These are new for this spring. Finally, something to go with my Daytona Jacket!

http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1663&id=7012

Doesn't say if they are perforated... if not, could get a bit steamy in the coming months. Look nice though.

Yeah, and it can get toasty here in the summer. Not unusual to see 110 degrees plus June-August. Obviously I need to do some homework.

Here's a pricey alternative: Kushitani Perforated Leather Jeans (http://www.kushitani.com/kushitani-web/proexjmesh.htm)
Not cheap, but I've seen them in person and they are NICE. If you're willing to pay premium to not look like Joe Trackdaze (not that I'm opposed to that) riding around town but want leather protection, could be for you.
http://www.kushitani.com/kushitani-web/products/EX413M.jpg

You could get armored kevlar jeans with or without padding for a helluva lot less than $400. I know leather is really good but kevlar does the job as well. Crazy to pay that kind of money unless you're really into "leather", LOL...

You could get armored kevlar jeans with or without padding for a helluva lot less than $400. I know leather is really good but kevlar does the job as well. Crazy to pay that kind of money unless you're really into "leather", LOL...
Oh, they're out there. And as crazy as they are, they're no more crazy than someone spending money on $600 helmet that's as effective as one that's $200 or less. Someone's going to defend an Alipinestars jacket when compared to a similar but cheaper Teknic jacket for the same reasons. People justify paying more in whatever way that lets them sleep better at night or keeps them from laughing at the person in the mirror.

Here's a pricey alternative: [url=http://www.kushitani.com/kushitani-web/proexjmesh.htm][b]

I'd not be found dead in those... but that isn't saying much about my tastes. :lol:

The problem with things that try to look like the "normal" product, unless you really can't tell the difference, it sticks out like a sore thumb... then it's better to go with something application specific that looks good.

Speaking of jeans, this is what I finally settled on:

http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=178&cat=26

They are black denim with perforated leather panels in the lining and impact areas. They also come with CE knee armor which I like.

$90 isn't bad, think I paid close to that for my Icons and they don't have leather or pads, just some kevlar. Good find and the black looks nice.

Oh, they're out there. And as crazy as they are, they're no more crazy than someone spending money on $600 helmet that's as effective as one that's $200 or less. Someone's going to defend an Alipinestars jacket when compared to a similar but cheaper Teknic jacket for the same reasons. People justify paying more in whatever way that lets them sleep better at night or keeps them from laughing at the person in the mirror.


paying more for gear doesnt make someone stupid or need justification. in my opinion, high end gear is better, has more features, and has a longer life to it. it just depends whether you want to pay more now for an alpinestar, or buy a new jacket sooner.

my dads frank thomas jacket is showing the wear and tear of use after just two years, and my brothers motogp (that he paid $200 more for) still looks almost brand new. so, its about trade-offs, and personal preference between economy of the cheaper ones and quality and features of an expensive one.

paying more for gear doesnt make someone stupid or need justification. in my opinion, high end gear is better, has more features, and has a longer life to it. it just depends whether you want to pay more now for an alpinestar, or buy a new jacket sooner.

my dads frank thomas jacket is showing the wear and tear of use after just two years, and my brothers motogp (that he paid $200 more for) still looks almost brand new. so, its about trade-offs, and personal preference between economy of the cheaper ones and quality and features of an expensive one.
My point was that everyone has a reason for paying more, be it based on fact or marketing fiction. I've got Alpinestars stuff, a MotoGP jacket leather jacket (that was cheap, compared to other brands) and lots of other gear that could either be classified as expensive or cheap, even though every individual has their own definition of what "expensive" is.

I've had expensive stuff turn to crap very quickly (a pair of Alpinestars high-top boots and way overpriced MOMO Design helmet) and less expensive stuff that's held up really well over time. I just don't believe that price point and brand name are blanket indicators of quality.

Mercedes-Benz ain't exactly quality these last few years but they're an expensive luxury brand.

Speaking of jeans, this is what I finally settled on:

http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=178&cat=26

They are black denim with perforated leather panels in the lining and impact areas. They also come with CE knee armor which I like.
It wasn't clear on the link.

Do they have leather in the seat area? Does the leather wrap around the knee?

How is the armor held in place?

I will post a review of the jeans once they arrive. All they say is that there is leather in the abrasion zones...wherever that is!

-Michael

My $0.02. I have the Cortech DSX and the "Mod Denim" pants and like them. They do have decent leather protection in the seat and knees.

They seem like a good compromise between riding with no protection and dressing up like a power ranger, IMHO.

The "Mod Denim" pants add velcro to help position the CE knee protectors which the DSX pants don't have. You might want to keep that in mind in case you don't like the way the DSX knee pads fit. Oddly enough, I find the protector fits better for me with the DSX pants, as you're limited in how much you can move the protector by the pocket it fits in. The "distressed look" on the mod denim pants does looks kinda lame IMO, but I guess that's subjective.

I was thinking of those pants myself. I think it would go good with my ICON accelerant titanium jacket. Right I sport some icon black hoolagans. Those leather pants look cool though and would provide much better protection in the event of..... you know.

I will post a review of the jeans once they arrive. All they say is that there is leather in the abrasion zones...wherever that is!

-Michael

Those look great. I'd be curious to know how you think they fit (i.e. can I just order what I normally wear in 501s, or do I need to go up/down a size)

Know what the hardest part of wearing Icon leather pants is?




Telling your parents you're gay. :lol:

Well here is my review of the jeans:

I purchased them using my normal jean size, and they fit very well, a little baggy, more like relaxed fit jeans, but the length and waist were very close.

The knee pads did not work at all. Even on the bike, they were way too low. And even if they did line up correctly, the pants are so loose that the pads would slide from side to side...not good! I went ahead and purchased ICON shin and knee guards that I wear under the jeans(since there is plenty of room). Much better...they cover much more of the leg, and they fit like a glove.


http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/350/635/ITEM/Icon-Field-Armor-Knee-Shin-Guards.aspx

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/1894/2005iconfieldarmorkneesge9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thanks n2citrus. I am considering some more gear and pants are on the list. I am not a fan of armor that moves around. When that happens it doesn't do the job.

How bulky is the Icon leg armor?

The armor is very light, but tough as nails. It has an elastic band on the back with velcro adjustment, which works very well. I highly recommend these for anyone wearing jeans. Best part, it stays right where you want it!

-Michael

I ride with super duty 2 cargo pants from icon during summer and for cold days in the winter if you call it cold I wear insulated denim from icon. In S.F. bay area the cold days are aound 50 degrees and Im hot in the insulated pants. For the rest of the time Im on my bike as a commuter and around town in dickies and carharts or just any old jeans.