In the world of World Superbike (WSBK) racing, 2019 was a year defined by the relentless consistency of Jonathan Rea. En route to his record-breaking fifth consecutive world title, Rea relied on a level of precision that few could match. To maintain that "surgical" control over his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, every piece of his kit had to be perfect—none more so than his gloves.
The , available at Leather Collection, are a high-performance tribute to that championship season. These gloves are engineered to provide the same tactile feedback and heavy-duty protection required at the pinnacle of production-based racing.
Engineered for Absolute Control
The interface between a rider’s hand and the handlebar is where races are won or lost. These gloves are designed to offer an "unfiltered" feel of the front tire while protecting the rider from the immense vibrations of a high-revving racing engine.
Premium Material Composition
Top-Grain Cowhide & Goatskin: The chassis utilizes a multi-leather construction. Cowhide provides the structural durability needed for abrasion resistance, while the palm often features supple goatskin for maximum throttle and brake sensitivity.
Reinforced Palm Overlays: High-wear areas are reinforced with digital-grip panels, ensuring a non-slip connection to the grips even in wet or humid conditions.
Kevlar® Internal Stitching: To prevent seam failure during a high-speed slide, the gloves are stitched with high-strength thread that can withstand extreme heat and friction.
Professional-Grade Safety Architecture
When you are trailing the rear brake into a corner at 100 mph, safety is the only thing that allows you to push the limit. The Jonathan Rea 2019 replica is packed with advanced armor systems.
Impact and Abrasion Shields
Carbon Fiber Knuckle Protectors: The knuckles are shielded by ventilated carbon fiber molds. These aren't just for impact; they are designed to facilitate airflow and allow the hand to slide across the asphalt, preventing the "grab and tumble" effect.
TPU Palm Sliders: Strategically placed on the landing zone of the palm, these sliders ensure the hand glides during a fall, significantly reducing the risk of scaphoid fractures.
Finger Bridge Technology: A specialized bridge between the ring and pinky fingers prevents "finger roll" and separation during a slide, a common injury in professional racing.
Dual-Closure Gauntlet: A long cuff with a dual-strap system protects the wrist bone and ensures the glove stays securely fastened even under the most violent forces.
Ergonomics and Rider Comfort
Racing is a physical gauntlet that causes hand fatigue. The 2019 Rea replica features several ergonomic innovations to keep the rider’s hands fresh throughout a 20-lap sprint.
Comfort-Driven Design
Accordion Stretch Panels: Located on the fingers and the back of the hand, these leather expansion zones allow for a natural range of motion when reaching for the levers.
Pre-Curved Fingers: The leather is cut to follow the natural curve of the hand on a grip, eliminating material bunching that can cause blisters and numbness.
Localized Perforation: Laser-cut perforations and intake vents on the knuckles keep the hands cool, which is essential for maintaining a precise grip during summer track days.
The Iconic KRT Aesthetic
Visually, these gloves are a masterpiece of the 2019 Racing Team (KRT) livery. Featuring the signature lime green, black, and white color scheme, they are adorned with the "JR65" branding and professional-grade sponsor patchwork. Unlike cheap printed replicas, these details are integrated into the leather to ensure they don't fade or peel over time.
Why Opt for a Custom Fit?
A standout feature of Leather Collection is the Made-to-Measure service. Hand sizes vary significantly, and a racing glove is only effective if the knuckle armor and sliders align perfectly with your anatomy. A custom fit eliminates "long thumbs" or tight pressure points, providing a "second-skin" feel that maximizes both safety and comfort.
Final Thoughts
The Jonathan Rea WSBK 2019 Gloves represent the perfect intersection of racing history and modern safety. Whether you are a Kawasaki enthusiast or a track-day regular looking for elite-level gear, these gloves provide the confidence to ride like a champion.
