Motorcycle gloves are an essential part of a rider’s gear. They protect the hands from injuries in case of an accident, shield against the elements, and offer better grip and control over the bike.
However, for the gloves to serve their purpose, they need to fit the rider’s hands correctly. Ill-fitting gloves can cause discomfort, affect the rider’s grip on the handlebars, and even reduce their reaction time in critical situations.
Here’s a detailed guide on how motorcycle gloves should fit:
Snug But Not Too Tight
The gloves should fit snugly around the hand, without being too tight. When trying on gloves, make sure you can slide your hand in easily, but the gloves don’t move around too much when you move your fingers or hand. You should be able to close your fingers into a fist without any tightness or discomfort.
Room For Movement
While snugness is important, it’s also important that the gloves allow some room for movement. The gloves should not restrict your fingers or your hand’s ability to move. You should be able to grip the handlebars comfortably and operate the bike’s controls with ease.
No Bunching Or Folding
The gloves should fit smoothly on your hand, without any bunching or folding of the material. Bunching or folding can cause discomfort, reduce grip, and even affect your visibility while riding. Check for bunching or folding by making a fist or gripping the handlebars and ensuring the material is smooth across your hand.
Finger Length
The fingers of the gloves should be long enough to cover your fingertips fully. You don’t want your fingertips to protrude out of the gloves, as this can cause discomfort and expose your fingers to the elements. The gloves should fit snuggly around your fingers, without being too tight or loose.
Wrist Closure
The gloves should have a secure wrist closure. The wrist closure should fit snugly, but not be too tight, and should be adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit. A secure wrist closure will keep the gloves in place while riding and prevent them from slipping off in case of an accident.
Material
The material of the gloves is also important when it comes to fit. The gloves should be made of a flexible, breathable material that moulds to your hand’s shape. The material should not be too thick, as this can reduce your grip on the handlebars and affect your ability to operate the bike’s controls.
Benefits Of Wearing Motorcycle Gloves
Wearing motorcycle gloves is an essential aspect of safe riding. Not only do they provide protection to your hands in case of an accident, but they also offer several other benefits. Here are some of the benefits of wearing motorcycle gloves:
Protection From Injuries
Motorcycle gloves protect your hands from injuries in case of an accident. In a crash, the hands are often the first part of the body to hit the ground. Motorcycle gloves are designed to provide a layer of protection to your hands, reducing the risk of cuts, abrasions, and other injuries.
Improved Grip And Control
Motorcycle gloves provide a better grip on the handlebars, improving your control over the bike. The gloves’ material is designed to enhance your grip on the handlebars, ensuring that your hands do not slip off while riding. This improved grip also reduces hand fatigue, allowing you to ride for longer periods without experiencing discomfort.
Protection From The Elements
Motorcycle gloves also protect your hands from the elements. They provide insulation, keeping your hands warm in cold weather, and are designed to wick away sweat, keeping your hands dry and comfortable in hot weather. This protection from the elements allows you to ride comfortably in any weather condition.
Increased Comfort
Wearing motorcycle gloves can also increase your comfort while riding. The gloves provide padding to the palms, reducing vibration and shock from the road. This padding reduces hand fatigue, allowing you to ride for longer periods without experiencing discomfort.
Style
Motorcycle gloves come in a variety of styles, colours, and designs. They can be an excellent accessory to your riding gear, enhancing your overall style while providing protection to your hands.
Types of Motorcycle Gloves
There are several types of motorcycle gloves available, each designed for a specific purpose. Choosing the right type of motorcycle gloves depends on your riding style and preferences. Here are some of the most common types of motorcycle gloves:
Racing Gloves
Racing gloves are designed for high-speed riding and offer maximum protection to the hands. They are made of durable materials such as leather, Kevlar, and carbon fibre and provide a high level of grip and control over the bike. Racing gloves often have hard knuckle protection, reinforced palms, and wrist closures for added protection.
Touring Gloves
Touring gloves are designed for long-distance riding and offer comfort and protection. They are made of breathable materials, have extra padding on the palms, and provide good insulation to keep your hands warm in cold weather. Touring gloves often have adjustable wrist closures and are designed to reduce hand fatigue, allowing you to ride for long periods without discomfort.
Adventure Gloves
Adventure gloves are designed for off-road riding and provide a high level of protection to the hands. They are made of durable materials and often have reinforced knuckles and palms for added protection. Adventure gloves offer a high level of grip and control over the bike, making them ideal for off-road riding.
Summer Gloves
Summer gloves are designed for warm weather riding and are made of lightweight, breathable materials such as mesh or perforated leather. They offer good ventilation, keeping your hands cool and dry in hot weather. Summer gloves often have reinforced palms and fingers for added protection.
Winter Gloves
Winter gloves are designed for cold weather riding and offer insulation to keep your hands warm. They are made of thick, insulated materials such as leather, Gore-Tex, or Thinsulate. Winter gloves often have wrist closures and adjustable cuffs to keep out cold air.
Cruiser Gloves
Cruiser gloves are designed for riders who prefer a classic, retro style. They are made of durable materials such as leather and often have intricate designs and decorations. Cruiser gloves offer good grip and control over the bike and provide protection to the hands.
Conclusion
motorcycle gloves should fit snugly but allow for movement, not bunch or fold, have adequate finger length, a secure wrist closure, and be made of a flexible and breathable material. It’s crucial to try on several pairs of gloves to find the perfect fit, as ill-fitting gloves can be uncomfortable and affect your riding experience. Invest in a good quality pair of gloves that fit correctly to ensure your hands are protected while riding.