Topic: Chaps or Pants? (Read 13162 times)

49445CVO · « **on:** October 26, 2009, 11:23:08 AM »

Ok we are getting into cooler temps. and I was wondering what the likes and dislikes are with chaps vs. pants. I was looking at another thread and the links to leather good stores and see they offer leather over pants. I have seen leather pants but never over pants.

Just wondering what people are using and if they like what they have and why?

Topper

porthole · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2009, 11:32:10 AM »

Chaps when it is cooler, leather bibs when it is cold, insulated or heated liner for the bibs when it is really cold.

http://www.stonelakeleatherworks.com/

mr_magoo · « **Reply #2 on:** October 26, 2009, 01:41:59 PM »

I wear a pair of Langlitzs leather pant, when it gets cold I wear them over levis.

murphy · « **Reply #3 on:** October 26, 2009, 03:43:28 PM »

I've always worn pants under my chaps!

Buy early · « **Reply #4 on:** October 26, 2009, 04:39:14 PM »

In order from warm to colder

pants
leather pants
pants and chaps
pants and leather over pants
too cold to ride!

nidan · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2009, 05:31:20 PM »

I wear chaps ,over jeans with Columbia polypropelene long johns when it gets cold , with the heated seat keeps they me warm down to 30, below that I don't ride .

Guilty · « **Reply #6 on:** October 27, 2009, 01:00:36 PM »

There's nothing funnier looking than a group of bikers standing around in blue jeans and chaps. I prefer leather overpants, they protect my rear end and provide additional padding that translates to comfort in the saddle.

MontyB · « **Reply #7 on:** October 27, 2009, 02:33:26 PM »

Chaps if its moderate (like cool fall mornings) - easy to take off as it warms up and not bulky.
If its expected to be cold all day or in the winter (we ride all year) I like the FXRG textile overpants, which I bought a waist size larger than my jeans and wear them over my jeans. Wind and waterproof and very comfortable, though they are not cheap. H-D seems to offer a new version in leather and textile mix, which I have not tried. Some dealers might still have the all textile version on hand and they were less expensive.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448773032&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306687873&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374306687873&bmUID=1256668311755&bmLocale=en_US

cheers!

greglyon · « **Reply #8 on:** October 27, 2009, 05:13:06 PM »

Quote from: Guilty on October 27, 2009, 01:00:36 PM

There's nothing funnier looking than a group of bikers standing around in blue jeans and chaps. I prefer leather overpants, they protect my rear end and provide additional padding that translates to comfort in the saddle.

chaps over BLACK jeans

1abastarsmda · « **Reply #9 on:** October 27, 2009, 05:39:09 PM »

Chaps on a day like it was here today...40's and 50's. Below that, I wear my FXRG leather pants...now that I have them. Prior to that, I wore fleece lined jeans. I wore those down to zero last winter.

Talon · « **Reply #10 on:** October 28, 2009, 08:44:49 AM »

I'd wear both!

Your backside might get cooled with just the chaps! Couldn't resist, now you can go back to intelligent conversation.

Craig

Rooster · « **Reply #11 on:** October 28, 2009, 11:26:53 AM »

If you ask about chaps at Langlitz Leathers in Portland they pull out a pair of leather pants with severe road rash on the rear to show you then ask if you really want chaps.

yellowhog · « **Reply #12 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:18:29 PM »

Chaps when it's cold (below say 35 degrees and flannel lined jeans above that (to about 55 degrees). If you haven't worn flannel lined jeans, you'd be surprised how warm they are, without being "hot". I've been wearing them on the bike and everywhere else all winter for several years now...

1abastarsmda · « **Reply #13 on:** October 28, 2009, 10:04:09 PM »

Quote from: yellowhog on October 28, 2009, 09:18:29 PM

Chaps when it's cold (below say 35 degrees and flannel lined jeans above that (to about 55 degrees). If you haven't worn flannel lined jeans, you'd be surprised how warm they are, without being "hot". I've been wearing them on the bike and everywhere else all winter for several years now...

Same goes for the fleece lined jeans. I got a pair at Cabela's last winter for around $19 on sale. I would wear them under my leather pants, but I think it would be overkill.

Myko · « **Reply #14 on:** October 28, 2009, 10:09:18 PM »

Quote

Chaps when it is cooler, leather bibs when it is cold, insulated or heated liner for the bibs when it is really cold.

http://www.stonelakeleatherworks.com/

I'm with Porthole, although in N Va, the Stone Lake Bibs are good enough down to the teens... it's the hands and feet I focus on at that point. I'm in my 3rd season of the bibs.

1abastarsmda · « **Reply #15 on:** October 28, 2009, 11:36:13 PM »

Quote from: Myko on October 28, 2009, 10:09:18 PM

I'm with Porthole, although in N Va, the Stone Lake Bibs are good enough down to the teens... it's the hands and feet I focus on at that point. I'm in my 3rd season of the bibs.

Does that mean that they are only good down to the teens if you live in N Va?

(I couldn't find an icon for scratching my head)

BAKRDS · « **Reply #16 on:** November 13, 2009, 10:14:09 AM »

Web site Jafrum has leather pants for about $70 that zip all the way from the waist down.Easier to get into than chaps,warmer & more protection.I ware 34" inseam jeans on the bike & the jafrum pants are about 2" short on the bike.Just right when walking around.Think they claim 32" inseam for all waist sizes.

Harley Guy · « **Reply #17 on:** November 13, 2009, 12:11:43 PM »

Fleece line pants - electric heated vest

BAKRDS · « **Reply #18 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:40:17 PM »

Quote from: Harley Guy on November 13, 2009, 12:11:43 PM

Fleece line pants - electric heated vest

JMHO if it's cold enough for a heated vest it's cold enough for the sleeves.

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #19 on:** November 21, 2009, 10:56:15 AM »

Well I have leather pants that go over your jeans, legs zipper all the way up, warmer than chapps, and quicker to get on and off. So when I got heated gear, I got outer heated pants with the sippered legs.

DICKW · « **Reply #20 on:** November 21, 2009, 06:40:56 PM »

Quote from: 1abastarsmda on October 27, 2009, 05:39:09 PM

I wore fleece lined jeans. I wore those down to zero last winter.

I do this as well. No worries.

Real cold.....long johns underneath.

JCZ · « **Reply #21 on:** November 22, 2009, 10:14:16 PM »

I wear levis till it gets down in the 50's then wear chaps over the jeans the rest of the winter (it rarely drops below freezing here). We also have the Gebing jacket liners and heated gloves and Corbin heated seats, too. I've rode in 24F a couple of times, wore the Shampas under the jeans and chaps when it gets that cold.

Not sure what over pants are. I've seen pictures of leather bibs but have never saw any in person.....just not a common thing in Cali.

Buy early · « **Reply #22 on:** November 22, 2009, 11:55:32 PM »

Quote from: JCZ on November 22, 2009, 10:14:16 PM

I wear levis till it gets down in the 50's then wear chaps over the jeans the rest of the winter (it rarely drops below freezing here). We also have the Gebing jacket liners and heated gloves and Corbin heated seats, too. I've rode in 24F a couple of times, wore the Shampas under the jeans and chaps when it gets that cold.

Not sure what over pants are. I've seen pictures of leather bibs but have never saw any in person.....just not a common thing in Cali.

Overpants are a leather pant that goes over jeans. Usually have full zip sides and snaps at the cuffs. Kind of like chaps in that regard. They are warmer than chaps because they don't have the open crotch and back. I have a pair and have worn them on colder mornings. Easy to take off like chaps when it warms up.

martys · « **Reply #23 on:** November 23, 2009, 12:14:43 AM »

Quote from: JCZ on November 22, 2009, 10:14:16 PM

I wear levis till it gets down in the 50's then wear chaps over the jeans the rest of the winter (it rarely drops below freezing here). We also have the Gebing jacket liners and heated gloves and Corbin heated seats, too. I've rode in 24F a couple of times, wore the Shampas under the jeans and chaps when it gets that cold.

Not sure what over pants are. I've seen pictures of leather bibs but have never saw any in person.....just not a common thing in Cali.

I normally wear my jeans untill it goes below 50 F then my chaps over them till about 33F below that I wear my GMC pickup around my body cause it handles so much better in the snow than my SERG

StreetDog · « **Reply #24 on:** November 23, 2009, 02:43:18 PM »

Where do you get fleece lined jeans? Never heard of them. Longjohns, bluejeans and claps if it's going to be cold, 30's or low 40's. Good to about the freezing mark. After that I just don't ride very far, but I do ride some every month of the year. Trickle charger, what's that?

DICKW · « **Reply #25 on:** November 23, 2009, 02:48:53 PM »

Quote from: KingDog on November 23, 2009, 02:43:18 PM

Where do you get fleece lined jeans? Never heard of them. Longjohns, bluejeans and claps if it's going to be cold, 30's or low 40's. Good to about the freezing mark. After that I just don't ride very far, but I do ride some every month of the year. Trickle charger, what's that?

Man are you missing out......

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=23962&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=502709&feat=502709-tn&cat4=502703

Fired00d · « **Reply #26 on:** November 23, 2009, 02:53:34 PM »

Quote from: KingDog on November 23, 2009, 02:43:18 PM

Where do you get fleece lined jeans? Never heard of them. Longjohns, bluejeans and claps if it's going to be cold, 30's or low 40's. Good to about the freezing mark. After that I just don't ride very far, but I do ride some every month of the year. Trickle charger, what's that?

Google is my friend

............

Fleece Lined Jeans

Most common trickle charger - Battery Tender

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

DICKW · « **Reply #27 on:** November 23, 2009, 02:56:10 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on November 23, 2009, 02:53:34 PM

Google is my friend ............

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

LL BEAN is mine....

Fired00d · « **Reply #28 on:** November 23, 2009, 02:59:48 PM »

Quote from: DICKW on November 23, 2009, 02:56:10 PM

LL BEAN is mine....

They were included in that search.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Tre Savi · « **Reply #29 on:** December 01, 2009, 10:01:10 PM »

I do quite a lot of back country hiking (topo maps, compass, no trail) and have found that the climate control gear translates nicely with riding. Expedition and alpinism outfitters such as North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and Marmot base their systems on layering.

Base layer, Tight fitting, wicks moisture. I use Patagonia Capaline 4 tops and bottoms

insulating layer , I use the Patagonia R4 jacket. This is windproof fleece! Good stuff since it incorporates the shell layer.

and water/windproof shell The riding environment naturally calls for leather here and since I've already blocked the wind on the outside and insulated the inside, I use Alpinestars Dragster Jacket which breaths great and also insulates and has elbow, shoulder, back and chest protectors. For the bottoms you can use any pants from these companies over leather or fleece pants. I recommend Mountain Hardwear's Windstopper Tech Pants, which are fleece with reinforced knees and butt.

HD has come leaps and bounds from just generic products with a logo; but just my preference I leave the bike building to them and the outfitting to the outfitters. People climb Everest in this stuff. Plus I think purists appreciate seeing purists who aren't just cliched from head to toe in the bar and shield.

tjstreetglide · « **Reply #30 on:** December 01, 2009, 10:16:27 PM »

I wear textile overpants most of the time. They have zippers on the sides top to bottom. They are made by firstgear, waterproof also. You can wear them most of the time up here. In the summer its Chaps, logger pants, or duluth firehose jeans.

Gettinold · « **Reply #31 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:44:57 AM »

I dont wear either................. I own a 110.

DICKW · « **Reply #32 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:46:48 AM »

Quote from: Gettinold on December 02, 2009, 08:44:57 AM

I dont wear either................. I own a 110.

Now that's funny............

Lined pants also keeps the legs from burning

grandpadoc · « **Reply #33 on:** December 02, 2009, 11:05:28 AM »

I have chaps, but only wore them once...too bulky to store and didn't seem to make enough difference. I just wear powder ski pants over my jeans which have pockets and keep me warm and store easy. They have a good seal around the boot and are water resistant and double layered with thinsulate, but still not bulky...and very cheap when on sale after the season (<$20).

doc

skreminegul07 · « **Reply #34 on:** December 03, 2009, 08:08:53 AM »

Quote from: Gettinold on December 02, 2009, 08:44:57 AM

I dont wear either................. I own a 110.

But what do you do when it's not in the shop?

Gettinold · « **Reply #35 on:** December 03, 2009, 10:10:55 AM »

Quote from: skreminegul07 on December 03, 2009, 08:08:53 AM

But what do you do when it's not in the shop?

You realy dont want to know.

Rooster · « **Reply #36 on:** December 03, 2009, 10:13:56 AM »

Start it up to heat up the shop at home

rheiner · « **Reply #37 on:** December 04, 2009, 11:18:32 AM »

If it's cold enough to need something over jeans, I wear HD FXRG leather pants with armor. I haven't looked at the specs lately, but they must be Gortex lined because my legs never get cold, only my feet, and I wear the FXRG boots, heated jacket & gloves.

cahdbiker · « **Reply #38 on:** December 21, 2009, 03:51:16 AM »

49445CVO, I live in SOCAL, but I like to ride when it is cool and also late at night when there is less traffic. I just purchased some pants from Cycle Gear. They are made out of a cordura like material. They have some vents, and they have a zip out liner. They are pants, not overpants. They are made by Frank Thomas from England and they are on sale now for $129.00. For this time of the year they are a better choice than chaps (IMO) if you want to keep your legs warm for a long time. I live in SOCAL so I can usually ride all year long and I usually don't go out if it is less than 50 degrees, but I have found that with chaps once the cold penetrates the leather they don't do a good job. These pants I bought are comfortable, they are made by a company that specializes in motorcycle attire so they are cut right to be comfortable when riding and they have a verticle zipper on each ankle so you can slip them over your boot tops easy. There is a zipper in the front, an adjustable velcro belt, and two pockets in front with zippers. And most important of all they keep your legs warm. CAHDBIKER

bandit · « **Reply #39 on:** December 21, 2009, 05:43:29 AM »

Started with chaps at 93 (no protectors), but after the first training-session
, I changed to pants with protectors at the knees and hips. Also with an inlet-
trouser for the wet and cold rides. Feel more comfortable and save with them.
Had 3 accidents over the last 17 years with them, but only some blueprints.
Changed them after each accident.

oldharleyguy · « **Reply #40 on:** December 21, 2009, 08:45:22 AM »

layering Under Armour under fleece under lined chaps. The only problem is the Chaps make my ass look big. Oh, well........

muddypaws · « **Reply #41 on:** December 21, 2009, 11:24:50 AM »

Chaps without pants on the right person looks great if you know what I mean

grandpadoc · « **Reply #42 on:** December 21, 2009, 05:05:32 PM »

Quote from: muddypaws on December 21, 2009, 11:24:50 AM

Chaps without pants on the right person looks great if you know what I mean

Seen that at Glencoe Campground in Sturgis a few times.

Doc

Black Label Mark · « **Reply #43 on:** December 23, 2009, 05:15:46 PM »

I wear a pair of Langlitzs leather pant over jeans.

Chains · « **Reply #44 on:** December 23, 2009, 05:24:39 PM »

This reminds me of a funny story. Back in 1989, I had a new Softtail and living in Ohio, we experienced a lot of cold weather but we loved to ride. I went out and bought leather chaps for my wife and I and brought them home.

My wife and I were looking them over when my barley a teenager son walked into the room and inquired what do you have there dad. I held them up and told him chaps to wear when we go out riding. The look on his face was of sudden shock and embarrassment, then he stated he would disown us for going out in public like that. Puzzled we ask why? He stated what will my friends think when they see you guys with your rearends hanging out.

Had to have a little sit down with the boy and bring him up to speed that these chaps were for going over your blue jeans not without them. Once he understood we all laughed until we cried.

By the way the boy who never understood chaps became a fantastic toolmaker/moldmaker and then started building choppers and painting and restoring cars.

Thank God, there was a time I wondered.

Buy early · « **Reply #45 on:** December 23, 2009, 07:03:24 PM »

Quote from: grandpadoc on December 21, 2009, 05:05:32 PM

Seen that at Glencoe Campground in Sturgis a few times. Doc

The opposite is extra disturbing tho. Someone wearing chaps sans pants that should't do so can stop a clock! Saw examples of both one day in Sturgis within about 10 minutes of each other, wigged me out.

Billyb · « **Reply #46 on:** January 23, 2010, 02:37:59 PM »

I have a set of leather over pants they work great in the colder weather as you can see in my picture it was 27 degrees that day and I was out for a 2hour ride,I ride with the chaps in cool weather to

martys · « **Reply #47 on:** January 23, 2010, 03:44:17 PM »

Quote from: billb on January 23, 2010, 02:37:59 PM

I have a set of leather over pants they work great in the colder weather as you can see in my picture it was 27 degrees that day and I was out for a 2hour ride,I ride with the chaps in cool weather to

Gortex Wind Pants over jeans and longjohns

and a hoody under my leather coat.

Thats all I needed today (thats right Jan 23 2010)

I was out for an hour and the only thing cold were my fingers.

4 C (38F) is like a summer day here in January in Southern Ontario

Gettinold · « **Reply #48 on:** January 23, 2010, 04:18:01 PM »

Thats a good sign a Blizzard is coming.

49445CVO · « **Reply #49 on:** January 23, 2010, 05:30:22 PM »

Quote from: martys on January 23, 2010, 03:44:17 PM

Gortex Wind Pants over jeans and longjohns and a hoody under my leather coat. Thats all I needed today (thats right Jan 23 2010) I was out for an hour and the only thing cold were my fingers. 4 C (38F) is like a summer day here in January in Southern Ontario

What no Alberta clipper?

HOGMIKE · « **Reply #50 on:** January 23, 2010, 07:01:21 PM »

Rode to a club meeting this morning, jeans, jacket, no gloves! Brrrr!!
I think tomorrow I'll see if I can find my chaps and gloves!
Cold here tonight, 57F at this time, supposed to be cold tomorrow also........we'll see.
Glad I have the heated grips!

ScreaminStreetGlide · « **Reply #51 on:** February 14, 2010, 12:44:03 PM »

I don't like chaps. I like jeans. I am going to try these.
http://www.dragginjeans.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=DLINERS

BAKRDS · « **Reply #52 on:** February 14, 2010, 01:08:49 PM »

Just my $.02 but nothings worse than being trapped in long johns when the temp goes up.Also have to block the wind for long johns to really be effective.

Supershooter · « **Reply #53 on:** February 14, 2010, 01:25:13 PM »

I've been thinking about buying some FXRG Pants, can someone give me the pro's and cons of them...
Thanks Wide Glide Rider

martys · « **Reply #54 on:** February 14, 2010, 01:29:13 PM »

Quote from: HOGMIKE on January 23, 2010, 07:01:21 PM

Rode to a club meeting this morning, jeans, jacket, no gloves! Brrrr!!
I think tomorrow I'll see if I can find my chaps and gloves!
Cold here tonight, 57F at this time, supposed to be cold tomorrow also........we'll see.
Glad I have the heated grips!

Give me a break Mike

I has gone up to -2c (28f) today and still snowing

Enjoy your ride friend

Supershooter · « **Reply #55 on:** February 14, 2010, 02:07:04 PM »

17 above, Today 30 mph wind, we are ready to for spring, in NW IA.

HOGMIKE · « **Reply #56 on:** February 14, 2010, 03:41:33 PM »

Ride update:
Not a good day to ride today. Me and the "twin" went for a cruise about 90 miles.
Pretty strong winds out in the mountains, and only about 65 degrees.
At least it is warm in the sun.
Had to turn my grip heaters on 'till we got back to town.

Brrrr....I guess I can understand how you guys are dealing with YOUR weather back East now!! LOL

BAKRDS · « **Reply #57 on:** February 14, 2010, 04:25:31 PM »

Quote from: HOGMIKE on February 14, 2010, 03:41:33 PM

Ride update:
Not a good day to ride today. Me and the "twin" went for a cruise about 90 miles.
Pretty strong winds out in the mountains, and only about 65 degrees.
At least it is warm in the sun.
Had to turn my grip heaters on 'till we got back to town.

Brrrr....I guess I can understand how you guys are dealing with YOUR weather back East now!! LOL

Only 65 degrees ?? WTF ??

Author Topic: Chaps or Pants? (Read 13162 times)