Motorcycle 'jeans' WHat's good and what's not !

[Jody]

I currently have some Draggin' textile trousers that are lined with kevlar. They are OK, a lot less hassle than full leathers. However I would like a wee bit of knee protection. I know I could use separate pads, but I'd rather not.

Whats good in the motorcycle jeans market atm

[weeksy]

Resurgence are worth a look from Sportsbikeshop

[Skub]

RST jobbies are all I ever wear on the bike. They fit well,decent armour for knees and hips and above all they are comfortable.
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... OZEALw_wcB

[MrLongbeard]

Hood for me if its a smidge chilly, they're bloody thick n heavy, get years of use out of them.
Otherwise https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... rod/429045 which are more jean like than other biking jeans

[Mr. Dazzle]

My PMJs seem really good. They're the single layer type where the whole item is made from the tough fabric, rather than lined 'normal' jeans. They've also for knee and hip armour, but jts just the squidgy rubber stuff.

I can wear them all day and be comfortable, although maybe not when it's 30 degrees.

[mangocrazy]

The alternative is to wear an underlayer with high quality body armour fitted, then your preferred kevlar lined jeans on top. The underlayer will hold the body armour tightly where it needs to be allowing the outer layer to be comfy without loosing protection. I have Planet Knox Action Pants (shame about the name) and a matching Action Pro jacket. The body armour is better quality than most of the stuff found in regular jackets and trousers and gives you more freedom in your choice of top layer. I've removed all the (often indifferent quality) body armour from all my jackets and trousers and just rely on the Knox Action stuff.

https://www.planet-knox.com/product/kno ... red-pants/

[Noggin]

The alternative is to wear an underlayer with high quality body armour fitted, then your preferred kevlar lined jeans on top. The underlayer will hold the body armour tightly where it needs to be allowing the outer layer to be comfy without loosing protection. I have Planet Knox Action Pants (shame about the name) and a matching Action Pro jacket. The body armour is better quality than most of the stuff found in regular jackets and trousers and gives you more freedom in your choice of top layer. I've removed all the (often indifferent quality) body armour from all my jackets and trousers and just rely on the Knox Action stuff.

https://www.planet-knox.com/product/kno ... red-pants/

When I can start buying proper kit again, this is the way I'll probably go. I am 100% sure that the solid armour that was in a relatively loose jacket assisted in the severity of my shoulder injury. To get a jacket to 'fit' me, it needed to be bigger in some areas than others, so the shoulder section wasn't close fitting. I'd guaranteed that the plastic hard armour moved as I flew and was not 'covering' the shoulder on impact!!

[mangocrazy]

The alternative is to wear an underlayer with high quality body armour fitted, then your preferred kevlar lined jeans on top. The underlayer will hold the body armour tightly where it needs to be allowing the outer layer to be comfy without loosing protection. I have Planet Knox Action Pants (shame about the name) and a matching Action Pro jacket. The body armour is better quality than most of the stuff found in regular jackets and trousers and gives you more freedom in your choice of top layer. I've removed all the (often indifferent quality) body armour from all my jackets and trousers and just rely on the Knox Action stuff.

https://www.planet-knox.com/product/kno ... red-pants/

When I can start buying proper kit again, this is the way I'll probably go. I am 100% sure that the solid armour that was in a relatively loose jacket assisted in the severity of my shoulder injury. To get a jacket to 'fit' me, it needed to be bigger in some areas than others, so the shoulder section wasn't close fitting. I'd guaranteed that the plastic hard armour moved as I flew and was not 'covering' the shoulder on impact!!

Yes, I'd say that ill-fitting armour is as bad as having no armour and may even make matters worse, especially if it's solid. There's also the fact that you think you're protected when you're actually not. I really like the Knox Action stuff. Because you can mix and match with top layers it's far more versatile while giving really good protection.

[Noggin]

The alternative is to wear an underlayer with high quality body armour fitted, then your preferred kevlar lined jeans on top. The underlayer will hold the body armour tightly where it needs to be allowing the outer layer to be comfy without loosing protection. I have Planet Knox Action Pants (shame about the name) and a matching Action Pro jacket. The body armour is better quality than most of the stuff found in regular jackets and trousers and gives you more freedom in your choice of top layer. I've removed all the (often indifferent quality) body armour from all my jackets and trousers and just rely on the Knox Action stuff.

https://www.planet-knox.com/product/kno ... red-pants/

When I can start buying proper kit again, this is the way I'll probably go. I am 100% sure that the solid armour that was in a relatively loose jacket assisted in the severity of my shoulder injury. To get a jacket to 'fit' me, it needed to be bigger in some areas than others, so the shoulder section wasn't close fitting. I'd guaranteed that the plastic hard armour moved as I flew and was not 'covering' the shoulder on impact!!

Yes, I'd say that ill-fitting armour is as bad as having no armour and may even make matters worse, especially if it's solid. There's also the fact that you think you're protected when you're actually not. I really like the Knox Action stuff. Because you can mix and match with top layers it's far more versatile while giving really good protection.

I'm 100% sure that the armour made things as bad as they ended up. I suspect that I rolled over it a few times in different postitions as well, helping the ball of the humerus shatter Very painful and long lesson learnt!!!


Sadly, I've not found a supplier of armour sets like that that would fit me. But I do have a shoulder support I've been sent to try and adapt to fit me. If I can make that work, then there's a good chance I'll have a go at making a layer to put the armour into and actually fit me. Will probably still avoid the hard armour for ever and go to the soft 'squash ball' type stuff.

[KungFooBob]

I've riden from Barnsley to Annecy this weekend in a pair of Bullit jeans from sport bike shop, they're great. Much better than my old pair of Red routes.

They're a bit stretchy, have knee and hip armour, bit the cut hides it really well. I'd be happy wearing them down the pub.

Bit warm for 35c riding tho.

[mangocrazy]

When I can start buying proper kit again, this is the way I'll probably go. I am 100% sure that the solid armour that was in a relatively loose jacket assisted in the severity of my shoulder injury. To get a jacket to 'fit' me, it needed to be bigger in some areas than others, so the shoulder section wasn't close fitting. I'd guaranteed that the plastic hard armour moved as I flew and was not 'covering' the shoulder on impact!!

Yes, I'd say that ill-fitting armour is as bad as having no armour and may even make matters worse, especially if it's solid. There's also the fact that you think you're protected when you're actually not. I really like the Knox Action stuff. Because you can mix and match with top layers it's far more versatile while giving really good protection.

I'm 100% sure that the armour made things as bad as they ended up. I suspect that I rolled over it a few times in different postitions as well, helping the ball of the humerus shatter Very painful and long lesson learnt!!!


Sadly, I've not found a supplier of armour sets like that that would fit me. But I do have a shoulder support I've been sent to try and adapt to fit me. If I can make that work, then there's a good chance I'll have a go at making a layer to put the armour into and actually fit me. Will probably still avoid the hard armour for ever and go to the soft 'squash ball' type stuff.

Wouldn't something like this fit the bill for upper body?

https://www.planet-knox.com/product/wom ... er-jacket/

[The Spin Doctor]

Start here:

MotoCap pants.jpg (125.66 KiB) Viewed 440 times

https://www.motocap.com.au/products/pan ... al%3ADenim

MotoCap should be everyone's go-to site for info on bike kit. Dr Chris Hurren, the Australian materials scientist who kicked it off, is a biker himself and I've worked with him over in New Zealand on the Shiny Side Up tours - he's a very approachable bloke. His test machinery is far superior to the Darmstadt machine that creates the A, AA and AAA ratings.

But the reports go further than abrasion / crash protection, and look at comfort and waterproofing too.

[Supermofo]

Bull-it Covert
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... rod/430315

AAA rated and even got a half decent score from MotoCAP looking at the link, let down if you slide down the road on your cock or whilst doing the splits. I reckon if that happened I'd probably have other issues

My mate also crashed in a pair at probably 20-25mph and no damage to the jeans at all, not even a scuff.

They fit miles better than my old draggin jeans and are nice to wear on the bike and in the office, but if it's real hot you'll feel it. They come with knee/hip armour and at £99 I'd say they are a bargain (that's what I paid and still that price). The Covert have small sections of lining which the Tactical don't hence AA vs AAA so the Tactical might be a bit cooler to wear, but I haven't had issues with mine. Hottest I've ridden in was 33C and TBH at that anything but tackle out is gonna feel warm.

[Noggin]

Yes, I'd say that ill-fitting armour is as bad as having no armour and may even make matters worse, especially if it's solid. There's also the fact that you think you're protected when you're actually not. I really like the Knox Action stuff. Because you can mix and match with top layers it's far more versatile while giving really good protection.

I'm 100% sure that the armour made things as bad as they ended up. I suspect that I rolled over it a few times in different postitions as well, helping the ball of the humerus shatter Very painful and long lesson learnt!!!


Sadly, I've not found a supplier of armour sets like that that would fit me. But I do have a shoulder support I've been sent to try and adapt to fit me. If I can make that work, then there's a good chance I'll have a go at making a layer to put the armour into and actually fit me. Will probably still avoid the hard armour for ever and go to the soft 'squash ball' type stuff.

Wouldn't something like this fit the bill for upper body?

https://www.planet-knox.com/product/wom ... er-jacket/

onc I've had a reduction operation, that'll be just fine!! So it'll cost a load more than 380£!

I've spent a lot of time looking for something that fits a larger hourglass figure. Most will fit either shoulders/chest or waist/hips. The only kit I had the fitted well was a Crowtree jacket

[The Spin Doctor]

onc I've had a reduction operation, that'll be just fine!! So it'll cost a load more than 380£!

I've spent a lot of time looking for something that fits a larger hourglass figure. Most will fit either shoulders/chest or waist/hips. The only kit I had the fitted well was a Crowtree jacket

Have you considered going made-to-measure? Hideout are good - Kate Jennings is very helpful.

[mangocrazy]

onc I've had a reduction operation, that'll be just fine!! So it'll cost a load more than 380£!

I've spent a lot of time looking for something that fits a larger hourglass figure. Most will fit either shoulders/chest or waist/hips. The only kit I had the fitted well was a Crowtree jacket

Ok, wasn't aware of your (ahem) particular requirements

Crowtree were the best. I have a set of one piece race leathers from them that I can just about squeeze myself into (they appear to have mysteriously shrunk) and also a pair of leather salopettes that have also shrunk and which I must get altered to fit. Their stuff was just so well made and incredible value for money. To my mind there was nothing better on the market at any price. Such a shame about Alec.

[Bigyin]

Another Bullit user here . I wear them for work rather than textiles as the jeans are more comfortable. I have a pair of the cargo ones with the leg pockets which I find handy for stuffing keys , phone etc into.

They are currently on offer at Sportsbikeshop at 60 quid ….. although typically not in my 34 waist size but every other size above and below

[Mr. Dazzle]

My go to Jacket is Crowtree, the only criticism I have of it is its farkin' heavy. That it outweighed however by the single greatest innovation in motorcycle clothing...backwards pockets! The pocket zips are in the centre of the jacket so you put your right hand in the left pocket, reaching "across" your middle. Revelatory.

I say Jacket, I've got the matching trousers too but I always wear my PMJ jeans now.

[Skub]

Have you considered going made-to-measure? Hideout are good - Kate Jennings is very helpful.

I've admired Hideout for a while,but I'd need to make a trip to the mainland to be measured,so that's an obstacle.
I don't see them listed on that MotoCap page either?

[The Spin Doctor]

Have you considered going made-to-measure? Hideout are good - Kate Jennings is very helpful.

I've admired Hideout for a while,but I'd need to make a trip to the mainland to be measured,so that's an obstacle.
I don't see them listed on that MotoCap page either?

I should have mentioned that since MotoCap is an Aus / NZ initiative Chris only tests what he can buy as a 'secret shopper' in stores down under.

Worth knowing that Hideout are still having their kit independently tested to the older Level 2 CE standards - it is considerably tougher than the AAA standard.