Motorcycle Trouser Buying Guide 2026

CE EN 17092: same standard as jackets, same level system

Motorcycle trousers are certified under CE EN 17092 — the same standard as jackets. The same three-level system applies: A (legal minimum), AA, and AAA (race-spec). The levels reflect abrasion resistance in defined impact zones — for trousers, that means the hips, knees, and seat.

The Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar and Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry are both CE A — the legal minimum for road use, which is also the realistic ceiling for waterproof touring trousers. The Rev'It! Poseidon 3 GTX Pants are CE AA — the premium choice if you prioritise protection alongside all-weather capability.

Knee armour: included level vs upgrade options

CE EN 17092 requires knee protector pockets in riding trousers, but the protectors themselves may be sold separately or included at Level 1. Always check what is actually in the box.

If your trousers ship with Level 1 protectors and you ride at speed, check whether the pockets accept Level 2 upgrades. Most touring trousers do — a replacement Level 2 protector costs €20–40 and is a worthwhile addition.

Hip protectors: the most commonly omitted piece

Hip protectors are less commonly worn than knee protectors despite the hip being a primary impact zone in slide-offs. Most trousers have hip protector pockets but ship without the protectors — they are omitted to hit a lower price point or because sizing is complex.

The Alpinestars Andes V3 has a hip protector pocket that accepts Level 2 upgrades. The Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry and Rev'It! Poseidon 3 GTX also have hip pockets. Check whether protectors are included or sold separately before buying — and if they are sold separately, budget for them.

Waterproofing in trousers

The same membrane approaches as jackets apply to trousers — Gore-Tex laminated (Poseidon 3 GTX), proprietary insert (Dainese D-Dry®), and branded membranes (Alpinestars Drystar®).

Trousers face a more demanding waterproofing environment than jackets — the seat and inner thigh area receives sustained water pressure when sitting in rain. Laminated construction (membrane bonded to outer fabric) handles this better than insert-style waterproofing, which can soak through the outer layer and become heavy.

The Rev'It! Poseidon 3 GTX uses Gore-Tex laminated construction — same approach as the jacket, which is why they work so well as a matched system. The Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry and Andes V3 Drystar use insert-style membranes — perfectly adequate for most riding, just heavier when wet for extended periods.

Jacket connection zips: why they matter

A connection zip joins the trouser waistband to the jacket hem, preventing the two from separating in a crash or slide. Without it, the jacket rides up and the trouser drops — exposing the lower back and hip. This is not a cosmetic feature.

The Rev'It! Poseidon 3 GTX Pants connect directly to the matching Poseidon 3 GTX jacket via both a short connection zip and a long connection zip — designed to be bought as a system. The Andes V3 Drystar and Tempest 3 D-Dry have connection zips compatible with most standard-spec touring jackets.

When buying jacket and trousers from different brands, check that both have compatible connection zip formats. Most EU brands use a standard format — but verify before buying.

Thermal liners: how they extend the season

All three trouser models in our catalog have removable thermal liners. Without the liner the trousers are usable from roughly 12°C upwards; with the liner from around 0°C. For touring in the Alps or riding through autumn in northern Italy, this range matters.

Check whether the liner is quilted (warmth-focused) or fleece (comfort-focused). Quilted liners add more warmth per gram. Confirm the liner is in the box — it is always listed as a feature but sometimes sold separately on clearance models.

EU price variance on motorcycle trousers

The Dainese Tempest 3 D-Dry shows the largest price gap in our catalog for trousers — €186.49 at Motardinn vs €249.00 at Dainese EU direct — a €62.51 gap on the same product with Level 2 knee protection included. The highest-value deal in our entire trousers section.