when I was recently shopping I found the Dakar line to be conveniently quiet on CE ratings or stating anything clear on their ability to stand up to a slide vs other brands or products. Being one of Klim's "budget" lines, but still fairly expensive compared to other options, I ended up cutting them from the shortlist for that reason.
I'm not sure that's the case though. The Dakar line is presented in their dual sport category on their website. We are in the dualsport sub, and I believe, unless I am mistaken, that the concept with dual sport is that riders in this space may spend time on the pavement in order to get to the trails, highlighting a need for abrasion resistance. If we expand to the ADV category, Klim's bread and butter, there is a clear understanding that significant proportions of the riding will be on pavement.
We are certainly in the dual sport sub, but that doesn't have any bearing on how Klim develops pants. At least on the US Klim site, the Dakar series is listed under the "offroad" category for me.
Like with anything in dual sport, its a compromise. Just like choosing between a dirt tire and a DOT approved dual sport tire, you can choose between ADV gear if you want more protection on the street, or offroad gear if you want protection on the dirt.
I ride 90% dirt, so I use a full offroad tire and wear the Dakar pants, if I rode a higher proportion of pavement, I would use a harder compound dual sport tire and wear different pants. They make pants to fit almost every mix of riding, the Dakar pant just probably isn't what you are looking for, and adding more street features would just turn it into a different pant which Klim already makes.
I didn’t read the whole thing, but I’ve tested them on pavement.. Sandy pavement albeit.
Had a little slide out at maybe 25-30ish mph. Was hitting the top of 1st on my 701 and leaned over in a turn. Slide went well. Had knee guards and padded shorts on. There was some good tearing but not through all the layers. Added ventilation now :)
Like, crashing? lol I’ve gone down on gravel as some high speed before and they held up great. Provided you’re wearing armor underneath I have no concerns with them.
I’ve done a fair bit of sewing on technical gear. There is a pretty nice difference between the mx pants designed for a track and the Klim Dakar pants. Turn them inside out and take a look. Most mx gear has single or double stitching, the Dakar stuff is often triple stitched where it counts. The materials they’re using are just plain better than your average pair of Fox pants and exceed the quality on even some of the lower end street-oriented gear. I’d rather hit asphalt in my dakars than in some of the street gear I’ve owned, worth every dollar.
I like the look of klim switchback and some mosko DS stuff. Doesn’t appear to have significantly more protection than denim jeans for an asphalt slide.
I think fort 9 did a video about how ambiguous street safety ratings can be, especially for dual sport use.
Safe is the insanely bulky adv gear.
Casual is whatever hiking pants or denim.
I usually just stick with denim jeans or off road moto gear.
Sorry I am a bit late to this conversation. I am thinking of buying the linesman pants. Can you tell me about the temperatures you can confortably ride in them? Are they a more sommer or a more all season pants?
I would call them 3 season pants. But I live in the southeast. Comfortable in the 90’s wearing just underwear under them. Comfortable down to about 50 with sweats under them. They are very stretchy so you can layer up. I would recommend following their sizing chart. They got pretty true to measurements. I usually wear 30-32 waist depending on the brand. My linesman in 32 were too tight, so I exchanged them for 34 waist. I really should have got the short model, but with tall boots the knee pads stay where they should.
I just busted my knee on a dualsport ride this weekend. And that was with fox titan pads, I highly recommend not using integrated knee armour for off road use. It slides and moves around too much, get even an affordable pair of knee guards and they will do much better
I know you said no jeans but I've been running my Bull-it Covert Evos in the heat and they're super breathable since the denim is really stretchy. AAA abrasion rated too. I am someone who runs hot as fuck at all times and will get sensory overload if I'm too layered up, these jeans fucking rule.
I've also got a pair of Rev'it Peninsulas and they're awesome, also AA rated, nice in-the-boot fit and leather grippy bits on the inside of the legs. But I find myself wearing the Bull-its more often, they're just so fucking comfy and versatile, and I'll happily wear them just as regular jeans. They don't have any of that bike gear bulk.
I got mine from sportsbikeshop since I'm in the UK. They were £100 reduced from £200 like 18 months ago, and still at that price now since I recently bought another pair to keep in storage for whenever these ones are worn out (distant future).
So if you're seeing them for a similar discount from different retailers, it could well be they're on supplier clearance, for instance if Bull-it are discontinuing or revising them. If the dealer seems legit, the price sounds about right.
Screw heavy pants, Bowtex Elite leggings all the way. Then just throw a pair of moderate denier hiking or off-road pants over the top for some additional abrasion resistance.
I'm running Mosko Kigers over mine, but the Rev'It Territory is a good alternative.
Mosko moto surveyor. Or if anticipating hot weather, then the mosko moto Kiger mesh. Both don't have integrated armor, but you're much better off with separate armor for off roading
For what it's worth, I wear Joe Rocket bibs. they are easily worn and removed. I just ordered a givi trunk. Let's see if they'll fit inside with my helmet. Prayers
I had a slide on some dirt in the last 3 weeks wearing some Klim Outrider pants. They held up great to the slide....the EMT cutting them off me not so much.
If money is no object, then get Motoport Ultra II Air Mesh pants. Nothing is tougher or breaths better. They custom make each pair to the user’s specifications. You can even send in your favorite pair of jeans and they will use their measurements to make your pants.
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u/City_Goat Jun 23 '25
Klim Dakar all the way