Road motorcycle jackets at Shark Leathers span every riding condition, from summer mesh to four-season laminates. Textile, leather, kevlar, cotton-aramid and hi-vis builds cover commuters, tourers and weekend riders. Every jacket here carries CE-rated armour as standard or as a direct upgrade path.
Shark Cruiser Protective Flannel
Shark Blank Protective Hoodie Black
Shark Single Layer Protective Hoodie
Shark Phantom Protective Hoodie
Shark Blank Protective Hoodie White
Shark Summer Cruise Jacket Black
Thor 2024 Pack Army Green Jacket
How to choose your road jacket
The right road jacket is determined by three fixed variables: abrasion resistance standard, armour certification level, and material construction. Fit, venting and waterproofing follow those three in the safety hierarchy.
Abrasion resistance by material
EN 17092 rates jackets zone-by-zone. AAA is the highest civilian rating, covering Zone 1 (shoulders, elbows) and Zone 2 (back, chest). Full-grain cowhide at 1.2 mm to 1.4 mm sets the abrasion benchmark. Kevlar and cotton-aramid blends reach EN 17092 AA at roughly 40% less weight. Mesh panels need 600 denier or higher to contribute to abrasion resistance.
| Material | EN 17092 Rating | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Full-grain leather (1.2 mm+) | AAA / AA | Sport, touring, everyday |
| Laminated textile | AA | Four-season touring |
| Kevlar / cotton-aramid | AA | Commuting, ride shirts |
| Standard textile | A / AA | All-season road use |
| Mesh (600D+) | A | Summer, warm-weather |
CE Level 1 vs CE Level 2 armour
CE Level 2 limits transmitted force to 9 kN at shoulders, elbows and back. CE Level 1 allows up to 18 kN. For road riding above 80 km/h, CE Level 2 protection is the right choice. Most jackets ship with Level 1 as standard; confirm the back pocket accepts a Level 2 insert.
Construction by riding style
Four-season laminates bond the waterproof membrane to the outer shell in 2 or 3 layers, preventing liner bunching above 120 km/h. Summer jackets with 70% or greater mesh coverage reduce core temperature by up to 8 degrees Celsius at 30-degree ambient. Hi-vis builds meeting AS/NZS 4602.1 Class D carry a minimum 0.13 m2 of fluorescent material on the torso.
Brands include Merlin, Macna, Difi, Berik, Oxford, Motodry, Leatt, Shot.
Frequently asked questions
What EN 17092 rating should I look for in a road jacket?
For road riding above 80 km/h, target EN 17092 AA or AAA. AAA is the highest abrasion rating and covers Zone 1 and Zone 2 impact areas. A-rated jackets pass at a lower threshold and are better suited to low-speed urban use.
Is CE Level 1 or CE Level 2 armour better in a road jacket?
CE Level 2 is better. It limits transmitted impact force to 9 kN at shoulders, elbows and back, versus 18 kN for Level 1. Most road jackets ship with Level 1 as standard; check whether the back pocket accepts a Level 2 insert as an upgrade.
What is the difference between a laminated textile jacket and a standard textile jacket?
A laminated jacket bonds the waterproof membrane directly to the outer shell in 2 or 3 layers, which eliminates liner bunching at speed and maintains consistent waterproofing under pressure. A standard textile jacket uses a separate removable liner, which is lighter but less sealed under sustained rain or high-speed airflow.