Four reasons to visit Merlin at Adventure Bike Rider Festival 2022

For the very first time since the festival’s inception, Merlin will be exhibiting at the 2022 Adventure Bike Rider Festival at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire.

Here’s four reasons why you should make Merlin your number one stop at one of the biggest biking events of the year

Reason 1: See the new Explorer Collection in full

For the first time, we’ll be displaying our new Explorer Collection in full. With versatility and rider comfort at its core, the Explorer range is our take on traditional adventure motorcycle clothing.

Merlin Mahala Cordura Explorer Motorcycle jacket in Black/Olive

Explorer creates the perfect heritage-adventure blend using Halley Stevensons® waxed cotton, Cordura® cotton and D3O® armour. On top of this, we’ve introduced a shift towards a more sustainable future by utilising Halley’s 100% organic ripstop cotton.

Our Explorer Collection will be available to view in full at the festival, with items available to try on.

Reason 2: We’ll be powered by the UK’s biggest online retailer

From Thursday 23rd to midnight Sunday 26th June, we’ll be teaming up with the UK’s biggest online clothing retailer Sportsbikeshop to offer 15% off the entire Merlin range.

A drone image of Sportsbikeshop in Boston Lincolnshire

At our stand you’ll be able to use the iPad to browse Sportsbikeshop’s Merlin range. Purchase there and then for your item to be waiting for you when you arrive home!

Whether looking for a durable Explorer jacket or a pair of riding jeans, they’ll all be available for purchase during the weekend.

Reason 3: See new Merlin products before anyone else

We’ll be bringing along a few unreleased items to ABR Festival, giving attendees a first-look at what we have in store for the future of our Explorer Collection.

So if you pop along and see us, you’ll get a first glimpse of our Autumn Winter 2022 range and be able to try it on and even give us your honest initial thoughts.

Reason 4: Take a load off and meet the team behind the brand

Had a busy day on the trails testing out all the newest machinery? The chill-out area on the Merlin stand will offer the perfect comfortable break out zone.

Pop along, put your boots up and chill out while having a flick through the Merlin catalogue.

The Merlin team will be on-hand to answer any questions you might have about the brand or any of the products.

Tempted? Limited tickets are still available to buy online in advance here.

A lifestyle image of the Merlin Drifter jacket in Olive

A closer look at the Merlin Spring Summer 2022 Collection

You can tell summer is nearly upon us. 

Apart from the (occasional) blasts of sunshine and heat, it’s also time for another new Merlin gear drop.

Our Spring Summer 2022 Collection is rolling in thick and fast, so let us introduce you to some of the products you can expect to see hitting your local retailers very soon.

Outlaw D3O Smock

The Outlaw Smock leads the SS22 Collection, joining the Explorer Collection and introducing a combination of new ideas to the Merlin range.

First and foremost, Outlaw is one of the first in our entire range to be made from 100% organic cotton. The Ripstop outer is provided by our long-time partner Halley Stevensons, who also provide all the waxes for our Tech Wax and Traditional Wax offerings. In addition, the cotton uses 45% less CO2e and 50% less water in production and has a fluorocarbon-free finish, making Outlaw a futureproof option for the eco-conscious rider.

The Halley outer isn’t just better for the environment, it’s still seriously protective. Ripstop is woven into a crosshatch pattern which provides enhanced reinforcement against ripping and tearing, and overall Outlaw achieves a CE Level ‘A’ in line with the newest testing standard EN17092.

Elsewhere, Outlaw is backed by D3O®’s LP1 shoulder and elbow armour and a D3O® Viper Stealth back protector. Their CP1 chest protectors can also be fitted as an optional extra if required.

The biggest draw of Outlaw is its smock styling. Now you can carry everything but the kitchen sink in the large pouch pocket on the front, which has an additional pocket behind it to give riders even more room to stash gloves, maps or whatever your heart desires. 

The three-panel hood offers a closer fit but if you don’t want to ride with it it can be unzipped and put to one side in favour of a more summery style with an option to pin back the collar if required.

Outlaw also receives a Texland Humax waterproof membrane and a jacket-to-jean connector zip for the attachment of Merlin jeans. It’s available now in Black or Green in sizes S-4XL. Find your nearest Outlaw stockist here.

Drifter D3O Jacket

Those who aren’t such a fan of the Outlaw styling may wish to opt for the Drifter jacket instead.

Made from the same 100% organic cotton Halley Stevensons Ripstop outer as Outlaw, Drifter is styled like a more traditional motorcycle jacket. Backed by a five-piece set of D3O® armour (shoulders, elbows, back) with overall CE Level ‘A’ approval and with the option to add their CP1 chest protectors, Drifter is as protective as it is stylish.

On the front, large pockets are backed by magnetic hand warmer pockets, while on the chest the two ventilation points allow cool air to flow around the body. 

A Texland Humax waterproof membrane backs up the fluorocarbon-free waterproof repellent treatment for wet weather riding, while multiple adjustment points allow a more personalised fit.

Drifter is available now in sizes S-4XL in either Black or Green. You can find your nearest stockist here.

Mahala Raid Jacket and Trousers

We launched the original Mahala jacket and trousers as part of our Autumn Winter 2021 range, offering riders a versatile yet stylish alternative to traditional bulky adventure gear. Now, for Spring Summer 2022, we introduce the Mahala Raid.

The Mahala Raid jacket provides stacks of cool airflow for riders looking to explore hotter climates. The large mesh panels on the chest, arms and back drag in cool air to keep it circulating around the body, while the abrasion resistant Cordura® water-repellent outer combined with a five-piece D3O® armour set (shoulders, elbows, back) inspires confidence in protection.

Multiple adjustment points to the bicep, forearm, cuff, waist and hem allow a more tailored fit for the rider, while both long and short connection zips allow easy connection to Merlin jeans.

The Mahala Raid jacket is available now in Black/Sand, Black/Olive or Black in sizes S-3XL.

The Mahala Raid trousers can easily be attached to the matching jacket for the ultimate warm weather riding set. Constructed from the same abrasion-resistant Cordura®, the Raid trousers feature large mesh panels on the thighs to drag in cool air when it’s needed most. 

D3O® protectors to the hips and knees offer protection, and the trousers are finished off with subtle Merlin-branded snap studs and high-quality YKK® zippers.

The Mahala Raid trousers are available now in Black/Sand, Black/Olive or Black in sizes S-4XL in a choice of regular (32in) or short (30in) leg lengths.

Brody Riding Shirt

Joining the Heritage line-up for 2022, the Brody Riding Shirt allows you to ride in style without compromising on safety.

The first of its kind within the Merlin range, Brody is a single-layer shirt, making it lighter in weight, more flexible and above all more comfortable to ride in. Brody has 220gsm Kevlar weaved into the outer stretch cotton construction, with its protective qualities rated to CE Level ‘AA’ when tested to the new EN17092 standard.

In addition, Brody is backed by a set of D3O®’s flexible Ghost shoulder and elbow armour, and there’s a pocket for an optional D3O® Viper Stealth back protector in size large

Brody oozes retro style in its three colour options – black, camel or green – which are all finished off with brass Merlin-branded snap studs and a discreet heritage Merlin patch on the left bicep.

There are pockets aplenty on Brody, with two large zipped side entry pockets, two buttoned chest pockets and a small card-size pocket on the arm, as well as internal storage pockets. 

The Brody shirt will be available in the coming weeks in sizes S-4XL. 

Sherbrook Riding Shirt

Our Axe riding shirt has been incredibly popular since its release, so for Spring Summer ‘22 we’re taking it one step further.

Sherbrook builds on Axe’s success, offering the same popular checkered style in a single layer riding shirt with Kevlar™ weaved into the outer cotton, making for a lightweight, comfortable riding shirt which achieves CE Level ‘A’.

It’s pre-fitted with D3O®’s flexible Ghost shoulder and elbow armour with a pocket for an optional D3O® Viper Stealth back protector

Within the Sherbrook shirt it’s the smaller, rider-specific details that make the difference. The central zipper is covered over with a colour matching closure and pop buttons to protect bike paintwork, while a branded reflective panel has been added to the rear of the shirt to help increase visibility at night. 

Sherbrook comes in Red/Black, Grey/Black or Green/Black in sizes S-4XL, and will be available from many Merlin retailers in the coming weeks.

New Single Layer Riding Jeans

For 2022 we introduce a range of new riding jeans to our expansive denim range.

While the four new jeans are different in style they all share one common feature. They’re all single-layer jeans with abrasion resistant Cordura® weaved in, making for a comfortable, flexible yet safe riding jean that can be worn both on and off the bike.

Dunford and Alexander share very similar styling cues, inspired by traditional high-street jeans but with biking protection. D3O®’s flexible Ghost armour is pre-fitted to the knees and hips and the jeans are certified to CE Level ‘AA’. 

Alexander is available in blue only with a regular (32in) leg length, and is slightly more fitted from the knee down than Dunford, which is only available in black with a choice of short (30in) or regular (32in) leg lengths. Both jeans come in sizes 30-40.

The Zoey jean features the same great specifications as Dunford and Alexander, but in a flattering female-specific fit. Available in a regular (31in) leg length only, Zoey size from 8-18.

Finally, the Warren jean takes traditional cargo styling and inserts biking protection for a practical pair of riding jeans. The single-layer Cordura® outer is backed by D3O® hip and knee armour, and two expandable pleated cargo pockets on each thigh offer plenty of carrying space for smaller items. Warren are available in a regular (32in) leg length in sizes 30-40.

Shenstone glove

The final new addition to the Merlin line-up – the Shenstone glove. Designed to be paired with the already incredibly popular Shenstone Air jacket, the matching glove features mesh on the fingers and back of the hand, and punched leather throughout for improved airflow while riding.

Made from premium cowhide leather, the Shenstone glove benefits from D3O® knuckle armour and accordion stretch panels to the back of the hand for enhanced comfort. 

They will be available soon in black or brown, in sizes S-3XL. 

 

You can find your nearest Merlin stockist by using our ‘Find a Stockist’ page here.

 

Published on 27 May, 2022 by Emily Macbeth

Our top five tech wax jackets… as chosen by you!

Our tech wax range is incredibly popular amongst riders who are looking for a little more versatility in their riding gear. 

Tech Wax refers to Cotec, a waxed cotton designed in collaboration with Halley Stevensons exclusively for us. Cotec is lighter in weight, more breathable and stronger than our traditional Silkwax jackets, achieving a CE rating of ‘AA’ as opposed to the single ‘A’ of Silkwax.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new jacket, and we agree that there’s no better opinion than that of your fellow riders. So, once you’ve read our guide to choosing a Merlin wax cotton jacket, we’ve pulled together a selection of real customer reviews from some of our retailers.

Edale

A customer favourite, our Edale jacket scores highly across the board.

Customers praise Edale for its quality and great value for money. They say it’s comfortable to wear, lightweight and above all, resistant to both cold and rain. One customer comments: “The neck is soft and watertight, while the cuffs fit tight on a second press stud allowing gloves to easily fit over them. I was caught in a downpour on the motorway on its maiden journey and not a drop got through.”  

Offering practicality and style in spades, customers also say it’s a comfortable jacket for riding serious miles in, while being well-fitting and feeling heavy and durable but not uncomfortably so.

Merlin Edale waxed cotton motorcycle jacket in olive

It’s not just our British customers who enjoy riding in an Edale. Praising it mostly for its colder weather capabilities thanks to the Outlast thermal lining, reviewers across the pond also appreciate the attention to detail and compliment the style. 

Edale is made from our Halley Stevensons collaboration Cotec waxed fabric, is pre-fitted with D3O armour to the shoulders and elbows and includes Reissa waterproofing and an Outlast thermal lining.

Shenstone Air

Shenstone Air is ideal for riding in warmer climates thanks to its mesh front, rear and arms.

Shenstone is impressing riders with its ability to cope well in spring/summer riding conditions, with one reviewer saying: The Shenstone is a really good summer jacket that flows the air through nicely. It has a removable liner – not often seen on mesh jackets – which when installed offers a level of wind and water protection which is exactly what you need with our unpredictable weather.” 

As well as complimenting the style and airflow, customers also enjoyed the smaller details in the Shenstone. “The jacket is super nice quality, mega comfortable and looks great on. I love the little details, like the colour coded studs in sleeves to make sure you put the arms of the liner in without twisting them. A lot of thought has gone into the design of this jacket.”

Merlin Shenstone Air waxed cotton motorcycle jacket in olive

And in the parts of the world where, for the most part, riders are getting the most out of the mesh panelling, our customers couldn’t be happier. Riders also like the versatility that comes with Shenstone in its removable thermal lining, with one saying “Nice jacket for riding in hot summers due to the good amount of mesh. Where I live it can get fresher in the mornings and afternoons, and I think the removable liner works very well to keep the wind out a little.” 

Shenstone is constructed from the lightweight, breathable 8oz Cotec waxed cotton with ballistic mesh panelling for increased airflow. A Reissa waterproof membrane can be attached and reattached as necessary, and a five-piece D3O armour set is pre-fitted to the shoulders, elbows and back.

Perton

One of our most popular jackets with a timeless style.

One thing customers are most complimentary on is the style of the Perton jacket. “I just love the way this jacket looks. It’s modern retro with the latest technology. The Cotec wax material, heat regulating liner and D3O Armour this is ‘old skool cool’ with a modern twist.” 

When choosing a motorcycle jacket, an accurate, comfortable fit is one of the most important attributes. One reviewer says “outstanding quality jacket combined with a smart tailored fit,” while others commented the jacket fit perfectly to their differing body types.

Merlin Perton waxed cotton motorcycle jacket

Other customers praised versatility, with one calling Perton “a quality item that works really well in hot, cold, dry and wet conditions”, a sentiment echoed across a number of Merlin customer reviews.

Perton is a short cut, classically styled tech wax jacket with weatherproofing from a Reissa waterproof membrane and a removable Outlast thermal liner. D3O shoulder and elbow armour is fitted as standard.

Chigwell Lite

With a summer bias, our Chigwell Lite takes traditional summer riding gear in a different direction.

Of course, the biggest focus and feature of Chigwell Lite is the entirely mesh front, underarms and back and this is where customers leave their praise. Take a look at just a small selection of their glowing reviews of the airflow provided by Chigwell Lite. 

“You get a nice cool breeze flowing through the jacket when riding. It’s so cool you’ll need another layer on more inclement days. On a warm day it does exactly what’s needed.”

“Definitely a fan of the classic cafe racer look while maintaining the utility of the breathability of the mesh lining.”

Merlin Chigwell Lite waxed cotton motorcycle jacket in olive

“It’s soooo ventilated and light that it takes some getting used to while riding since you hardly feel it’s a motorcycle jacket. I’ve been wearing heavy leather jackets all my life while riding and that’s probably why it took me a little longer to get used to it, but it’s worth it on a hot day.”

“This thing is really comfy, moves with your body and the ventilation tech is on another level.”

Chigwell Lite blends the 8oz Cotec waxed cotton outer with mesh panelling and D3O armour to the shoulders, elbows and back.

Kurkbury

Our Kurkbury jacket is a hit with customers worldwide. Its belted, longer length style provides a little more coverage for chillier days, while the classic outer styling masks a wealth of modern protection.

Praised for its wearability and style, one reviewer states, “An excellent product at a very competitive price. I’ve used the Kurkbury for cold weather riding and it has done a brilliant job of keeping me at a comfortable temperature. It also looks beautiful; a gorgeous vintage aesthetic with modern technology behind it. Well worth the purchase!”

While another praises the off-bike practicality too. “Absolutely love this jacket. Wanted something that looked good on and off the bike – suffice to say I’ve worn this more off the bike so far! On the bike it has a great weight, feeling sturdy but not restrictive.”

Lifestyle image of Merlin Kurkbury Cotec jacket

Finally, commenting on the seasonality and ‘bang-for-buck’ value, this customer says: “The Kurkbury is everything I’d hoped, quality feel and all the technical spec for an amazing price. I’m turning into a Merlin fanboy. While this is mid summer so I can’t comment on the NASA tech Outlast’s ability to keep you warm, its cooling properties are spot on.” 

Convinced? Head to our Find a Stockist page to locate your nearest Merlin retailer and choose a Tech Wax jacket that suits you.

 

Reviews collected from Sportsbikeshop, Urban Rider, Revzilla and the Merlin Shopify. 

The Epic Australian Voyage: Chris and Liam live to ride another day

Back in February we shared the story of Chris Donaldson, who was re-attempting his epic Australian voyage 40 years after his first trip didn’t go exactly to plan. You can read the story behind his first try here

Chris and his friend Liam set off for take two from The Overland Event in Oxford in September 2021. While Liam chose the sensible Moto Guzzi V85 to take him round the world, Chris chose the (perhaps not-so) sensible 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans he originally intended to take with him the first time round. 

From Oxford they travelled down to London for a charity ride to the Brighton Burn-Up at the famous Ace Cafe biker haunt for the last stop on their short UK jaunt.

Catching the ferry from Dover to Calais, Chris and Liam stopped off for a “boozy send-off” with some friends in France before heading South through the stunning scenery of the Black Forest in Germany and into Switzerland.

Mandello del Lario was the first proper stop on the tour – the home of Moto Guzzi. To celebrate 100 years of the Italian marque, a weekend festival was planned to celebrate all things Guzzi. Unfortunately, Covid lay claim to the event, but as Chris says; “It went on anyway. Covid can’t stop the Italians having a party!” 

“It [Mandello] is a small town, and everywhere had a Moto Guzzi – the shop windows, on the streets. Everywhere you turned, there was a Moto Guzzi!”

Chris and Liam rode to the edge of Lake Como to join Moto Guzzi in their 100th anniversary celebrations
Chris Donaldson and his 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans at The Overland Event in Oxford
Chris prepares to leave The Overland Event in Oxford to head off on his Australian epic
Chris Donaldson and long time friend Liam on their pair of Moto Guzzis
Chris and Liam line up for photographs in the battle of old Moto Guzzi vs New

Afterwards, Chris and Liam made their way South towards Genoa.

“We joined a huge motorbike demonstration to complain about the state of the roads, after a bridge collapse that killed 43 motorists in 2018. Then we followed the Italian coast south from Portofino to Rome, then on to Pompeii, where our bike boots walked where the chariots had left grooves in the cobbled streets.”

Plans to head through to Albania were swiftly put on hold, due to the duo finding out that, because of Covid, the Greek authorities were only letting 140 people a day cross the border. Instead, they opted to take a ferry from the Italian city of Bari to Greece. The next day they cruised into Athens, where Chris claims “a much younger but just as stupid me had left for Israel 42 years ago!”

And in the battle of old vs new, Chris says things are going well. “The two Guzzies performed well, with a bit of competition between my 44-year-old Le Mans and Liam’s young pretender V85. The old bike’s winning so far – no problems!” But one of Liam’s ABS cables broke and he couldn’t fix it, so he hasn’t had ABS for the journey so far.

The pair left the two bikes at a Moto Guzzi shop and returned home for a couple of months to replenish their wallets and refresh their brains, before embarking on the next leg.

Chris Donaldson riding his 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans near Jordan
As you get further into the middle of nowhere, the roads breathtakingly open out
Chris Donaldson riding his 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans past the Colosseum in Rome
Out and about seeing the ancient sights of Italy. How better to do it than on two wheels?
Chris Donaldson riding his 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans
A soggy Chris Donaldson stops off on the way to Jerusalem

In November 2021, they set out again.

“On starting the next leg, we shipped the bikes to Israel and spent a few days seeing the sights before we rode to the Jordanian border post in Eilat. Then disaster – the Israeli guards warned us that the Jordanians might not let us cross and we wouldn’t get back as Israel only issues Visas at the airport. We could be stuck in no-man’s-land forever…Tom Hanks, eat your heart out!

The Israelis checked with the Jordanians and sent them pictures of our bikes, but the Jordanians said they didn’t like them… They were probably BMW owners!”

And with that, they were forced to take the boat out of Israel, just as Chris had originally done 42 years ago. 

Deciding where to go from there proved a challenge, with Egypt to the left struggling with Covid numbers and Syria just above recovering from war. The pair eventually decided to ship the bikes back to Athens until the paperwork to cross into Jordan was completed. However, with a new strain of the Coronavirus spreading rapidly, the pair made the difficult decision to return home to ride another day.

Chris and Liam are now back out on the road seeing more of what the world has to offer. Follow the next leg of their journey on Instagram and check back to the Merlin Blog soon for part three.

Merlin are excited to be supporting Chris on his journey, providing him with an Expedition jacket to keep him protected on his travels.

How to choose a Merlin Waxed Cotton jacket

Choosing a new motorcycle jacket can be a daunting task. With so many materials and features to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Waxed cotton is becoming an increasingly popular choice and it has many benefits. Aside from the fact that it oozes retro cool, it’s also highly durable, abrasion resistant and protective. Wax has moved on since the 70s, and, to paraphrase Jim Blackstock’s review of our Edale jacket in Motorcycle News  waxed cotton is no longer reserved for farmers in tweed caps.

We have a selection of waxed cotton bike jackets in our range across two collections, but when you’re so spoilt for choice how do you choose between them? We’re here to help…

The collections explained

Our wax jackets sit across two collections – Traditional Wax and Tech Wax.

The Traditional Wax range (Barton II, Yoxall II, Expedition and the new Monty jacket) are all made from Halley Stevensons 12oz Silkwax cotton. Silkwax is a little more reminiscent of the traditional waxes of yore, in that it’s heavier in weight and has the slightly sticky to wet feel you might expect. 

Halley Stevensons 12oz Silkwax up close
If you look closely at a 12oz Silkwax jacket, you can see that the weave is tightly knit. This gives the high water repellency and wind-roofing

In our Tech Wax range, all the jackets (and the Lombard trousers, too) are made from Halley Stevensons 8oz Cotec waxed cotton. Cotec was designed by Merlin in collaboration with Halley Stevensons, so you won’t see it used by any other brand.

Halley Stevensons 8oz Cotec up close
When you look closely at 8oz Cotec, you can see that the weave is slightly looser. This makes jackets made of Cotec more breathable and better for summer

As the ounces suggest Cotec is lighter in weight which makes it more breathable, but it’s also stronger too, achieving an ‘AA’ rating in the EN17092 tests as opposed to the single ‘A’ of our traditional range. In addition, Cotec has a less sticky to wet feel, but keeps the heritage wax aesthetic. 

Take a look at the graphic below which compares the features of both waxes.

A comparison table of 12oz Silkwax waxed cotton and 8oz Cotec waxed cotton

All lined up

All our wax jackets, no matter which range they sit in, come with thermal linings. The exceptions to this are Chigwell Lite and Shenstone Air, which we’ll come to later on.

In the Traditional Wax range, the thermal linings come in two guises. The first, which you’ll find in the Barton II and Yoxall II jackets, is a 150g full-bodied liner. 150g is the warmest of our thermal linings, and being full-bodied means you’ll benefit from the warmth all down the sleeves too, where a lot of thermal linings only cover the torso as a gilet.

The second type is a combined waterproof and thermal lining. This is one weatherproof inner layer, which brings together a 125g thermal liner and waterproof membrane, and is found in our Expedition and Monty jackets.

Merlin Outlast technology in a thermal liner
Some of our Tech Wax jackets use the NASA-worthy Outlast temperature regulating technology in their thermal linings

Our Tech Wax range carries the same principle. In the Chigwell Utility and Nomad jackets, the 125g thermal linings are bonded to the Reissa waterproofing. 

But in Edale, Kurkbury and Perton things are kicked up a gear. These three jackets use the space-worthy Outlast in their thermal linings. Outlast is super clever – it essentially stores excess body heat as it’s kicked out, and releases it when your body temperature starts to drop, keeping you permanently in a comfortable state of toastiness.

Whichever wax jacket of ours you choose, you can ride assured that you’ll be perfectly protected from whatever the weather throws at you.

Merlin Shenstone Air jacket in Olive
The Shenstone Air jacket has a waterproof membrane with no thermal lining. A storm flap stops rain water seeping through the zip, as shown above

Chigwell Lite and Shenstone Air are the only exceptions to the rule. Suited for summer riding, Chigwell Lite is liner-free with a mostly mesh construction, so you’ll get stacks of cool air flowing around your body on warmer rides.

Shenstone Air is great if you live in a changeable climate. Its mesh front, arms and back keep cool air circulating but a Reissa waterproof membrane can be zipped in and out as required, but the lack of thermal lining makes Shenstone not such a great option in colder temperatures.

Reaching new lengths

Both of our ranges have a variety of lengths to suit every style of riding. 

In our Tech Wax range, there are some shorter options – Chigwell Lite, Chigwell Utility, Nomad, Perton and Shenstone Air all have the typical shorter sports cut. 

Edale is a little longer as it sits around the hip while Kurkbury rests just below the hip. 

In the Traditional Wax range, Barton II is the shortest, followed by Expedition with Monty and Yoxall II being the longest.

Of course, it’s entirely up to you on which length you prefer. All jackets have connection zips to attach them to jeans, so whichever length you choose you can be confident there won’t be any risk of draft sneaking up your back.

Style without compromise

Protection is key when choosing a bike jacket, but we all like to look good too. In fact, Merlin prides itself on creating high-quality, technical garments that look just as at home off the bike as they do on it.

If you like the traditional waxed jacket look of the 70s, then the Kurkbury is a great option with its timeless style complemented by an adjustable waist belt.

However, if you’re looking for the classic quilted style, Edale has the heritage staple across the chest, shoulders and elbows. 

Brass finished Merlin branded snap studs
Brass finished Merlin-branded snap studs are used throughout the Heritage range

If you want something with the traditional wax look minus the fuss, then Perton is perfect. Apart from a small panel at the back of the jacket, Perton has no diamond quilting, but remains in keeping with the heritage range.

Within the Traditional Wax range, all the jackets feature diamond stitched quilting with the exception of Monty and Expedition. These are in our Explorer range, which puts a heritage twist on traditionally-styled adventure gear.

All our jackets come with the antique Merlin branded snap-studs and brass finishings.

A wax jacket isn’t just for Christmas

If you look after your wax jacket, it will look after you and last for many years.

Typically, a 12oz Silkwax jacket will require more regular maintenance. Due to the enhanced wax content in these jackets, you may find that bits of fluff and dust stick to them easier. But don’t let that put you off, it couldn’t be easier to clean it up. A quick, light brush with a cold damp cloth will get those bits right off. 

As the 8oz Cotec jackets have less wax content, they don’t have the same slightly sticky handle as Silkwax. So, bits won’t stick to them as easily but you should still wipe them down every now and again to keep them looking factory fresh.

When you notice that rainwater is beginning to soak into the wax rather than bead off it, it’s time to rewax. If it’s only happening in smaller areas, you could get away with using the 50ml wax dressing, but if you’re doing the whole jacket, you’ll need the 200ml.

And now, for the most important part. Please, please, please don’t throw your waxed cotton jacket (be it Cotec or Silkwax) in the washing machine. There’s a host of care advice on our website to help you, or if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for then please contact us.

 

Okay, waxed cotton expert. Now you know everything you need to know about our waxed cotton ranges. So go forth and find your nearest stockist – it’ll be the best decision you’ll ever make.

 

Published on 15 April, 2022 by Emily Macbeth

Lifestyle image of Merlin Motorcycle jackets on Royal Enfield Himalayan and Triumph Scrambler 1200

Behind the new Merlin Explorer Collection

The all-new Merlin Explorer Collection launched in February and has already started to receive five-star reviews from customers worldwide.

But what’s behind the collection and where did the inspiration come from? We sat down with Product Designer James Franklin to find out more.

Q: What was the inspiration behind the Explorer Collection?

A: “Explorer was created to blur the lines between naked, retro, heritage and adventure. There are a number of technical features in the garments that you would find in your typical adventure gear, but Explorer takes them one step further. Cordura® and Halley Stevensons® waxed cottons are used in outer constructions and seven-piece D3O® armour is pre-fitted into the garments too, so you’re getting both performance and the timeless signature Merlin style in the jackets, boots and gloves along with a couple of trouser options. 

We’re really looking into and exploring this new market. We’re seeing this influx of new motorcycles that are yet to have gear to match them, so we’re excited for this new rugged, durable range.”

Q: What makes Explorer different to what’s already on the market?

A: “Adventure gear is typically made from polyesters and man-made fibres with laminates and in their own right they do what they’re designed to do very well. But for the ‘weekend warriors’ and the people who are trekking out on a Saturday and Sunday and are back into the office on Monday, they’re looking for something with a more refined style to include the Merlin DNA. 

The Nomad jacket has the perfect combined weatherproof lining which can easily be removed if needed

We’ve lifted the CE performance through the garments so you’re getting a higher level of certification through the test houses we use in the UK, Italy and Spain. We’ve also upgraded the waterproof membranes used and added more pieces of D3O® armour, so instead of the standard three/four/five pieces you’re getting seven pieces pre-fitted.

Ultimately, everything we do is about ‘bang for buck’. We’re packing loads into the product but it’s got to be affordable for all riders. The goal is that everything we’ve done in previous collections is carried over – so you’re getting the improved seven-piece D3O® armour, exclusive Cordura® cottons with a brushed finish, Halley Stevensons® waxed cotton and Reissa® waterproofing, along with the implementation of the newly-acquired Sympatex® license, which is used in the gloves. 

Merlin Ranger Waxed Cotton Motorcycle gloves in olive
The Ranger gloves are the first Merlin gloves to utilise the new Sympatex license

Everything in the collection is ultra-high in specification and performance but at everyday, affordable prices, which has always been our goal.”

Q: Who is Explorer for?

A: “Explorer is for the new breed of motorcycles and consumers coming into the market. Someone who’s looking for a bike to travel a little extra distance on, but isn’t necessarily going to go for a ‘retro classic’ bike or make a huge step up to a BMW 1250GS, for example, so we’re looking at that gap in between. 

Lifestyle image of Merlin Motorcycle jackets on Royal Enfield Himalayan and Triumph Scrambler 1200
The Royal Enfield Himalayan and Triumph Scrambler 1200 are two examples of the bikes Explorer is aiming for

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a prime example of the motorcycle we’re aiming at – it’s accessible, easy to ride and is fun both on and off road.”

Q: How versatile is Explorer? Can it really be used anywhere?

A: “It absolutely can be. We’ve included multiple layering systems to allow for riding in all weathers and all conditions. There’s fixed waterproof drop liners, full ventilation to the front and rear and also removable waterproofing options. You can strip out all the thermal and waterproofing, open up the vents and you’ve got a full, lightweight outer carcass that still has the protection you need but is more breathable.” 

Q: What’s your favourite piece from the Explorer range?

A: “The Mahala jacket and trouser combo stands out to me the most, because we’ve got a number of colour options inspired by the outdoors – different to the existing Merlin ranges, which have typically been quite subtle in black or olive. 

Merlin Mahala Cordura Explorer Motorcycle jacket in Black/Olive
The Mahala jacket and trousers are made from an exclusive-to-Merlin Cordura cotton in their construction

In the Mahala we’re getting new colour combinations all in the brand-new and exclusive fabric that we’ve developed with a mill. The new Cordura® cotton meets CE ‘AA’, but the jackets it’s used on still keep the classic, Merlin signature styling with leather trims and Merlin-branded snap studs. 

Performance-wise, there’s a Reissa waterproof membrane and 125g thermal liner that can be taken out. Then coming back to the biggest feature of Explorer, which is the seven-piece D3O armour. For the first time in an affordable garment, shoulders, elbows, back and two chest inserts come pre-fitted in the jackets.”

Q: How did you design Explorer and what were your inspirations?

A: “Good question! If we look at the stand out design cues of Explorer, you’d look at the asymmetrical zip of the Monty jacket, which is striking because it comes from that classic, rally-inspired look. In that jacket we’re also using the 12oz Halley Stevensons® Silkwax cotton, so it’s a heavyweight garment with timeless style but modern performance.  

Merlin Monty Waxed Cotton Motorcycle Jacket in Olive
Monty uses a classic 12oz Halley Stevensons waxed cotton for its construction, and is backed by a seven-piece D3O armour set for protection

Behind that there’s Mahala, with a fully connectable jacket and trouser with a more touring-focused look. There’s the traditional four front pockets with side entries on the bottom two and a double layer storm flap up the front, so in concept it looks a little more familiar which we hope consumer will engage with. But it’s totally different in its design cues and the colours stand out a lot more. 

There’s something for every rider, so if you’re looking for something shorter and away from a Monty, there’s Nomad which has a more traditional sport cut with two pockets to the chest and side-entry hand pockets.”

Q: How does Explorer fit with the existing Merlin ranges?

A: “We’re heavily focused on the collections being targeted at different types of riders. We’re probably most well-known for Heritage, so this would be our staple collection. Behind that we’ve got an urban offering in Leisure Moto which offers lightweight items; riding denims, Kevlar® shirts etc. 

Explorer bridges that gap between heritage and what we see coming in the lightweight adventure gear market. It fits nicely within the existing ranges without conflicting with anything else, but still maintains the same brilliant price points.”

 

You can view the full Explorer Collection on our website now and head to our Store Finder to find your nearest stockist.

Published on 1 April, 2022 by Emily Macbeth