I wore blue jeans when I hit the trail on my first motorcycle. They were the uniform of the day, despite providing just a touch more protection than cotton pajamas in a get-off.
When textile gear came of age, I moved on to a higher level of protection. Now technology has taken us back to the future with motorcycle jeans that protect in a fall instead of shredding. Riders no longer have to wear a touring suit to safely run a few errands or enjoy a multi-surface day ride.
Unlike early Kevlar-lined motorcycle jeans, which were too warm and stiff for my taste, the Lombards are made from heavy but flexible 15-ounce Cordura Denim. A blend of cotton and military-grade nylon, this fabric has an AA rating (the middle of three levels) for impact and abrasion resistance under CE standard EN 17902. The outseam is triple-stitched for strength, while the inseam is flat for comfort. Built-in stretch and a mesh lining over the thighs contribute to a good fit in the saddle.
It’s the Rev’It SeeSmart armor technology that turns these tough pants into real motorcycle gear. Thin, flexible, ventilated protectors fit into pockets at the Lombards’ hips and knees. Though impact certified to CE-level 1 (the lower of two levels), their slender profile makes them largely unnoticeable, whether standing or sitting. The knee pads shift around much less than those in other riding pants I own, increasing the odds they will be in place when necessary. Rev’It says the Lombard jeans are “built to handle moderate exploring.” That’s a valid claim in my book, given their protection features and materials.
The Lombard 3 RF look is pure straight-cut jeans: five pockets and five belt loops with a top button and zipper fly. Riveted front pockets and double belt loops at the back and for the belt buckle enhance their styling. My favorite feature is the deep back pockets. I initially noticed the Lombards’ weight—nearly 3 pounds for my size 31W/32L—but it wasn’t an issue after wearing them for a few hours. The dark gray and blue options make them warm in the sun when sitting or walking, but their ability to pass air through kept them comfortable on the road from 60 to 90 degrees.
After wearing the Lombards around town, on the highway, and off the pavement, I’m convinced that Rev’It has created jeans that will protect while remaining comfortable for most types of riding. Perhaps best of all, they look like the jeans I wore on my first rides.
$230 | revitsport.com
Editor’s Note: This Rev’It Lombard 3 RF article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Summer 2023 Issue.
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