Motorcycle gloves are your last line of defence in a slide. Shark Leathers carries road, motocross, summer, winter and gauntlet styles in leather, textile and mesh from Merlin, Five, Shot, Macna, Leatt, Motodry, Berik, Oxford and Shark Leathers own-brand. Every ride, every season.
Shark Winter Streamline Gloves
MOTODRY FINGERLESS GLOVE BLACK
![FIVE - FIVE HG-3 EVO [WP] - Shark Leathers](http://sharkleathers.com.au/cdn/shop/files/FIVE-2163.png?v=1738474208&width=800)
FIVE E2 ENDURO BLACK/GREY/GOLD
Choosing the right motorcycle gloves
Glove protection is measured by EN 13594 abrasion resistance, knuckle impact ratings and palm reinforcement. CE Level 1 knuckle protectors absorb impacts up to 9 kN peak transmitted force; CE Level 2 drops that threshold to 7 kN, offering meaningfully superior impact absorption. Zone 1 (palm) requires a minimum of 8 seconds abrasion resistance at Level 1 and 20 seconds at Level 2; Zone 2 (back of hand) requires 4 seconds at Level 1 and 8 seconds at Level 2.
Material guide
Leather is the benchmark for abrasion resistance and tactile feedback. Full-grain cowhide at 1.0–1.2 mm thickness typically clears EN 13594 Level 2 requirements in Zone 1. Textile and mesh constructions trade some abrasion resistance for ventilation and all-weather stretch, making them the practical choice above 15°C.
Style and season selector
| Style | Best for | Key feature | Typical rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauntlet | Track, touring | Wrist-over-jacket cuff, full forearm coverage | EN 13594 Level 2 |
| Short road | Commuting, sports | Compact cuff, CE knuckle armour | EN 13594 Level 1 |
| Summer/mesh | Hot-weather riding | Perforated panels, minimal bulk | EN 13594 Level 1 |
| Winter | Cold and wet conditions | Waterproof membrane, thermal lining | EN 13594 Level 1–2 |
| MX/off-road | Motocross, enduro | Lightweight TPU knuckle, silicone grip palm | EN 13594 Level 1 |
Fitment and sizing
Measure your dominant hand around the knuckles (excluding the thumb) in centimetres. A correct fit means no bunching at the fingertips and a secure wrist closure. Gauntlet cuffs must overlap jacket sleeves by at least 50 mm to close the cuff gap that causes wrist injuries in slides. Sizing runs XS to 3XL.
Shark Leathers own-brand gloves
The Shark Streamline, Tract, Oxley, Bronx, Torsion, Pulse and Midnight are designed in-house to EN 13594 standards with CE-certified knuckle armour and reinforced palms. Professional-grade protection without the brand premium.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CE Level 1 and CE Level 2 motorcycle gloves?
CE Level 2 gloves meet a stricter impact threshold of 7 kN peak transmitted force versus 9 kN for Level 1. Level 2 also requires double the abrasion resistance in both palm and back-of-hand zones under EN 13594, making them the preferred choice for track riding and high-speed touring.
Are leather or textile gloves better for Australian conditions?
Textile and mesh gloves suit the hot, dry riding seasons common across most of Australia, offering ventilation and comfort above 15°C. Leather gauntlets are the stronger choice for track days, mountain roads and cooler southern winters where abrasion performance and wrist coverage matter most.
How should motorcycle gloves fit to be effective in a crash?
Gloves should sit snug across the knuckles with no fingertip bunching and a secure wrist closure. Gauntlet cuffs need to overlap the jacket sleeve by at least 50 mm to close the cuff gap. A loose glove can rotate or strip off in a slide, bypassing all protection.