women’s Pants
Another pants on our list of the best motorcycle pants for women are the Alpinestars Stella Andes V2. These are waterproof adventure pants that you can use for many different situations and riding conditions. As most adventure riding pants, they are made from textile materials and they are equipped with a couple of large cargo-style pockets on the sides. They come with removable adjustable braces that improve the comfort and fit of the pants.
The material used in these pants is an advanced reinforced poly-fabric textile. Other than that, there is also a removable thermal liner inside the pants, which makes the pants perform better in cold weather. The lining can be removed if you want to ride in hot weather. The pants have a couple of air vents on thighs for improved ventilation. The knee areas of the Alpinestars Stella Andes V2 pants are equipped with removable CE-certified knee armor inserts. The safety of the pants can be improved by adding optional hip protectors that you can buy separately.
The Alpinestars Stella Andes V2 are the perfect adventure riding pants for ladies that will keep your legs warm and dry in rainy weather and ventilated in hot weather. At a price of around $200, these can be considered as mid-tier pants. But, for the set of features they provide, I think they are definitely worth it!
Alpinestars Stella Andes V2 Women’s Pants
️Pros: Waterproof, CE-certified knee armor, Large cargo-style pockets, Adjustable braces, Removable thermal liner
Cons: Sizing issues
Why Would You Need Motorcycle Pants?
In this section, we will help you decide whether you actually need motorcycle pants or not. In my personal opinion, I would say that every rider should own at least one pair of motorcycle pants. They are not that expensive and you can wear them off the bike too. In some cases, you will actually spent a similar amount of money as you would spent for some regular pants, and you will get a lot of extra features on top of that.
Safety & Impact Protection
Motorcycle riding is a dangerous activity and having any kind of extra protection is always a good idea. Even if you are an experienced motorcyclist and you have a very safe riding style, there is still a small possibility of encountering a crash. That is why the specialized motorcycle pants exist. They will give you some protection in the areas where it matters the most. The padding and armor inserts are designed to withstand very high amounts of impact and abrasion, so you can feel safe while wearing them. Most of the pants even have some kind of reflective panels, so they will increase you visibility at night.
Wind & Weather Protection
Wind and weather protection are both very important factors while you are riding a bike. You simply cannot wear normal clothes when you are riding at extreme speeds on a highway. You would become cold very quickly while wearing some shorts or sweatpants at speeds above 50 mph. So, wearing a pair of proper motorcycle pants can be mandatory in some situations. They will not only protect you from wind and rain, but also from dangerous insects such as bees and wasps. So, if you don’t want to have a cold or get a bee sting in your leg, just wear some motorcycle pants, it is that simple! And, if you are just way too poor and unable to waste a lot of money on motorcycle riding gear, you should at least buy some rain gear. The suits are super-cheap and they will give you some basic waterproofing and wind protection.
Aerodynamics & Flexibility
Aerodynamics are also an important factor, especially if you are riding on a race track or highway. Most of the motorcycle pants have tighter fit and offer good aerodynamic properties. Although these pants are tight, they usually have some stretch areas that are very soft and flexible. This will allow you to have your legs stretched in various riding positions. Most of the pants are also highly adjustable and they will allow you to make them fit exactly as you need.
Ventilation & Airflow
If you ride your motorcycle in hot summer weather, then a proper ventilation is a big deal for you. Thankfully, some of the motorcycle pants all equipped with special mesh panels and openings that allow fresh air into the pants. That means your legs will stay cool and dry in those warm weather conditions and you will have a much better riding experience than with regular pants.
Conclusion
As you can clearly see, there are some good reasons to own a pair of motorcycle riding pants. Whether you just want to look cool on your bike, or you would like to have much better protection, go ahead and buy some of them. You legs will thank you, trust me.
I really hope that this review of the best motorcycle riding pants of 2023 will help you find the perfect product that will suit the best for your needs. If you have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section.
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