Do You Need to Wear Motorcycle Pants?

Riding a motorcycle can be very dangerous; most riders can understand the need for a good quality, well-fitting helmet, a jacket and a pair of motorcycle boots. Some riders want to avoid getting too hot in the summer and prefer to ride in shorts or jeans; this can put them at risk of injury. We look at if motorcycle pants are really needed so you can make an informed decision on your level of riding protection. 

ATGATT

Many motorcycle riders follow the ATGATT principle, which stands for all the gear all the time; they wear their protective equipment at all times when riding their motorcycle. This principle protects them as much as possible from bone breaks, road abrasion and other injuries. Even if they’re popping round the corner to the shops, bikers who follow the ATGATT principle will wear full protection for every ride.

The most important protection

A helmet and a motorcycle jacket are considered the top safety gear you need to wear when riding a motorcycle. Your upper body is where all your organs are, so protecting these is the best way to keep yourself alive. Motorcycle pants aren’t considered the most important protection; this is why riders often choose to wear jeans instead. However, motorcycle pants can help protect your hips and knees against impact injury and protect your skin from road abrasion. So although helmets and a jacket will help to keep you alive, a pair of good motorcycle pants will help prevent injuries which may stop you from walking again or riding your motorcycle. 

Protection from the elements

In addition to protecting your skin from abrasions, cuts and infections and your bones and muscles from impact damage, motorcycle pants will protect your legs from weather. Wind and rain can be unpleasant when riding a motorcycle; waterproof motorcycle pants will stop your legs from getting wet and keep them warm in cool, windy conditions. In hot weather, motorcycle pants may feel a bit uncomfortable to ride, but they will stop you from getting sunburned legs. 

Exhaust pipe protection

If you drop your motorcycle on your legs or simply walk past and touch the exhaust pipe when it’s hot without motorcycle pants, you will end up with a severe burn on your leg. Motorcycle pants will protect you from burns if you accidentally touch the exhaust pipe with your leg. 

Is all protection the same?

If you’re looking for motorcycle pants and are short on budget, you might choose the cheapest pair without considering the quality and level of protection. Not all motorcycle pants will have impact protection, and some impact protection is low-quality. Always opt for the best motorcycle pants you can afford, do your research and look at the impact protection that’s included in your bike pants. Opt for high-quality impact protection and durable material that will last. You may pay a little more for quality bike pants, but they will last far longer, and you will appreciate the added protection if you’re ever involved in a crash or fall. 

The right fit

To protect your knees and hips, your motorcycle pants need to fit correctly; poor-fitting pants won’t be as effective in an accident. Make sure the pads are in the right location, and the pants are snug to your body. Baggy pants will result in the knee pads moving and won’t provide as much impact protection. Your pants also need to be able to move with your body; if they’re too tight and restrict your movement, it can make things uncomfortable when riding. An uncomfortable rider is more likely to lose focus and end up in an accident, plus you’ll be a lot less likely to wear your motorcycle pants if they are uncomfortable to wear. Trying on your pants is the best way to make sure they fit correctly. Alternatively, if you’re buying online, look for accurate measurements and make sure you match the measurements with your body. 

When riding a motorcycle, we always recommend the ATGATT approach. Still, at the end of the day, it is your responsibility and your choice whether or not you choose to wear motorcycle pants or opt for something with less protection, such as jeans.