Your hands do a lot – gear changes, braking, and overall bike feel. They cop the cold, the rain, the k’s. And if you come off, they’re usually first to hit the ground. So don’t throw on a pair just for the look. Get gloves that protect, not just cover.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR
GLOVES
What to look for in gloves
01
Gloves that are made to ride
Good gloves don’t muck around. They strap in tight and cover past your wrist, at least 5cm up. Leather or tough textiles both work, so long as they’re built right. Fasteners? Keep them on the inside of the wrist, away from impact zones. When you grip the bars, there should be no bunching, no excess at the fingertips.
02
Built to slide, not shred
Choose gloves with proven abrasion resistance, at least 2.5 seconds on the road. For leather, look for 0.9mm thickness or more. CE-certified gloves carry the EN 13594 code.
03
Padding alone won’t do
Knuckles, outer wrist, that soft spot between your little and ring fingers – they all need reinforcement. Padding alone won’t do. Look for webbing between fingers and a hard shell on the back of the hand to spread the impact.
04
Stitching that stays put
More rows = more strength. Good gloves use multiple rows of stitching, with at least one row protected on the inside. If you find sharp edges or bulky fasteners on the outside, that’s a no. Your gloves should be strong and designed to take a hit.
05
Cold, wet hands are dangerous
Comfort is important. If you can’t feel your controls, you can’t react with confidence. Waterproof gloves keep you riding longer and safer.
CHOOSE MOTOCAP TESTED GEAR
MotoCAP independently tests motorcycle jackets, pants, gloves, armour and helmets for safety and comfort. It’s free, trusted by riders, and rates gear on how it performs in a crash, slide or storm.
Ride smart. Check and compare before you buy.
Protective Glove VS Bare Hand
Get gloves that protect, not just cover.
Visit MotoCAP to compare gloves that are built to take a hit and tested to prove it.
