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Every year thousands of Australians buy motorcycle gloves without knowing what makes one glove protect and another fall apart. They choose on price, looks or a brand name, and find out what they bought the hard way.
This guide is everything you need to choose well, in one place. It's built on Australia's own crash testing, Australian crash research and the NSW rules that now require gloves for learner and provisional riders. At the end are straight answers to all 158 questions Australians type into Google about gloves, from "are fingerless gloves safe?" to "do motorcycle gloves expire?".
The short answer. The right glove has a tough palm (ideally leather, at least where your hand lands), a hard knuckle, strong double-stitched seams, a strap that locks it on and a snug fit. If you're a NSW learner or P plater, it must also carry the EN 13594:2015 label. For city riding and hot weather, a short, vented glove that ticks those boxes is enough. For highways and long days, go leather with a high crash-test abrasion score. Price matters less than you think.
How we researched this. We went through all 317 gloves rated by MotoCAP, Australia's independent crash-test programme, under its current method (checked 10 November 2026), plus Australian crash research, the NSW gear rules and published guidance on the EN 13594 standard. Gloves from other brands are named only on their test results; we have no commercial relationship with them. Disclosure: we make the Motrox Crosstown™, which we recommend for city riding, summer and NSW L and P riders.
On this page: Why gloves matter · The law · Labels explained · What crash testing found · Materials · Armour and features · Cuff length and style · Summer gloves · What to spend · Fit and sizing · Care and replacing · Best gloves by category · The right glove for your riding · Five checks before you buy · Every question answered
1. Why gloves matter more than almost any other gear
When you fall, you put your hands out. It's a reflex you can't train away. Your palms hit first, slide first and take the first impact, often before any other part of you touches the road.
A study of 212 riders who crashed in the ACT, led by Australian researcher Liz de Rome, compared what riders wore with the injuries they ended up with. Riders wearing gloves were far less likely to be admitted to hospital, and gloves showed the strongest protective link of any item of gear the study measured. The same study found about a quarter of the gloves failed in the crash, which is why choosing well matters as much as wearing them (de Rome et al., 2011).
Your hands hit first. Source: de Rome et al., 2011.
The common hand injuries in a fall are skin loss on the palm, broken fingers, and a broken scaphoid, a small bone at the base of the thumb that breaks when you land on an outstretched hand. A good glove deals with all three: a tough palm for the slide, armour for the hit, and a shape that helps the hand slide instead of catching.
2. The law: who has to wear gloves in Australia
NSW: since 1 July 2026, learner, P1 and P2 riders must wear motorcycle gloves labelled by the manufacturer as meeting EN 13594:2015, Level 1 or Level 2. Learners must also wear an approved hi-vis vest or jacket. The penalty is a fine and two demerit points, and on a four-point L or P1 licence, two offences means suspension (NSW Government).
Full licence riders, and riders in other states: gloves aren't a legal requirement. A helmet is. But the crash evidence in section 1 is why almost every experienced rider wears gloves anyway.
Jackets, pants and boots are not part of the NSW rule. Our NSW glove requirements page has the full detail, and our gear laws guide covers every state.
On L or P plates? The Motrox Crosstown™ is independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP) and carries the label on every pair. $49.
3. Labels explained: CE, EN 13594, Level 1, Level 2, KP and MotoCAP
Glove labels confuse almost everyone. The one that matters for the NSW rule is sewn into the glove itself. Here's how to read it.
How to read a glove label. Label shown: the Motrox Crosstown™.
Both levels of EN 13594 are legal for NSW L and P riders. Level 2 asks more of the glove, which usually means more weight and heat.
Level 1 vs Level 2. Source: EN 13594:2015 summary (BIMEO).
EN 13594 tells you a glove met a minimum standard. MotoCAP stars tell you how well it actually did compared with other gloves. Use both: the label to meet the law, the stars to choose between gloves (BIMEO on EN 13594; MotoCAP testing).
4. What Australia's crash testing found
MotoCAP buys gloves from shops and tests them three ways: how long the palm survives sliding on an abrasive belt, how much force gets through the knuckle protector, and how much pressure the seams take before splitting. We went through all 317 glove ratings under its current method (MotoCAP, checked 10 November 2026).
Most gloves don't protect well. Source: MotoCAP.
The single strongest pattern in the data: the palm decides the score. If the palm wears through, nothing else on the glove can save it.
The palm decides the score. Source: MotoCAP.
Two more findings: gloves with knuckle and palm protection reached 3 stars far more often (41%) than knuckle-only gloves (22%), and seams are the next weak point after the palm. Put simply: turn the glove over. The palm tells you more than the price, the brand or the armour on the back.
5. Materials: leather, textile, mesh and Kevlar
Leather palms win. Source: MotoCAP.
| Material | Strengths | Weaknesses | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather (cow, goat, kangaroo) | Best abrasion resistance. Moulds to your hand. | Hotter. Stiffens if dried badly. | Highways, touring, all-round |
| Textile | Light, cheaper, often waterproof. | Much lower abrasion scores unless the palm is reinforced. | Wet weather, town riding |
| Mesh | Best airflow. | Weak on its own. Belongs on the back of the hand. | Summer, with a tough palm |
| Synthetic suede | Good grip and feel. | Better with leather on the heel of the hand. | Urban and summer gloves |
| Aramid (e.g. Kevlar®) | High cut and abrasion strength as a reinforcement. | Only as good as where it's placed. | Palm and side reinforcement |
The best gloves combine them: mesh or textile on the back for comfort and airflow, leather or reinforced material on the palm and the outside edge of the hand, where you land.
That's how the Motrox Crosstown™ is built: polyester micro mesh on the back, genuine cow leather reinforcing the palm and the side of the hand.
6. Armour and features: what's worth having
Anatomy of a glove that protects. Data: MotoCAP.
- Hard knuckle protector. Spreads a hit across the back of the hand. Carbon fibre and hard plastic shells both work; padding alone does much less. If it hurts when you grip the bars, the glove is usually too small or the protector sits on a stiff backing.
- Palm sliders and scaphoid protection. Hard, smooth pads on the heel of the palm, designed to help your hand slide instead of grabbing the road. Worth having if you ride fast. Not essential in town.
- Palm armour. Gloves with knuckle and palm protection reached 3 stars far more often in MotoCAP testing.
- Wrist protection. Padding around the wrist bones and a cuff that wraps snugly. Longer cuffs protect the wrist better.
- Pinky bridge. Links the little finger to the ring finger so it can't catch and bend back. Common on sports gloves.
- Wrist strap. The most underrated feature. A glove that comes off in a fall protects nothing.
- Touchscreen fingertips. Convenient, not a safety feature.
- Visor wiper. A strip on the left index finger for clearing your visor.
The Motrox Crosstown™ has a hard knuckle under a four-way stretch panel (so it flexes with your hand), a leather-reinforced palm over 6 mm padding, padded leather fingers, a firm strap and a touchscreen tip.
7. Cuff length and style: short, gauntlet or fingerless
Short, gauntlet or fingerless?
Short cuff gloves are cooler, quicker on and off and suit city riding and commuting. Gauntlets cover the wrist and seal over the sleeve, better for highway, touring, track and winter. Fingerless gloves leave the fingertips bare, and your fingertips land first, so they're for grip and blisters, not protection.
Our short cuff glove: the Motrox Crosstown™, tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49.
8. Summer gloves
Air on the back. Toughness on the palm.
Cooling happens on the back of the hand, where nothing touches the road. Protection happens on the palm. A well-built summer glove doesn't give up one for the other: in MotoCAP testing, vented gloves like the Ducati Speed Air C1 (5 stars) and DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short (4 stars) prove it. Our full summer motorcycle gloves guide goes deeper.
Our summer glove is the Motrox Crosstown™: air mesh back, breathable fourchettes, leather where you land, EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49.
9. What to spend
Price helps. It doesn't decide. Source: MotoCAP.
You don't need $150 for a well-protecting glove. Some gloves selling for $70 to $90 scored 4 stars at MotoCAP, ahead of many gloves costing twice as much. Below about $50, few gloves have been crash-tested, so you choose on construction. Work, gardening, cycling and tactical gloves aren't motorcycle gloves. Our budget gloves guide lists the best-tested budget gloves with Australian prices.
Need a tested glove under $50? The Motrox Crosstown™ is independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49.
10. Fit and sizing
How to measure your hand.
A glove that's too big moves the armour off your knuckles and can pull off in a fall. One that's too small cuts circulation and makes the knuckle dig in. Use the brand's own chart, because sizes vary between brands.
The Motrox Crosstown™ comes in S to 3XL. Send us your two measurements and we'll confirm your size.
11. Care, common problems and when to replace
When to replace your gloves.
Dry gloves fully after every ride, wash out sweat now and then (following the care label), and condition leather. Numb hands usually mean a tight fit, a hard grip or vibration. If numbness continues off the bike, see a doctor.
12. The best gloves in Australia by category
These are the top scorers in each category on MotoCAP, Australia's independent crash tests (checked 10 November 2026). MotoCAP gives a price band rather than a price; where we checked an Australian price, it's shown.
| Category | Glove | MotoCAP rating | Abrasion (of 10) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best protection (sports and track) | Alpinestars GP Plus R2 | 5 stars | 10 | $$$ |
| Best protection (road, mid-price) | Ducati Company C1 | 5 stars | 10 | $$ |
| Best vented summer glove | Ducati Speed Air C1 | 5 stars | 10 | $$$ |
| Best value summer glove | DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short | 4 stars | 10 | $ ($89.95) |
| Best for cold weather | Ricondi Winter Weather Tech V2 | 5 stars | 10 | $$ |
| Best for cold weather (touring) | RST Titanium Outlast 2 | 5 stars | 10 | $$$ |
| Best waterproof value | Oxford Montreal 4.0 (water resistance 10/10) | 4 stars | 10 | $ ($79.90) |
| Best waterproof touring | Alpinestars Tourer W-7 Drystar (water resistance 10/10) | 4 stars | 10 | $$ |
| Best short cuff | Klim Adventure GTX Short | 4 stars | 10 | $$$ |
| Best women's | DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short Ladies | 4 stars | 10 | $ |
| Best women's leather | RJays Tempest III Ladies | 4 stars | 10 | $ |
MotoCAP price bands: $ cheapest, $$ middle, $$$ dearest. Prices checked 10 November 2026 and will change. Ratings belong to MotoCAP; see every result at motocap.com.au.
Our pick for city riding, summer and NSW L and P plates: the Motrox Crosstown™. Independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP). Air mesh back, genuine leather reinforcing the palm and the side of the hand, hard knuckle under a stretch panel, touchscreen tip, short cuff. $49.
13. The right glove for your riding
Start with how you ride.
For the first four riders in that table, we built the Motrox Crosstown™. Here it is up close.
Motrox Crosstown™: independently tested to EN 13594:2015, Level 1 (KP). $49.
Crosstown™, $49. Independently tested to EN 13594:2015, Level 1 (KP). Built for the ride to work and the Australian summer.
See the Crosstown™For long highway days, touring and track, choose a full leather glove with a high MotoCAP abrasion score from the table in section 12.
14. Five checks before you buy any glove
Five checks for any glove.
A glove that passes all five is a good glove, whatever it costs. And the glove you wear on every ride beats the better one you left at home.
Every question answered
Jump to: Choosing the best glove · The law and learner riders · Labels and certification · Do I need gloves? · Summer and heat · Armour and features · Cuff length and style · Price · Fit and sizing · Common problems · Care and replacement · Materials · Who's riding
Choosing the best glove
What are the best motorcycle gloves in Australia?
On Australia's own crash tests, five gloves scored the full 5 stars: the Alpinestars GP Plus R2, Ducati Company C1, Ducati Speed Air C1, RST Titanium Outlast 2 and Ricondi Winter Weather Tech V2. All are leather-based, with abrasion scores of 10 out of 10. The best glove for you depends on how you ride, so see the category picks in section 12.
For city riding, summer and NSW L and P plates, our pick is the Motrox Crosstown™, independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49.
What are the best motorcycle gloves in 2026?
As of November 2026, 43 of the 317 gloves rated under MotoCAP's current method score 4 stars or more, and 5 score the full 5. MotoCAP adds new gloves through the year, so check MotoCAP for the latest.
What are the best motorcycle gloves for beginners?
A comfortable short or mid-cuff glove with a hard knuckle, a tough palm and a strap that locks it on. Beginners usually ride in town first, so choose something light enough to wear on every ride. In NSW, L and P riders also need the EN 13594 label.
The Motrox Crosstown™ was built for exactly this rider: light, short cuff, tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49.
What gear does a beginner rider need in Australia?
A helmet is required everywhere. In NSW, learner and P plate riders must also wear EN 13594 gloves, and learners need a hi-vis vest or jacket. Add a protective jacket, pants and boots: they aren't required, but they're what keeps you riding after a fall. Our gear laws guide covers every state.
For the gloves, the Motrox Crosstown™ meets the NSW L and P rule for $49.
What are the best motorcycle gloves for protection?
Full leather gloves with palm and knuckle armour, palm sliders and a long cuff. In MotoCAP testing, every glove that reached 4 stars or more scored 9 or 10 out of 10 for abrasion, so the palm matters most. Look for EN 13594 Level 2 and a high MotoCAP score.
What are the safest motorcycle gloves?
The ones with the highest MotoCAP scores: the five 5-star gloves listed above. Safety also depends on fit, because a glove that comes off or sits wrong can't protect you. Check the scores on MotoCAP.
What are the best motorcycle gloves for street riding?
A short or mid-cuff glove with a tough palm, a hard knuckle and a touchscreen fingertip, comfortable enough that you wear it every time. Street riding means stop-start traffic and short trips, so quick on and off matters.
That's the brief the Motrox Crosstown™ was built to: air mesh back, leather-reinforced palm, hard knuckle, touchscreen tip, $49.
What do experienced riders recommend?
Much the same as the crash testing: buy for the palm, get a hard knuckle, make sure the fit is snug and the strap is firm, and own two pairs if you can, one for summer and one for cold or wet days.
Are there independent motorcycle glove ratings?
Yes. MotoCAP, Australia's government-backed gear rating programme, buys gloves from shops, crash-tests them and gives each a star rating out of 5. It's free at MotoCAP.
Where can I find motorcycle glove reviews I can trust?
Start with MotoCAP, because its results come from lab tests on gloves bought off the shelf, not from a reviewer's opinion. Then read rider reviews for fit and comfort, which tests can't measure.
How are motorcycle gloves tested?
MotoCAP tests three things: how long the palm survives sliding on an abrasive belt, how much force gets through the knuckle protector, and how much pressure the seams take before splitting. EN 13594 certification tests abrasion, seams, cut resistance, knuckle impact and whether the glove stays on your hand.
What types of motorcycle gloves are there?
Short cuff urban gloves, gauntlets for touring and sports, summer gloves with mesh or perforation, winter and waterproof gloves, adventure gloves, and race gloves with sliders and full leather. See section 7 for cuff styles and section 13 for which suits your riding.
What are good motorcycle gloves?
Good gloves pass five checks: a tough palm, a hard knuckle, double-stitched seams, a strap that locks on, and the right fit. Add the EN 13594 label if you're on L or P plates in NSW.
The Motrox Crosstown™ passes all five, and it's tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP).
What motorcycle gloves should I get?
Start with how you ride. City and summer riders need light, vented short gloves with a tough palm. Highway and touring riders need leather and a longer cuff. Track riders need full race gloves. Then run the five checks in section 14.
If you ride in town, in the heat, or on L or P plates, start with the Motrox Crosstown™, $49.
Which motorcycle gloves should I buy?
The pair that suits your riding and passes the five checks, in a size that fits snugly. If two gloves pass, pick the one with the higher MotoCAP abrasion score.
The law and learner riders
What are the NSW motorcycle glove rules?
Since 1 July 2026, NSW learner, P1 and P2 riders must wear gloves the manufacturer has labelled as meeting EN 13594:2015, Level 1 or Level 2. The penalty is a fine and two demerit points. Full detail is on our NSW glove requirements page.
The Motrox Crosstown™ carries the EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP) label on every pair. $49.
What are the new motorcycle laws in NSW?
From 1 July 2026: learners must wear EN 13594 gloves and an approved hi-vis vest or jacket, and P1 and P2 riders must wear EN 13594 gloves. Jackets, pants and boots are not part of the rule.
What are the motorcycle gear laws in NSW?
All riders must wear an approved helmet. L, P1 and P2 riders must also wear EN 13594 gloves, and learners need hi-vis. Our gear laws guide covers every state.
What are learner approved gloves?
There isn't an "approved" list. A glove is legal for NSW L and P riders if the manufacturer has labelled it as meeting EN 13594:2015, Level 1 or 2. The label is the proof, so check it on the glove itself.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP) and labelled on every pair.
What gloves do NSW learner and P plate riders need?
Gloves labelled EN 13594:2015, Level 1 or Level 2, worn on every ride. Fingerless, cycling and work gloves don't count, and neither does "CE" on its own.
Our Motrox Crosstown™ meets the rule for $49: short cuff, air mesh back, leather-reinforced palm.
Are there LAMS approved gloves?
LAMS is the scheme that decides which bikes learners can ride. It doesn't cover gear. For gloves, what matters in NSW is the EN 13594 label.
Do I need a LAMS approved jacket?
No. There's no jacket requirement for learners in NSW. Learners do need an approved hi-vis vest or jacket worn over their gear, but a protective jacket is a choice, a very good one.
Do you have to wear hi-vis on a motorcycle in NSW?
Learners do, from 1 July 2026: an approved hi-vis vest or jacket worn over your other gear. P1 and P2 riders don't.
Labels and certification
What are CE certified motorcycle gloves?
Gloves tested and certified to EN 13594, the European motorcycle glove standard. A proper label shows the motorcyclist symbol, EN 13594:2015 and a level, 1 or 2.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP).
What does "CE rated" mean on a glove?
"CE rated" or "CE approved" on its own doesn't tell you much. CE is a conformity mark. What you want is the standard and the level: EN 13594:2015, Level 1 or 2.
What are MotoCAP gloves?
Gloves rated by MotoCAP, Australia's independent gear testing programme. It has rated 317 gloves under its current method, and 69% score 2 stars or less. Look up any glove at MotoCAP.
What is EN 13594?
The European standard for motorcycle gloves. It tests abrasion, seam strength, cut resistance, knuckle impact and whether the glove stays on. Gloves pass at Level 1 or Level 2. The current version is EN 13594:2015.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP).
What is EN 13594 Level 1?
The lighter level. The palm must survive at least 4 seconds in the abrasion test and the cuff must reach at least 15 mm past the wrist. Knuckle impact testing is optional, shown by KP. NSW accepts Level 1.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is Level 1 with KP: light enough for summer, tested where it counts.
What is EN 13594 Level 2?
The heavier level. At least 8 seconds of abrasion, a cuff at least 50 mm past the wrist, and knuckle impact protection is compulsory. Usually touring, sports and track gloves.
What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 gloves?
Level 2 needs twice the abrasion time (8 seconds vs 4), a longer cuff and compulsory knuckle protection. Level 1 is lighter and cooler. Both are legal for NSW L and P riders.
What does KP mean on a glove?
KP means the knuckle protector passed the impact test. At Level 1 it's optional, so KP tells you the knuckles were tested too.
The Motrox Crosstown™ carries KP: its hard knuckle passed.
What are Level 2 KP gloves?
Gloves that passed EN 13594 at Level 2, with the knuckle protection tested. At Level 2, knuckle impact testing is compulsory and the limit is tougher.
What's the difference between KP1 and KP2?
There's no separate KP1 or KP2. KP means the knuckle protector passed. The number next to the motorcyclist symbol, 1 or 2, is the glove's level.
Are there CE AAA rated gloves?
No. AA and AAA are classes for jackets, pants and suits under a different standard (EN 17092). Gloves use Level 1 and Level 2 under EN 13594. A glove claiming "AAA" is misusing the label.
Do motorcycle gloves have safety ratings?
Yes, two kinds. EN 13594 certification, a pass at Level 1 or 2, shown on the label. And in Australia, MotoCAP star ratings out of 5 from crash tests.
Where can I buy EN 13594 gloves in Australia?
Most motorcycle shops stock them. Always check the label on the glove, not just the website.
Our Motrox Crosstown™ is independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49, delivered Australia-wide.
Do I need gloves?
Are motorcycle gloves necessary?
Yes. When you fall you put your hands out, so your hands are usually the first thing to hit the road. In Australian crash research, gloves showed the strongest protective link of any gear studied.
Do you need gloves to ride a motorcycle?
In NSW, learner, P1 and P2 riders must wear EN 13594 gloves. Full licence riders in NSW, and riders in other states, aren't legally required to, but every crash study says you should.
If you're on L or P plates, the Motrox Crosstown™ meets the rule for $49.
Is it illegal to ride a motorcycle without gloves?
For NSW L, P1 and P2 riders, yes, since 1 July 2026: a fine and two demerit points. For full licence riders, no.
Can you ride a motorcycle without gloves?
Full licence riders legally can in most of Australia. It's still the gear most likely to keep you out of hospital in a fall.
Why do motorcycle riders wear gloves?
Because hands hit first. Gloves protect your palms from the slide, your knuckles and fingers from the impact, and help your hand slide instead of catching. They also cut wind, sun, stones and blisters.
What is scaphoid protection on gloves?
A hard slider on the heel of the palm, designed to help your hand slide instead of grabbing the road, the kind of catch that can break the scaphoid bone at the base of the thumb.
What is a scaphoid fracture?
A break in the small bone at the base of the thumb, common when you land on an outstretched hand. It can be easy to miss and slow to heal. If your wrist hurts after a fall, get it checked.
What hand injuries happen in motorcycle crashes?
Mostly skin loss and gravel rash on the palm, broken fingers, and wrist breaks including the scaphoid. A tough palm, hard knuckle and secure strap address all three.
What about gloves and boots?
NSW's rule covers gloves (and hi-vis for learners). Boots aren't required, but proper riding boots protect your ankles and feet the way gloves protect your hands.
Summer and heat
What are the best summer motorcycle gloves in Australia?
Gloves with mesh or perforation on the back and leather on the palm. That design has scored well in MotoCAP testing: the Ducati Speed Air C1 and Ducati Company C1 scored 5 stars, and the DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short scored 4. Our summer gloves guide has the full detail.
Our summer glove is the Motrox Crosstown™: air mesh back, leather-reinforced palm, EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49.
What are good budget summer motorcycle gloves?
A short, vented glove with a reinforced palm and a hard knuckle. The cheapest well-tested summer glove we found was the DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short: 4 stars at MotoCAP, $89.95.
If you're on L or P plates or riding in town, the Motrox Crosstown™ is tested to EN 13594 Level 1 (KP) for $49.
What are the best gloves for hot weather?
Short cuff, mesh back, vented fingers, thin lining, leather on the palm. Carry a second pair on long hot rides and swap halfway.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is built for heat: micro mesh across the back, breathable fourchettes, short cuff. $49.
What gloves work in 40 degree weather?
The lightest glove that still has a tough palm and a hard knuckle. At 40°C, airflow on the back and a short cuff make the difference. Take water, ride early, and read our summer gloves guide.
The Motrox Crosstown™: air mesh back, leather where you land, $49.
Are mesh motorcycle gloves safe?
Mesh on the back of the hand is fine, because the back takes far less sliding than the palm. Mesh or thin textile on the palm is the problem. Check what the palm is made of.
The Motrox Crosstown™ puts mesh on the back and genuine leather on the palm.
Are vented or ventilated gloves worth it?
Yes, in Australian summers. Vents on the back and fingers keep you cooler, which means you keep your gloves on. Just make sure the palm isn't vented thin.
The Motrox Crosstown™ vents through its mesh back and fourchettes, not its palm.
Are perforated leather gloves any good?
Yes. Small holes let air through while keeping most of the leather's strength. They're best on the back and fingers, not the main palm contact area.
Can I get summer gloves with palm sliders?
Yes, mostly on sports-style summer gloves. They suit fast road riding and track days more than commuting.
Can I get summer gloves with a touchscreen fingertip?
Yes. Most urban summer gloves now have one on the index finger.
The Motrox Crosstown™ has a touchscreen index fingertip and an air mesh back.
Are there CE approved summer gloves?
Yes. Many summer gloves carry EN 13594 Level 1, which is what NSW requires for L and P riders.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is a summer glove independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP).
Are there Level 2 summer gloves?
Yes, but Level 2 needs a longer cuff and more abrasion resistance, so they're heavier and warmer. For riding in town in the heat, Level 1 with KP is what most riders choose.
What are the safest summer gloves?
Vented gloves with a leather palm and a high MotoCAP abrasion score. The Ducati Speed Air C1 and Company C1 both scored 5 stars with vented designs.
What are the best short summer gloves?
A short cuff, mesh back and leather palm. The DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short scored 4 stars at MotoCAP.
For L and P plates or the daily ride to work, the Motrox Crosstown™ is short, vented and tested to EN 13594 Level 1 (KP), $49.
Armour and features
Do I need gloves with palm sliders?
They're worth having for fast road riding and track days. They're not essential for town riding. Look for them on sports and race gloves.
Are palm sliders necessary?
Not for everyone. They help your hand slide rather than catch at speed. At town speeds, a tough leather palm does most of the work.
Do I want touchscreen motorcycle gloves?
They're handy for maps and music at the lights. Choose them for convenience, not protection. The conductive tip can wear before the rest of the glove.
The Motrox Crosstown™ has a touchscreen index fingertip. $49, shipped Australia-wide.
Which motorcycle gloves work with phones?
Gloves with a conductive fingertip, usually on the index finger. Test it on your phone before relying on it.
The Motrox Crosstown™'s index fingertip works with touchscreens.
Do motorcycle gloves need hard knuckles?
A hard knuckle shell spreads an impact across the back of your hand instead of letting it land on bone. It's one of the five checks for any glove.
The Motrox Crosstown™ has a hard knuckle protector under a stretch panel, tested for impact (KP).
What is knuckle protection?
A hard shell or thick protector over the knuckles. Under EN 13594, the "KP" mark means it passed an impact test.
The Motrox Crosstown™ carries KP on its label.
What about gloves without knuckle protection?
They can still protect the palm in a slide, but they leave the back of your hand exposed to impact. For road riding, a hard knuckle is worth having.
Why do my motorcycle gloves hurt my knuckles?
Usually the glove is too small, so the protector presses down when you grip the bars, or the protector sits on a stiff backing that can't move as your hand closes. Try a size up, or a glove with the protector under a stretch panel.
The Motrox Crosstown™'s knuckle sits under a four-way stretch panel so it moves with your hand.
What is palm protection?
A second layer, leather patch or hard slider on the palm, especially the heel of the hand. In MotoCAP testing, gloves with palm and knuckle protection reached 3 stars far more often than knuckle-only gloves.
The Motrox Crosstown™ adds genuine cow leather over 6 mm padding on the palm.
What is a pinky bridge?
A small link joining your little finger to your ring finger, so the little finger can't catch and bend back in a fall. Common on sports and race gloves.
What is a pinky tether?
Another name for a pinky bridge: a strap or panel that ties your little finger to the next one.
What is a visor wiper on a glove?
A rubber or suede strip on the left index finger for wiping rain or bugs off your visor.
Do motorcycle gloves give wrist support?
Some do, through a firm strap and a snug cuff. Gauntlets give the most, because they wrap the wrist and lower forearm.
Do motorcycle gloves protect your wrist?
Gauntlets and gloves with wrist padding protect the wrist bones. A firm strap stops the glove pulling off. Short gloves give less wrist coverage.
Cuff length and style
Are fingerless motorcycle gloves safe?
No. When you fall, your fingertips and the heel of your palm land first, and fingerless gloves leave the fingertips bare. They're for grip and blisters. For airflow, choose full-finger gloves with vented fingers.
The Motrox Crosstown™ keeps your fingers covered and cool, with fourchettes between them.
What are short motorcycle gloves?
Gloves with a cuff that ends at or just past the wrist. Cooler, lighter and quicker on and off than gauntlets. Also called urban or city gloves.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is a short cuff glove, tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP).
Short cuff or gauntlet?
Short cuff for city, commuting and summer. Gauntlet for highway, touring, track and winter, where the extra wrist protection is worth the heat.
What are the best short cuff motorcycle gloves?
On MotoCAP results, the Klim Adventure GTX Short and DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short both scored 4 stars. Look for a tough palm, hard knuckle and firm strap.
Our short cuff glove is the Motrox Crosstown™: $49, tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP).
Are short cuff gloves safe?
At town speeds, yes, if the palm and knuckle are right. Gauntlets protect the wrist better at highway speeds.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP) and has a leather-reinforced palm.
What are urban motorcycle gloves?
Short, light gloves for city riding: a tough palm, a hard knuckle that doesn't dig in, and a touchscreen tip. They look at home off the bike too.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is our urban glove: built for the ride to work, $49.
What are the best urban motorcycle gloves?
The ones you'll actually wear every day: short, vented, with a leather-reinforced palm, a flexible hard knuckle and a touchscreen tip.
That's exactly how we built the Motrox Crosstown™: EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49.
What are the best commuter motorcycle gloves?
Short cuff, light, quick on and off, hard knuckle, tough palm, touchscreen tip. In summer, a mesh back too.
The Motrox Crosstown™ was designed for the daily commute. $49.
What are gauntlet motorcycle gloves?
Gloves with a long cuff that covers the wrist and lower forearm and seals over your jacket sleeve. Best for touring, sports and cold weather.
Do motorcycle gloves go under or over the jacket?
Short cuffs usually go under the sleeve. Gauntlets usually go over, to seal out wind. In heavy rain, some riders tuck gauntlets under so water runs off the sleeve rather than into the glove.
Price
Are cheap motorcycle gloves safe?
Some cheaper gloves test well: some selling for $70 to $90 have scored 4 stars at MotoCAP. Few gloves under $50 have been crash-tested, so check the palm, knuckle, seams and strap yourself. See our budget gloves guide.
If you need a tested glove on a budget, the Motrox Crosstown™ is independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP) for $49.
What are the best affordable motorcycle gloves?
Of the gloves we could price, the DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short ($89.95) and Oxford Montreal 4.0 ($79.90) scored 4 stars at MotoCAP.
For a certified glove under $50, the Motrox Crosstown™ is tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49.
What are the best motorcycle gloves under $50?
Under $50, look for a hard knuckle, reinforced palm, full fingers and a firm strap, and check for a test label.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is $49 and independently tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP).
Can I buy motorcycle gloves at a department store or hardware store?
Some sell gloves, but make sure they're actually motorcycle gloves: a hard knuckle, a reinforced palm and full fingers. If you're on L or P plates in NSW, check for the EN 13594 label.
Or order the Motrox Crosstown™: tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49, delivered.
Are Mechanix gloves good for motorcycles?
No. Mechanix-style gloves are made for grip and dexterity at work, not for sliding on a road.
Motorcycle gloves vs work gloves: what's the difference?
Motorcycle gloves have tougher palms, hard knuckle protection, stronger seams and a strap that keeps them on in a fall. Work gloves are built for grip and handling, not for sliding along a road.
Motorcycle gloves vs tactical gloves?
Tactical gloves often have hard knuckles, but they're built for shooting and handling, not for a slide on bitumen. Their palms are usually thin.
Fit and sizing
Is there a motorcycle glove size chart?
Each brand has its own, because sizes vary. Measure around your hand just below the knuckles (thumb excluded) and from your middle fingertip to the wrist crease, in centimetres, then use that brand's chart. Our infographic in section 10 shows how.
The Motrox Crosstown™ comes in S to 3XL. Send us your two measurements and we'll confirm your size.
What size motorcycle gloves do I need?
Take two measurements, hand circumference and hand length, on both hands. Use the larger hand, and whichever measurement puts you in the bigger size.
How do I measure my hand for motorcycle gloves?
Wrap a soft tape around your hand just below the knuckles, thumb tucked out of the way. Then measure from the tip of your middle finger to the crease at your wrist.
How should motorcycle gloves fit?
Snug, not tight. Fingertips close to the end without pressing, no loose fabric when you make a fist, and the knuckle armour sitting on your knuckles when you grip the bars.
How tight should motorcycle gloves be?
Tight enough that the glove can't twist or pull off, loose enough that you can make a full fist and your fingers don't go numb.
Should motorcycle gloves fit tight or loose?
Snug. A loose glove moves the armour off your knuckles and can come off in a fall. A tight one cuts circulation.
Do motorcycle gloves stretch?
Leather gives a little and moulds to your hand. Textile and mesh barely stretch at all.
Do motorcycle gloves break in?
Leather gloves soften over the first few weeks of riding. Flex them often and use a leather conditioner to speed it up.
Do motorcycle gloves run small?
Some brands do, especially European race brands. Always use the brand's own size chart rather than your size in another brand.
Should I size up or down in motorcycle gloves?
Between sizes: take the snugger size in leather, because it will give a little. Take the larger size in textile, because it won't.
What gloves fit big hands?
Look for brands that go up to 3XL and check both measurements against the chart.
The Motrox Crosstown™ runs S to 3XL.
What gloves fit short fingers?
Women's cuts often have shorter fingers for the same palm width. Some brands also offer short sizes. Fit the fingers first: loose fingertips catch and fold.
Common problems
How do I stop motorcycle gloves from smelling?
Dry them fully after every ride with the cuffs open, wash out the sweat every few weeks (following the care label), and rotate two pairs in summer.
What gloves are best for sweaty hands?
Mesh on the back, vented fingers, a short cuff and a thin lining. Swap into a dry pair on long hot rides.
The Motrox Crosstown™'s air mesh back and breathable fourchettes are built for this.
What gloves help with numb hands?
Numbness usually comes from a glove that's too tight, a death grip on the bars, or vibration. Check the fit, relax your grip, and try gloves with gel padding in the palm. If it continues off the bike, see a doctor.
Are there motorcycle gloves for carpal tunnel?
Gloves with gel or foam palm padding and a correct, not tight, fit can reduce pressure on the wrist. They aren't a treatment. If symptoms continue, see a doctor.
Do motorcycle gloves reduce vibration?
Gloves with gel or foam palm padding take some of the buzz out. Bar weights and a relaxed grip help too.
The Motrox Crosstown™ has 6 mm EVA padding under the palm.
Care and replacement
How long do motorcycle gloves last?
It depends on how often you ride. Daily riders wear through gloves faster. Check the palm and seams regularly and replace them when they show the signs in section 11.
Do motorcycle gloves expire?
There's no expiry date, but materials age, stitching weakens and armour can crack. Replace after any crash, or when the palm wears thin or seams open.
When should I replace my motorcycle gloves?
After any crash, even if they look fine. And when the palm wears thin, seams start to open, the armour cracks, or the strap no longer holds.
Time for a new pair? The Motrox Crosstown™ is tested to EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), $49.
How do I clean motorcycle gloves?
Follow the care label. Most textile gloves can be hand washed in cool water with mild soap. Leather gloves should be wiped with a damp cloth. Always dry them slowly away from heat.
How do I clean leather motorcycle gloves?
Wipe with a damp cloth, let them dry slowly at room temperature, then use a leather conditioner. Don't soak them or dry them near a heater.
How do I clean textile motorcycle gloves?
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap, rinse well, squeeze gently and air dry out of the sun.
The Motrox Crosstown™'s care label: hand wash cold, max 30°C, air dry away from heat, wipe leather areas with a damp cloth.
Are motorcycle gloves machine washable?
Usually not, especially with hard armour fitted. Check the care label. Hand washing is safer for the stitching and armour.
How do I soften stiff motorcycle gloves?
Wear them, flex them often, and treat leather with a conditioner. Stiffness after a soaking usually comes from drying them too fast near heat.
Materials
Are Kevlar motorcycle gloves better?
Aramid fibre (like Kevlar®) is very strong against cuts and abrasion, but only where it's placed. A glove is only as good as its palm, so check what covers the heel of the hand.
What are the best Kevlar motorcycle gloves?
The best-protecting gloves on MotoCAP are mostly leather, sometimes with aramid reinforcement. Pick by the abrasion score on MotoCAP, not by the fibre name.
Leather or textile motorcycle gloves?
In MotoCAP testing, 35% of leather gloves reached 3 stars or more against 11% of textile gloves. Textile suits wet weather and town riding if the palm is reinforced. The best of both: mesh on the back, leather on the palm.
That's the design of the Motrox Crosstown™: air mesh back, genuine leather palm reinforcement.
Where can I buy leather motorcycle gloves in Australia?
Most motorcycle shops stock them. Look for MotoCAP-tested models and check the abrasion score before you buy.
The Motrox Crosstown™ uses genuine cow leather on the palm, side of the hand and finger panels. $49.
What are motorcycle gloves made of?
Usually leather (cow, goat or kangaroo), textile, mesh or synthetic suede, with hard armour on the knuckles and sometimes the palm, and foam or gel padding.
The Motrox Crosstown™: polyester micro mesh, synthetic suede and cow leather, with a PVC knuckle shell over foam and EVA padding.
Who's riding
What should my first motorcycle gloves be?
A comfortable glove that passes the five checks, with the EN 13594 label if you're on L or P plates in NSW. Start light and easy to wear, so you never leave them at home.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is built as a first glove: $49, EN 13594:2015 Level 1 (KP), S to 3XL.
What are good women's motorcycle gloves in Australia?
A women's cut fits slimmer hands and shorter fingers. At MotoCAP, the DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short Ladies and RJays Tempest III Ladies both scored 4 stars, and the Oxford Ladies Ontario scored 3.
What are good women's summer motorcycle gloves?
The DriRider Air-Ride 2 Short Ladies scored 4 stars at MotoCAP with a vented design.
The Motrox Crosstown™ comes in sizes from S. Measure your hand and we'll confirm the right size.
Where can I get small women's motorcycle gloves?
Look for women's cuts in XS and S, and measure both circumference and length. Fingers matter most: loose fingertips catch.
Where can I get kids' motorcycle gloves in Australia?
Most motorcycle shops carry youth and kids' sizes, especially in motocross ranges. Buy gloves that actually fit, never adult gloves taped up. Our kids gear guide covers sizing.
What gloves should scooter riders wear?
The same as any commuter. A scooter shares the same road and the same speeds through town. A short, light motorcycle glove with a tough palm and hard knuckle is ideal.
The Motrox Crosstown™ is ideal for scooters: short, light, quick on and off, $49.
MotoCAP ratings belong to MotoCAP and were checked on its website on 10 November 2026; gloves from other brands were tested by MotoCAP, not by Motrox. EN 13594 details are summarised from published guidance; the standard itself is the authority. Prices checked 10 November 2026. General information, not legal or medical advice. Sources: MotoCAP gloves · MotoCAP testing process · de Rome et al., 2011 · BIMEO: EN 13594 · NSW Government
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