The SP-8 V3 gloves from Alpinestars are a full gauntlet, sport based glove that comes in five different colors as well as a Honda specific version. Overall the sp-8v3 gloves are not quite as extreme as some of alpinestars more race geared offerings such as the GP tech v2 or the GP Pro R4 gloves but still offer a great amount of value, protection and race DNA for the money, definitely a pair worth checking out if you are looking to make a switch to full gauntlet gloves.
Primary construction is a combination of strategically perforated full grain goat leather, synthetic leather as well as 3d mesh at the top of the hand.
WIth features like a motoGP-derived dual density floating knuckle protractor the SP-8 gloves do earn a CE 1kp rating.
Additional features include preshaped fingers, velcro cuff and wrist closures, a microfiber and pu grip insent on the palm and thumb, suede palm and landing reinforcement, pinky finger bridge, perforated cuff and finger sidewalls, and a touchscreen compatible finger tip on the index finger.
Outside of the Honda specific version, there is the normal version that comes in the 5 colors I mentioned earlier, and there is an Air version, basically the same glove with the leather being perforated, as well as a Stella or womens version which offers smaller sizing and a choice of a few additional colors.
Once again the SP-8 isn’t a full spec race glove, but honestly it’s really hard to complain about it in terms of value for the money, especially when you compare it to the price of most of Alpinestars short cuffed sports gloves. In most cases you are paying the same or just slightly more, but getting much more protection, especially with that longer wrist coverage. If you are a sport rider that isn’t looking to overspend but still wants that full gauntlet look and protection I highly recommend checking out the SP-8 V3s. :: Damir 9/22/25
The Honda SP-8 V3 Gloves from Alpinestars are considered a sport riding glove that according to Alpinestars is packed with racing DNA. Obviously as the name implies, these gloves are a Honda co-branded version of the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 gloves and are not very different from the original SP-8 V3’s outside of the Honda colors and branding. Like the original SP-8 V3’s these gloves are aimed at riders who are looking for a quality sport/street or even amateur racing glove that will slide in somewhere between a regular short cuff sport glove and a full on racing/track based glove while staying under the $125 price range. These gloves are comfortable, look really good with a classic sport/racing full gauntlet look and pack a lot of features for the money. Here is our two cents for the regular SP-8 V3’s:
“The SP-8 V3 Gloves are new for 2021. This “v3” version is an enhanced design from the v2 glove from 2017 and earlier version going back many years. The SP-8 has always been aimed at those that want a nice glove for sport/street or amateur racing, but need to stay under a hundred bucks. Street/sport riders of any kind will enjoy this glove. It is comfortable and sharp looking. This new version shares many of the same features with previous designs, but this year, the glove is made of a combination of leather and synthetic leather and the stitching details have been improved; noticeably so around the fingers. Both men’s and women’s (stella) sizes are available, so please take the link below for the other gender.
I mentioned this glove is available for under a hundred bucks, which is remarkable in my mind considering a good number of protective features found on much more expensive Alpinestars race gloves. Some of the key feature are; 1) a small Velcro close tab at the wrist to secure the gloves on your hand in case of a fall; 2) a sturdy molded knuckle armor unit with nice padding on the back side for comfort; 3) A longer gauntlet with Velcro adjustment for size to work with various jacket sleeve designs (over or under); 4) Extra padding in the heel of the hand with an abrasion resistant cover for extra wear resistance; 5) connection between the pinkie and the fourth finger to help reduce injury to the pinkie.”
With all that said, one note of caution with these gloves. I typically wear a size large in Alpinestars and most gloves, and though I know that European gloves, especially Alpinestars run a bit snug, these seemed to be especially snug for me. If you are between sizes definitely go up a size. :: Damir 5/16/24
