Hands are almost always the first thing to touch the ground in a fall. They are also your connection to the throttle, brake and clutch. Good gloves have to protect without making the controls harder to feel.
Short or gauntlet?
Short gloves end at the wrist. They are comfortable and easy to put on, popular for city riding and in summer, but they offer less protection at the wrist.
Gauntlet gloves extend over the jacket sleeve. They protect the wrist better, keep wind and rain out, and stay on more reliably in a crash. They are the standard for sport, touring and track riding.
Key protective features
- Palm sliders: hard plastic pads on the heel of the palm that help the hand slide instead of grabbing the road, reducing wrist and scaphoid injuries.
- Knuckle protection: hard or soft armor over the knuckles.
- Abrasion-resistant materials: leather (goatskin or kangaroo for feel, cowhide for durability) or reinforced textiles.
- A secure closure: a wrist strap that keeps the glove on, plus a cuff closure.
- Finger bridge: a link between the little finger and ring finger, which prevents the little finger from twisting.
In Europe, motorcycle gloves must be certified under EN 13594, at level 1 or the more protective level 2. Look for the label even if you live elsewhere.
Gloves for each season
- Summer: perforated leather or mesh gloves with knuckle protection, for airflow without giving up safety.
- Winter: insulated gloves with a waterproof membrane. Heated gloves, powered by the bike or batteries, make cold-weather riding much more comfortable.
- Rain: waterproof gloves or over-gloves. Many riders carry a second pair on long trips.
Fit and feel
Gloves should be snug without restricting circulation, with fingertips just touching the end when you grip the handlebars. Too loose, and they can come off or bunch up; too tight, and your hands get cold and tired. Leather stretches slightly with use. Test your grip on the controls, including small switches, while wearing them.
Many riders own two or three pairs for different seasons. Gloves wear out, especially at the palm and fingertips, so check them regularly. For the rest of your equipment, see essential motorcycle safety gear and choosing motorbike boots; for cold and wet rides, riding in different weather has more tips.
