Hey There! ππ» The number one problem that is solved through motorcycle handlebar gauntlets is the oncoming windblast. Windblast takes away heat from the outer side of your hands and may cool them down to uncomfortable and even dangerous levels turning your ride into a pain.
There are cases when people get frostbite on their hands when riding in minus temperatures.
If youβre a motorcycle rider β you probably enjoy riding your bike, right? Handlebar gauntlets allow you to open season in early spring and they are a must if you want to ride your bike through the winter at close to 0Β°C (32Β°F) temperatures.
Actually, they are more effective at keeping your hands warm than heated grips, especially at higher speeds when windblast strips off heat faster than heated grips can warm up your fingers.
Using both simultaneously will allow you to ride all day long in cold weather without any discomfort in your hands. Additionally, there are heated gloves but it is definitely overkill to use all 3 together β so choose 2 out of 3 for max efficiency. In my case β I use Oxford heated grips combined with Kemimoto handlebar gauntlets.
The added bonus is that your entire body loses temperature slower since we lose most heat through the arms, legs, and head. The Head has a helmet (duh), the legs may have decent wind protection due to your bike design (use heated insoles otherwise), and then there are heated grips and handlebar gauntlets for hands. And you are all set for year-round riding, how cool is that?
In this article, I will evaluate motorcycle handlebar gauntlets based on the following specs:
1) Waterproofness,
2) Shape-Stiffness,
3) Material,
4) Additional features like external pockets and Electric Heating.
Let us get into it! >>
Contents
Motorcycle Handlebar Gauntlets
Best Overall
#1 kemimoto
Waterproof: β
Yes
Shape-Stiffness: Average (may deflect at speeds > 130 km/h)
Material: Carbon Fiber
Electric Heating: β
Yes
External Pockets: β No
Hole for Mirror base: β No
Benefits & Features
β Warms up blood in your hands and as a result warms your entire body. Has electric heating that heats them up to 60Β°C making them super comfy from the inside.
β Was designed for snowmobiles, which are typically operated in much colder temperatures than the conditions in which we ride. Therefore, you can be sure that they will do the job on motorcycles.
β οΈ No mirror mount hole but still can be fitted to a motorcycle without a problem.
β οΈ No battery discharge protection. Wire them through ignition so you donβt risk fully draining your battery if you forget to turn them off during a coffee stop.
Runner Up
#2 GIVI
Waterproof: β
Yes
Shape-Stiffness: β
Strong
Material: Polyester, Polyethylene
Electric Heating: β No
External Pockets: β No
Hole for Mirror base: β
Yes
Benefits & Features
β Will fit over hand guards.
β Simply good overall product with snug installation, has holes for mirrors, and holds shape at higher speeds. Has an aerodynamic shape on the sides.
β Large enough to easily move hand inside to operate motorcycle controls.
Best For Money
#3 NoCry
Waterproof: β
Yes
Shape-Stiffness: β
Strong
Material: Polyester, Plastic, PVC, Nylon
Electric Heating: β No
External Pockets: β
Yes
Hole for Mirror base: β
Yes
Benefits & Features
β Has a waterproof pocket for your phone. This is not really useful feature since it is located in a position that puts the phone screen in a position facing away from you so you cant use it.
β Has designed holes for the mirror bases allowing a snug and secure fit onto the motorcycle handlebar.
β Strong shape that does not deflect at higher speeds. This is good because deforming gauntlet may press on the clutch or front brake lever which is not what you want to happen while overtaking a truck.
β οΈ Is a bit bulky. Works well in cold temperatures, however, this is overkill for motorcycles since we rarely ride in minus temperatures. I would prefer these to be a little bit lighter and smaller.
Worth Mentioning
#4 OXFORD
Waterproof: β οΈ No
Shape-Stiffness: Average
Material: Polyester fabric
Electric Heating: β No
External Pockets: β No
Hole for Mirror base: β
Yes
Benefits & Features
β Snug fit on motorcycle handlebar due to the designed mirror holes.
β οΈ Not really waterproof, just water-resistant. Will remove wind from your hands but if it rains β they get wet and a little bit uncomfortable when they make contact with your gloves and wrists.
Worth Mentioning
#5 Kimpex
Waterproof: β
Yes
Shape-Stiffness: Average
Material: Neoprene, Plastic
Electric Heating: β No
External Pockets: β No
Hole for Mirror base: β No
Benefits & Features
β Has a see-through plastic top that allows you to see your handlebar controls. I learned all controls on my bike and they are completely intuitive for me. But if you have a new bike that you are not yet familiar with β these see-through tops will be useful.
β οΈ Do not work with handguards (if your bike has HandGuards installed) as other products in this list
β οΈ Tight fit. May be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. If your brake and clutch levers are not adjustable β chances are that it may get hard to use front brakes which is dangerous.
Best to use with Large Hand Guards
#6 PowerMadd
Waterproof: β οΈ No
Shape-Stiffness: β οΈ Low
Material: Polyester
Electric Heating: β No
External Pockets: β No
Hole for Mirror base: β
Yes
Benefits & Features
β Will fit over large hand guards, these have low shape-stiffness, however, this does not matter if you put them over handguards since hand guards will work as a frame.
β οΈ A bit too expensive for what they are compared to other handlebar gauntlets in this list.