gloves and boots question

tdaley26 · Post by **tdaley26** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:46 pm

Well, I am all geared up(mesh jacket and pants, 3/4 helm with visor) except for gloves and shoes. In looking at the gloves available at the local scooter stores, I couldnt find any that were comfortable.... My question is, would a pair of leather gloves suffice or should they be special "motor cycle gloves". As for shoes, I have very flat feet and I was wondering if the hiking boots I had modified would give me enough protection.... what are the charachteristics of a good boot and glove?

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:58 pm

I'm no expert, but I've seen many Harley riders wearing plain ol' cowhide work gloves. You know, the yellowish leather ones that you can get in hardware stores. I understand cowhide is far better (tougher) than pigskin or deerskin though.

Also, to take the MSF class, they recommend over the ankle hiking boots if you don't have MC specific boots. So I assume they are fine.

Piedmont · Post by **Piedmont** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 9:01 pm

The big thing that seperates MC gloves it seems, is that the seams are often on the outside in key areas for comfort.

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 9:41 pm

I ordered some TourMaster armored mesh gloves to match my jacket...

the guy at the MC dealership was impressed that i was gearing up for a scooter.

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:11 pm

I wear cowhide gloves and work boots, like those yellowish ones you see construction workers wearing.

At some point I will get MC gloves, but the boots are sooo confy that I see no reason to change.

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:13 pm

motorcycle gloves have kevlar stitching to avoid the seams coming apart in a crash, abrasion-resistant fabric or leather, and armored knuckles. plus they're often vented for ventilation, and ergonomically designed to be comfortable with your fingers in a 'grip' position.

Any gloves, especially leather ones, are probably better than nothing (though if they're bulky or loose, they could negatively affect your grip/control). You'll find that motorcycle-specific gloves are gonna be safer and more comfortable, though.

Bb.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 11:02 pm

Keep in mind that leather gloves are often stiff and uncomfortable at first but soften (and stretch a little) over time as you wear them. My Brazimoto gloves were so tight at first, I had to put a roll of quarters in some of the fingers to stretch them out. Now they're my most comfortable pair (and best-looking, though they don't offer the best protection available).