are chaps really worth it?

[rosborne]

thinking about getting some chaps,but are they worth it?do they keep your legs warmer,offer a little protection from possible debris,or what?i would appreciate some advice from some more experienced riders.thanks.

[Chicago-Spike]

YOU BETCHA!! I don't go for the leather "Village People" chaps, but I have been using textile chaps from Lorna and her company in Colorado, www.coloradochaps.com
I just had her make me a set of silver water-proof Cordura lined with Kevlar. They slide on real easy, they zip up and I was protected from rain and slides. They are also wind proof, so your legs won't get cold from the wind or temps.

[Chicago-Spike]

O forgot about the cost, they are also cheaper than most well made leather chaps. With leather, you have to be careful on who makes them and with what kind of leather. There are some cheaply made leather products out there

[Yoidaho]

Chaps are for cowboy & cowgirls...
but that wear chaps might want to purchased added gear... ~M

Crotch Protector
Provides protection where the chaps fall short, in the cold or misty weather.
Made of waterproof Rip-Stop Nylon with polar fleece backing for warmth.

One size fits all
$13.00
plus shipping

[stayung]

Good info. I didn't know they came in anything but leather.

[bigdogx]

Imo, no leather chaps are not worth it, they help a little not much, but i am going check out thoes spike was talking about, thanks for the heads up spike

[TennX]

I dont have a problem with the village people look (Im old and dont give a chit) having said that, I favor the half chaps over my village people nes, if I rode more in colder weather I believe I would git me some of those things Spike recommended. good luck on your choice

[Boomer1143]

I wear leather chaps and wouldn't want to be without them. They offer good protection from wind and rain. The added warmth in the colder weather is a plus as well.

Al

[crimsonX18]

It gets cold here in the Buckeye state, and I`ve been using chaps for years and wouldn`t be caught without them. Like spike said, the market is swamped with cheap chaps that tend to be over priced for as simple as they are. The majority of motorcycle leather appears to come from Pakistan with prices for chaps beginning maybe around $90 and going up from there. Also, there are options available such as lined and unlined, which is usually nothing more than a thin nylon lining, and a removable insulated lining much like the one that probably came in your riding jacket. The thickness of the leather will vary as well, usually between 1.2 mm and 1.4 mm for "cheap chaps", your better chaps will have a thickness between 1.5 and 1.8 millimeters. Expect to pay at least $130 for a decent pair, Fox Creek www.foxcreekleather.com makes quality products that cost a bit more but are made in the USA.

[jthree]

Originally Posted by Yoidaho

Chaps are for cowboy & cowgirls...
but that wear chaps might want to purchased added gear... ~M

You have GOT to be kidding! I'm down with the whole "I don't care what I look like as long as I'm warm" thing, but DAMN I would park the bike before I'd be seen wearing that!

[Big Mac]

Yelp!
Sliding down the road on your back at 40mph, YES SIR, they were worth it, 2 dime sized band aids on my elbow! Oh yea those gloves, NICE! That modular Helmet, it was great! when that deer hit me in the face, you Bettcha! But the deer didn't do so well, broke back, I did a Dr Kevorkian on her, It was only a mercy killing Judge! honest Judge, WITH MY BOOT ON HER THROAT, HIT ME IN THE HEAD! I'LL STOMP YOUR $%@#!, I tend to get over passionate, no more anger management JUDGE I'm cured!, serenity now, serenity now! serenity now!

Oh yea, those deer whistlers work too, WHEN THE DEER ARE WHISTLE TRAINED!

but I got a new pair of whistlers, just for the whistle trained deer!

Yelp, get you some chaps, just don't wink or nod at the guys with ear rings!

[VTX Mojo]

Yep they are worth it. Around here it doesnt stay real cold very long. Mine have been good for lower 40deg temps. Just keeping the wind off helps a lot.

[BD APL]

I've said this everytime this topic comes up: "Chaps leave some of what I consider to be my MOST IMPORTANT areas unprotected". These are also from FoxCreek and are bomber quality, not to mention made here in the 'ol US of A. Most important of all, they cover ALL of your "assets". Good luck.

http://www.foxcreekleather.com/45.html

[mark_1bx]

Originally Posted by Chicago-Spike

YOU BETCHA!! I don't go for the leather "Village People" chaps, but I have been using textile chaps from Lorna and her company in Colorado, www.coloradochaps.com
I just had her make me a set of silver water-proof Cordura lined with Kevlar. They slide on real easy, they zip up and I was protected from rain and slides. They are also wind proof, so your legs won't get cold from the wind or temps.

Good link....BTW did you get a discount.....for your short legs?

[SmoothJ]

I never used or needed chaps (or any cold gear really) until I moved to the NW from Arizona. I rode to a swap meet in feb\march my first year here and arrived with the front of my jeans frozen due to the mist soaking the material and freezing. Needless to say I was freakin cold. Bought a set of nice thick chaps with zipout thinsulate liners and never looked back.

Yes, they are worth it. I suppose you could also use rain bottoms for the same effect. Either way, something to keep the legs warm is definitely worthwhile. God forbid you come to a stop and cant move your frozen leg to hold the bike up lol.

[brain7368]

I've had chaps for years and never understood why my most vital parts were numb. Never again, now i have a pair honda overpants by fairchild. Denier shell w/ zipout liner and removable armour. Totally warm with plenty of pockets. These are the "NUTS".

[Spamaster]

I have switched from leather to Textile jackets and pants and they are warmer and much more comfortable from the start. I have a Vanson leather jacket that is still not broke in after several years now it just sits in the closest.

I think a lot of folks wear the leather for the look more than anything (San Francisco thing)

[2002VTX]

Get a good seat of leather overpants with knee armor, like FirstGear. Thick leather on your backside will save your ass.

I have a scar on my left buttock from road rash 20 years ago. Scar is still there. Why wear chaps when you can wear leather overpants?

[ponyz101]

i wear chaps ......and no to the village people, lol.

[Blade]

Originally Posted by rosborne

thinking about getting some chaps,but are they worth it?do they keep your legs warmer,offer a little protection from possible debris,or what?i would appreciate some advice from some more experienced riders.thanks.

Amazingly I believe only one person above actually directly mentions this, but chaps are NOT primarily meant to keep your legs warmer or offer some protection from debris -- chaps are FIRST AND FOREMOST your first line of defense in saving your legs from being turned into hamburger in the event of a crash and slide. This is the same reason we motorcyclists wear leather jackets and gloves. Yes, in all cases there are additional characteristics of warmth, basic debris protection and even looks, but leather is worn to save your life or allow you to live it with your skin intact and not in abject pain and misery.

My advice would be to get the best pair you can afford.

[mojoguy]

Depends on who is wearing them

[jthree]

Originally Posted by mojoguy

Depends on who is wearing them

I have to say I was never a big fan of chaps.... until now.

I really think she should have a helmet and gloves though. Just thinking safety here.

Jthree

[mojoguy]

They do serve a good purpose.

[badvtx1300]

Originally Posted by mojoguy

They do serve a good purpose.

I second that!

[ViperJaxFl]

You can also get the ones with the little tassels on them.

[2002VTX]

Woof!

[jthree]

Originally Posted by ViperJaxFl

You can also get the ones with the little tassels on them.

You just got this thread Nuked

[yank]

I have to agree, Looking like a geriatric Chippendale does not suit me but these half chaps do, fold up nice and neat till I need them again.

http://www.coloradochaps.com/motorcycle_spats.html.

Doug

[Shiloh]

Originally Posted by Yoidaho

Chaps are for cowboy & cowgirls...
but that wear chaps might want to purchased added gear... ~M

Looks like someone needs their diaper changed.

[mark_1bx]

Chaps on sale here. I purchased mine here..very well constructed.
http://www.chilhowee.net/mens_chaps.html

I want to see the ones Spike ordered....the down side to leather ...that is good leather is that they are heavy, and like all leather when it gets wet you've got to condition it.