Best Motorcycle Chaps

Best Motorcycle Chaps – Complete Buying Guide

Publushed by:

Jeffrey

Last updated:

Motorcycle chaps are a great way to stay safe while riding in all weathers.

They help keep the skin protected from hot exhaust pipes and chains, offer a degree of protection from road rash in an accident, and stop clothes from getting torn when going over rough ground.

Here’s our complete guide on using motorcycle chaps correctly.

What is a Motorcycle Chap?

A motorcycle chap or pair of motorcycle chaps is a piece of clothing worn over the legs to protect yourself when you ride your bike.

Chaps can be made from leather, suede, Cordura nylon, or other fabrics that offer resistance to abrasion and tear forces in a fall. There are many different styles available for men and women.

Best Overall: Leather Motorcycle Chaps

Short summary

The traditional style of chap is made from top-quality cowhide leather cut into strips and then sewn together by a chap manufacturer.

Apart from the traditional appearance, it provides protection against abrasion and heat transfer in an accident. They’re tough, flexible, and allow easy movement while riding your bike.

Because they’re real leather, they look best when kept conditioned with leather protector spray (see below). Quality leather motorcycle chaps like this will last for many years if properly cared for.

Best Motorcycle Chaps

5/5

Leather Motorcycle Chaps

Runner Up: Textile Motorcycle Chaps

Short summary

A more recent development in motorcycle chap is the textile style. These are made from strong, abrasion-resistant material – usually Cordura nylon – and have less of a traditional appearance but are just as effective at protecting your leg when riding your bike.

They can also be worn all year round because they breathe well, wick away moisture, and are not too warm to wear on hot days. The drawback with fabric motorcycle chaps is that they can’t be used with knee armor inserts, which means there’s no protection for the knees should you go down on your bike.

Best Motorcycle Chaps

5/5

Leather Motorcycle Chaps

Best For Budget: Mesh Motorcycle Chaps

Short summary

Another modern take on around in wet weather conditions while riding your bike. The mesh chaps allow maximum airflow, transfer heat away from the leg, and offer some resistance against abrasion should you go off-road or tumble on a gravel track.

Many riders use mesh chaps to ride in all year round because they keep the legs cool but still protect them from mud, stone chips, and other debris thrown up from the road.

Best Motorcycle Chaps

5/5

Leather Motorcycle Chaps

Alternative: Waterproof Motorcycle Chaps

Short summary

Another type of motorcycle chap uses waterproof materials and is ideal for riding in wet conditions. If it’s raining heavily, any kind of water can soak into unprotected leather or textile chaps and cause them to become heavy and uncomfortable to wear, not to mention that it takes time for them to dry out once you’ve arrived at your destination.

Waterproof chaps are made from tough, waterproof materials like PVC or nylon which shrug off the heaviest of rain showers. Waterproof motorcycle chaps often have press stud fastenings so they can be put on and taken off quickly without having to undo straps at the ankle.

Best Motorcycle Chaps

5/5

Leather Motorcycle Chaps

Motorcycle Chaps Features

Some motorcycle chaps come with additional features designed to enhance their functionality:

1. Reflective Trim

Many motorcyclists use reflective trim on their clothes while riding in low light conditions because it makes them more visible to other road users. When you’re riding your bike at night, it’s vital that you’re seen by all drivers – especially if you live in a country where motorcycles aren’t used very much.

Both leather and textile motorcycle chaps often come with reflective piping sewn in along the seams, and around the hem.

2. Knee Pads

Built-in Some motorcycle tools (mainly textiles) feature additional knee padding inside to provide extra protection when you go off-road or tumble on a gravel track. The padding is usually made from foam and comes in various thicknesses to suit your preference.

3. Convenient Side Zips

Side zips are also common features on some motorcycle chaps because they give quick access to your boots – this allows you don’t have to undo any straps at the ankle/calf which only takes longer while riding your bike.

Tassels Motorcycle chaps that don’t use traditional fastening methods can often get annoying to put on and take off. A leather one with a YKK zip at the front makes it easy to get in and out of your gear without having to deal with any fiddly straps or buckles.

4. Replaceable Inserts

Motorcycle chaps usually come with an inner lining that is particularly vulnerable to abrasion should you go tumbling on your bike. If this happens, simply remove the inner lining (usually attached by velcro) at the seams, wash it down thoroughly using detergent, then dry them completely before reattaching the new liner.

Some manufacturers sell replacement leather panels for their motorcycle chaps that can be easily switched out when needed – just clean or replace as required.

How To Care For Your Motorcycle Chaps?

 

1. Leather Care

A lot of motorcycle chaps are made from leather. It’s not always easy to keep leather clean and looking spick & span, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle – all you need is proper care and attention.

All over the internet, there are different guides that tell you how to clean your riding gear, but here’s the simple version: use dishwashing soap (mild) on dirty areas, rinse them thoroughly with soapy water, then leave your motorcycle chaps out in the sun for about 30 minutes.

This last step will dry them completely without creating any stiff spots or hard patches which can happen when you dry leather items with a towel.

2. Fabric Care

Most modern textile motorcycle chaps are made from materials that can’t be damaged by water or light rain showers. To keep them looking good for as long as possible, make sure to use a soft brush with warm soapy water on any stains – this is particularly useful when you come back after riding your motorcycle through mud or dirt.

Conclusion

Waterproof motorcycle chaps are an essential part of any serious motorcyclist’s gear collection. When you ride your trusty two-wheeler through rain, sleet & snow (or on dusty trails) it’s vital that your lower body is completely sheltered from the elements.

This article has shown you what to look out for when shopping for waterproof motorcycle chaps, and how to care for them in the future.

5/5

Leather Motorcycle Chaps

  • Lifetime Leather Warranty
  • Sew Patches with Ease
  • Easy to Clean

Jeffrey

Jeffrey Bryce is an experienced motorcycle rider with years of experience caring for motorcycles. His natural fondness for motorcycles have made him come up with LetsGoForARide.com, which is dedicated to answering and teaching you how to care for your bike with the care it requires. LetsGoForARide is the one of his important lifework in reaching out to communities of motorcycle enthusiasts on how to take care of their bike and choosing the correct spare part.