Harley Riding Pants

Are Harley riding pants or riding jeans really necessary?

Absolutely. You might not think you need riding pants until the moment you do. No matter how skilled or experienced you are, you can’t control other drivers or unexpected hazards on the road. Quality riding pants or jeans are designed with abrasion-resistant materials and impact protection to reduce serious injury if things go wrong.

It can be hard to justify spending money on gear you hope you’ll never need but it’s far better than facing painful skin grafts or long recovery times after a slide. Even the best riders get caught out by unpredictable conditions or careless drivers. Riding gear isn’t just about comfort or style - it’s about being prepared, every time you ride.  For the ladies, you can find our collection of Harley-Davidson women's riding pants and jeans here.

Why are Harley riding pants essential for motorcycle safety?

Riding pants are designed to protect your legs from road rash and surface abrasion in the event of a slide. Unlike normal denim or jeans, Harley-Davidson riding pants and jeans are reinforced with abrasion-resistant materials such as Kevlar, Cordura, or Dyneema. They’re a critical upgrade for any rider who values both comfort and protection on the road. We also sell riding pants and riding jeans from popular brands including Bull-It, Johnny Reb, Rjays and more. Other protective gear you may need include: Harley boots and jackets & vests.

What’s the difference between regular denim jeans and Harley-Davidson men's riding jeans?

Regular denim or jeans offer no slide protection and can tear instantly in a fall. Harley-Davidson riding jeans, on the other hand, are armoured jeans built with reinforced stitching, abrasion-resistant fibers, and optional CE-rated armour at the knees and hips. They combine everyday style with real motorcycle protection. We also have stretch motorcycle jeans by Rjays.

What are the different levels of motorcycle pants protection?

Based on industry standards and rider experience, there are generally four levels:

Level 0 – Regular Denim: No protection.

Level 1 – Reinforced Riding Jeans: Denim blended with Kevlar, Cordura, or Dyneema.

Level 2 – Textile Pants: Durable nylon or mesh options with ventilation and adjustability.

Level 3 – Leather Pants: Maximum slide resistance and impact protection for aggressive or track riders.
Your ideal level depends on your riding style, climate, and comfort preference.

Should I choose single-layer or dual-layer Harley riding jeans?

• Single-layer jeans have abrasion-resistant fibers woven directly into the denim, offering a lightweight and breathable fit.
• Dual-layer jeans add a separate protective liner, providing superior slide resistance but slightly less comfort.
  If you ride frequently or at higher speeds, dual-layer is best. For casual, urban rides, single-layer jeans are more comfortable and stylish. You will notice our riding pants are basically motorcycle pants with armour especially for knees and hip protection.

Do Harley-Davidson riding pants come with impact protection?

Yes. Many Harley-Davidson and popular riding pants brands (like Bull-It and Johhny Reb) include or accommodate CE Level 1 or Level 2 armour at the knees and hips. Always ensure the armour fits snugly as loose pads can move during impact and reduce effectiveness.

Are textile motorcycle pants a good alternative to riding jeans?

Textile pants are typically made from nylon or Cordura and offer outstanding ventilation, weather resistance, and comfort for long-distance or warm-climate riders. While not as stylish as denim, they often include more features like vents, pockets, and liners for year-round performance.

When should I consider leather motorcycle pants instead?

Leather pants provide the highest level of abrasion resistance and are ideal for sport, canyon, or track riders. However, they can be hot and heavy for everyday use. If you ride aggressively or value maximum protection, leather is unmatched but for daily street riding, protective jeans or textiles are usually more practical.

How should riding pants fit for the best protection?

Riding pants should fit snugly without restricting movement. Loose-fitting pants can cause the armour to shift out of place during a fall, while overly tight pants may reduce flexibility. Many Harley-Davidson and Bull-It jeans include stretch panels or adjustable features for a secure, comfortable fit.

Can Harley-Davidson riding jeans be worn off the bike?

Absolutely. Harley riding jeans are designed to look like classic denim while integrating hidden protection. Many riders wear them daily because they offer a casual, everyday style that transitions easily from the bike to the café without compromising safety.

What’s the best type of riding pants for my climate and riding style?

• Urban/Commuter Riders: Single-layer Kevlar or Dyneema riding jeans for comfort and style.
• Touring/Adventure Riders: Textile pants with vents and weatherproof liners.
• Sport or Track Riders: Leather pants for maximum slide protection.
  Brands like Harley-Davidson, Bull-It, Johnny Reb, and Rjays each offer options tailored to these needs, so you can match your gear to your lifestyle and local conditions.

Why Buy from Morgan & Wacker Harley-Davidson

Morgan and Wacker Harley has a wide range of Harley motorcycle gear, parts and accessories for Australian riders. We stock authentic Harley-Davidson gear as well as other trusted brands, backed by expert advice and fast nationwide delivery. Our team rides too so we know what makes the perfect helmet for your next journey.

Shop online or visit us in-store to try the latest men’s Harley riding pants in person.

Once you've decided on your riding pants, you can complete your outfit with riding jackets for men.