The Best Winter Motorcycle Gloves for Australian Riders
1st Apr 2025
Why Winter Motorcycle Gloves Matter
Riding a Motorcycle in winter can sometimes make for a very unpleasant day. Even before jumping on that bike, the thought of layering up and battling the cold makes you miserable. But for true bikers, we battle on, cold fingers and all. Whoever lives for the road and doesn't get fazed by challenges, the right Winter Motorcycle Gloves will stop the cold and start the ride.
Winter Gloves aren't just an accessory, they are a much-needed safety measure. Extreme cold, even with lightweight gloves can hurt. It causes pain and numbness causing control loss of the motorcycle levers.
The best thing? Motorcycle gloves that give you both protection and keep the winter chill away so you can start that ride with piece of mind and keep riding with comfort.
Key Features to Look for in Winter Motorcycle Gloves
Ideal Winter Motorcycle Gloves provide more than just warmth. Here is guide on what great Winter Motorcycle Gloves should have to enhance your performance:
Thermal Insulation: Winter gloves should have great insulation to offer the best barrier from the cold. Thermal layers in the glove will keep your hands and fingers warm in cold temperatures. Avoid extremely thick gloves that will compromise control of the bike. Try to find Lightweight Winter Gloves with materials like Thinsulate, this traps heat without the bulk.
Windproof & Waterproof Capabilities: Quality gloves will be able to withstand the wind and rain. Your hands are a major point of impact so find gloves that are water-resistant or completely waterproof. Keep your hands dry and protected with RhinoLeathers Outrider Glove
Grip and Control: Controlling the bike needs hands and you don't want to lose control because of bad gloves. Having gloves with any reinforced palm or anti slip material will help greatly in cold and wet conditions. Choose gloves that have both warmth and control.
Wrist Protection: Wrists are vulnerable in a fall. Length and any padding also around the wrist are good assets to have in Winter Motorcycle Gloves. RhinoLeathers Cobra Glove shave just that
Touchscreen Compatibility: Most of us will use our phones at some point while riding. It could be for calls or GPS. Touchscreen Friendly gloves are a real time saver and keep riding safe and hassle free. Gone are the days when you had to pullover and take your gloves off.
Best Materials for Winter Motorcycle Gloves
Find quality gloves with great durable materials that offer warmth and protection. Here is a breakdown of materials:
- Leather Motorcycle Gloves: Still the number one material for Motorcycle Gloves, Leather Gloves offer extra protection and warmth in those winter months. Strong, flexible and durable, natural leather gloves offer water resistance but always best to treat them with water resistant products to maximize their use in winter months.
- Textile Gloves: Perfect for those that are after breathable gloves that still retain heat and are lightweight. They are flexible from the start and if equipped with waterproofing membranes, you are onto a winner. RhinoLeathers Typhoon gloves is waterproof suits all seasons
- Softshell Fabrics: Used in the outer layer of the glove, softshell fabrics can be a combination of polyester, nylon, and elastane or spandex. Very flexible, comfortable and lightweight. Not as heavy duty and strong as other materials.
- Waterproofing Material such as Hipora- Offering good water resistance and breathability. Let's the moisture from sweat escape and keeps the water out. Great for long rides.
Regional Considerations: Winter Riding Across Australia
Australia is very temperamental. Hot in one state and freezing in others. Your Motorcycle gear will need to change depending on what region you are travelling to. Understanding the conditions you will be entering is your best bet to tackle the road:
In the North: In general, a much warmer region in Australia, choosing gloves with lighter insulation should be enough for the winter temps. Leather is still a number one choice for protection and light warmth. In the summer, gloves with ventilation are a must.
In the South: Southern States are cold in the winter. Thicker winter gloves with more insulation and waterproofing features are a must. These will keep your hands from the cold and the wind.
Coastal vs. Inland: Coastal areas have more moisture so any kind of waterproofing gloves is a great option. Inland is very dry but cold in the winter so gloves with insulation are great, and try to find a glove more suited for dry conditions.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Fit
Gloves need to fit ‘Like a Glove’. Gloves that are too tight restrict use of the levers and can slow blood flow to your hands. Gloves that are too loose will leave you will no control and feeling uncomfortable.
- Measure Your Hand Size: Measure the widest part of your hand. Size charts will describe the best way.
- Check the Fingers: The fingers shouldn't be too tight and have no bunching fabric at the tips. The wrist should be a snug fit.
- Flexibility: Gloves should move with your hands. Best to clench your fists and move your fingers around, you will be if they are too tight.
Where to Buy Winter Motorcycle Gloves in Australia
RhinoLeather has great Winter Gloves for every style of rider. Designed to keep your hands and fingers warm while enjoying the feel of the bike and owning the road ahead.
Healy Motorcycle long cuff all season glove - Carbon Armour Knuckles |
Shelby Brown Suede Leather Short Cuff motorcycle glove |
Gear Up for a Comfortable Winter Ride
Riding in the cold can turn off the hardest of riders, but with the right Winter Gloves, you can enjoy the ride without the pain. Whether you are cruising the freeway or battling the traffic, make sure you are prepared with the right Winter Gloves on those cold days. Don’t let half the year keep you cooped up, ride in comfort whenever you want.
