Why “North of Berlin”? German-Designed Motorcycle Gear for American Roads
In short: North of Berlin is a German motorcycle gear brand founded in 2023 by designer Karsten Merz. Every product is built for a specific riding condition – rain, heat, long-distance touring or everyday riding – and most jackets and pants are certified to the European standard EN 17092, with class AA as our benchmark. In the US, the brand is distributed by Moto Reloaded Gear USA LLC.
Most rides get you from A to B. Some become something more: a storm cell clearing over a mountain pass, an empty two-lane highway across open country, the last golden hour of a long day in the saddle. North of Berlin is made for those rides.
Where the name comes from
The name stands for the wide-open landscapes and fast-changing weather of northern Europe, where conditions can turn within an hour and the ride still goes on. The real reason is simpler, though: our designer Karsten lives north of Berlin.
Designed in Germany by a rider
Karsten Merz founded North of Berlin in 2023 and is responsible for design and development. He has spent decades developing motorcycle apparel for a wide range of brands, and he personally tests every sample on long rides before it goes into production. His principle: motorcycle gear is equipment, not a lifestyle accessory.
- One clear purpose per product: rain, heat, touring or everyday riding
- No unnecessary features, only the details that matter on the road
- Timeless design that suits any bike, from a classic standard to an adventure bike
- Built to last for many seasons
What goes into the gear
- Cordura® fabrics, including Cordura® ripstop and waxed Cordura®/cotton blends, for abrasion resistance
- Sympatex® membranes, waterproof and breathable, made from recycled polyester
- Impact protectors from SAS-TEC and RE-ZRO®
- YKK® metal zippers and a full-length connection zipper that pairs any North of Berlin jacket with any North of Berlin pants, even in different sizes
Why a European safety standard matters in the US
In the US, riding apparel doesn't have to meet a safety standard. In Europe it does: jackets and pants are tested as complete garments to EN 17092 and receive a class from AAA (highest) to C. Class AA covers touring and all-round use, with abrasion-resistant fabric and impact protectors at shoulders, elbows and knees. Choosing certified gear gives you a tested, comparable level of protection instead of a marketing claim.
Gear for real riding conditions
- Rain: the Moto 65 suit with Sympatex® Z-Liner, the Endurance 3-layer suit and the Swamp rain layer
- Warm weather: the Dryzone suit and the Desert Rider mesh jacket
- Touring and adventure: gear for long days across changing climates
- Everyday riding: gear for commuting and short trips
Not sure where to start? Our weather guide helps you choose.
Now riding in the US
North of Berlin is available across the United States through Moto Reloaded Gear USA LLC, the official distributor for the region. Explore the bestsellers, and see you out there.
