You're spot-on with your assessment. I think chaps were designed (by horsemen) to protect against the wind and rain... not pavement.

 

I've never seen any redeeming qualities. My friend rides a horse and I've never seen him in chaps. In fact, I can't really remember seeing anyone in chaps other than cruiser riders!

I think a person can ride a cruiser in full gear (REAL gear) and still look cool.

 

I've never seen any redeeming qualities. My friend rides a horse and I've never seen him in chaps.

I grew up in Montana (and I've seen a lot of movies ;-) ). Those men aren't "guys who ride horses", but horsemen. Biiiig difference. The idea behind chaps is to keep the leather out of your crotch, where it might chafe and bind against the saddle. That's also the idea behind the outside seam on Wrangler jeans, btw.

 

Actually I find chaps handy when it's cold in the mornings but warms up as the day progresses. I'm more utilitarian when it comes to riding gear. Chaps are nice too keep your legs from getting cold and keeping the rain off if it's not going to be cold all day.

They're easy to put on and take off.

 

I have a pair of chaps which I wore when riding my horse.

They have 2 main uses:
1) Leather is better than cotton/denim when you have "contact" with the horse using your lower legs. You have a better "grip" if the horse spooks.
2) They keep your legs warm and dryer in bad weather.

They do NOT protect you from road rash or any kind of impact. They are, as Clint pointed out, intended for someone riding a horse over open plains, not a motorcycle traveling at 60mph down the highway.

 

In all honesty, jeans and chaps are probably much more protective than my standard protection: jeans, no chaps.

 

Chaps protect the cowboy's legs against thorny brush and tree limbs. I have a set I have worn maybe twice, whenever I take the Harley off road. :mrgreen: BTW, I have said set for sale cheap if anybody is interested.

 

Thanks for everyone's reply....I understand Chaps for horseback riding..My daughter competes professionaly, both western and English,,,,,,won National Champion several times....

It just seems like all the WebSites, like LeatherUp always shows Chaps for riding motorcycles......

I know they look good on women, and wearing a T-Back.....

I guess, I'll just stick to my jeans....

thanks

dan

 

I wear my chaps when ever it's cool or I might be out in the rain
or on a road trip, on the road they can atleast protect some againt things flyin off the road kicked by other cars/trucks like little pebbles/rocks and also bugs can hurt at 65mph +

 

My chaps get a lot of use on cool mornings and after dark. They are small and easy to store in the saddlebag.

 

CHAPS, are they worth it??

They were worth it for the Biker guy in The Village People. That costume gamble paid off big time for him. :mrgreen:

 

I love'm myself.............If it's cool out I wear them. Their comfrotable and really keeps the cold out. Faggish? I think not, get awesome replys by the ladies (if you have the body for them). If your a fatass I wouldn't bother

 

If your a fatass I wouldn't bother

ROFL..

 

Chaps are a great way to keep warm in the cool weather, and to keep your pants clean while you ride. While they are not nearly as protective as 'proper' motorcycle leathers, they are certainly a heck of a lot better than jeans when it comes to preventing road rash. Jeans shred instantly on contact with pavement. Trust me. I know.

 

Rowdy is right. Your legs are like giant radiators sticking out in the wind. Chaps are to keep you warm, and they work great. Use your skills to protect yourself.

They are also easily removable and roll up fairly small to tuck into your bags.

That way you don't have to walk into someplace looking like you are into the local BDSM scene. I've been using them for 35 years. They are a proven accesory taken over by the HOG fashionistas.

 

Anyone have an opinion on chaps and their protection level???

thanks

dan

I think they make my butt look fat. And they offer no protection from pinworms.

B-Rex

 

And they offer no protection from pinworms.

B-Rex

That is funny as hell!!!

 

i joked with a coworker that i should get ass-less chaps... she thought about it for a moment and has never looked at me the same way..

 

I love my chaps. Keeps the ol legs and knees warm. Easy on and off. When I bought them looking "cool" never entered my mind. At my age it is all about comfort. I do need to work on them though. At high speeds the bottoms tend to turn my feet outward and after a while my legs get fatigued from holding my feet in.

 

I bought a set at Americade a couple years ago. I don't really give a rat's posterior about the look, but they do extend my riding season 3 weeks or so on either end, and are good a protecting the dress slacks I occasionally have to wear to work.

I've never tried a "proper" set of leather riding gear -- "fat a$$" syndrome makes them hard to find..

 

Feel much safer with them on, but find them almost intolerable when the temps get above 80F.

 

why wear chaps over only jeans.
1) chaps keep you significantly warmer in cold weather
2) chaps keep your legs dry in the rain, except the crotch-al region...
3) chaps keep your pants clean from road grim.
4) It dampens the pain of rocks/ june bugs from hitting your legs
5) Most chaps have a significant amount of pocket room to store items.


Those are the main reasons why i wear chaps over just jeans. That and I usually ride to work, so keeping my dress pants clean is a huge task and chaps get the job done.

 

6) I look too good in them not to wear chaps :lol4:

 

Ok, all good points......since I'm not a fas-a$$ maybe I'll get a pair to turn my wife on??:shock::twisted:

Plus, to keep my old bony knees warm in the spring and fall season!!!

thanks

dan:bluethum:

wait a minute.......so what is full riding gear?? Is it full leather pants?? Don't they get hot and promote crotch rot?? I would think they would be terribly hot in the summer!!!!

dan

 

There are many types of riding pants, from mesh to textile to leather. Check the Haberdashery forum.

 

FWIW, I never ride without my Chaps.

 

I like chaps better than "proper" riding gear, because they are "a lot" easier to get on/off.

Proper riding pants get left in the closet because they are a problem to get off/on when you get where your going, chaps are less protection if you do go down, but a heck of a lot better than the "proper" riding pants hanging in the closet at home.

Experts agree that the best gun to have in a gun fight,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,is the one in your hand. The bigger one at home in the safe won't help you at all. :mrgreen:

 

Experts agree that the best gun to have in a gun fight,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,is the one in your hand. The bigger one at home in the safe won't help you at all. :mrgreen:

wouldn't the best gun to have would be the BFG9k?

 

Found The Chaps I Want!!!!

Yea, thse chaps will work just FINE@!!:twisted:

dan:shock::shock: