What Do MotoGP Riders Wear on Their Hands?

By Sarah Miller · October 12, 2030

Motocross and MotoGP riders wear specialized gloves designed for maximum protection, grip, and control. These gloves feature reinforced leather or synthetic materials, carbon fiber knuckle guards, silicone grip pads, touchscreen-compatible fingertips, and integrated wrist closures to prevent debris entry and reduce injury risk during high-speed crashes.

Why MotoGP Riders Wear Specialized Gloves

MotoGP is one of the most dangerous motorsports in the world, with riders regularly exceeding speeds of 350 km/h. At these velocities, even minor falls can result in severe hand injuries. As a result, gloves are not just accessories but critical safety gear. They protect against abrasions, fractures, burns, and impact trauma while ensuring precise throttle and brake control.

Core Functions of MotoGP Gloves

Impact absorption during crashes
Heat resistance from engine and exhaust exposure
Enhanced grip on handlebars
Prevention of blisters and fatigue
Integration with full leathers via gauntlet design

Key Features of MotoGP Riding Gloves

Modern MotoGP gloves combine advanced materials and ergonomic engineering to deliver optimal performance and safety. Below are the essential components found in top-tier racing gloves.

Reinforced Palm and Knuckle Protection

The palm area is typically made from kangaroo leather or synthetic textiles like Clarino, offering superior durability and flexibility. Carbon fiber or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) shields are embedded over the knuckles and fingers to absorb impact energy.

Wrist Support and Closure System

Gloves extend into long cuffs that connect with the rider’s race suit, preventing dirt or flames from entering. Hook-and-loop (Velcro) or elasticated strap systems ensure a secure fit without restricting blood flow.

Silicone Grip Pads

Strategically placed silicone patterns on the palm and fingers enhance friction between the hand and handlebar, especially under wet or sweaty conditions.

Touchscreen-Compatible Fingertips

Many modern gloves include conductive thread on the index finger and thumb, allowing riders to operate onboard electronics or pit communication devices without removing gloves.

Ventilation and Moisture Management

While less common in cold-weather races, some gloves incorporate perforated zones or moisture-wicking linings to prevent sweat buildup during long stints.

Materials Used in MotoGP Gloves

The choice of material directly affects protection, comfort, and longevity. Manufacturers balance weight, breathability, and crash resistance when selecting components.

Material	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Abrasion Resistance (cycles)	Flexibility Index	Common Use
Kangaroo Leather	85	12,000	9.2/10	Palm reinforcement
Goat Leather	65	9,500	8.7/10	General construction
Clarino Synthetic	70	10,200	8.0/10	All-around use
Carbon Fiber	3,000	N/A	6.5/10	Knuckle guards
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)	45	8,000	7.8/10	Finger armor

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that kangaroo leather offers exceptional tensile strength and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for high-friction areas like the palm. Carbon fiber, while extremely strong, lacks flexibility and is used only in rigid protective zones. Modern gloves often blend multiple materials to optimize both safety and dexterity.

Top Brands Supplying MotoGP Gloves

Several manufacturers dominate the MotoGP glove market due to their innovation and compliance with FIM safety standards.

Alpinestars: Official partner of multiple factory teams; known for ergonomically designed GP Pro gloves.
SPIDI: Italian brand using aerospace-grade materials in its Air-Tech series.
Dainese: Integrates Microelastic and Gore-Tex technologies for weather adaptability.
Richa: Offers premium thermal insulation models for colder circuits.
Rev'Z: French specialist producing custom-fit gloves for elite riders.

Frequently Asked Questions About What MotoGP Riders Wear on Their Hands

Do MotoGP gloves have built-in airbags?

No, current MotoGP gloves do not include airbag systems. However, some race suits from brands like Alpinestars and Dainese feature connected airbag vests that deploy upon impact, indirectly protecting limbs including hands.

How often do MotoGP riders replace their gloves?

Riders typically replace gloves every 2–3 race weekends due to wear on grip surfaces and micro-tears in protective layers. During testing phases, replacements may occur more frequently.

Are MotoGP gloves touchscreen compatible?

Yes, most modern MotoGP gloves have conductive fibers on the index finger and thumb, enabling interaction with digital dashboards and communication systems without removal.

Can you buy the same gloves used by MotoGP riders?

Yes, brands like Alpinestars and Dainese offer consumer versions of race-proven gloves such as the Alpinestars GP Pro and Dainese Super Speed 3, closely mirroring those used on track.

Why do some MotoGP gloves have long cuffs?

The extended cuff ensures a seamless connection with the rider's leather race suit, sealing out debris, hot gases, and flames in case of fire. It also improves aerodynamic integration.

In conclusion, the gloves worn by MotoGP riders are highly engineered pieces of safety equipment. Combining cutting-edge materials like kangaroo leather and carbon fiber with functional features such as silicone grips and touchscreen capability, they play a vital role in rider performance and protection at extreme speeds.