IN RECENT years there’s been an explosion in the number of makes and models of riding jeans - denim with protection. Conventional jeans basically tear to shreds in a crash, so some smart people have incorporated a variety of technology - most commonly Kevlar – into jeans to provide stylish riding gear which offers an alternative to standard denim far better suited to motorcycling.
Although there are leather and textile riding pants, most riders most of the time choose to ride in jeans, because they are comfortable, fashionable and practical off the bike. But conventional jeans certainly aren’t practical DURING an off… but most of us thought they were. So now we have a number of manufacturers offering jeans with most, if not all, of the features of conventional jeans with the benefit of much better crash protection.
Most do this with Kevlar, a product developed by DuPont, the massive American chemical company.
Kevlar comes in many forms, but the type used in jeans is a fibre, massively stronger than the cotton used in jeans, and also much stronger and more heat resistant than nylon or polyester thread.
Importantly for the sliding motorcyclist, Kevlar does not melt and its impact tolerance is high.
Cordura is another product used because of its high strength, abrasion resistance and protective qualities.
BMW
BMW has chosen to go with cotton and Cordura, with removable knee protectors, for its City 2 Denim Trousers. They are lightweight, gradually fade just like jeans from their slightly washed-out look when new, are supplied with a belt and come in sizes XS-XXXL. At BMW dealers only.
Draggin Jeans
Easily the best know manufacturer of motorcycle jeans, Draggin makes a full range to suit ladies, men and even youths and children.
Their latest product is the C-EVO Jeans, which feature full European CE approval, the first motorcycle jeans to achieve this standard. With its full Kevlar and Dyneema lining, additional lining for comfort, pockets for armour, ankle straps to keep pants in place and colour fast technology to keep them looking new longer, Draggin describe C-EVO as the ‘Next Generation’ of Kevlar jeans. Dyneema is billed as 'The World's Strongest Fibre', and is an integral part of every pair of Draggin Jeans, along with Kevlar.
Draggin’s range of motorcyclists’ jeans is unparalleled and is available from many bike shops around Australia.
Hornee Jeans
Hornee builds men’s and women’s riding jeans in a variety of styles. Featuring the Hornee Safety Cell, all Hornee’s products have extra Kevlar to provide increased safety. Features include military grade Kevlar which is ultra-thin for comfort, heavy duty double stitching and double layers in the hip, knee and thigh regions.
NEDS
Neds Motorcycle Wear produce a variety of ladies’ and men’s Kevlar jeans. The Iconic is stretch Bootleg, the Ironhorse is classic fit, the Kelly are cargo pants and there’s also the Revolver and the Saga, a specific women’s jean.
Sartso
With military-grade high burst strength DuPont Kevlar and optional CE-Approved knee armour, Sartso Jeans offer excellent protection. Designed with a fashion edge, Sartso jeans look and fit great for both men and women. There's a full range of styles including classic cut, relax fit, cargo pants and even a mid-rise hipster for the girls available from Sartso.
Spyke
A European-based manufacturer of motorcycle gear including race suits and wet weather gear, Spyke also produce denim and Cordura riding jeans. Available in men’s and ladies’ sizes.
TKD Jeans
TKD Jeans have a unique feature: you can zip out the full-length Kevlar lining when it’s not required. There’s a variety of sizes and styles available.
Teknic
A manufacturer of leathers, textile and denim based riding gear, Teknic offers the Violator Kevlar jeans for men and the Warrior Kevlar Jeans for women. With features such as Knox armour, stretch panels and cowhide trim, the Teknic jeans offer more than just style and protection.
Reference: http://www.cycletorque.com.au/Save-your-arse-Motorcycle-riding-jean/
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