What denim Motorcycle jeans are good?

saltlick · 05-05-2009, 12:48 PM

Im in the market for some good motorcycle denim jeans, some that possibly comes with some protection in the knees and other places. Ive seen what ICON has, and ive seen the dragon jeans, what else is there? Anyone have any good or bad experiences with them?

Powderkeg · 05-05-2009, 12:53 PM

A few different companies sell them including A*, Icon and dragon. I own a couple pairs myself. Other that being thicker and having some reinforcement built in I have no idea how they would up in a crash. Not something I want to test out myself either.

muffinman · 05-05-2009, 12:55 PM

I've had the following denim jeans:

ICON Victory
Red Route Kevlar Standard Jeans
Shift LoDown Jeans

In order of protectiveness:

1.) Red Route Kevlar (thicker denim, legit DuPont kevlar used extensively in knee/hip, thigh)
Tied 2.) and 3.) ICON Victory / Shift LoDown (both uses a "mixture" of Kevlar and other materials... Icon uses generic "Aramid" and Shift now uses a mixture of 8-9% kevlar, 50-60% Cordura, and the remainder is poly/cotton for the reinforcements).

NOTE that older Shift jeans used only 5% Kevlar and no Cordura...

In order of comfort/looks:

1.) Shift LoDown (does not look like riding jeans, very comfortable, great cut, stylish),
2.) ICON Victory (extremely comfortable, vents very well through the stretch panels, the stretch panels do look a little dorky though.. no one's going to mistake these for fashion jeans - somewhat baggy fit, high cut on the waist)
3.) Red Route (tighter fit, stiffer, not boot-cut, does not ventilate very well, and the color/finish of the jeans are NOWHERE near what they look like in the pictures online... looks like Daddy's wranglers)

If you're willing to spend some dough.. eSquad jeans are hands-down the best... very protective and stylish (more abrasion resistant than leather). Unfortunately, I'm not ready to drop 3-4 bills on pants

Hornee jeans are pretty cool, too.. very comparable to Draggin' Jeans except way more stylish
Dainese also has technical jeans.. called Fantan I think..

yard sale · 05-05-2009, 01:24 PM

owned a couple pairs but haven't crash tested any.

my icon barriers are lined for wind protection which is nice in the mornings.

i suspect they offer about as much protection as a pair of carharts but for twice the money.

AcXr50 · 05-05-2009, 01:38 PM

true religion race spec jeans!!!!!FTW

Bouncer · 05-05-2009, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by AcXr50

true religion race spec jeans!!!!!FTW

I like the 7 race specs jeans with the full circumference zipper but the true religion specs are sick too!

gixxerjeff · 05-05-2009, 06:55 PM

they wont hold up and last. trust me i have experience in testing them. you are better off saving up and buy textile or leather

smoothytaggert · 05-05-2009, 07:02 PM

kudos on the post... I am a cheap ass and try my damnedest to not be able to give an absolute answer to this... I have only worn the urban warfare jeans... they have made it through a few low side scrapes, and as for knee draggin... If I'm gonna do it... betta believe I'm using pucks for safety... ever hit a bump, rock, or an uplifted chunk of asphalt at 130 in a drag (you'll only do it ONCE)... jeans won't protect you in that... even if they don't scrape, or tear... your knee cap will be pissed later...
GREAT INSIGHT AND ANSWERS TO THIS GUYS..

Runout · 05-05-2009, 07:13 PM

I have the Icon and Joe Rocket ones, but I agree with the above post. They won't do anything for impact injuries...just won't shred right away when sliding across asphalt, and that's only if they stay in the right place.

You could supplement them with the Bohn armor. Anytime I know my trip will involve a highway/slab I put on the textiles or leather. Scooting around town I'm fine with jeans.

briderdt · 05-05-2009, 07:26 PM

Rigg's Wear cordura Ranger pants or capenter pants (see denimexpress.com for good prices). Two layers of cordura over the knees/thighs. Couple that with some strap-on knee/shin guards, and you're set.

varment · 05-05-2009, 08:22 PM

huh huh huh huh huh.... you said "strap on".... huh huh huh huh

SuzukiGS500 · 07-14-2012, 12:15 PM

"and as for knee draggin... If I'm gonna do it... betta believe I'm using pucks for safety..."
What are pucks?

smonky · 07-14-2012, 12:48 PM

been down in the icon's with the stretch panel. they held up well at 40. just got a lil hole in the left knee below the stretch panel. i still wear them from time to time. my only complaint is they are to long. its nice visually that they go all the way do the heel of my boot when riding, but when walking around they wrap under the heel and ive almost ate s**t walking on tile.

fishrscary · 07-15-2012, 06:51 AM

Have you seen this website? http://www.actionstation.com/

They sell armor that are installed into "leggings" (I guess that's the best way to describe it). So you have shin/knee/hip (and I think tailbone) armor UNDER your jeans, and they stay in place. And from the outside, someone looking at you can't tell you have armor on. You can buy extra "leggings" in winter weight & mesh... And if one of your pieces of armor gets messed up in a crash, you can buy an individual piece, so you don't have to buy the whole set again.

There's a bunch of armor on this site... more than just the "leggings" type. The heavy duty armored shirt looks pretty cool. It's looks like a hybrid jacket, with all the armor on the outside, but still has some "style" to it.

Example: http://www.actionstation.com/catalog...rod=HDMX-Offer

I just ordered a pair, since my leather pants (Alpine* seems to be made for giants) don't keep the "comfy kind" of armor in place. I've bought and return several pairs of pants because of this (various brands). I'm used the hard plastic armor, like in Dainese - those are great - never move out of place (unless they changed armor too - my gear is from 2007). But it seems like all the new stuff has more memory foam type stuff, or rubber in it as armor. I don't like it. I always wear my leggings under all my gear (wicking layer) anyway - So I figure I'd give this a try.

I'm getting my husband some too - he wears Kevlar Jeans now (Don't remember what brand) - but I don't trust them in a crash or slide incident.

nsrg500 · 07-15-2012, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by SuzukiGS500

"and as for knee draggin... If I'm gonna do it... betta believe I'm using pucks for safety..."
What are pucks?

It was a typo, he meant Ducks. They be nice and slippery for knee draggin.
Only takes a few corners and they quiet down.

I am CDN Josh · 07-15-2012, 08:26 AM

I have shift jeans which I wear alpinestars knee guards under for additional protection. Form and fit they work for me, but I haven't crash tested them yet.

shelbyguy · 07-15-2012, 10:05 AM

ive been down on the street in a pair of these

didnt rip, a few small holes from rocks and such, but walked away from a 40-45mph lowside

meanmonster · 07-15-2012, 11:04 AM

I use leather/textile for the spirted or freeway rides but for around town I have or have had:

USA draggin jeans: Good quality, 100% kavlar in big areas around knees and ass. Style sucks.

AVS jeans: thick denim, ok kavlar. Are a bit high water on a tall guy I never use them.

Teknic jeans: shredded like paper on a 20mph down. Would never recommend them.

Shift lowdown: best style by far with 14oz denim and ok kavlar. My favorite jeans for a quick ride around town.

Locutus · 07-15-2012, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by fishrscary

Have you seen this website? http://www.actionstation.com/

They sell armor that are installed into "leggings" (I guess that's the best way to describe it). So you have shin/knee/hip (and I think tailbone) armor UNDER your jeans, and they stay in place. And from the outside, someone looking at you can't tell you have armor on. You can buy extra "leggings" in winter weight & mesh... And if one of your pieces of armor gets messed up in a crash, you can buy an individual piece, so you don't have to buy the whole set again.

There's a bunch of armor on this site... more than just the "leggings" type. The heavy duty armored shirt looks pretty cool. It's looks like a hybrid jacket, with all the armor on the outside, but still has some "style" to it.

Example: http://www.actionstation.com/catalog...rod=HDMX-Offer

I just ordered a pair, since my leather pants (Alpine* seems to be made for giants) don't keep the "comfy kind" of armor in place. I've bought and return several pairs of pants because of this (various brands). I'm used the hard plastic armor, like in Dainese - those are great - never move out of place (unless they changed armor too - my gear is from 2007). But it seems like all the new stuff has more memory foam type stuff, or rubber in it as armor. I don't like it. I always wear my leggings under all my gear (wicking layer) anyway - So I figure I'd give this a try.

I'm getting my husband some too - he wears Kevlar Jeans now (Don't remember what brand) - but I don't trust them in a crash or slide incident.

We've been using the pants for a few years now. I wear the shorts during the summer.

Khalid · 07-15-2012, 12:25 PM

I wear sliders jeans, kevlar lined in all the right places.
Very well made and an good fit.
I wear with boots and knee protection always.
The new ones come with pockets to insert knee pads.
And for $80 delivered you can't go wrong.


05-05-2009, 12:48 PM	#1
saltlick Railer Joined: Mar 2009 From: Beaverton, Oregon I Ride: 04 Honda CBR 600RR	What denim Motorcycle jeans are good? Im in the market for some good motorcycle denim jeans, some that possibly comes with some protection in the knees and other places. Ive seen what ICON has, and ive seen the dragon jeans, what else is there? Anyone have any good or bad experiences with them? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-05-2009, 12:53 PM	#2
Powderkeg Streetfighter Joined: May 2007 From: Kirkland, WA. I Ride: 06 GSX-R 600	A few different companies sell them including A, Icon and dragon. I own a couple pairs myself. Other that being thicker and having some reinforcement built in I have no idea how they would up in a crash. Not something I want to test out myself either. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook* and Twitter


05-05-2009, 12:55 PM	#3
muffinman Licensed Joined: Jan 2009 From: Washington	I've had the following denim jeans: ICON Victory Red Route Kevlar Standard Jeans Shift LoDown Jeans In order of protectiveness: 1.) Red Route Kevlar (thicker denim, legit DuPont kevlar used extensively in knee/hip, thigh) Tied 2.) and 3.) ICON Victory / Shift LoDown (both uses a "mixture" of Kevlar and other materials... Icon uses generic "Aramid" and Shift now uses a mixture of 8-9% kevlar, 50-60% Cordura, and the remainder is poly/cotton for the reinforcements). NOTE that older Shift jeans used only 5% Kevlar and no Cordura... In order of comfort/looks: 1.) Shift LoDown (does not look like riding jeans, very comfortable, great cut, stylish), 2.) ICON Victory (extremely comfortable, vents very well through the stretch panels, the stretch panels do look a little dorky though.. no one's going to mistake these for fashion jeans - somewhat baggy fit, high cut on the waist) 3.) Red Route (tighter fit, stiffer, not boot-cut, does not ventilate very well, and the color/finish of the jeans are NOWHERE near what they look like in the pictures online... looks like Daddy's wranglers) If you're willing to spend some dough.. eSquad jeans are hands-down the best... very protective and stylish (more abrasion resistant than leather). Unfortunately, I'm not ready to drop 3-4 bills on pants Hornee jeans are pretty cool, too.. very comparable to Draggin' Jeans except way more stylish Dainese also has technical jeans.. called Fantan I think.. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by muffinman; 05-05-2009 at 01:00 PM..


05-05-2009, 01:24 PM	#4
yard sale snowshoe kitten... prrr... Joined: Mar 2006 From: 4to5 Blog Entries: 7 I Ride: slow in the fast lane like everyone else...	owned a couple pairs but haven't crash tested any. my icon barriers are lined for wind protection which is nice in the mornings. i suspect they offer about as much protection as a pair of carharts but for twice the money. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-05-2009, 01:38 PM	#5
AcXr50 Peg Dragger Joined: Jul 2008 From: kent I Ride: 06 GSXR750, 07 GSXR1000, Triumph Daytona 675, 09 R1 and currently 2011 RSV4	true religion race spec jeans!!!!!FTW __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-05-2009, 06:55 PM	#7
gixxerjeff emw2k9 beer pong champions Joined: Oct 2006 From: bothell I Ride: 06 gixxer 1000	they wont hold up and last. trust me i have experience in testing them. you are better off saving up and buy textile or leather __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-05-2009, 07:02 PM	#8
smoothytaggert Knee Dragger Joined: May 2006 From: lively Hagadone area I Ride: 2/3rd gen Viffas 99KX250 04KTM400EXC 94VFR400R	kudos on the post... I am a cheap ass and try my damnedest to not be able to give an absolute answer to this... I have only worn the urban warfare jeans... they have made it through a few low side scrapes, and as for knee draggin... If I'm gonna do it... betta believe I'm using pucks for safety... ever hit a bump, rock, or an uplifted chunk of asphalt at 130 in a drag (you'll only do it ONCE)... jeans won't protect you in that... even if they don't scrape, or tear... your knee cap will be pissed later... GREAT INSIGHT AND ANSWERS TO THIS GUYS.. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-05-2009, 07:13 PM	#9
Runout Race Qualifier Joined: Sep 2006 From: protesting at the mall I Ride: Aprilia	I have the Icon and Joe Rocket ones, but I agree with the above post. They won't do anything for impact injuries...just won't shred right away when sliding across asphalt, and that's only if they stay in the right place. You could supplement them with the Bohn armor. Anytime I know my trip will involve a highway/slab I put on the textiles or leather. Scooting around town I'm fine with jeans. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-05-2009, 07:26 PM	#10
briderdt Peg Dragger Joined: Oct 2008 From: Puyallup,(South Hill) I Ride: 2005 Suzuki SV650S	Rigg's Wear cordura Ranger pants or capenter pants (see denimexpress.com for good prices). Two layers of cordura over the knees/thighs. Couple that with some strap-on knee/shin guards, and you're set. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


05-05-2009, 08:22 PM	#11
varment Superbiker Joined: Apr 2009 From: Tri-city, Oregon Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: the Kessle run in 11 parsecs...	huh huh huh huh huh.... you said "strap on".... huh huh huh huh __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-14-2012, 12:15 PM	#12
SuzukiGS500 Newbie Joined: Jul 2012 From: Elkhorn	"and as for knee draggin... If I'm gonna do it... betta believe I'm using pucks for safety..." What are pucks? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-14-2012, 12:48 PM	#13
smonky Licensed Joined: May 2010 From: Vancouver WA I Ride: slow, according to Jenn	been down in the icon's with the stretch panel. they held up well at 40. just got a lil hole in the left knee below the stretch panel. i still wear them from time to time. my only complaint is they are to long. its nice visually that they go all the way do the heel of my boot when riding, but when walking around they wrap under the heel and ive almost ate st walking on tile. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter**


07-15-2012, 06:51 AM	#14
fishrscary Endorsed Joined: Jun 2012 From: Lakewood, WA I Ride: 2008 Ninja 250, 2006 Katana 600	Have you seen this website? http://www.actionstation.com/ They sell armor that are installed into "leggings" (I guess that's the best way to describe it). So you have shin/knee/hip (and I think tailbone) armor UNDER your jeans, and they stay in place. And from the outside, someone looking at you can't tell you have armor on. You can buy extra "leggings" in winter weight & mesh... And if one of your pieces of armor gets messed up in a crash, you can buy an individual piece, so you don't have to buy the whole set again. There's a bunch of armor on this site... more than just the "leggings" type. The heavy duty armored shirt looks pretty cool. It's looks like a hybrid jacket, with all the armor on the outside, but still has some "style" to it. Example: http://www.actionstation.com/catalog...rod=HDMX-Offer I just ordered a pair, since my leather pants (Alpine* seems to be made for giants) don't keep the "comfy kind" of armor in place. I've bought and return several pairs of pants because of this (various brands). I'm used the hard plastic armor, like in Dainese - those are great - never move out of place (unless they changed armor too - my gear is from 2007). But it seems like all the new stuff has more memory foam type stuff, or rubber in it as armor. I don't like it. I always wear my leggings under all my gear (wicking layer) anyway - So I figure I'd give this a try. I'm getting my husband some too - he wears Kevlar Jeans now (Don't remember what brand) - but I don't trust them in a crash or slide incident. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-15-2012, 08:26 AM	#16
I am CDN Josh Licensed Joined: May 2010 From: Beaverton, OR I Ride: 89 CBR 600 Hurricane (FOR SALE)	I have shift jeans which I wear alpinestars knee guards under for additional protection. Form and fit they work for me, but I haven't crash tested them yet. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-15-2012, 10:05 AM	#17
shelbyguy Picture Whore Joined: Apr 2008 From: lacey I Ride: Aprilia Factory, 525SMR, DRZ400sm, and a gaggle of others	ive been down on the street in a pair of these didnt rip, a few small holes from rocks and such, but walked away from a 40-45mph lowside __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-15-2012, 11:04 AM	#18
meanmonster Licensed Joined: Aug 2011 From: Snohomish WA I Ride: 2011 Ducati 848 Evo	I use leather/textile for the spirted or freeway rides but for around town I have or have had: USA draggin jeans: Good quality, 100% kavlar in big areas around knees and ass. Style sucks. AVS jeans: thick denim, ok kavlar. Are a bit high water on a tall guy I never use them. Teknic jeans: shredded like paper on a 20mph down. Would never recommend them. Shift lowdown: best style by far with 14oz denim and ok kavlar. My favorite jeans for a quick ride around town. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-15-2012, 12:25 PM	#20
Khalid Endorsed Joined: Jun 2010 From: West London to West Seattle! I Ride: A Red White n Blue Gixxer...	I wear sliders jeans, kevlar lined in all the right places. Very well made and an good fit. I wear with boots and knee protection always. The new ones come with pockets to insert knee pads. And for $80 delivered you can't go wrong. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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