Why “North of Berlin”? The Story Behind Our Motorcycle Gear
In short: North of Berlin is a motorcycle apparel brand from Germany, founded in 2023 by designer Karsten Merz. Every model is built for specific conditions – rain, heat, touring or everyday riding – and most jackets and pants are certified to EN 17092, with class AA as our benchmark. In Canada, North of Berlin is distributed by Moto Reloaded Gear Inc. in Victoria, BC.
Some rides are just a way of getting from A to B. And then there are the moments when the ride becomes something more: rain on a mountain pass, then sun breaking through the clouds; a long, empty highway across open country; the last hour of a long day in the saddle. North of Berlin is built for those moments.
Why "North of Berlin"?
The name stands for the open landscapes and changing weather of northern Europe: wide roads, long distances and conditions that can turn within an hour. Gear for riding there has to work when the weather changes and the ride goes on.
But to be honest, the real reason is simpler: our designer Karsten lives north of Berlin.
Designed in Germany, for real riding
Karsten Merz founded North of Berlin in 2023 and leads design and development. He is a rider and product designer with many years of experience developing motorcycle apparel for well-known international brands, and he personally tests every prototype on long rides before it goes into production. His approach is simple: motorcycle gear is equipment, not fashion.
That means:
- A clear purpose for every product. Each piece is built for specific conditions: rain, warm weather or long-distance travel.
- No unnecessary features. Only the details that matter on the road.
- Timeless design that works on any motorcycle, from a classic roadster to an adventure bike.
- Gear that lasts for many seasons, not just one.
What goes into the gear
- Cordura® fabrics for abrasion resistance and durability, including Cordura® ripstop and waxed Cordura®/cotton blends
- Sympatex® membranes, waterproof and breathable, made from recycled polyester
- Impact protectors from SAS-TEC and RE ZRO®
- YKK® metal zippers, reinforced seams and a connection zip that pairs every North of Berlin jacket with every pair of North of Berlin pants
Most of our jackets and pants are certified to EN 17092, the European standard for motorcycle clothing, with class AA as our benchmark.
Gear for every kind of weather
Instead of one jacket that tries to do everything, North of Berlin builds gear around 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 and changing climates
Not sure what fits your riding? Our weather guide helps you choose.
Now in North America
North of Berlin is now available across Canada and the United States. Moto Reloaded Gear Inc. in Victoria, British Columbia, is the official distributor for North America, so riders here get the same gear, the same quality and local service.
Explore the collection, and see you out there, wherever your North of Berlin moment happens to be.
