Motorcycle pads and gloves……Okay, so real talk—
You ever fall off your bike wearing just a hoodie and some blind confidence?
Because I did. Twice. And spoiler alert: asphalt is not soft.
That’s when I decided to stop pretending I was invincible and start dressing like I had something to live for. Enter the unsexy but very necessary world of motorcycle pads and gloves—a combo that now feels as vital to me as remembering where I parked.
This blog isn’t going to be a lecture. It’s more like, “Hey friend, here’s what I learned the hard way so you don’t have to.”
Let’s talk gear—the kind that saves your butt. Literally.
The Time I Skidded and Regretted My Fashion Choices
So I’m riding home after grabbing tacos—yes, tacos are worth the detour—and I take a curve too hot. My tires say “nah,” the road says “hello,” and my jeans basically disappear.
No pads. No real gloves. Just dumb luck and an extremely scratched phone screen.
You ever try explaining road rash on your hip to your mom? Don’t.
Motorcycle Pads and Gloves: Not Just for Stuntmen
This is where I get kinda preachy, but in a fun way.
You don’t need to be doing wheelies or outrunning cops in a Fast & Furious sequel to justify real gear. If you’re on two wheels, you’re vulnerable. And as much as I love the feeling of freedom, I love having all my skin more.
Motorcycle pads and gloves aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re the difference between walking away and being carted away.
Let’s break it down.
🦾 Motorcycle Pads: Yes, Your Elbows Deserve Better
I used to think pads were just bulky plastic junk that made you look like a knockoff Power Ranger.
But wow. Was I wrong.
What They Cover:
- Elbows, Shoulders, Knees, Hips – All the “oops I fell again” zones.
- Back Armor – Your spine? Important. Keep it safe.
- Chest Pads – For impact and flexing on your buddies.
My Go-To Gear Now:
- REV’IT! Seesoft Back Protector – Thin, flexible, shock-absorbing magic. Feels like a yoga mat but saves your vertebrae.
- Dainese Pro-Armor Chest Inserts – Lightweight, breathable, and weirdly satisfying to snap into place.
- Forcefield Limb Tubes – Slips over elbows or knees like fancy sports sleeves. Comfy and strong.
I wear these under my jacket or suit and forget they’re there… until I need them.
Which brings me to this gem:
My friend Mike once said:
“You don’t dress for the ride. You dress for the slide.”
Mike is dramatic, but he’s not wrong.
🧤 Motorcycle Gloves: The Unsung Heroes of Every Fall
Your hands are always the first thing to hit the ground. Instinct. It’s like your body says, “Ahhh!” and your hands say, “Don’t worry, we got it,” and then they suffer.
I used to ride with those fingerless gloves that look cool in music videos. Yeah. Zero protection. Also zero insulation. Also, one of them flew off mid-ride once and I didn’t even notice. That’s how bad they were.
What to Look for in Real Gloves:
- Knuckle Armor – Plastic, carbon, steel—just something hard to take the impact.
- Palm Sliders – So your skin doesn’t do the sliding.
- Full Gauntlet Design – Covers your wrist. Protects the bones you forgot existed.
- Touchscreen Tips – Optional, but come on—it’s 2025.
My Favorites:
- Alpinestars SP-8 V3 – Durable, breathable, and weirdly stylish. They’ve seen some things.
- Klim Adventure GTX Gloves – Waterproof, windproof, and perfect for the “oh, it’s hailing now” rides.
- Scorpion EXO SGS MK II – Budget-ish, but solid. Like that one coworker who’s surprisingly dependable.
I rotate gloves like I rotate playlists. Different day, different vibe.
Let’s Be Honest: Looks Matter Too
Yeah, yeah, safety first—but also… I wanna look like I know what I’m doing. Even if I’m Googling “how to not stall on an incline” for the tenth time.
And good gear? It just feels better. Confidence booster. Like armor you get to flex in. One time, a kid pointed at my jacket and whispered, “Look, it’s a superhero!”
Was it because of my gloves and pads combo? Probably not. But I’ll take it.
“Okay, But Isn’t All This Expensive?”
Yup. It can be. But you know what else is expensive?
Skin grafts.
I’m not trying to scare you (well, maybe a little), but investing in solid gear is cheaper than hospital visits or replacing the skin on your elbows.
Start with gloves. Then add pads or armored jackets/pants. Build up over time. Borrow stuff. Watch for sales. RevZilla’s closeout section is basically my personal thrift store. https://bikelovezone.com/protective-motorcycle-pads/.
Pro Tips from Someone Who Screwed Up First:
- Try gear on. Sizing charts are helpful until they lie. Try in-store if you can.
- Break it in. Especially gloves. Wear ‘em around the house like a weirdo. It helps.
- Don’t trust cheap knock-offs. Amazon has some wild stuff. If it looks like cosplay gear, maybe don’t bet your bones on it.
Final Ramble: Don’t Be Me, Be Smarter
If I could go back and slap that taco-hunting version of me on the head, I would.
“Put on the pads, man. Wear the dang gloves.”
It’s not about being invincible—it’s about being prepared. And honestly? Once you get used to riding with full gear, it feels right. Like putting on a helmet before battle. Or sunscreen at the beach. Or, you know, wearing pants to the grocery store. Basic stuff.
And yeah, sometimes I still feel a little over-geared when I’m just cruising to Starbucks. But you know what? I’ve never regretted being too safe.
Outbound Link Suggestions:
- RevZilla Gear Guides – Where I spiral-shop for 3 hours straight
- This biker fails compilation – Watch it. Laugh. Then double-check your gear.
