I use light leather (or some leathery material) work gloves with a stretch cloth back. My hands go numb very quickly if I use padded gloves.


edit: gloves are unlikely to prevent broken fingers, but broken fingers from riding are pretty unlikely to begin with.

edit ii: These are similar/identical to the gloves I use during the summer: Mark's Work Wearhouse
In the winter I wear ski or snowmobile mitts.