Why “North of Berlin”? The Story Behind Our Motorcycle Clothing
In short: North of Berlin is a German motorcycle apparel brand founded in 2023 by designer Karsten Merz. Every model is built for specific conditions – rain, heat, touring, or everyday riding – and most jackets and trousers are certified to EN 17092, with protection class AA as our benchmark.
Some rides simply take you from A to B. And then there are the moments when it becomes something more: rain at the pass followed by sun breaking through the clouds. An empty country road through wide-open spaces. The final hour of a long day in the saddle. North of Berlin is created for exactly these moments.
Why “North of Berlin”?
The name represents the open landscapes and changeable weather of the north: wide roads, long distances, and conditions that can shift within an hour. When you ride there, you need apparel that works when the weather changes and the ride goes on.
The real reason, however, is simpler: our designer Karsten lives north of Berlin.
Developed in Germany, for real riding
Karsten Merz founded North of Berlin in 2023 and is responsible for design and development. He has been designing motorcycle apparel for a wide range of brands for decades. His principle: motorcycle apparel is equipment, not a lifestyle product. Karsten personally tests every sample on long rides before it goes into production.
For us, that means:
- A clear purpose for every product. Every model is built for specific conditions: rain, heat, long tours, or everyday riding.
- Reduction instead of overload. Only the details that matter on the road.
- Timeless design that suits every motorcycle, from classic roadsters to adventure bikes.
- Longevity across many seasons, not just one.
What’s inside our apparel
- Cordura® fabrics for abrasion resistance and durability, including Cordura® Ripstop and waxed Cordura®/cotton blend fabrics
- Sympatex® membranes, waterproof and breathable, made from recycled polyester
- Protectors from SAS-TEC and RE-ZRO®
- YKK® metal zips and a universal connecting zip that lets you combine any North of Berlin jacket with any North of Berlin trousers, even in different sizes
Most of our jackets and trousers are certified to EN 17092, the European standard for motorcycle apparel. AA is our benchmark protection class.
Apparel for every weather condition
Instead of one jacket that is supposed to do everything, North of Berlin makes apparel for specific riding conditions:
- Rain: the Moto 65 suit with Sympatex® Z-Liner, the Endurance suit with its 3-layer construction, and the Swamp rain gear
- Heat & summer: the Dryzone suit and the Desert Rider mesh jacket
- Touring & adventure: apparel for long stages and changing climates
- Everyday riding & commuting: motorcycle apparel that doesn’t look like motorcycle apparel
Not sure what suits your riding style? Our weather guide will help you choose.
For riders who ride
Our apparel is designed for people who are regularly on the road: commuters, tourers, and travellers. Discover the full collection. We’ll see you on the road, wherever your North of Berlin moment is happening.
