By MotoPlace Editorial
Riding gloves are one of the most underrated pieces of motorcycle gear. In any fall, your hands instinctively go out to break the impact — unprotected hands hit tarmac hard. Gloves also improve your grip on the throttle and brake lever, reduce vibration fatigue on long rides, and keep your hands cooler by wicking sweat in Malaysia's heat.
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Gloves are **not legally required** for Malaysian motorcyclists. Only a SIRIM or ECE-certified helmet is mandated by law. However, hand injuries in motorcycle accidents are among the most common and often the most debilitating — and gloves are relatively inexpensive protection.
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• **Knuckle protection** — hard shell or CE-rated knuckle armour
• **Palm reinforcement** — slider or abrasion-resistant material on the palm
• **Wrist closure** — Velcro or strap to keep the glove from pulling off in a fall
• **Touchscreen-compatible fingertips** — useful for GPS and phone use without removing gloves
• **Breathability** — critical in Malaysian heat
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1. RS Taichi RST447 Summer Mesh Gloves — ~RM100–RM130
RS Taichi is a Japanese brand well-regarded for quality at mid-range prices. The RST447 is a full-length mesh glove with CE-rated knuckle armour, palm reinforcement, and good ventilation. One of the best value options for Malaysian weather.
2. Fox Racing Dirtpaw — ~RM100–RM120
Originally a motocross glove, the Dirtpaw is popular with kapcai and scooter riders for its excellent grip, durability, and low price. Not a full gauntlet — no wrist protection — but solid for city commuting.
3. Held Sambia 2 — ~RM120–RM150
German brand with a reputation for durability. Good palm protection and ventilation. Available at most authorised motorcycle gear shops in Malaysia.
4. Spyke or local Malaysian brands (under RM80)
Several local Malaysian brands produce decent mesh commuter gloves with basic knuckle protection. They won't match the abrasion resistance of branded options but are far better than no gloves at all. Check MotoPlace.my/accessories for current listings.
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Half-finger gloves are popular in Malaysia because of the heat. They do protect your palm in a fall but leave your fingers exposed.
For everyday riding, full-finger gloves offer significantly better protection with minimal added discomfort. A good mesh full-finger glove is barely warmer than a half-finger glove but protects your fingers from road contact in a fall.
**Recommendation:** Full-finger for riding, half-finger only for very slow-speed, short-distance use.
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Measure the circumference of your hand around the knuckles (excluding the thumb) in centimetres. Most brands use S/M/L/XL sizing. When in doubt, try the glove on — it should be snug with no excess material at the fingertips and should not pull off easily when you simulate a fall by tugging at the cuff.
Find gloves and riding accessories on MotoPlace.my/accessories.
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