Gloves

The Protective Function

Your hands as the first line of defense
In a fall, even at low speeds, the natural reaction is to break the fall with your hands. Without protection, contact with rough asphalt causes deep and painful abrasions, broken bones, and tendon injuries immediately—even in short slides. High-quality motorcycle gloves use abrasion-resistant material (leather or special textiles) and protectors in key areas:

• Knuckle protectors: Protect against direct impacts.
• Palm sliders: Prevent the hand from “sticking” to asphalt and allow it to slide instead, reducing the risk of wrist fractures.
• Finger protectors: Protect the sensitive finger joints.

Grip and Feel

The direct connection to the machine
Sweaty or cold hands reduce grip strength and sensitivity. Motorcycle gloves ensure a secure, non-slip hold on the handlebars. This enables precise control of throttle, brakes, and clutch and prevents slipping in critical situations. The pre-shaped fit of modern gloves also supports an ergonomic and fatigue-free posture.

Legal Situation

Are motorcycle gloves mandatory?
This is a common question. In Germany, unlike helmets, there is no explicit legal obligation to wear motorcycle gloves. However, all safety experts and insurance companies strongly recommend them. In the event of an accident, not wearing protective gloves can be considered negligence in court, potentially resulting in shared liability and reduced insurance benefits.

Sports Gloves: Maximum Safety for the Racetrack

• Characteristics: These gloves are uncompromisingly designed for protection and performance. They feature a long protective cuff worn over the jacket, large hard-shell protectors on knuckles and fingers, and essential palm sliders. Often made from extremely abrasion-resistant kangaroo leather, they are perforated at the fingers for optimal grip.
• Recommendation: The Alpinestars SP-8 V3 glove is a perfect example of a sports glove that brings racing features to the street.

Touring Gloves: The Comfortable All-Rounder for Long Rides

• Characteristics: The touring glove is the all-rounder. Its main feature is usually an integrated waterproof and breathable climate membrane (e.g., Gore-Tex). It offers a balanced mix of protection through soft protectors and high wearing comfort for long rides. Practical details like a visor wiper on the index finger are standard here.
• Recommendation: As a classic, highly functional touring glove made of leather with a Gore-Tex membrane, the Held Secret Pro is an excellent choice for demanding travelers.

Summer & Cross Gloves: Maximum Ventilation on Hot Days

• Characteristics: When temperatures rise, airy gloves are essential. Summer gloves are usually short and made of perforated leather combined with large mesh panels for maximum airflow. Cross gloves are even more minimalistic, made almost entirely of thin, flexible textile material for maximum feel in off-road terrain.
• Recommendation: The Klim Baja S4 glove is a high-end example of a perfectly ventilated adventure glove, ideal for midsummer rides.

Winter Gloves: Never Cold Fingers Again

• Characteristics: Cold, stiff fingers are a huge safety risk. Winter gloves counter this with thick thermal insulation (e.g., Thinsulate or PrimaLoft), a waterproof climate membrane, and a long cuff that seals tightly with the jacket.

Undergloves: The Flexible Extra Warmth

• Characteristics: A smart and flexible solution for transitional seasons. Thin undergloves made of functional materials such as merino wool or silk are simply worn under normal summer or touring gloves. They add an extra insulation layer and can extend the comfort range of a glove by several degrees.
• Recommendation: The Halvarssons Wool Undergloves made of merino wool are a perfect example of a small upgrade with a big effect.

1. Materials: Leather vs. Textile

The big comparison

• The material choice is one of the most fundamental. Both have specific advantages and disadvantages.

2. Safety Certification

What does Level 1 and Level 2 mean?

• Look for certification according to EN 13594:2015. This standard tests criteria such as abrasion resistance, tear strength, and knuckle protector effectiveness.
• Protection Level 1 (KP1): The standard for most touring and all-round gloves.
• Protection Level 2 (KP2): The higher class, requiring stricter tests. Usually found in premium sports and racing gloves.

3. The Perfect Fit

No folds, full control

The right size is crucial for comfort and safety. A glove should fit like a second skin:

• Fingers should fill the tips of the glove but not press uncomfortably against them.
• When making a fist, there should be no excessive pressure or restricted blood circulation.
• No annoying folds should form in the palm, as this would impair grip feel.

4. Key Features in Detail

• Cuff length: Short cuffs are more practical and airy in summer. Long cuffs, worn over the jacket, offer more wrist protection and prevent wind and rain from entering the sleeve.
• Waterproof membrane: For year-round and touring riders, a membrane (e.g., Gore-Tex) is essential to keep hands dry in the rain.
• Touchscreen compatibility: Special material on the fingertips of the index finger and thumb allows you to operate your smartphone or GPS without removing the glove.