Best motorcycle jeans of 2023

Before I get into this, let me explain why this review isn’t technically about the best jeans in 2023; and why, in reality, I think that it is!
The truth is that we don’t do all the jeans out there. Just about every brand does jeans these days, and obviously we don’t offer every brand on the market. But we do monitor what’s on offer; and we are forever buying jeans from other retailers to see what they’re like.
It might sound immodest to make such a claim, but there isn’t a jeans brand anywhere that wouldn’t want to work with us. We are kind of the jean people; and it is undoubtedly the case that we sell more premium jeans than anybody in the world.
But let me be clear. In our universe, that means ‘single-layer’ jeans. We are not going to beat about the bush. We do not consider Kevlar, or lined, jeans a premium offering. We just think they’re out of date. When the internal combustion engine first found its way into cars, there were still people who felt that they would never match the horse. We feel the same about those people who still advocate the benefits of Kevlar jeans.
Kevlar jeans did, it has to be acknowledged, play a part in pioneering a more casual form of riding trouser. Until they came onto the scene, most bikers relied upon leather to protect their rear ends. Kevlar jeans looked less aggressive. They were more comfortable; and they harked back to an era when bikers were happy to ride do all their riding in a pair of Levi’s.
But Kevlar jeans have now been overtaken by single-layer jeans. There are lots of different types of single-layer jeans out there, just as there are lots of different types of Kevlar jeans. They come in different designs, different washes, different fits, and different levels of protection. Yet the underlying truth is that single-layer jeans are lighter, more breathable, more comfortable, and easier to wear both on and off the bike.
And that, of course, is why we like them. Nobody who rides a motorcycle in a pair of jeans is immune to considerations of style. But, for us, comfort is the big thing. It’s a major consideration with all motorcycle clothing, but particularly so with a jean. Why, after all, wear a jean if it’s not comfortable? In daily life, nobody would dream of wearing an uncomfortable jean, so why would one wear an uncomfortable jean just because one is riding a motorcycle?
And the good news is that, with modern technology, one really can have the best off both worlds. You can enjoy jeans with levels of abrasion resistance that are way beyond leather, but that still wear like those you would buy in a fashion store.
Some people suggest that single-layer jeans are not as protective as lined ones. But that is nonsense. A nonsense put about those who only sell kevlar jeans. And by those who see motorcyclists as click bait to sell insurance.
The truth is that there are very strong Kevlar jeans, and not very strong Kevlar jeans. The same goes for single-layer jeans. Quite simply, you pays your money; you chooses the level of protection you want.
Some Kevlar jeans are 100% lined, but some are less than 20% lined. Those that are 100% lined are more protective, but heavier, hotter and sweatier. Those that are only partially lined will be more comfortable, but offer protection only where there’s Kevlar; and sometimes that’s just the knees and a bit in the bum. By contrast, whatever the level of protection you get with a single-layer jean, you get everywhere.
To shop motorcycle jeans online, click here - www.motolegends.com/motorcycl...
5:08 - Rokker Legend jean
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7:42 - Spidi J-Tracker Tech jean
www.motolegends.com/spidi-j-t...
10:14 - Rokker Rokkertech Tapered Slim 'black/black' jean
www.motolegends.com/rokker-ro...
11:36 - PMJ Deux jean
www.motolegends.com/pmj-tex-p...
13:40 - Rokker Legend Straight jean
www.motolegends.com/rokker-le...
15:22 - Halvarssons Rogen jean
www.motolegends.com/halvarsso...
17:46 - Rokker Rokkertech AAA Straight jean
www.motolegends.com/rokker-ro...
19:48 - Belstaff Poplar jean
www.motolegends.com/belstaff-...
21:54 - Rokker Revolution AAA jean
www.motolegends.com/rokker-re...
24:27 - Spidi J & Dyneema Evo jean
www.motolegends.com/spidi-j-d...
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[@jonr1122]

I am sorry, but I find this video very troubling. Giving the impression that single layer jeans are safer than lined jeans is the 100% opposite of all the data from independent lab tests such as MotoCAP. I am afaid Motolegends has lost all credibility with me. At best you are ignorant. At worst, well, I won't go there.

[@kierenmoore3236]

But, but … the Rokker Legend jeans are the veritable apotheosis of the art of motorcycle jean manufacture, my good chap!! 🧐 These guys are the largest seller of Rokker jeans in the world!! What would they possibly have to gain by exaggerating how protective Rokker single-layer jeans are?! So, just shut up and buy some Rokkers, now, won’t you?!! There’s a good boy …

[@Porksword65]

I've had a lot of stuff from Motolegends, my best purchase was the Klim Marrakesh by far. I did have a pair of Rokker single layer waterproof jeans but for me the fit was horrible, more around the hips than the waist and I just could not get on with them. I do have two pairs of these outdated lined jeans from Hood, a black and a blue pair, the fit is perfect for me, I like them to fit around the waist, and I can wear any of my boots with them. I've just come back from a trip around the alps and even hitting high 30's (Celsius) the Hoods were comfortable, and never boiled my nadgers. It's quite interesting to watch the Bennets bike social video with their testing of the various materials, and their results. It's the only thing I've ever felt the need to comment on from a motolegends video as usually Chris is bang on the money, but from my own experience, I'm not sold on the whole single layer thing as of yet. The Rokkers I had where the waterproof ones, didn't really flow any air and wore like a cardboard box. Each to their own though, if we were all the same the world would be a boring place.

[@ThePatcarolan]

Was about to comment on the fact that layered Hood jeans will not be beaten by any single layer jeans. And I agree with your assessment of Bennets post. They're not selling any particular brand.

[@Geeboats]

A single layer jean way beyond leather. I stopped there, thanks for the giggles

[@childofthe60s100]

YOU STOPPED - JUST BECAUSE YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND MODERN SYNTHETIC TEXTILES?????? Not much to teach YOU.....is there?

[@bloodsweattones]

I bought Halvarssons Rogen last week and must say I never thought motorcycle jeans could be so comfortable and safe at the same time. Feels like regular jeans with smooth flexible stretch. My brother who is a experienced rider for several years on track could not believe the feel and the certification on these. Level AAA and Level 2 protectors from scratch and for 1995SEK approx 199USD. Leg width is very good and do fit us with bigger thighs. Quality feels really good. I did not expect this level for this price. Is there any competition for Halvarssons Rogen in this pricepoint really? Halvarssons is a Swedish brand so maybe this is why they have a good price here.

[@steveaga4683]

The link for the Spidi J Tracker does not appear to work.

[@user-cn8vb9hh5z]

Really good info again. Thank you. Why did you drop Resurgence? I have tried Rokker revolution, Bullit and Held and like the Resurgence the best (i have not tried the non-waterprood Rokker admittedly).

[@Motolegends]

Try the Rokkers; they’re in a different league. CP

[@donalharrington6462]

Hi guys, silly question but can single layer jeans be worn with layers? I ride in the west of Ireland and it can be cold. I love the practicality of jeans

[@dean-does-stuff-81]

I think I will have to come to try some of these on...

[@sejtam]

Why does the link for the Deux not go to the Deus but the PMJ Tex-pro (and i cannot find the Deux in your store)?

[@Motolegends]

They’re one and the same. CP

[@slimsin6049]

Hi. Do you have any thoughts on the Pando Moto Arnie Slim jeans?

[@kierenmoore3236]

They mustn’t sell these? Lol Ask them about Rokkers … … …

[@chrisw.1090]

After reading a lot of the comments and not seeing this asked, I'll ask: Is this video (or your channel in general) sponsored by Rokker? If so please be honest about it so that we can make a more informed choice. Thanks for the great videos!

[@gcanaday1]

I miss buttonflys. When I was a teenager I got to where I could button them up almost as fast as I could work a zipper.

[@TheWizardOfSanity]

Don't they sell John doe in the UK? I have tried both them and the pmj and John doe is far more comfortable and they are AAA rated to.. Can't seem to find a dealer in Sweden that sells rokker so I haven't tried them

[@sarge2665]

Yet another great and very informative video. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@tim_st_117]

Bought 2 pairs of Rokker from you so far, amongst other things. Great service when visiting the shop

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! Motolegends does a fantastic job explaining the differences and provide a great service with their knowledge and experience! Best!

[@Peter-mcmcmc]

Chris -- thank you for making this video. Moreover, thank you for making ALL your videos. I live in The States and learned of Motolegends roughly one year ago. In that time, I've purchased quite a bit of gear from you and love all of it. In the last 1.5 months alone, I bought the Scott rainwear (pants and jacket), Richa Squadron gloves, and Daytona AC Classics GTX (in brown). I wish I would have learned of you years ago, but alas, like most naive Americans (we're not the smartest lot), succumbed to the masses and thought the only retailers from whom to buy gear in the US were the giant online retailers. In every product you review, your thoroughness and objectivity shine through, and I particularly value your unabashed ability to "pull no punches." Brutal honesty is a rarity in business, and you and your team are to be lauded for your candor. Specific to this video, I have been loyal to John Doe for my jeans for a few years and, while I realize ML doesn't carry the brand, I've become increasingly intrigued by your singing Rokker's praises. Indeed, their AAA Straight will likely be my next purchase from you. I have one question, though: I'm keen on Bowtex for armored base-layers (leggings and shirt), so if I were to wear Bowtex AAA "Elite" leggings under your AA Rokker "Legend" model, this would be more than sufficient, right (indeed, probably overkill)? Thanks to you and your team for all you do in your pursuit of keeping the biker community safe, and please pass along a "thank you" to Megan in your customer service department. She's been instrumental in answering many of my questions and is an excellent front-facing ambassador for your brand.

[@Motolegends]

That would be overkill. Times three. We are not a fan of Bowtex leggings. They are thick and heavy, and because they wear so close to the skin, they don’t breathe particularly well. But the idea is that with a pair of Bowtex underneath, you can wear a non-protective jean over them. It you look at our Facebook, you will see that we reported on a guy who came off his bike at a speed that was, actually, well over the speed limit. He slid 120 yards in his AA Rokker jeans, and they were virtually unscathed, despite the fact that the rest of his gear was destroyed. These jeans, on their own, are more than up to the job. Obviously, you can wear what you want, but actually there’s always more protection to be had. The problem is that it comes at the expense of comfort; and comfort on the bike is what allows us to ride safely. CC.

[@Peter-mcmcmc]

@@juliensls I’m stuck on the Elites only because I’m one of those obsessed with AAA. For me the logic is simple: if I’m willing to shell out $350 for jeans that are AA, then I’ve got no qualms shelling out an additional $50 for AAA. Same with Bowtex…I have no breathability issues with the Elites under my John Does, and I live in the US Coastal Southeast. Heat and humidity are the norm, and if you’re a rider, you simply manage it.

[@oklahomahank2378]

Which of these has the highest or longest rise? I am 6’3” but have a longer body and shorter legs than average. Typical jeans ride way too low on me.

[@Motolegends]

The AAA Rokker is probably the best for you. CP

[@axelfiraxa]

Or you could get Hood Jeans where you can specify your waist and leg size for under 200 pounds

[@oklahomahank2378]

Thanks. Good customer service!

[@SublimeTree]

Great video! Thanks for the info.

[@nickfrancis6359]

I don’t get the attraction of the D30 Ghost armour. It covers less area and as it’s flat and it’s prone to not sit correctly over the knee when riding. Slightly cupped knee armour sits better and offers more coverage. If you are in doubt, try it out for yourself and see what you would prefer, your knee armour covering your knee, or not, especially when you hit the tarmac on your knees or roll down the road,And I have tried it in two different jeans but will go back to The D30 shaped L2 knee armour. Revit flexible seesmeart level 1 even offers more coverage, including the length down the shin. The D30 Ghost offers minimal protection due to size, shape (or lack of) and movement. I would like to see some proper testing of different Level 2 knee armour for jeans which includes fitment and coverage. A bit odd that there isn’t or is that deliberate as the manufacturers don’t want us to see the results?

[@Yamarican29]

Thank you so much for this video. You definitely ruffled some feathers but I’m appreciative of the fresh insight.

[@bikerintheblood]

Thanks Chris. I really appreciate the effort you put in to educate and inform bikers of the realities of today’s performance fabrics. Of course there will always be those who know better and base that on the number of years they’ve been riding. Utter nonsense of course. As an academic and a biker, I’ll be agreeing with the evidence you’ve shared in this vlog which some people are confusing with personal opinion. You’re looking great for 93👍

[@stevemaughan356]

I would be interested in your take on the ideal sport bike attire. I’m an expat living in Atlanta GA (30 mins from the Appalachians). It gets hot and sweaty in the summer and I’m looking into Airbag options… love the channel, and the level of detail, knowledge and expertise… keep it comng

[@swcrossii]

Brilliant video. Love all you videos. Simply enjoyable and informative!

[@rajindarsingh1417]

I would love to visit your shop. How far are you from London, I travel often from Singapore & have always wanted Rokker but wouldn’t buy online.

[@Motolegends]

We are just on the outskirts of Guildford which is only 40 minutes by train from London. We are only a mile from Guildford train station and can pick you up if required.

[@rajindarsingh1417]

@@Motolegends- Thanks 🙏🏼, I will not trouble you with the pick up but hopefully my job as a flight attendant will take me to London soon enough. Hopefully the classic rokker will fit me & my engineer boots

[@rajindarsingh1417]

I’m planning to drop by on the 9th of May . See you then , is there a number I can contact you with.

[@motocrusader72]

Fantastic review. I plan to,come to the UK in part to visit your shop. I have ordered overseas from your shop in the recent past (Scott’s waterproofs)-excellent service and terms. Love Revzilla but we need a Motolegends in the US, please.

[@user-fj7ly8jx5n]

I wish people would decide whether the item is called jeans or jean.

[@SafaDave]

Great breakdown. Just ordered a new Scott wp pants 10 minutes ago. Thanks for my Halvarson jacket, fits perfectly, great advice while ordering. Much appreciated.

[@burrito-town]

The audio in this video is dangerously quiet. I can barely hear what you're saying.

[@baronbristow8764]

Great review again. I wish I could visit but I’m in Australia.

[@kierenmoore3236]

We have better motorcycle jean brands in Australia.

[@baronbristow8764]

@@kierenmoore3236 like what?

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@baronbristow8764 Draggin jeans. I wear Draggin Holeshots, if I want some actual protection from a jean.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Anyone who tells you jeans (especially single-layer jeans) are as protective as race leathers, should be laughed out of the conversation. The sales patter is clearly shifting a lot of Rokkers for them, though - assuming the part about them being the biggest sellers of Rokkers in the world can be believed. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@baronbristow8764]

@@kierenmoore3236 that doesn’t answer the question - and I’m not wearing racing leathers to work. I wear single layer jeans and haven’t yet tested their slide strength. I guess I’m relying on the voracity of the various tests etc of the certifying organisations and general recommendations from a variety of sources. The chap in the hat isn’t too far off the general consensus with most of his opinions…

[@b3n926]

Are these jeans or leggings? There is almost zero chance I could most these jeans further than half way up my thighs and I'm a 32" waist.

[@Motolegends]

Don’t be swayed by our 29” mannequin. Unless you’re a world class time trialist we won’t have a problem getting you comfortably into 😅a comfortable pair of jeans. Prepared to guarantee that. CP

[@1teem]

If Resurgence jeans 👖 (especially Pekev Voyager) aren't on this list then you're joking. >11 seconds slide time. Worthy of motorway and even damn track day if you're seeking maximum protection. I just dare you to find one Jean more protective than the Resurgence ones.

[@Motolegends]

You’re not listening. We’re not fans of chasing AAA for the sake of it. In our view, the best jean is not the most protective one. We were instrumental in bringing that Resurgence jean to market many years ago; it was made at our request, and we launched it, but in comparison with today’s jeans, it’s not particularly nice to wear. Ultimately, we gave Resurgence up because of horrendous quality control issues. The Voyager was outstanding when it first came to market, but it’s no longer anything special, in our view. Not in the same league as the best, modern, single-layer jeans. CP

[@dot4distributionltd118]

@Chris I am disappointed to read your comments here as they are not accurate. Firstly the Resurgence Gear Voyager jean was not made at your request and you did not launch it. The model existed before you became a retailer, it may well have been a key reason in your decision to become a retailer for the brand, and Motolegends were an early retailer for it, but by no means the first, and it is true to say your input influenced some of the brands other key products but not the one referred to. We spent a year working with the brand prior to even launching it in Europe, to certify both the Voyager and its Cargo twin, the Cruiser, to the EN13595 standard and were unique in achieving Level 2 certification with the highest recorded Cambridge machine abrasion times. As we felt it important that the safety of the jean was proven beyond the marketing words of the brand, especially as Resurgence Gear are unique among jean brands in developing there own protective fabric, as fabric technologists, and do not simply just use third party fabrics such as Armalith (Rokkertech), Kevlar, Dyneema etc.. I note none of the brands mentioned in the article participated in any form of CE testing prior to EN17092 becoming a legal requirement, some even refusing to when requested by retailers/distributors to do so too. I do take umbrage at your comment that you gave the brand up because of quality control issues, as this is either simply not true or you were lying to us in your email when you withdrew the brand, telling us that if we continued to sell it to one of your competitors you would not continue to sell it yourselves, clearly we did not stop as we believe competition is healthy and consumers should be offered the greatest range of products from all retailers to make an informed choice about what is best for them. The irony being that nearly all of the other brands you sell are available from that retailer today. Today Resurgence Gear make a range of both single layer and lined jeans standardising on the AAA rating with entry level products at AA, so a rider can decide if he wants the comfort afforded by a single layer jean on warm days, or the added security of a lined jean. Please refrain from making comments like this in the future as they are simply not true.

[@christhomson5198]

@@Motolegends horrendous quality control? What a load of bollocks. Ive had Resurgence for years and the best around. There is a reason this guy is one of the most unctious conceited people around and suspect there is more behind his ill judged statement!

[@bearcatracing007]

​@@dot4distributionltd118I look forward to the reply to this ..

[@MrSlurry]

​​​​​@@bearcatracing007 Chris has another video where he claims that he was instrumental in the development of the Shoei Glamster. Seems like that comedy cap has been on too tight, for too long

[@DJPTEXAS]

Could the legs get any more skinny than these European cuts ? Some of these jeans also have a very short rise .... just wear Yoga pants.....

[@Motolegends]

I suppose it’s a style thing, but yes you may be right; loose and baggy is not all the rage, but a lot of these jeans have stretch so are still really comfortable. But don’t be influenced by the mannequin behind me. The mannequin has a 28” waist; and that makes any jean look slim. CP

[@DJPTEXAS]

@@Motolegends Thanks!

[@glideman]

Telling people that jeans are stronger than leather is just wrong. If jeans were stronger they would be worn by moto gp riders. If I come off a bike at 70mph I want to be wearing leathers, not jeans. Same goes for the overpriced Rukka stuff.

[@Motolegends]

I think it’s dangerous for somebody who knows absolutely nothing to use the internet to prove it. Leather is the arse of a cow. That hasn’t changed in 500 years, yet today we go to the moon. Is is really beyond your horizons to realise that modern fibres can be stronger than a cow’s arse. Moto GP riders wear leather for two main reasons. It can fit tight so that it doesn’t flap in the wind, thus giving higher speeds on the straight. Leather, being smooth, and without seams, also slides much better if you go down the road. But are some modern materials stronger than leather? Yes, of course they are, as the industry testing regime has proven. Read our facebook post about the guy who came off his bike, and slid 120 metres. CP

[@glideman]

@@Motolegends To say someone who's been riding motorcycles for 40+ years know absolutely nothing is just rude. I've been biking long enough to remember when overpriced Rukka used to sell the equivalent of a pair of plastic fishing waders for £20. They weren't much better than the overpriced crap they sell today. If you're soo sure jeans are better than leather prove it! The overpriced Rukka stuff is nowhere near as good as leather & paying £1,000+ for a textile jacket is just plain stupid. Why would anyone take fashion advice from someone who dresses like a Victorian chimney sweep anyway?

[@paulvarnsverry11]

@Chris Cotton; Whilst I appreciate your remark tanning “hasn’t changed in 500 years” was probably an intentional exaggeration, to assert a particular point, the technology is certainly not stuck in the Middle Ages! 😁 The fundamentals may remain, but then they do so with that other ancient invention - the wheel! Tanning science and methodology has changed immensely across the millennia, and continues to do so right up to the modern day. Recently, I read of a tannery that has developed and launched a perforated 0.7mm calf leather (that’s glove thickness) claimed to satisfy AAA tear strength and abrasion resistance requirements. It is being promoted for its comfort in hot climates. The original vegetable tanning technique has been added to with chrome tanning, and in recent decades controls have been implemented on the effluent from tanneries, which were immensely damaging to the environment, and on removing or reducing the remaining levels of irritant, toxic or carcinogenic substances such as hexavalent chromium, formaldehyde, pentacholorophenol, and azo dyes, which can leech through the wearer’s skin and accumulate in the tissues and organs. As I am sure you know, these factors also affect textile production. By comparison, protective textiles for motorcyclists’ clothing are still in their infancy, but the rate of development is impressive. Even so, they cannot cheat the laws of physics. As Dr Woods expressed it; to provide acceptable protection, the characteristics of thickness, stiffness and mass must be present, with at least one in greater proportion. For example, a thin material will need to be stiffer or denser as offset. The forces involved in an impact with and slide along the tarmac need to be distributed through the structure of the rider’s clothing, and I am sceptical that monolayer jeans can achieve this - but I am open to being convinced otherwise. EN 17092 - on which I believe you and I share a number of common thoughts - has enabled garments to be certified which would previously have struggled to satisfy the higher requirements of EN 13595. In a short span of time, however, that gap may have been closed by newly-developed fabrics, which is why the Bennetts High Performance Awards represent a welcome opportunity to identify those advances in a way EN 17092 does not facilitate. Finally; although my background was in leather clothing, my choice of apparel today is exclusively textile, including two EN 13595 Level 2 suits which ably demonstrate the advances in technology during the 18 years between their respective production dates. Always happy to chat should you wish. I must drop in to see you when I am next in the area. 🤝 (The views expressed here are my own and are not claimed or implied to represent the consensus or official policy of organisations with which I am affiliated.)

[@Motolegends]

@@glideman you can ride for 50 years, and still be clueless, as you have amply demonstrated. Suggest you continue doing whatever it is people pay you to do. Leave the technical stuff to us, because you are clearly out of your depth. What’s more, you’re are totally lacking in wit! CP

[@glideman]

@@Motolegends you should stick to selling overpriced crap to coffee shop hoppers and hipsters. Leave the biking to bikers, people who have the sense to buy proper gear for a reasonable price. Not crap like Rukka & Belstaff, telling people that textiles are better than leathers is wrong. Waxed cotton went out of use by proper bikers in the 70-80s, only fools like you wear such crap today. If I thought my clothing was tougher than leathers I would send some to Bennett and prove my point, not go hiding behind my keyboard spouting nonsense & insulting people. Put your money where your mouth is and prove it!!!

[@GBMatthew07]

I much prefer button fly jeans to zipped. Also why are all the jeans so skinny there are a lot of guys out there who aren't fat but have large muscular legs and I struggle to find modern jeans that I can get my calves in let alone my thighs. I have to keep buying the same one brand colour and style from elsewhere as they're the only ones that are loose fit.

[@markwood9755]

Please could we have a black black legend and legend straight ? Keep up the good work on keeping us all informed 😊

[@beardedbrian3048]

Thanks for the great honest opinions given.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Are you joking?!

[@MoarMrBASS]

All these pants look so tight and uncomfortable You would have to be skin and bone to fit in any of these

[@Mark-le8sr]

if denim jeans are "way more abrasion resistant than leather" and they are "lighter" then why are manufactures of pro race suits not using materials as Motolegends describe here ? Pro race suits are still used and tested as the best Frankly as told by yourselves here does not inspire confidence !

[@user-kr3kb5sh4z]

Most stupid ever seen. Leather is always the best. Please do some research. This is just a hidden commercial.