As any experienced motorcyclist will tell you, safety is of utmost importance when out on the open road. Although not mandatory, motorcycle gloves offer extra protection and are highly recommended for riders of all ages and experience levels.

Motorcycle gloves protect your hands and fingers in the event of a fall. Some models, like gauntlet style also protect your wrists. Falls are unpredictable and aren’t always the result of a collision or lack of riding experience. Poor visibility and driving conditions, getting caught in the rain, a heavy gust of wind, debris or having to make sudden maneuvers can all result in you losing control of your bike.

Motorcycle gloves also provide comfort, better grip control during humid temperatures and minimize vibrations during long trips.

How To Choose the Best Motorcycle Gloves

There’s no rule set in stone when it comes to finding the right motorcycle gloves, but one of the most important things to consider is knuckle protection. Look for biker gloves that have tough knuckle armour padding (like an outer armor shell), as well as leather padding in the palms which help reduce bruising and offer abrasion resistance upon impact. 

The type of glove you need will depend on your riding style. Are you more into sport or dirt bikes? Or do you prefer cruisers? The time of year and temperature are also relevant factors to consider when buying biker gloves.

For riding in warmer weather, look for short cuff gloves made with lightweight material like carbon for knuckle protection and with breathable fabrics for better ventilation, like mesh. If you’re brave enough to ride during the fall or winter months, then you may want to consider investing in a pair of heated motorcycle gloves. These types of biker gloves are ideal for more frigid temperatures and help safeguard against frostbite, which you definitely want to avoid.

Should Motorcycle Gloves Be Tight?

While you can measure your hand to determine the best size for your gloves, it is better to try them on in person in order to get a more accurate feel. Motorcycle gloves should fit snug, but you should still be able to move your hands. If they’re too tight or too loose, they may impact your grip control and not work as effectively. A good way to check if they’re too tight is to try them and grab the handlebars or open and close your hands. If you find it difficult to grip your bike or feel pinching on your knuckles, then the gloves are too small.  At Canadian Tire, we have all the motorcycle accessories you need for your next trip.