Whether you ride the streets on a traditional cruiser or a contemporary sport bike, the allure of café racing casts a wide net. Joe Rocket Cafe Racer gloves (no accent) are classically styled, with a variety of materials that look good without appearing too self-consciously retro. This gives the Cafe Racer gloves a versatility that makes them suitable for riding a broad range of motorcycles.
I’ve been testing a pair of Joe Rocket Cafe Racer gloves for seven years—they debuted in a review of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide and still look great. While I don’t wear them exclusively, they are worn frequently and have appeared in dozens of photoshoots.
Joe Rocket opted for Nappa leather for the Cafe Racer gloves. Made from calf hides, this leather is especially supple and soft yet has proven durable, as the gloves show no signs of atypical wear. All stitching remains intact.
An array of padding protects the rider’s palm without being too bulky. A rectangular perforated pad guards the knuckles, and a small pad on the outside of the thumb adds additional fortification. Otherwise, the leather itself provides abrasion resistance. As these are an older glove design, there are no EU ratings; you will have to rely on Joe Rocket’s decades-long reputation, something I have no problem doing.
Other materials include a stylish YKK zipper down the back of the hand with a pull large enough to make it easy to put on the second glove with one already on.
The Joe Rocket Cafe Racer gloves are comfortable and largely transparent when you’re riding. The fit is as expected, and they don’t cause distractions. You can easily operate the levers and switchgear. However, the index finger is not designed for smartphone compatibility—it’s pure leather. The accordion backhand keeps the glove pliable regardless of the throttle position, and the zipper is never annoying.
Lacking a warm lining or extensive perforation, the Joe Rocket Cafe Racer gloves can be considered shoulder-season gloves, perfect for spring and fall. They offer the latitude you expect from leather gloves, making them viable for milder winter and summer rides.
When it comes to friendly street riding and café racing, simple and comfortable is tough to beat. Add in the classic styling of the Joe Rocket Cafe Racer gloves and impressive durability, and you have something you’ll enjoy riding on various motorcycles for an affordable current price of $60 per pair.
Joe Rocket Cafe Racer Gloves Fast Facts
- Sizes: Small – 3XLarge
- Certifications: None
- Colors: Black; Brown
Joe Rocket Cafe Racer Gloves Price: $60/pair
