The Best Motorcycle Pants Available

I’ve spent time reviewing a list of the five best Motorcycle pants you could buy in 2023, and I’m here to share my insights with you.

Choosing the right pants is vital for my safety and comfort on the road. I know that settling for cheap knock-offs or pants unsuitable for my riding style could lead to serious injury, and that’s a risk I’m not willing to take.

I’ve dug deep into research, comparing various motorcycle pant products to find the ones that excel in safety, comfort, and practicality.

After all my research, I’ve found that the Klim Drakar Pants are my top choice, offering the best overall value for money and performance.

What caught my attention about these pants is not just their leading protective technologies but also their supreme practicality and comfort across a wide range of conditions.

If you want to know more about why I chose the Klim Dakar Pants or want to explore other top picks, continue reading my in-depth reviews. I’m here to help you find the optimal motorcycle pants for your ride.

I recently got my hands on Klim’s Dakar, a versatile and durable riding pant with a solid reputation. I was looking for pants that would suit my sport riding style and would perform equally well on light adventures and trail rides, and the Klim Dakar didn’t disappoint.

First, let me tell you about the protection it offers. The entire pant, made from a 630D Cordura main body and heavy-duty 840D Cordura on the knees and seat, feels incredibly robust. What caught my attention were the TPU-vented accents on the knees – they provide protection without making me feel overheated. The body’s durable water-resistant (DWR) coating also helps deflect water and mud, keeping me clean during my rides.

One drawback is that the armor has to be bought separately, but the 30D-compatible pocket linings gave me a secure place to keep my belongings.

I was concerned about temperature control and flexibility due to the padding, but Klim seems to have thought of everything. The pants are designed with vents and flex zones for comfort, and I found the YKK zippers on each thigh especially useful to adjust airflow according to the weather. The moisture-wicking liner kept me dry even on my most challenging rides.

I also appreciated the stretch material in areas like the waist, knees, back of the legs, and crotch. It offset the stiffness from the Cordura material and allowed me the flexibility I needed.

The adjustable waist with dual VELCRO® closures and fastener cinch straps provided a secure and comfortable fit, and the silicone waistband helped keep everything in place.

Klim Dakkar’s additional features were the cherry on top. I felt safer with the 3M Scotchlite reflective material on the back of each leg, and the two spacious zippered pockets were handy. I was especially impressed by the color-coded zipper heads – a small detail, but it made differentiating between pockets and vents much more accessible while riding off-road.

With a mid-range price tag, I believe the Klim Dakkar offers excellent value for money. The multiple color schemes, ranging from all-black to an eye-catching blue and gold number called “striking petrol,” allowed me to find a style that matched my taste.

In short, my experience with the Klim Dakkar was positive, and I would recommend these pants to fellow riders looking for quality, style, and functionality.

I recently stumbled upon the Street & Steel Oakland Jeans, a budget-friendly pair of riding pants that caught my eye with their modern, casual feel. At first glance, I couldn’t even tell that they were riding jeans, lacking the typical boot or loose cut fit. Their casual cut makes them an attractive option for social outings, and after wearing them, I found they offer much more than just good looks.

These Oakland Jeans are crafted from 12 oz. heavy-duty denim, providing noticeably better protection than my everyday jeans. I was impressed by the blend of denim and elastane, which gave them a stretchy quality that felt far more comfortable while riding. The seamless knee design not only added to the comfort but also enhanced their overall appearance.

When it came to protection, I found the Oakland Jeans didn’t cut corners despite their low price. They feature a heat-resistant aramid inner-lining at the knees, hips, and seat for added reinforcement. Additionally, the CE (Conformité Européenne) armor insert pads at the knees provided some peace of mind. I liked that I could adjust the knee pads for comfort or even remove them once I reached my destination.

Of course, the Oakland doesn’t provide the ultimate level of safety, but they feel tough enough for daily wear and seem to provide decent abrasion protection. Even though the CE knee pads aren’t top-notch, I realized I could easily replace them with other suitable armor if needed.

What truly sets the Oakland Jeans apart for me is how they manage to blend safety and style. All the safety features are designed to be hidden, so they look just like a regular pair of jeans. Without the heavy washout or faded effect often found in riding jeans, they present a more stylish option. I was even able to choose between black, dark blue, or classic light blue to match my taste.

The five-pocket design was the final touch that won me over. Having ample space for my keys, wallet, phone, and other accessories allowed me to transition from bike to real life seamlessly.

In summary, if you’re looking for a pair of riding jeans that combine fashion and function without breaking the bank, the Street & Steel Oakland Jeans might be the perfect find. They’ve certainly become a valuable addition to my riding wardrobe.

When I came across Klim’s Badlands Pro riding pants, I knew I was looking at something special. Klim is a brand synonymous with ultra-tough off-road sporting motorcycle pants, and these being their top-of-the-line product, I expected nothing short of excellence.

Designed with hardcore adventure bikers like me in mind, the Badlands Pro offered a blend of extreme protection and street functionality that I didn’t want to pass up. The absence of reliance on standalone armor was a significant selling point for me.

What really makes these pants stand out is the new Gore-Tex 3 Layer Pro material. As I tried them on, I could feel the ruggedness of the Superfabric ceramic print overlays and Cordura fabrics, paired with lightweight inner panels. I was assured of 100% water resistance, and the material felt impervious to abrasions and snags. More importantly, it was highly breathable and allowed me a high degree of mobility on my bike.

The 630D Karbonite ripstop panels that span the entire seat area were a nice touch. I could tell this design would prevent wear and tear and provide a robust defense against abrasion and impact. The rest of the body felt equally solid, crafted from 400D and 200D fabric, and the Aero Pro D3O CE Level 2 vented armor at the knees and hips felt secure.

The six vents located on the legs and thighs were a feature I particularly appreciated. Being able to adjust them with glove-friendly YKK zipper heads was a thoughtful addition, ensuring ventilation and temperature control during my rides.

The leather on the inner knees not only provided extra grip and protection but also allowed me to tightly grip the tank with my knees, something I value in a standing position, without the risk of getting burned. Knowing that the Badlands Pro is a CE AA-rated garment certified to EN 17092-3, one of the top ratings for protection, gave me further peace of mind.

Storage was well-thought-out, with billowed thigh pockets and internal organizer compartments, and even an external MOLLE-compatible utility panel for extra secure storage space.

One thing I noted was that these pants are not designed for use with standalone armor. Although they come with built-in armor in critical areas, wearing additional standalone armor, such as knee braces, underneath might lead to an uncomfortable fit. For me, that was no problem, as the built-in protection was more than sufficient.

In sum, the Badlands Pro Pants by Klim proved to be a premium choice for someone like me, who craves rugged adventure without sacrificing protection or style. Every detail is thoughtfully designed, and I feel confident wearing them on both off-road excursions and casual street rides. They certainly live up to Klim’s reputation.

When I decided to try Dainese’s Delta 3 Perforated Leather Pants, I knew I was investing in one of the leading brands in rider safety. Being one of only two major suppliers of MotoGP gear, Dainese’s reputation precedes them. I was intrigued by how their racing-grade technologies were infused into these street gear pants.

Right off the bat, the certifications of the Delta 3 caught my eye. The composite knee sliders were made to meet the EN 1621.1 standards, and the soft protectors on the knee and hips carried the EN 1621.1 standard Level 2 certification. The pants themselves were certified according to the CE – Cat. II – 89/686/EEC Directive, making me feel confident about their safety features.

Slipping into the Delta 3 Leather Pants, I immediately noticed the agility they offered. They used the same S1 bi-elastic fabric and Nanofeel Silver Ion liner found in top-tier Dianese race suits. Leather pants can often restrict movement, but these were different. The VELCRO hip adjusters and elasticated fabric inserts allowed a perfect fit, and I felt incredibly mobile on my bike.

I’ve always found leather pants to be notoriously hard to wear, but Dainese has obviously thought this through. The double calf tightening zippers on each leg made getting into them easier. Pairing the Delta 3 with my other riding gear was also a breeze, thanks to the pan-to-boot and jacket-pants fastening system. The removable and completely interchangeable composite knee sliders were a handy feature.

What really stood out to me was the outer material. Made of Tutu cow leather, I found it to be ultra-thin at just 1.2mm, and I was amazed at how lightweight it felt. The fact that it was water, abrasion, and tear-resistant was a big plus. The perforated cooling zones, strategically located in critical areas like the thighs, added extra breathability and comfort to my ride.

Overall, my experience with the Delta 3 Perforated Leather Pants was nothing short of impressive. It’s clear to me why Dainese is a preferred brand in rider safety. They’ve successfully brought race-grade technologies to the street, maximizing mobility and comfort for sports riding. I feel well-protected, agile, and stylish whenever I hit the road in these pants.

I recently discovered Dainese’s Drake Air, and as a woman biker, I was drawn to this classic and long-time favorite for multi-season riding or sport-touring. Unlike the men’s version, this one’s tailored for warmer two-to-three-season weather, and I was excited to see how it performed.

The New Drake Air intrigued me with its straightforward, universal design and promises of outstanding all-around performance. I knew it was primarily meant for everyday street use, so I wasn’t expecting it to be entirely waterproof. Still, I was pleased to find it water repellent and equipped with just the necessary protections.

Slipping into the pants, I felt the 750D material, providing a decent level of abrasion protection. I was particularly relieved to find CE-rated composite knee and shin armor built into the pant, adding a layer of impact protection. What really impressed me was how the elasticated inserts ensured that the armor didn’t disrupt my overall comfort.

On my long touring sessions, the large mesh back flap vent above the knee proved invaluable. I could open it for better airflow, preventing any heat build-up. It became clear to me that Dianese had thought this through, even incorporating sanitized lining to keep me feeling fresh. The perforated fabric in other areas added breathability, something I greatly appreciated.

The feel of the Drake Air was something else entirely. Being a full Mugello fabric pant, made of micro nylon and elastomeric fabric, I found it wear-and-tear resistant and delightfully lightweight. The stretch it gave me provided extra flexibility, both on and off the bike. I loved how it hugged my body tightly, creating less drag and a stylish, fitting look.

Adjusting the pant along the hip using the anodized pulls was simple, and I liked the extra wiggle room around the calf with the relatively long calf zip. I even experimented with wearing a thinner boot underneath, though it wasn’t a guaranteed fit.

Overall, my experience with the Drake Air has been positive. It’s a go-to pant for warmer weather, providing the essential protections without sacrificing comfort or style. Whether I’m touring or just riding around town, I feel confident and well-equipped in these pants.

How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Riding Pants

As someone who has spent considerable time on the road riding motorcycles, I know how vital the right riding pants are. I’ve tried a variety of them, each offering excellent performance under most conditions. Allow me to guide you through what I’ve learned, and perhaps it will help you choose the best riding pants for yourself.

Protection

Safety is paramount for me, and it should be for any motorcyclist. I used to think regular jeans were enough, being comfortable and tough, but they failed me the moment I hit the asphalt.

I then discovered the world of high-quality riding pants, which offer extra protection using durable materials like aramid (Kevlar) or Cordura. I’ve found that these high-tech fibers, used entirely or as extra padding in places like the knees, can take a beating on the road, being extremely abrasion-resistant.

For additional safety, some pants I’ve tried had extra armor for the knees and hips. The shock and impact absorption saved my skin more than once, and the extra abrasion protection was a bonus. Suspenders, preventing the pants from being pulled down during an accident, were a thoughtful addition too.

Comfort

But with all this protection, I realized there was a trade-off in comfort. Extra padding and rigid materials limited my mobility and trapped heat underneath the pants. I remember getting really uncomfortable on long rides. And yet, I knew how cold legs could get when riding in rain or frigid weather.

The solution came in the form of innovative climate technologies in the best motorcycle pants. I experienced pants that balanced air circulation to ward off heat build-up, along with proper insulation against extreme cold. Manufacturers cleverly combined insulating materials with strategic air vents, and some offered removable insulation and closable vents. They even used materials to prevent condensation and provide anti-slip capabilities.

Stretch panels made the stiffness of armor bearable, a relief in some of my rides.

Appearance

While safety and comfort were my main concerns, I admit I wanted to look good too. I explored many styles, from jean riding pants that gave a casual, old-school feel (perfect for outings and lazy weekend rides) to more high-tech materials with sleek or multi-color designs. They showed off various features like stretch zones, pockets, and armor, adding flair to functionality.

Price

Affordability was also a consideration. I found riding pants ranging from below $100 to over $1,000 for premium ones. Deciding what I was willing to pay helped me balance my budget with my riding needs and find the right pair.

Summary

Choosing the best motorcycle pants isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re into extreme off-roading, touring, or racing, you need gear built to perform under those conditions. I’ve learned that some protection is better than none when it comes to road safety. I highly recommend investing in pants specifically for riding, just as I did. Your comfort, appearance, and most importantly, your safety, depend on it.