Shielding Your Ride: A Guide to the Best Leather Motorcycle Gloves

Leather motorcycle gloves are a fundamental piece of protective gear for any rider. They provide essential protection for your hands in the event of a crash, while offering the dexterity and grip needed for confident control of your motorcycle. But with a vast array of leather motorcycle gloves on the market, choosing the perfect pair can be a challenge.

This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate the world of leather motorcycle gloves. We’ll delve into the different types of leather, explore key features to consider, and showcase some of the best leather motorcycle gloves available across various styles and budgets.

Unveiling the Leathery Protectors: Types of Leather in Motorcycle Gloves

The type of leather used in motorcycle gloves significantly impacts their durability, feel, and weather resistance. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

• Cowhide: The most popular choice for motorcycle gloves, cowhide offers a good balance of durability, abrasion resistance, and affordability. Full-grain cowhide is the thickest and most protective, while top grain cowhide provides a softer feel with good protection.
• Deerskin: A softer and more supple leather than cowhide, deerskin offers excellent dexterity and a luxurious feel. However, deerskin may not be as abrasion-resistant as cowhide.
• Kangaroo Leather: Highly prized for its exceptional abrasion resistance and lightweight construction, kangaroo leather is often used in high-end racing gloves. It remains supple even when wet.

Beyond the type of leather, consider these important features when choosing leather motorcycle gloves:

• Protection: Look for gloves with impact protection at the knuckles, palm, and fingers. Many gloves incorporate armor made of TPU, D3O, or carbon fiber for enhanced protection.
• Gauntlet Cuffs: Gauntlet cuffs extend over the jacket sleeve, creating a seal to prevent wind, rain, and debris from entering.
• Ventilation: Perforated leather panels or mesh fabric incorporated into the gloves improve breathability in warmer weather.
• Waterproof Liner: A waterproof liner keeps your hands dry in wet conditions. Look for liners made of Gore-Tex or similar technologies that balance waterproofing with breathability.
• Touchscreen Compatibility: Many gloves incorporate touchscreen compatible fingertips, allowing you to use your smartphone or GPS device without removing your gloves.
• Comfort and Fit: The gloves should fit snugly without being constricting. Leather gloves often stretch slightly over time, so a slightly snug fit when new is ideal.

Understanding Waterproof Motorcycle Gloves

There are two main factors to consider when choosing waterproof motorcycle gloves: the waterproof membrane and the outer shell material.

• Waterproof Membranes: These are thin layers integrated into the glove’s construction that block water from entering while allowing moisture vapor to escape, keeping your hands dry and breathable. Gore-Tex is a popular and reliable option, but other manufacturers offer their own proprietary membranes with similar performance.
• Outer Shell Materials: Leather and textile are the two most common outer shell materials. Leather offers excellent abrasion resistance and a nice feel, but requires more maintenance. Textiles are often lighter, more breathable, and often more affordable, but may not offer the same level of abrasion protection as leather.

Safety Meets Style: Top Picks for Leather Motorcycle Gloves

The perfect pair of leather motorcycle gloves strikes a balance between protection, comfort, and style. To help you find the ideal match for your needs, here’s a glimpse into some of the best leather motorcycle gloves available in various categories:

• Sport Riding:
  1. Alpinestars GP Plus R V2 Gloves: These high-performance gloves feature kangaroo leather construction, advanced knuckle protection, and excellent grip.
  2. Dainese Full Metal D1 Gloves: Another top choice for sport riders, these gloves offer a combination of cowhide and amara leather with exceptional abrasion resistance and palm sliders for added protection.
• Touring:
  1. Rev’It! Savanna Gloves: A versatile option for touring riders, these gloves combine cowhide leather with a waterproof Gore-Tex liner and comfortable insulation for all-weather performance.
  2. KLIM Adrenaline GTX Gloves: Another great choice for touring, these gloves feature cowhide leather, a Gore-Tex liner, D3O armor, and ample ventilation for a balance of protection, comfort, and breathability.

• Cruiser/Cafe Racer:
  1. Bilt Robson Gloves: A stylish and affordable option for cruiser and cafe racer riders, these gloves use full-grain cowhide leather for durability and a classic look. They offer moderate protection with knuckle armor and padding.
  2. Icon Hypersport 2 Gloves: Another attractive option for cruiser riders, these gloves incorporate goat leather for a soft feel and feature touchscreen compatibility for added convenience.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Essential Tips for Choosing Motorcycle Gloves

When selecting your ideal pair of leather motorcycle gloves, consider the following factors for a comfortable and safe riding experience:

• Measure Your Hands: Most online retailers and physical stores provide sizing charts to guide you. Measure your hand circumference and refer to the chart to determine the correct size.
• Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, try on the gloves before purchasing them. Ensure they fit snugly but allow for enough dexterity to comfortably operate your motorcycle controls.
• Break-in Period: Leather gloves generally require a short break-in period to conform to the shape of your hands. Wear them around the house for short periods to accelerate the break-in process.

Beyond the Gloves: Additional Considerations for Motorcycle Hand Protection

While leather motorcycle gloves provide excellent protection, here are some additional factors to consider for comprehensive hand protection:

• Handguards: Handguards mounted on your handlebars offer additional protection for your knuckles and fingers in the event of a crash or brush with debris.
• Inner Gloves: Inner gloves made of thin, moisture-wicking materials can improve comfort, especially in warmer weather. They can also be worn independently underneath your motorcycle gloves for added warmth in cold conditions.
• Maintaining Your Gloves: Regular cleaning and conditioning of your leather motorcycle gloves preserves their durability and suppleness. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to maintain your gloves in peak condition.

Invest in Confidence: Embrace the Ride with Motorcycle Gloves

Equipping yourself with a quality pair of leather motorcycle gloves is an investment in your safety and riding enjoyment. By understanding the different types of leather, important features to consider, and popular options available, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect gloves to shield your hands and elevate your motorcycle experience.

Shield Your Ride – Shop for the Motorcycle Gloves Today

Don’t compromise on hand protection. Visit your local motorcycle gear store or browse online retailers to discover the perfect pair of leather motorcycle gloves for you. With a wide variety available, you’re sure to find gloves that offer superior protection, uncompromised comfort, and a touch of style to complement your riding persona. So gear up, feel confident, and embrace the ride ahead!