Red Bull Motorcycle Gloves: Race-Inspired Style and Real Protection Details

Red Bull motorcycle leather gloves, upper view
November 12, 2022 205 view(s) 4 min read
Red Bull Motorcycle Gloves: Race-Inspired Style and Real Protection Details

The Red Bull Motorcycle Racing Gloves are race-style leather gloves inspired by the colours of Red Bull in MotoGP. This guide explains the Red Bull connection to the sport, the construction listed on the product page, and how riders can judge the protection of any motorcycle glove.

Key Takeaways

  • Red Bull is the sponsor of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, which entered MotoGP in 2017; the gloves are replica-style and inspired by that look.
  • The product page lists 0.8-0.9 mm cowhide, a TPU knuckle protector, TPU sliders on poly-foam and Velcro wrist closures.
  • EN 13594 defines Level 1 and Level 2 for gloves; knuckle impact protection is mandatory only at Level 2.
  • Choose gloves by marking and listed construction, not by graphics.

Red Bull in MotoGP

Red Bull is the energy drink maker whose name appears in the title of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. According to the Wikipedia article on the team, KTM made its MotoGP debut in 2017 and Red Bull is the sponsor of the factory team. Riders such as Brad Binder have raced in that livery.

The gloves described here are replica-style gloves made by Leather Collection and inspired by the Red Bull look. They are not equipment issued by Red Bull, KTM or any team. For a matching suit styling, the Brad Binder Red Bull KTM suit follows the same racing colours.

What the Product Page Lists

  • Leather: 0.8-0.9 mm cowhide, hand-stitched with nylon thread and made to order.
  • Reinforcement: extra leather between the thumb and index finger.
  • Knuckles: a TPU knuckle protector with flexible protective knuckles.
  • Palm and fingers: TPU sliders on poly-foam at the palm, thumb and fingers.
  • Fit: pre-curved palm and fingers with Velcro strap wrist closures, sizes XS to 3XL.
  • Colours: grey and white colourways styled on the Red Bull team look.

The Gloves follow the same pre-curved pattern as other race gloves. The cut keeps the fingers in a gripping position, which reduces fatigue at the throttle and lever.

How Glove Protection Is Judged

Motorcycle gloves are covered by the European standard EN 13594, which sets requirements for protection against mechanical hazards in an accident. According to the SATRA summary of EN 13594, the standard defines two performance levels. Level 1 keeps ergonomic penalties low, while Level 2 gives greater protection at the cost of some weight or restriction. Knuckle impact protection is optional at Level 1 and mandatory at Level 2, and the standard tests impact abrasion resistance in the palm area.

This matters when comparing gloves: a pair that looks racing-derived is not automatically tested to a given level, so the marking and the information supplied with each glove are what indicate its tested performance. The product page for these gloves does not state an EN 13594 level, so their tested performance is not confirmed. For a Red Bull-styled glove, the listed construction and the marking on the glove tell a rider more than the graphics do.

What Each Feature Does

  • TPU knuckle protector: a hard shell over the knuckles; the product page does not give a test result for it.
  • Sliders on the palm: designed to let the hand slide.
  • Velcro wrist strap: intended to help keep the glove on the hand.
  • Pre-curved fingers: follow the natural grip so the leather does not bunch.

Who These Gloves Suit

  • Sportbike riders who like a race-style look.
  • Track day riders who want a knuckle protector and palm sliders.
  • MotoGP fans who follow the Red Bull teams.

Anyone wanting a different colour scheme can compare the red and white leather gloves , which follow a similar MotoGP-replica style, and browse MotoGP race gear for jackets and suits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red Bull a MotoGP team?

Red Bull is the sponsor of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, the KTM factory team that entered MotoGP in 2017. Red Bull itself is an energy drink company, not a motorcycle maker. The gloves described here are replica-style gloves inspired by that livery and are not issued by Red Bull or KTM.

What do EN 13594 Level 1 and Level 2 mean for gloves?

EN 13594 is the European standard for motorcycle riders' protective gloves. Level 1 is the lower performance level with fewer ergonomic penalties, and Level 2 is the higher level with greater protection and some weight or restriction. Knuckle impact protection is optional at Level 1 and mandatory at Level 2. The marking on a glove shows which level it was tested to.

How should motorcycle gloves fit?

Motorcycle gloves should fit snugly across the palm and fingers without bunching, so the leather does not fold under the grip. The wrist closure should hold the glove on the hand with the arm extended, and the fingers should still move freely enough to operate the brake and clutch levers. Leather also gives slightly with wear, so a close fit at first is normal.

Are race gloves suitable for daily riding?

Many riders use race-style gloves on the road because the pre-curved fit and knuckle protection suit sporty riding. The trade-off is that leather race gloves are cut for a tucked riding position and may feel stiff at first. Riders should also consider ventilation in summer and weather protection in winter.

Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.

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