Winter motorcycle jackets are purpose-built for cold, wet Australian riding conditions. Shark Leathers stocks waterproof textile and Kevlar builds from Merlin, Macna, Berik, Oxford, and Motodry, with CE-rated armour across shoulder, elbow, and back zones for riders who refuse to park the bike when the temperature drops.
Oxford Advanced Expedition Layer Thermal Jacket - Black
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Tan 4XL 109071
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Tan 3XL 109064
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Tan M 109095
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Tan XL 109118
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Black 4XL 109002
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Tan 2XL 109057
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Tan L 109088
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Black M 109026
Merlin Codsall D3O® Jacket Black
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Black 2XL 108982
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Black 3XL 108999
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Black XL 109040
Merlin Sherpa D3O® Jacket Black
Merlin Codsall D3O® Jacket Tan
Merlin Jacket Codsall D3O Black L 109019
Macna Heated Jacket Ascent Black M 116092
Macna Ascent Heated Jacket Black
How to Choose a Winter Motorcycle Jacket
The right winter jacket keeps core temperature stable without restricting throttle or bar inputs. Three factors determine suitability: waterproof rating, thermal barrier, and armour certification. A jacket that fails on any one of these becomes a liability on a 200 km winter run.
Waterproofing Standards
Textile jackets in this range use laminated or insert-based waterproof membranes. A fully laminated construction bonds the membrane directly to the outer shell, eliminating the gap where water pools against the liner. Insert systems add a removable thermal vest for a 2-in-1 setup across seasons. Oxford's expedition layer uses bonded thermal construction designed for sustained sub-10 °C use.
Armour Certification: CE Level 1 vs Level 2
CE Level 2 armour transmits less than 9 kN of impact force during testing. CE Level 1 armour must stay below 18 kN. For winter riding, where low-grip surfaces increase incident probability, Level 2 protectors at shoulder and elbow are the defensible choice. Back protectors rated to EN 1621-2 Level 2 are fitted or optionally available on Merlin and Berik builds.
Material Comparison
| Material | Abrasion Standard | Waterproof | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500D+ Textile | EN 17092 AA or AAA | Yes (membrane) | All-day touring, commuting |
| Kevlar-Reinforced Textile | EN 17092 AAA (zone-dependent) | Yes (laminated) | High-abrasion impact zones |
| Thermal Liner Layer | Not standalone rated | Base layer only | Cold-climate modular use |
Fit and Layering
Winter jackets are cut with extra circumference at the chest and waist to accommodate a mid-layer. Merlin and Macna sizing runs true to European standards across XS through 4XL. Berik's Veloce is available in standard and hi-viz colourways with EN 17092-compliant construction. Shark Leathers' own Repel and Sherpa builds are made-to-measure available, covering a chest range of 92 cm to 138 cm for riders who fall outside standard sizing brackets.
Buying Guidance
Riders covering more than 3 days per week in winter conditions should prioritise a laminated waterproof membrane over a drop-in liner. Hi-viz panels rated to EN 17353 add conspicuity from 150 m in low-light conditions. Heated jacket compatibility requires a 12 V SAE connector or USB-C port; confirm wiring before purchase if planning to add a heated layer later.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CE Level 1 and CE Level 2 armour in winter jackets?
CE Level 2 armour must transmit less than 9 kN of impact force during standardised testing, compared to 18 kN for Level 1. Winter riding conditions favour Level 2 at shoulder, elbow, and back zones where low-grip roads increase the consequences of a slide.
Are the winter jackets in this range fully waterproof or just water-resistant?
Several builds use fully laminated waterproof membranes bonded directly to the outer shell, which prevents water pooling against the liner. Others use removable insert-based systems that work as thermal liners in dry conditions. Check the product listing to confirm whether laminated or insert construction applies.
Can I wear a thermal mid-layer under these jackets?
Yes. Winter-cut jackets from Merlin, Macna, and Berik are designed with additional circumference at the chest and waist to accommodate a base layer plus a fleece or thermal mid-layer without compressing armour placement or restricting upper-body movement.