The (short) disadvantage with motorcycle gear

While I really can't complain much about my height, I find that sometimes it is a bit painful being shorter than the average American male. Demographically, it is changing, but sometimes you cannot escape it. This is very true in the world of protective motorcycle gear.
I was looking around for a decent pair or riding overpants. Preferably leather. I discover than Icon is now selling these really nice leather overpants that also have the ability to attach to my riding jackets (both Icon). I get really excited and start looking for a pair, only to be disappointed with the fact that they come only in tall and taller size! And, as you can imagine, leather pants are not the kind of product you can take to the corner shop to be "taken in" :)

There are some short inseam offerings from other companies like Joe Rocket, but the issue is that you have to compromise. You cannot get exactly what you like from these places. And I'm not dissing JR. Their stuff is pretty good. It is the fact that I can't get what I actually want. You can, of course, have someplace live Vanson or Dainese custom-make you a pair, but we all know that's not going to be cheap! The one thing that doesn't make much sense is that there are a very large number of riders that are below the 34" inseam that a lot of vendors put out in the US market, so I don't think sales numbers would be the problem.

I wound up getting a pair of Joe Rocket overpants. So far, I have mixed feelings about them. For one thing, the inseam still seems a bit large when walking (they're fine when I'm on the riding position), and they seem a little too baggy. I should expect this with overpants, but to me, they still feel like they're too big. I had somewhat similr issues with my first jacket, but I find it easier to deal with longer and normal sleeves than it is to walk with long pants... :)

It's part of the game. I just have to accept it, or pay through the roof for custom fitted equipment.

Later,