Fox topped Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings for motorcycle pants, with a perfect score in all categories for 2020!
Riding a bike is more than just getting from one location to another, it’s a lifestyle. But no matter how or what bike you ride, safety is the priority – and this includes wearing the right gear. With so many options on offer, it can be a tough choice to make when trying to find the perfect fit – not only when it comes to protection, but also comfort, style and practicality. So, if you’re looking to complete your motorcycle getup with the best motorcycle pants in town, you’ve come to the right place.
To give you a helping hand, Canstar Blue produces an annual review of motorcycle pants based on the feedback of hundreds of bike riders across the country, to find out which brands are proving the best fit for Aussie conditions. This adds to our other research ratings for key motorcycle accessories – namely gloves, jackets and boots. The idea is that by learning about the experiences of people just like you, you can make a better-informed purchase decision the next time you hit the stores.
This year, only two brands received the minimum survey sample size (30 responses) to feature in our ratings, but there was aclear winner – Fox!
Here are the best brands for motorcycle pants in Australia, as rated by consumers in Canstar Blue’s latest review:
Fox was deemed the perfect fit for motorcycle pants on all accounts, scoring five-star reviews for protection, durability, style, comfort & fit, functionality, value for money and overall satisfaction. Meanwhile, BMW earned a solid four-star review across all categories.
Read on for further details on the brands compared, as well as some tips on what to look for when it comes to buying motorcycle pants.
When it comes to motorcycle pants, there are three main types of material you’ll find. The majority of our survey respondents said they purchased leather pants, with the results listed below:
Aside from material, you also have the option of the type of pants you choose. Here’s a list of the most common types, according to our survey:
Let’s now dive into each brand in more detail to see exactly what they offer and the prices you can expect.
Fox is not only a leading brand for motocross and mountain bike gear, but it also offers an extensive apparel range for action sports athletes and everyday motorbike riders alike. For casual riders, Fox offers the Standard Issue fleece pants, the Lateral pants and the Essex and Econ stretch pants – all for under $70.
The men’s Moto range features the Legion LT pants (from $129.95), made with smart features and from dependable 850D polyester. These also come with zonal stretch panels to provide greater freedom of movement and large zipper vents for increased airflow − very important when riding in the heat! Meanwhile, the 180 Prix pants are more suited for everyday riders. Fox also offers something for the ladies, including fleece pants and leggings for everyday wear.
BMW spins a concise range of motorcycle pants and rider trousers costing between $350 and $1,200. The brand offers ClimaProtect trousers made of a polyamide and elastane material mix, which together with BMW’s Climate Membrane, offer abrasion resistance and a degree of protection against the elements. These are elastic, waterproof, breathable and just a practical companion when commuting.
The City trousers are also cut out for city living. These airy and lightweight relaxed-cut cotton trousers are said to offer maximum protection when riding in the city and can be transformed into cool and comfy casual wear in no time, thanks to removable NPL protectors.
In addition to the two brands that made it into this year’s ratings, there are plenty of others to consider, including:
A popular choice for many things motorcycle-related, American brand Harley-Davidson features a fairly concise range of motorcycle pants. It includes H-D men’s and women’s motorcycle boot cut, traditional fit and relaxed denim jeans, designed specifically to allow you to move freely while you ride. Harley-Davidson’s men’s FXRG jeans provide a classic style cut with a higher back rise for extra coverage when riding, plus some abrasion resistance. And the best part? They’re backed by a warranty, so you can ride into the sunset with peace of mind.
For 35 years, DriRider has offered Australian riders a range of apparel and accessories, including thermals, boots, gloves, luggage and helmets. Its line-up of motorcycle pants is said to be designed specifically for Aussies and our weather conditions. The Vortex Adventure 2 pants are the most expensive in the DriRider line-up, priced at $349.95, and include a three-layer system, as well as lower leg adjustments and an over the boot cut for style and comfort.
While you might not be able to go into an ALDI store on any given day and buy some motorcycle pants, the discount supermarket does occasionally stock a few budget-friendly options within its motorcycle range. Its motorcycle jeans retail for $69.99 and are stated to be designed with safety in mind. Sizes range from S to XXL and are fitted with CE EN 1621-1 knee protectors. Plus, there’s a YKK original front zipper and Original Coats thread used for stitching.
Motorcycle pants from Alpinestars cost between $50 and $700, depending on which ones you put your legs through. The Big Sur Gore-Tex Pro Pants are its most expensive and are claimed to incorporate an innovative bonded three-layer construction, offering water and wind proofing, as well as durability and breathability, ideal for all-weather riding.
You never know what could happen out on the road, so investing in a good pair of motorcycle pants is simply a smart move. Almost half of survey respondents (44%) told us they feel safer when they’re wearing motorcycle pants and roughly the same amount always wear them when riding.
When asked what was the main factor in choosing the brand they purchased, survey respondents told us:
Ultimately, which brand you decide to go with will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Motorcycle pants can cost anywhere between $100 and $1,000 so researching your options could save you big bucks. Only 12% of respondents wished they had spent more on a better pair of pants, meaning most seem to have found a pair that fits their needs, and their legs.
It would be wise to do your research before jumping into any purchase decision, and more importantly, it’s wise to invest in your safety, so going with a well-designed pair of motorcycle pants that ticks all the boxes is the best move, with style an added bonus.
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.
Picture credits: FXQuadro/Shutterstock.com, Fusionstudio/Shutterstock.com, 4 PM production/Shutterstock.com, oneinchpunch/Shutterstock.com.
Canstar Blue surveyed 800 Australian motorcyclists across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have purchased and used motorcycle pants in the last three years – in this case, 189 people.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.
2019
