When it comes to riding your motorbike, your hands are the primary connection between you and the bikes controls. Having a pair of properly fitted motorcycle gloves is essential in making sure you keep yourself protected while still being able to handle the bike.
Measuring up for size
Firstly, lay your hand down on a flat surface. Using a soft tape measure, measure across one side of the widest part of the palm. Always remember to measure both hands as your left and right may not be the same size. If they do happen to be different sizes, be sure to always take the wider measurement of the two. Once you have the correct measurement, visit our Sizing Charts, where you can see what size you are per manufacturer.
Ideally, a motorbike glove should fit snugly without feeling restrictive or tight around the knuckles or cutting off your circulation. They should have enough give to operate controls and turn signals without moving too much on your hand. Your fingers shouldn’t touch the ends of the glove; neither should they be too long! Make sure material doesn’t bunch around the palm area either.
Ladies make note! Your hands tend to be narrower in the palm with longer fingers – so a smaller sized men’s glove won’t do the trick. Many manufacturers offer bespoke women’s lines tailored to these specific needs of the female hand giving you the same comforts as the men’s ranges. Measure your hand instructed as above and visit our sizing chart page to see which women’s size is best for you!
Choosing the right style
When it comes to finding the right style, there will always be a little compromise since we all have different size hands and finger length. One main thing to consider is whether you will be wearing the gloves in winter or summer as hands do swell quite a lot in the heat, so a snug-fitting pair in the winter would be too tight to wear in the summer.
Leathers tend to stretch around 5% with time and constant use, so it is best to start out as snug as possible with style. This will ensure you will have a great fit once broken in. On the other hand, textiles become softer over time but don’t stretch like leathers. As a rule of thumb, got the next size up in textiles if you’re in-between sizes. Textiles tend to be more fitting for longer use such as touring whereas leathers are more fitted to the sportier type.
Depending on the usage of the glove will mean that the fit and feel will vary. A racing glove is designed for maximum control and dexterity on the track so will naturally have a more aggressive pre-curved finger and is usually a tighter fit. Made for everyday and long-distance riding, touring gloves are designed specifically for the protection from the pavement and the elements; they should be a slightly looser fitting that sports gloves but will still allow a good feel of the controls. Cold-weather gloves tend to bulkier than the rest due to additional layers of insulation as well as waterproof membranes to keep the hands dry! These types of clothes should be a comfortable fit but not too tight, to allow for base layers in extreme weather conditions.
Extra protection!
Recently, more gloves are being produced with hard protection on the palm. The reason behind this is to help prevent the hand from slowing as it hits the ground, transmitting the impact to the elbow which should have a larger protection armour. The hard knuckle armour will help if you slap your hand down in a fall but will also fend off stones through up by vehicles in front! Just be careful not to lean to close to the tank though as the armour could scratch your bike.
Checking the fit is right for you
Once you’ve ordered the gloves, just carry out a couple of checks to make sure the fit and feel is 100% right for you. When trying them on, be sure to wear your riding jacket to check the wrist fits over or under the sleeve. They should feel snug against the hand and palm but shouldn’t be too lose, or when opening the throttle and your hand will just move within the glove.
Do up the wrist restraints and with the other hand try to pull the glove off. When done up comfortably, the strap shouldn’t be too tight to avoid the glove coming off! Make sure the length of the fingers isn’t too small but gripping around your handlebar (or something of similar girth) as you wouldn’t spot the tightness until you started riding, Alternatively, if the length is too long, you have the potential of catching them on the brake lever as your come off the throttle to brake.
If you find, that after following all of the above advice and taking the time to check the look and feel for it, that your new motorbike gloves from Superbike Factory aren’t right for you, please remember that there is a 30-day return policy! We’re happy to accept a return for a full refund or exchange for a new size or different style altogether! Get in touch with us on 0330 445 1051 or fill in out contact form to arrange.