PRO GuIDe
Merlin- heritage, safety and style
Founded in 2011, Merlin is a relatively young motorcycle apparel business, but one that has already had an impact. The company already sells its contemporary styled range of leather and wax cotton jackets and riding jeans and shirts direct through some 300 dealers in 18 countries worldwide. The team behind it came together with many decades of motorcycle industry experience, and Merlin has quickly established itself as a‘ go to’ brand for dealers looking for a convincing range of genuine riding gear with styling trends that speak to emerging consumer group demographics. The company is now seeking to expand its dealer direct partnerships and has attended a number of shows this year as it steps up its worldwide presence and availability. Merlin designs are built to“ impeccable standards”, and Brand and Product Director James Franklin told IDN“ with all products securing the appropriate level of CE accreditation and selling to the consumer with a 2-year warranty.” In explaining how the company has managed to grow so strongly in a challenging worldwide market, Franklin says that“ we have kept it simple. We have focussed on relevant categories with up-to-date designs made from the best proprietary materials and components. The result has been a programme that dealers can stock with confidence that often sells out- and quickly.”
EXHIBITOR
Yoxall waxed cotton jacket- a versatile, motorcycle-specific crafted jacket made from Halley Stevensons Scottish waxed cotton, exclusive to Merlin in the motorcycle market and finished in Marton Mills British Tartan. This design is built on the success of its predecessor- the Armitage- but with improvements to the fit and cut, lining, accessories and functionality( such as ventilation front and rear, fold back collar, cuff fasteners and improved internal draw cord system). The Yoxall is Merlin’ s mid-length garment, with the Atlow a belted long-length option; Barton, a shorter option, and Anson, a city styled, lightweight option. Features include Reissa waterproof and breathable membrane, 100g removable thermal full body liner, Italian Safetech CE shoulder and elbow armour, rear armour pocket and mesh drop liner for improved breathability and comfort
The Merlin programme features three collections- the Heritage line( including Lichfield, Drax, Yoxall), Leisure Moto and Tech Wear( including airbag systems).
THE MERLIN PARTNERSHIP Burntwood, Staffs, UK Tel: + 44( 0) 1543 270299 info @ merlinbikegear. com www @ merlinbikegear. com
G24 Drax boot – in 2.4 mm cowhide leather with a ' Crazy Horse ' distressed finish and casual, urban style. The boot has successfully passed CE certification, achieving the highest level of performance possible in the CE test, 2, 2, 2, as well as the optional
WP( waterproofing pass).
Lichfield leather jacket- a leather summer jacket with a cowhide outer and classic styling cues, a British tartan weave lining, removable thermal gilet, YKK antique zippers and Italian
' Safetech ' CE certified armour pre-fitted to shoulder and elbow
RS-1000 concept
The innovative RS-1000 concept from iXS with its colourful, removable hard shell components, was introduced at the end of 2017 and has already been incorporated into several products. This concept gives riders the opportunity to add a personal touch to their motorcycle fashion by“ setting colour accents in a very individual and distinctive way”. The newly developed slider parts, consisting of shoulder caps, elbow and knee sliders, are“ easy to replace and available in various colours, meaning it is simple, fast and personal to configure the perfect motorbike suit”. The RS-1000 slider components are made using innovative, lightweight design and were originally developed for racing and have been tested under the harshest racing conditions. iXS has also been using this concept for products in the touring and adventure sector, which means that there are also now two one-piece suits as well as a jacket and trouser combination made of leather, two textile sports jackets and a full touring suit available in the RS-1000 concept.
HOSTETTLER AG Sursee, SWITZERLAND Tel: + 41( 0) 41 926 6111 info @ ixs. com www. ixs. com
50 INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS- OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018