Bored to death at work, reading all over the forums to pass the time. Was reading funny comments about assless chaps when it occurred to me that I had no idea when these began to appear in the general riding community. Anybody recollect? Surely it didnt start with the Village People.

 

I can't wait to see some of the justification replies you get on the why, where, and how of assless chaps! I think they are gay personally so I'll take my chances with Levi Strauss.

 

no idea really. as long as i've been riding they've been around. frankly i don't see the value in them, if you go down chances are you're sliding on your *** (or should be). i guess they block wind but a pair of leather pants work much better and only look half as gay (i only wear these in the winter, 40 and below) most of the time it's just denim jeans really.

 

All chaps are arseless if they were not they would be leather pants! Maybe you were thinking leather arseless horse riding pants (you know like the ***** wore but in leather)?

 

1. All chaps are "assless" by definition, like shirts. You wouldn't refer to your shirt as an "assless shirt", would you? Assed chaps are called "pants".

2. The beginning predates motorcycles, originating with horses. Since motorcycles are similar to (small) horses, the clothing came along for the transition.

The primary purpose was to avoid getting caught on or injured by brush, but it turns out that they do an okay job of blocking wind and, when properly treated, rain as well.

 

I was hardcore anti-chaps for the longest time. Then I took a long distance trip in april got about 120 miles into the trip and met up with a friend who was wearing a pair and swore by them so i broke down and bought a pair. Never again will I ride in 40-50 degree weather without them. Side note, ladies love em apparently. Plus they make a nice little stripper ensemble when paired with the right pair of underwear ... it was her birthday and i was drunk.

 

LOL! Ok, just to clarify, I do know that all chaps are assless and I do know that maybe they originated with horseback riders. My question is simply WHEN did they begin to appear with the motorcycle riding community? I dont find any photos of riders back in the pre- 1970s wearing them. Like I said, just bored and looking for some humor to pass time. Ok, now flame away.

 

Early 1960s is about when they became popular amongst motorcycle riders. I'm pretty sure there were individuals who wore them from the get-go, however. Or, at least, once motorcycles looked more like motorcycles and less like bicycles with motors.

 

I would think you'd need big ***** to wear em, that says something.
Anyway, I think they came over on the Mayflower.

 

http://hubpages.com/hub/leatherchaps