Just like any other part of your motorcycle riding gear, choosing the right trousers is crucial to make sure that you are properly protected but also, are as comfortable as possible. Your derriere is one of the key sensory organs when you are riding, and if you insulate yourself from the bike too much, then this can have a big effect on your feel for its behaviour as well as your safety.
And if you get it wrong, you can end up really uncomfortable, very cold or sopping wet, depending on the conditions. So you need to get the choice right...
When it comes to selecting trousers, you need to work out what your primary style of riding is. If it's sporty, then perhaps a pair of leather pants is the way to go; protective, snug-fitting and made for the job.
However, if it's more urban or casual riding, then maybe a pair of riding jeans is more your style. For longer trips or commuting, then textiles would be the prime choice. The choice is yours...
When it comes to protection, the same principles that apply to jackets hold true for trousers as well. They will be CE rated for abrasion resistance and build quality, from B to A, AA or AAA; AAA is the highest protective rating.
Related: Best motorcycle jackets
They should also include CE-approved armour, in at least the knees and ideally the hips as well, though anything that is AAA-rated must also include hip armour. Like jackets, armour can be Level-1 or Level-2 – L2 is the more absorbent of impact forces and hence, protects you more.
Here is a selection of our favourite trousers and some ideas for alternatives to get you started...
1. Duchinni Pacific
Best budget textiles
Description
Duchinni's Pacific trousers may not have the very highest specification, but they are of
Pros
- Excellent value
- Superb protection
- Completely waterproof
Cons
- Can get a bit sweaty
2. Weise Outlast Frontier
Best mid-range textiles
Description
These textile trousers from Weise use a polyester outer with a laminated waterproof and breathable
Pros
- Laminated membrane
- Excellent protective rating
- Vents for cooling air
Cons
- Seems expensive
3. Rukka Kallavesi
Best high-end textiles
Description
These trousers from Rukka are very serious money, but then, they are very serious trousers. If you
Pros
- Gore-Tex Pro3 laminated material
- Numerous Armacor protection panels
- Superb performance
Cons
- That price
4. RST TracTech Evo 4
Best race-style leathers
Description
We've spoken about leathers several times before, but we really like RST's TracTech range of
Pros
- Highest CE protective rating
- British brand
- Can be worn as a leather suit or with other jackets
Cons
- Only L1 knee armour
5. Knox Shield
Best single-layer riding jeans
Description
These jeans from Knox aren't cheap, but they are incredibly protective. I've dragged them down
Pros
- Highest AAA CE rating
- Relaxed, casual fit
- Work on and off the bike
Cons
- Only come with L1 armour
6. Merlin Hulme
Best waterproof jeans
Description
These casual-style jeans are actually formed from Halley Stevenson's waxed cotton but in a
Pros
- Classic western-style jeans cut
- Reissa waterproof and breathable membrane
- Great value
Cons
- Unknown CE rating
7. FLM Stormchaser
Best waterproof over-trousers
Description
Sometimes you just want to keep the rain out. If you're wearing a pair of jeans with, say a
Pros
- Completely waterproof
- Windproof
- Award-winners
Cons
- No protective capacity
8. Bull-It Fury 17 Jeggings
Best ladies' trousers
Description
There is plenty of proper equipment for female riders, and this covers most aspects of riding
Pros
- AAA protection
- Level-2 knee armour
- Stretch denim for comfort
Cons
- No hip armour as standard
9. Spidi Allroad
Best adventure trousers
Description
These trousers from Spidi form part of the company's on and off-road range and offer protection
Pros
- Modular construction
- Excellent protective rating
- Large vents
Cons
- Not cheap
10. Tucano Urbano Zipster
Best summer trousers
Description
Staying cool and protected in the summer is a tricky proposition, but these mesh trousers from
Pros
- Great airflow on bike
- Convert to shorts off the bike
- Join with Network jacket
Cons
- Not the highest protective ratings
Stay cool and safe this summer with this top hot weather motorbike kit