Road textile pants built for real riding conditions. From ventilated summer cuts to fully laminated four-season armoured pants, this range covers every road style. Brands include Merlin, Macna, Motodry, Oxford, Difi, LS2 and Shark Leathers own-brand lines built to Australian road standards.
Macna Centre Heated Pants Black
Macna Heated Centre Pants Black 2XL 091191
Macna Heated Centre Pants Black 3XL 091214
Macna Heated Centre Pants Black L 091139
Merlin Pant Shenstone Air D3O Olive XL 36 105660
Merlin Pant Shenstone Air D3O Olive M 32 105646
Merlin Mahala Raid D3O® Pants Black
Merlin Mahala D3O® Cordura® Pants Black
Merlin Mahala Pro D3O® Pants Black
Macna Heated Centre Pants Black XL 091160
How to choose road textile pants that actually protect you
Textile pants cover every season in a single category. The key is matching construction to your riding style. Laminated waterproofing is built into the outer shell and permanently waterproof; membrane-lined pants use a bonded inner layer that can delaminate over time. For year-round touring, laminated construction is the more durable call.
Abrasion ratings matter more than brand names
EN 17092 is the current European standard for motorcycle clothing. Zone 1 (hips, knees, shins) must pass abrasion testing to earn certification. AAA is the highest rating, followed by AA, then A. Most road textile pants in this range target AA or AAA certification. Cheaper unrated panels carry no guaranteed abrasion resistance.
Armour specification comparison
| Feature | CE Level 1 | CE Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Transmitted force (knee/hip) | Under 35 kN average | Under 20 kN average |
| Single peak force | Under 50 kN | Under 30 kN |
| Recommended use | Commuting, touring | Track days, sport riding |
| D3O / hard-shell | Both options | Hard-shell preferred |
Fit and sizing guidance
Armour placement only works when the knee cup sits directly over the kneecap. Most manufacturers design for a 30 inch inseam as standard. If the armour pocket sits 50 mm or more below your knee centre, size down or choose a short-fit cut. Hip armour should cover the greater trochanter. Try pants standing in a riding position, not sitting.
Style selector
Summer and mesh-vented cuts suit riding above 20 degrees Celsius. Four-season pants use zip-off thermal liners rated to around 5 degrees Celsius. Heated options connect to a 12V bike circuit or battery pack. Rain-specific shells are rated to waterproof columns of 10,000 mm or greater. The Shark Project Tourer and Shark Venture Pro are own-brand laminated touring cuts built for Australian conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between AA and AAA rated textile pants?
EN 17092 abrasion ratings define how long the outer material resists tearing on asphalt. AAA requires the highest abrasion resistance across all critical zones and is the benchmark for serious road riding. AA is one step below and suits most commuting and touring use. Both require CE-certified armour at the hip and knee to carry the certification.
Do road textile pants work in the rain without a separate rain suit?
Laminated textile pants are fully waterproof without additional layers because the waterproof membrane is bonded to the outer shell during manufacturing. Membrane-lined pants with a removable thermal or rain liner are water resistant but not fully waterproof under sustained heavy rain. If you ride through Australian east-coast winters regularly, a laminated construction is the more practical choice.
How do I make sure the knee armour is positioned correctly?
With the pants on and standing upright, the centre of the knee armour cup should align directly over your kneecap. If it sits more than roughly 40-50 mm below centre, try a shorter inseam cut or a smaller size. Armour that rides low will not cover the patella in a forward-slide impact, which is the most common road crash mechanism.