Summer motorcycle pants purpose-built for Australian heat. Merlin, Difi, Oxford and Shark Leathers each bring CE-certified armour and serious airflow to road, touring and adventure riding. Ventilated textile and mesh construction keeps you cool without trading away the protection that matters on the road.
Shark Mens Tract Pants - Black
Shark Mens Tract Pants - White
Oxford Arizona Air 1.0 Mens Pant - Black (Regular)
Merlin Pant Shenstone Air D3O Olive L 34 105639
Merlin Taos Air Mesh Pants Black
Merlin Taos Air Mesh Pants Black
Merlin Pant Shenstone Air D3O Olive XL 36 105660
Merlin Pant Shenstone Air D3O Olive M 32 105646
How to Choose Summer Motorcycle Pants
The right summer pants balance airflow against certified protection. Every option here carries at minimum CE Level 1 hip and knee armour, with several pairs offering CE Level 2 D3O inserts as standard. Abrasion resistance is rated under EN 17092, so you can compare pants objectively regardless of brand or construction.
Protection Standards Explained
EN 17092 grades riding pants across five zones. AAA is the highest abrasion classification, requiring 100% of tested area to meet Zone 1 requirements. AA covers the majority of commuter and touring pants. CE Level 2 impact protectors absorb significantly more energy than CE Level 1 at the same test point. D3O armour used in the Merlin Shenstone Air is CE Level 2 certified at both hip and knee as standard.
Material Comparison
| Material | Best For | Airflow | EN 17092 Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-mesh textile | Peak summer, stop-start city | High | AA typical |
| Perforated leather | Sport and cafe-racer riding | Moderate | AAA capable |
| 4-season textile | Year-round touring, variable temps | Moderate (vents open) | AA typical |
Fit and Sizing
Shark Leathers Tract Pants are available in a full waist and inseam size matrix to suit riders from a 30-inch to 38-inch waist. Oxford Arizona Air 1.0 ships in Regular and Short leg lengths. Merlin Taos and Shenstone Air are sized across a European numeric range from 28 to 40. CE armour must sit centred over the kneecap when you are in a seated riding position to deliver rated protection; always size to your seated inseam, not your standing measurement.
Buying Guide
For sustained summer highway riding above 80 km/h, prioritise EN 17092 AA or AAA rated construction with full-length CE Level 2 knee armour. For urban summer commuting under 60 km/h, CE Level 1 knee armour in open-mesh construction offers sufficient protection with maximum airflow. Riders combining summer and cooler-season use should look at 4-season pants with removable thermal liners.
Frequently asked questions
What EN 17092 rating should summer motorcycle pants have?
For road riding, aim for EN 17092 AA or AAA rated pants. AA covers the majority of touring and commuter use cases. AAA is the highest classification and is typically found in leather or high-spec textile constructions where all tested zones meet Zone 1 abrasion requirements.
Are D3O armour inserts CE Level 1 or Level 2?
D3O armour, as used in the Merlin Shenstone Air D3O pants, is CE Level 2 certified at both hip and knee as standard. CE Level 2 protectors absorb significantly more impact energy than CE Level 1 at the same test point, making them the preferred choice for higher-speed road riding.
How do I get the correct fit so armour sits in the right position?
Armour must sit centred over the kneecap when you are in a seated riding position, not a standing one. Always try pants while seated or check the brand size chart against your seated inseam measurement. A waist that rides too low shifts knee armour off the joint and reduces its effective protection.