Weighing in on the Great Motorcycle Shorts Debate
Do you ride safe or throw caution — and pant legs — to the wind?
We here at HD Forums like to promote rider safety. Mainly it’s because we like you and we want you to stick around for a while. After all, everybody knows that you should never take a spin on your Harley without first gearing up in protective clothing, right? Well, we all know that…but that doesn’t mean some folks choose to ignore it.
We know this because we see people throwing their half-bare legs over their hogs almost every day this time of year. Let’s face it, riding a Harley-Davidson is already a pretty warm experience. Couple that with the intense heat of summer time and you’ve probably at least once considered shedding some clothing jumping on your next ride.
Turns out, there’s a lot of division in our community when it comes to the phenomenon of motorcycle shorts. And this recent forum thread is blowing up with lots of interesting viewpoints shared by our members. Surprisingly enough, it didn’t start with safety talk, either. It all began with a simple question from TBT3.
“With temperatures already up into the 90s here in the great state of South Carolina, I’m once again seeing people riding their bikes while wearing shorts. Which really makes me wonder how in the world they don’t burn their legs.
So do folks in shorts just have to be extra careful and extra aware not to bump the leg against the bike? Or is there some kind of engine guard spray you can spray on your legs to protect them from the engine heat?”
Most responses immediately defer to how stupid it is to ride in shorts, however. Like Upflying‘s incredibly popular comments on the matter.
“Only motorcycle dweebs and nimrods wear shorts when riding. Things get hot on a motorcycle, shorts wearing riders should live with it.”
Honey-Badger even puts together a nice little rhyme for those who might think that riding comfort is more important than safety.
“There are basic things bikers should wear for protection. Dress for the slide, not the ride…”
Cosmic Razorback forgoes any niceties and just says it like it is.
“Sorry but when I see a FOOL riding in shorts and flip flops I wonder why they did not buy a boat.”
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But then again, Road Warrior85 makes some valid points about the hypocritical nature many folks exhibit regarding safety in general.
“There is a whole lot of thought out there that say’s “you’re not a real biker if _____”
riding with shorts on, or tennis shoes, or without some form of vest…. there’s plenty of thought on what makes you real or fake….. but the notion that you must wear a specific costume, uniform, or whatever you want to call it otherwise to be “real” is laughable.Somebody that wears shorts is such an idiot because “what if he falls”…… but then you have such a large population who never wear a helmet.
Indian Larry died falling off his bike (though standing in the seat) at less than 10 mph if my memory serves me correct…… we worry so much about skin, but our head is far more fragile and we disregard it????”
Unsurprisingly, many members have cautionary tales about the dangers of motorcycle shorts. Like Sorg67.
“My son got third degree burns on his leg when he dumped his KLX250S wearing shorts. He always wears long pants now. I do too. Even then the heat is very noticeable at stops.
I really do not understand riding in shorts. But here in Orlando, I see it all the time.
Life is about risk and return. Some believe that the risk of riding a motorcycle at all is not worth it. Everybody draws the line somewhere.
To each his own.”
Axis39 sums it all up nicely by rationally making a case for his personal decision.
“I’m a shorts guy… I am also a t-shirt guy a lot of the time. Also ride in running shoes, chucks, work boots, etc.
I get it, it sucks to go down. I’ve been there. But, I still like wearing shorts when it’s freaking hot and humid.
I refuse to wear full leathers, a full face helmet, etc. I just don’t enjoy it. It’s a decision I’ve made for myself. But, I’ve ridden with guys who make the decision the other way. You know what? It’s okay with me. I really don’t care what other riders decided to wear.”
One thing’s for sure – the topic of motorcycle shorts is a hot one. Literally. So we’re interested to know what your opinion is. Are people who ride in shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops crazy? Or are they free to do as they please in this great country of ours? Chime in here with your thoughts. And if you aren’t a member yet, you need to sign up and join in on this and the many other great conversations at HD Forums today!
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