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Valentino Rossi won seven premier-class world titles, and the are replica-style gloves inspired by his 2005 Yamaha MotoGP season. This guide covers that season, the construction the product listing describes, and how riders can judge the protection of any motorcycle glove.
Key Takeaways
- Rossi won the 2005 MotoGP title for Yamaha with 11 wins from 17 races, the second of his consecutive Yamaha titles.
- The gloves are replica-style and inspired by that season, not equipment worn or issued by the rider or team.
- The listing describes leather construction, a knuckle protector, TPU sliders on poly-foam, pre-curved fingers and Velcro wrist straps.
- EN 13594 defines Level 1 and Level 2 for gloves; check the marking rather than the styling.
Rossi and Yamaha in 2005
According to Yamaha’s 2005 season archive, Rossi claimed his second consecutive riders’ championship that year by winning 11 of the 17 races, and Yamaha also took the team and manufacturer titles. According to Wikipedia, Rossi won seven premier-class titles in total, including 2004 and 2005 with Yamaha, and retired at the end of the 2021 season.
The gloves take their colors and graphics from that Yamaha era. They are made by Leather Collection as a replica-style design inspired by the season. The range collects the rider’s other replica pieces, and fans of the same period may also like the .
What the Listing Describes
- Leather: 0.8-0.9 mm cowhide, hand-stitched and made to order.
- Knuckles: a flexible knuckle protector.
- Palm and fingers: TPU sliders on poly-foam, positioned on the palm, thumb and fingers.
- Reinforcement: extra leather between the thumb and index finger.
- Fit: pre-curved palm and fingers with Velcro strap wrist closures.
The pre-curved shape keeps the fingers in the position they take on the bars. That reduces hand fatigue and keeps leather from bunching under the palm.
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. That is also why a replica glove should be judged by its listed construction and marking, not by the rider’s name. The product page does not state an EN 13594 level.
Fit and Care
Gloves should be snug across the palm and knuckles, with the fingers fully covered. Leather gives with wear, so a firm fit at first is normal. For drying and conditioning, follow the care label or the maker's instructions; the right product depends on the leather's finish and construction.
Who These Gloves Suit
- Fans of Valentino Rossi building a replica-style kit.
- Sportbike riders who like a Yamaha racing look.
- Riders moving up from casual or textile gloves.
Riders who want a more recent Rossi design can compare the , and those who prefer a general Yamaha look can browse .
Frequently Asked Questions
How many world titles did Valentino Rossi win?
Valentino Rossi won nine Grand Prix world championships in total, seven of them in the premier class: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009. The 2004 and 2005 titles came with Yamaha. He retired from racing at the end of the 2021 season.
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 replica gloves the same as the gloves a rider wore?
No. Replica-style gloves are inspired by a rider’s livery and are made by the retailer. They are not equipment worn or issued by the rider or team. Their protection should be judged by the listed construction and by the markings on the glove, not by the name attached to the design.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
