Valentino Rossi won the 2003 MotoGP title in the colors of Repsol Honda, and the fluorescent yellow gloves of that season are the model for the . They are replica gloves inspired by his 2003 race gear, made to order in cowhide with a knuckle protector, TPU sliders and a Velcro wrist strap.
Key Takeaways
- The gloves are a replica inspired by Valentino Rossi's 2003 Repsol Honda gear and are not team merchandise.
- The product page lists 0.8 to 0.9 mm cowhide, a carbon-reinforced metal knuckle protector and TPU sliders on the palm, thumb and fingers.
- A Velcro wrist strap and pre-curved palm and fingers are listed for fit and retention.
- The page does not state CE certification, so riders who need a rated glove should check EN 13594 on the label of the exact pair.
Why Hand Protection Matters
Hands are often exposed in falls, so gloves are standard riding gear. A good glove addresses abrasion on the palm, impact over the knuckles, seam strength and a closure that stays on the hand. These are the things the EN 13594 glove standard tests, which also covers ergonomics, sizing and tear resistance, according to Intertek. The standard has two levels: Level 1 keeps ergonomic penalties low, while Level 2 gives more protection and requires knuckle-protection testing.
Rossi and the 2003 Season
Rossi won the 2002 and 2003 MotoGP world titles on the Honda RC211V in Repsol colors, with 20 race wins and 31 podiums across the two seasons, according to Box Repsol. Rossi left Honda at the end of 2003 and joined Yamaha for 2004, according to Wikipedia. The fluorescent yellow colorway of those gloves, per the product page, is what the replica copies. Other Rossi pieces include the and the from a later Yamaha season.
The collection collects more of his gear, and the wider range covers other riders and seasons.
Construction
According to the product page, the gloves have:
- 0.8 to 0.9 mm drum-dyed cowhide race-grade leather, with reinforcement between the thumb and the index finger
- A carbon-reinforced metal knuckle protector over the knuckles and back of the hand
- TPU sliders on the palm, thumb and fingers, mounted on poly-foam padding
- Safety stitching with high-strength nylon thread at stress points
- A Velcro strap wrist closure
- Pre-curved palm and fingers, and hand-stitched, made-to-order construction
The colorway is fluorescent yellow and follows the 2003 Repsol Honda livery. The lining is not described on the page, so riders who care about lining should ask before ordering.
Fit and Feel
Race gloves are cut with pre-curved fingers, so they feel tighter and a little stiff when new, then relax slightly with wear. They should be snug across the palm without squeezing the fingers, and the wrist strap should close firmly over the cuff of the jacket or suit. Riders with a range of hand sizes can compare the range for other fits.
Who They Suit
- Sport and track-day riders who want a race-style glove
- Fans of Rossi and the 2003 season
- Riders upgrading from basic fashion gloves
Final Thoughts
The gloves are a race-style cowhide pair with a knuckle protector, TPU sliders and a strap closure, finished in the 2003 Repsol Honda colors. Check the label for a EN 13594 level if a rated glove is required.
Updated: October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these gloves official Valentino Rossi merchandise?
No. They are replica gloves inspired by the gear Valentino Rossi used with Repsol Honda in 2003. The names describe the design only, and the gloves are made by Leather Collection without a partnership with Rossi, the team or the series.
What protection do the gloves include?
The product page lists a carbon-reinforced metal knuckle protector, TPU sliders on the palm, thumb and fingers over poly-foam, safety stitching at stress points and a Velcro wrist strap. It does not state a CE rating.
What does EN 13594 cover?
EN 13594 is the European standard for motorcycle riding gloves. It tests abrasion resistance, knuckle impact, seam strength and closure security, and has Level 1 and Level 2, where Level 2 requires knuckle-protection testing. Riders should check the label of the pair they buy.
How should motorcycle gloves fit?
Snug across the palm and fingers, with no loose material at the fingertips, and long enough in the cuff to stay under the jacket sleeve. The wrist strap should hold the glove in place without cutting off circulation.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.





