What was once a rarity — jeans with abrasion and impact protection — is now a competitive, full segment of the motorcycle gear market. With prices running from $80 to $550+ and all sorts of jargon and exaggerate marketing claims, it can be hard to figure out which pair is right. We’re here to help. Which motorcycle jeans are right for you? Find out in this comprehensive breakdown. Regular jeans offer zero protection in a motorcycle accident. Trust me, I know. And, motorcycle jeans like the ones listed here are still a compromise. While all offer some abrasion protection and some add impact protection, none offer anything like the safety or the all-weather ability of real leather or textile motorcycle pants. If you’re doing something dangerous on a bike — commuting, going fast, riding in the rain or off-road — we strongly recommend that you opt for a real set of motorcycle pants with CE-approved armor in the shins, knees and hips. But, there are times when something more casual is needed.

Something that looks good on and off the bike. That’s where riding jeans like these come into play. As with all clothing, fit is the most important factor. In fact, that should be your number one factor when choosing a pair of motorcycle jeans and it means you’ll need to try them on. Most of the jeans listed here aren’t available from brick and mortar retailers, so there may be some trial and error with orders and returns. We advise that you look for retailers with consumer-friendly return policies and good customer service. Riding jeans need to protect you in two ways: impact and abrasion. Because these are products that sacrifice safety for style, many won’t offer impact protection due to its bulkiness, weight and price. Even the products that do, will offer that armor over limited areas of your lower body — none protect your shin. Look for armor that carries a CE-certified rating, which fits your joints while in your bike’s riding position and which doesn’t compromise comfort.

Abrasion protection is easier to provide and in jeans is handled by including abrasion-resistant materials like Kevlar in the weave or by sewing in internal panels of those same materials. Neither method is categorically superior. Traditionally, liners were safer, but made jeans with them heavy and hot; jeans with protection in the weave were less safe, but easier to wear. Advancing materials technology has changed all that. Look for jeans with abrasion protection across the widest possible area — particularly in the seat — and included in such a way that it doesn’t compromise comfort. Deth Killers Slim Guy — $250 What’s Good: As stylish as jeans get, these also happen to provide good abrasion resistance for motorcycle riding thanks to a denim weave that’s 16 percent Kevlar. What’s Bad: These will be too slim if you live somewhere that still thinks baggy is fashionable or if you’re not runway thin.These are the riding jeans we wear most often, on bike and off.

That’s because they look better than anything else out there. Deth Killers Style 105 — $250 What’s Good: The same construction as the original Slim Guys, just in a cut that mimics the classic Levi’s 501. What’s Bad: Not quite as safe as some other options and no armor pockets are provided.If you’re uncomfortable in skinny jeans, then you’ll like these just fine.yamaha r1 tire size 2005 What’s Good: Like the Deth Killers, the weave itself provides the protection, here incorporating Cordura for strength and CoolMax for breathability. motorcycle shop in murfreesboro tnKnee armor is included and hip armor is optional. michelin commander ii motorcycle tires

These fit and wear like normal jeans but have an extremely high degree of on-bike comfort and safety. What’s Bad: The knee armor pocket isn’t adjustable, so the armor may not line up with your actual knee.These are the best combination of style and safety currently available. What’s Good: All the same comfort and safety features of the Lombards. What’s Bad: They’re $30 more expensive than the Lombards and all that nets you is overly-fussy design features.ironhorse motorcycle trailer for saleThe cheaper Lombards offer the same features in a more understated, normal-looking design. What’s Good: You know the Rev’It jeans formula by now. These are styled like work pants, complete with big pockets and a very dark finish. What’s Bad: These also take the styling just a little over the top. RideApart Recommended: Yes, like the other jeans in the Rev’It line-up, these look good and work well.

What’s Good: Start with the Lombard and add seams which curve away from the outer edge or your leg to put them in a less vulnerable position. The Campos are also cut stylishly slim. What’s Bad: The knee armor pocket isn’t adjustable, so the armor might not line up with your actual knee.These are the Rev’It Jeans we’ll probably end up wearing next. Rev’it Women’s Madison — $200 What’s Good: That same cotton/Cordura/CoolMax denim weave as the men’s jeans, just here in a shape that will look good on women. There’s removable CE armor in the knees too. What’s Bad: That knee armor isn’t repositionable, so there’s a chance it may not fit you. RideApart Recommended: An emphatic yes. The best women’s motorcycle jeans you can buy. Rev’it Women’s Broadway — $240 What’s Good: The $40 premium buys you a CE-approved, anti-abrasion synthetic layer in the seat, hips and knees. Otherwise, these appear to be the same jean as the Madison.