How Long Do Motorcycle Gloves Last? [Average Life Span]

how long do motorcycle gloves last

Biker gloves are an important part of your motorcycle gear. They protect your hands and keep them comfortable, especially during long drives. Whether you have invested in some premium gloves or bought them cheap, they have a limited life span, depending on your use or how old they are.

How long do motorcycle gloves last? ​​On average, it may take about 12,000 miles or approximately two years before replacing your motorcycle gloves. So if you bought a pair of motorcycle gloves last year, they should still be good unless you were in an accident. However, it’s worth considering upgrading to lightweight gloves, which offer improved technology and materials that enhance both protection and comfort.

Is There Any Connection Between the Glove’s Life Span and Its Usage?

In general, biker gloves can last anywhere between 10,000-12,000 miles or 1-2 years. Some might last longer, but if your gloves severely wear out within 10,000 miles or within one year, then they are of subpar quality. 

Also, the distance average or time is not a set standard. It’s only a general idea of how long any pair of gloves will last before needing replacement. There are a few other things that affect the life span of your gloves, and they include:

  • The type of bike you ride;
  • The average number of drives; and
  • The quality of your gloves.

Next, we are going to explain how the usage and type of bike can affect your gloves and share some affordable and long-lasting pairs of motorcycle gloves. 

Highway Motorcycle Gloves

If you are going to ride on highways or primarily on-road, you need something to protect you against the asphalt. For this, you will need reinforced palm, finger bridge, knuckle padding, and impact padding. 

The finger bridge keeps your fingers from snapping back (breaking during a crash). These gloves also have a gauntlet to ensure no part of your skin remains exposed.

Our Recommendation:

Alpinestars Patron Gore-Tex 

Price: $200

These motorcycle gloves are designed with excellent waterproofing qualities and are best for hot weather conditions. It’s made for touring and naked bikes and offers excellent tactility and agility. The Gore Grip features a multi-panel design with stretch inserts and reinforcement for added comfort and durability.

Reasons to buy:

  • Long-cuff featuring hook and loop closure
  • Touch-screen compatible
  • Waterproof but with a breathable membrane
  • Integrated visor wipe (to clean eyewear) or helmet visor during riding

Off-Road Motorcycle Gloves

You are better off with a lighter and less protective option for off-roading, as most gloves in this category are geared towards sports riding or touring, featuring a shorter design and without a gauntlet. These gloves feature a silicone grip for the first two fingers to improve your grip. 

Our Recommendation:

Seibertron Dirtpaw

Price: $15

For what you are paying, Seibertron Dirtpaw offers excellent protection and ventilation. Crash protection could use some improvement, though.

Reasons to buy:

  • Sturdy, yet it doesn’t lack comfort
  • Knuckle protection and light padding
  • Comfortable fitting
  • Designed for sports use, where crashes are common

Motorcycle Gloves for Long Drives

Once you have figured out its usage and the type of bike you will drive, consider how long your ride will be. Comfort is vital for long drives where you will ride for hours instead of making a quick trip. 

For long trips, it is essential to ensure that the motorcycle riding gloves, such as the Alpinestars Men’s SMX-1 Air v2, are made from flexible fabric and feature vents that allow air passage. This design not only provides comfort but also helps to keep your hands cool during extended rides.. 

Our Recommendation:

Jackets 4 Bikes Perforated Motorcycle Gloves

Price: $30

Jackets 4 Bikes are acclaimed for their biker gloves’ ventilation. These perforated gloves have breathable leather so your hands can breathe and stay comfortable for extended drives.

Reasons to buy:

  • Double stitching means added durability
  • Ventilation and convenient wrist closure
  • Your hands won’t sweat
  • Stretchable leather

When to Replace Your Motorcycle Gloves?

How long do motorcycle gloves last? Gloves are continuously in contact with your bike’s grips, so they tend to deteriorate as you drive. As we mentioned before, these gloves generally last about a year or 12,000 miles. But some premium gloves can last up to 20,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. 

The following are some summer motorcycle gloves that will last you quite a long time, giving you the most bang for your buck:

1. Dainese 4 Stroke Evo Gloves

These comfortable motorcycle gloves come with a short cuff design. It’s designed for sports use with added protection. It highlights micro injections and leather palms that give both agility and protection in a wide variety of scenarios.

The back of these gloves features a thermoplastic resin that extends over the knuckles, giving your fingers full support during crashes. These gloves are made from cowhide leather, which gives them excellent strength and protection. If money isn’t an issue, and you want the best gloves money can buy, then you better pick these Evo gloves. These are compared with some best gloves available in the market such as Scorpion EXO MK II Gloves

2. REAX Superfly Mesh Gloves

The REAX Superfly Mesh gloves come in various colors and sizes, along with features that help set them apart from the competition. These gloves prioritize your safety and protection without being uncomfortable. It’s an excellent choice for summer use and ideal for touring bikes. 

The Superfly Mesh comes with a pre-curved fit to help you grip the handlebar and check your phone without having to remove the gloves. The palms are made with goat leather, making these gloves super comfortable. The backside features a mesh that allows air to flow, keeping your hand from sweating. The knuckles also have leather padding to keep you safe during crashes. The Superfly Mesh won’t disappoint if you want gloves for long trips, especially during hot weather.

3. Blok-IT Full Leather Motorcycle Gloves

If you are a diehard fan of leather gloves, then check out the Blok-IT full leather motorcycle gloves. Although it is an affordable option, it doesn’t compromise your comfort and safety. These gloves feature a gauntlet design and are made with a 3M Thinsulate thermal material that offers excellent protection. 

They are ideal for all weather conditions, as they have both wind and waterproofing qualities. You also get an excellent grip on your handlebar while still being able to move your hands around freely.

Conclusion

How long are motorcycle gloves such as heated motorcycle gloves expected to last? Gloves have an average life span of roughly 20,000 miles or approximately two years (whichever comes first). Motorcycle gloves wear out over time since they are constantly in contact with handlebars and other surfaces.