Finding protective gear for motorcycling can be an expensive proposition. So, when I see a reasonable price tag on gear, I tend to do a double-take, particularly when premium features are evident. That is what got me to stop and look at Noru Tekko short-cuff sport motorcycle gloves. Noru is a five-year-old brand owned by 57-year-old Helmet House, and other staffers have had success with the company’s gear, including the Kodo jeans and the Kuki jacket.

I usually wear men’s Medium gloves and prefer a good, snug fit, and the Noru Tekko gloves fit right off the rack. An elastic band and adjustable strap with a hook-and-loop closure secure the gloves.

A nice feature for a glove that offers a second-skin snug fit that I favor is a wide grab tab located at the heel of the palm to ease pulling the gloves on. Indeed, much as I like this feature, it does tend to get in the way when attempting to place the hook-and-loop closure tab in place. It is a minor problem, to be sure, and once you use the gloves a few times, the technique to hold the grab tab out of the way while placing the closure tab becomes automatic. The short cuff design works well with the sleeves of a riding jacket.

The moisture-wicking polyester gives the gloves a smooth, slightly padded feel. The seams down the side of the fingers don’t cause any pressure points, and finger length is an exact fit for me.

The exterior is cowhide, and nearly all the exterior seams are double-stitched for abrasion resistance and seam strength. Additional leather is stitched over the outside of the pinkie, the internal angle of the thumb, and the heel of the palm. The forefinger and thumb tip on both gloves are touchscreen-compatible. Impact protection is provided by molded thermoset knuckle protectors with carbon fiber inserts at each knuckle. Note that this is an American-owned brand selling in the domestic market, so the gloves do not have CE protection rating.

A silicone print overlay is provided in the palm at the base of the fingers for extra grip, and the fingers are pre-curved to assist with grip and reduce hand fatigue. Corrugated leather flex panels in the fingers and at the base of the thumb increase flexibility. Cordura stretch side panels in the fingers facilitate a snug fit while allowing maximum flexibility in the grip and preventing binding.

Molded inlet venting is built in on the back side of the fingers and into the base of the knuckle protector—six vents in all. An additional large, molded, mesh vent is tucked in beneath the base of the knuckle protector. Look closely, and you’ll see a fine-mesh screen in each vent to keep bugs and other crud from reaching the glove’s interior. That ventilation system is augmented by perforated leather panels on the top side of the fingers and thumb.

In use, unlike some heavy-duty protective gloves with impact protection that I’ve used, the Noru Tekko gloves are remarkably pliable and stay that way, right from the first use. Sometimes, I have to break in gloves; not so with these.

Another area where there can be a break-in issue is the seams along the sides of the fingers. With the Cordura stretch panels built into the sides of each finger, there are two seams, not one, down the sides of each finger. I thought that could make the side-seam pressure points an issue, but on that point, I needn’t have worried. The Noru Tekko gloves have no noticeable seam pressure points, even on long rides.

I was able to take advantage of a relatively warm stretch of weather here in the snow belt and get in some ride time. The cooler air gave me an unmistakable insight into how much ventilation the vents and perforated leather on the gloves deliver. The flow of outside air into the gloves is noticeable and beneficial.

The Noru Tekko gloves shine on the road with an immediate, snug second-skin fit that feels natural from the first ride—no break-in needed. They stay remarkably pliable, with no seam pressure points or hand fatigue even after long stretches, while pre-curved fingers and stretch panels keep grip effortless and fatigue-free. Overall, they offer confident, comfortable sport riding with solid protection that doesn’t compromise mobility or feel. You have three colorways to choose from, and, although the MSRP for the gloves is $70, they are on sale at the time of this review’s publication for $35 a pair, making them a great deal.

Noru Tekko Gloves Fast Facts

• Sizes: XS to 3X-Large
• Colors: Black; Red/Black; White/Black
• Certifications: None

Noru Tekko Gloves Price: $70 MSRP

Noru Tekko Gloves Review Photo Gallery