Motorcycle Pants & Protective Jeans

Motorcycle pants are the most overlooked piece of protective gear on the road. This range covers every riding style from casual kevlar jeans and protective cargos to four-season textile pants and off-road specific designs, all carrying genuine CE-rated armour for real-world impact protection.

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How to choose the right motorcycle pants

The right pants depend on three factors: riding style, climate, and the level of protection required by your use case. Every pair in this range carries at least CE Level 1 armour at the knees and hips; many Shark Leathers own-brand options step up to CE Level 2, which absorbs more than twice the impact energy under EN 1621-1:2012 testing.

Protection ratings at a glance

Standard	What it measures	Key threshold
EN 17092 AAA	Abrasion, seam burst, tear	Highest road-textile rating
EN 17092 AA	Abrasion, seam burst, tear	Mid-tier road rating
EN 17092 A	Abrasion, seam burst, tear	Entry road rating
CE Level 1 armour	Impact transmission	Max 35 kN mean force
CE Level 2 armour	Impact transmission	Max 20 kN mean force
EN 17092 denim/kevlar	Abrasion resistance	Kevlar panels rated to 4 to 8 seconds slide time

Material guide

Textile pants use 600D to 1200D polyester or nylon shells, with laminated 3-layer constructions offering full waterproofing. Kevlar jeans use aramid fibre panels lining the seat and knees, tested to 4 to 8 seconds of abrasion resistance at 45 km/h under EN 17092. Leather pants provide the highest abrasion resistance, with full-grain hides typically 1.0 mm to 1.4 mm thick. Mesh panels in summer designs maintain airflow across 30 percent or more of the surface area without compromising CE armour pocket placement.

Fit and size confidence

Shark Leathers own-brand jeans are available from size 28 to 42 waist in straight, skinny, and relaxed fits. Four-season textile pants typically run in sizes S through 5XL with adjustable waist tabs of up to 4 cm. Inseam lengths vary from 30 to 34 inches depending on the model. Always cross-check the brand size chart against your waist and inseam measurements before ordering.

Riding style selector

Off-road riders need reinforced knees, hip armour, and ventilated panels. Road tourers benefit from a laminated shell with hip and knee CE Level 2 pockets plus thermal liners removable at 18 degrees Celsius and above. Urban commuters get the most daily use from protective jeans or cargos that look streetwear-appropriate but carry CE-rated knee armour.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CE Level 1 and CE Level 2 knee armour in motorcycle pants?

CE Level 1 armour must transmit no more than 35 kN of mean force under EN 1621-1:2012 impact testing. CE Level 2 armour tightens that threshold to 20 kN, meaning it absorbs significantly more energy in a crash. Level 2 is the better choice for higher-speed road riding.

Are kevlar motorcycle jeans as protective as textile pants?

Kevlar jeans use aramid fibre panels lining the high-wear zones at the knees and seat, tested to 4 to 8 seconds of slide resistance at 45 km/h under EN 17092. Quality textile pants with a 600D or higher shell can reach AA or AAA ratings. Both are valid for road use provided they carry a CE certification and fitted CE-rated knee armour.

How do I know if motorcycle pants will fit correctly without trying them on?

Measure your natural waist and inseam in centimetres, then cross-reference the specific brand size chart. Shark Leathers own-brand jeans list waist sizes from 28 to 42 with multiple leg fits. For textile pants, also check the adjustable waist range and whether the armour pockets align with your knee and hip centres at riding position, not standing.

Afterpay & Zippay Available