Sponsors
Sponsors
Suggestions for motorcycle riding pants (Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952)
Posted on: 6/16/10 8:23 AM ET
I am looking for a pattern for a plus cargo pants and suggestions of fabric that is quick dry and light weight in kwaki and black and possible navy blue. We are planning a motorcycle trip in July to New York for a week. We have to travel very light, so the material can not be bulky. I also can only take two pair of pants, so they must be able to dry fast to wash out and hang dry in our motel room. Also, the pattern I am looking to find is a pair of cargo pants that could zip off to make capris for the evenings at the hotel. All suggestions would be helpful. Thanks
Posted on: 6/16/10 10:00 AM ET
In reply to Mary Heckman
Lightweight for wearing on a motocycle??! No no no!!! You must wear heavy thick teflon-coated steel-plated pants!!! With bubble-wrap!
Think "Michelin Man".
Then I won't worry about your safety. (And why exactly do my bike-riding friends always roll their eyes at me when I ask about their motorcycle clothing?)
I dunno about patterns, but for fabrics I'd go microtex stuff.
------
Think "Michelin Man".
Then I won't worry about your safety. (And why exactly do my bike-riding friends always roll their eyes at me when I ask about their motorcycle clothing?)I dunno about patterns, but for fabrics I'd go microtex stuff.
------
I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
Posted on: 6/16/10 10:24 AM ET
In reply to Mary Heckman
Romona, I wear leather pants or a pair of jeans (not safe) with rain pants over them. I can't imagine riding without the leather pants or the equivalent for long distances. Your safety is more important. Do you have side bags or a cantle bag where you can store stuff? Or are you riding a chopped bike?
I'd post a picture of my scars but I know everyone thinks they are invincible.
marec (please tell me you wear a helmet)
I'd post a picture of my scars but I know everyone thinks they are invincible.
marec (please tell me you wear a helmet)
Posted on: 6/16/10 11:05 AM ET
In reply to LynnRowe
I got a huge chuckle from your reply. I agree, I should have lots of protection....but it is so hot! Any my husband limits me since we have a heritage bike with no trunk just side bags. So I have to pack light, and have clothes that dry quickly in case of rain or when I wash them out at night....Our very first week long trip on a bike....maybe our last.
Posted on: 6/16/10 11:08 AM ET
In reply to marec
I do wear a helment....my husband doesn't though. I harp all the time on him. I worry everytime I get on the bike. I gave up riding at all when my kids were small, I just didn't feel comfortable risking my life for such foolishness. But now if I want to spend any time at all with my husband, I must ride! I trust him, it is just the people around me I don't trust. Cars seem to forget that those on a bike can't stop on a dime. I do not have leathers, I would roast...especially with my hot flashes.
Posted on: 6/16/10 2:39 PM ET
In reply to Mary Heckman
Just my 2 cents. You will not roast! Leather chaps are an essential as far as I'm concerned. One good case of road rash or worse and you would be more than willing to trade it for hot! And you are absolutely right. It is THE OTHER GUY. That's precisely why you need the protection. Otherwise we could all wear shorts, flipflops and no helmet 
At the very least, wear heavy weight denim jeans and boots. You can trade for cool and comfy shorts and tees in the evening. Do an online search for how to pack for a motorcycle trip and you will come up with some great ideas. My biggest tip is to roll up your clothes. They take up less space. Use travel size products and get some travel containers to put your cosmetics in. I have some teeny plastic jars for creme blush, face serum, vaseline etc. Honestly the only things you really need are Visine, chap stick, shampoo and sunscreen and a water bottle. If you have hot flashes I highly recommend Neutragena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch in a 50. It is not heavy or greasy or hot and I have never burned with it, even after a full, interstate day.
HAVE FUN! I'm sooo envious of your trip!
------

At the very least, wear heavy weight denim jeans and boots. You can trade for cool and comfy shorts and tees in the evening. Do an online search for how to pack for a motorcycle trip and you will come up with some great ideas. My biggest tip is to roll up your clothes. They take up less space. Use travel size products and get some travel containers to put your cosmetics in. I have some teeny plastic jars for creme blush, face serum, vaseline etc. Honestly the only things you really need are Visine, chap stick, shampoo and sunscreen and a water bottle. If you have hot flashes I highly recommend Neutragena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch in a 50. It is not heavy or greasy or hot and I have never burned with it, even after a full, interstate day.
HAVE FUN! I'm sooo envious of your trip!
------
She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. Proverbs 31:13 NAS
Posted on: 6/20/10 5:22 PM ET
Sounds like what you need is outdoor clothing similar to what backpackers wear. I have several pairs of pants that are just as you describe. Lightweight, quick drying, zip-off cargo pants. They're typically made of a woven nylon or a microfiber polyester. Rose City textiles is one place I can think of that sells this type of material. Do a search for woven nylon, look for light weight Supplex or Supplex Twill. Or give them a call and tell them what you want and ask for samples to be sent to you. Some other places you might try are Peak Fabric, Rockywoods Fabric, Wazoodle. I think there are a few other outerwear fabric type shops. Check the list in the sticky "Fabric Source" thread.
Posted on: 6/21/10 8:34 AM ET
Have you been to your favorite bike shop? I work in one, and we have ALL KINDS of purpose built mesh riding wear that offers both comfort and armor. And if the temp is above a certain high, leather will actually keep you cooler, by insulating your body against the worst of the heat. I have a lovely mesh Harley-Davidson women's jacket. There are also a lot of perforated leather products available now.
Posted on: 6/21/10 12:46 PM ET
I would love to purchase at our dealer, however, I find that things are cut so small that nothing fits. They carry very view women plus size (which I would need a 22 or 2X). Even their plus size close are so form fitting I won't wear. I know I try to find women Harley T-shirts that don't fit like a glove it is next to impossible to find anything. How discouraging is that!
Posted on: 6/22/10 0:53 AM ET
Ha, you need to come out to our store. We have a full Harley-Davidson BOUTIQUE that is staffed by a half dozen women who ride, and they make sure we have stuff that FITS the riders who actually shop there. And I hate playing into stereotypes, but really most of us biker chicks (passengers or riders) aren't the petite and dainty type.
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics







