When it comes to motorcycle riding, the right gear can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Among the essential gear, riding gloves play a crucial role in protecting your hands and enhancing your grip on the handlebars.
But with a plethora of options available, how do you select the perfect gloves for your specific riding needs? Let's explore the best motorcycle riding gloves for different use cases.
Commuting in Style
If your motorcycle is your daily mode of transportation, you need gloves that offer both comfort and protection during short urban rides. While at the same time such gloves should provide ease of use for daily riding. Speeds during commutes are generally slower than track or touring, which is why you need excellent ventilation as well to stay cool.
Short Cuff Gloves: These gloves are designed for easy on-off and are perfect for city commuting. They provide basic protection for your hands without feeling too bulky. Such gloves are also designed with sufficient ventilation, either with integrated mesh or perforated leather.
Long-Distance Touring
For those epic road trips that span hours and miles, you'll want gloves that provide comfort and endurance. Speeds are significantly higher as compared to commuting. Usage duration is also much more than your track gloves. Which is why gloves meant for touring have adequate protection, are comfortable and have useful features like touchscreen sensitivity and visor wipers.
Touring Gloves: Designed for comfort during long rides, touring gloves often feature extra padding, ergonomic shaping, and multiple closure points for a secure fit. Buy and use new gloves a couple of weeks before your long tour, so that your gloves are properly ‘broken-in’.
Off-Roading Adventures
When you venture off-road, your gloves need to withstand dirt, mud, and impacts. Along with allowing you precision control over the throttle, to stay balanced over rocks, roots and gravel.
Motocross Gloves: Built to endure the rigors of off-road riding, motocross gloves offer reinforced knuckles, palms, and finger guards to protect against obstacles.
Sporty Spirited Rides
For riders who crave speed and agility, gloves with enhanced protection are a must. If you are the kind of motorcyclist, who enjoys going canyon carving on the weekends, then gloves which are built for the racetrack will also work for you. These might not be the most comfortable over long distances, but it is made to provide maximum protection to your hands.
Race Gloves: These gloves prioritize protection with features like carbon fibre knuckle protectors, palm sliders, and multiple layers of abrasion-resistant materials.
Adventure Riding
When your journey involves a mix of on-road and off-road terrains, versatility is key. Adventure motorcycling has riders’ opinions split. Some prefer touring style motorcycle gloves, while others prefer off-road gloves. In our opinion, you should choose your style, depending on whether you expect to spend more time on asphalt or trails.
Adventure Gloves: Designed for the diverse needs of adventure riders, these gloves offer a balance between protection, comfort, and weather resistance. Being waterproof and comfortable without being bulky is your ideal pair of gloves for an incredible adventure.
Racing Enthusiasts
For those who hit the track, precision and protection are paramount. Track days or races require millimetre precise control to ensure your motorcycle fires out of the corner to get you the best possible lap time. Weight, grip and protection are key attributes of such gloves.
Track Gloves: These gloves are engineered for high-speed riding, featuring advanced protective features and aerodynamic designs. An important element to have in your track ready glove is enhanced grip. Check if there is any special material used to help you grab the throttle and brake lever better.
Classic Motorcycle Vibes
If you love the vintage look, your gloves should complement your style. But don’t throw caution to the winds. Don’t buy leather gloves which are not built for motorcycling. Such gloves will provide minimal protection in the unfortunate case of a crash. Many motorcycle gloves are styled to look retro, while giving you all modern safety features.
Classic Leather Gloves: Designed with a timeless appeal, these gloves evoke the spirit of motorcycling's golden era. These gloves pair wonderfully with your classic, retro, bobber style motorcycles.
Remember the Fit
Regardless of your riding style, a proper fit is non-negotiable. Ill-fitting gloves can affect your control and comfort on the road. Check our article on a step-by-step guide on finding your glove size & checking fit. If buying motorcycle riding gloves online, then do a thorough measurement of your hand and compare to the brand’s sizing chart before placing an order.
In Conclusion
Selecting the right motorcycle riding gloves for your specific use case is an investment in both safety and comfort. From cruising to racing, commuting to touring, there's a perfect pair of gloves that align with your riding preferences. Prioritize protection, functionality, and style, and you'll be geared up for a thrilling and secure ride, no matter the occasion.
