Caring for Your Motorcycle Leathers

Quality motorcycle leathers are a significant investment for every motorcycle enthusiast. In this day and time it is very important to protect that investment and take proper care of motorcycle leathers to protect the natural full grain and preserve the inherent characteristics of fine leather. Proper cleaning and conditioning will help greatly to restore the natural oils, keep the leather soft and extend the useful life of the leather. A great line of leather care is Lexol and Dr Jackson's Leather Conditioners. We recommend these products for all your motorcycle leathers.

Depending on how often you ride, you may need to clean and condition your motorcycle leathers more often than the next person. We recommend that through the riding season, motorcycle leathers be cleaned and conditioned about every three months. This also depends on the climatic areas in which you ride. In harsher weather conditions, like here in Colorado, it may be necessary to condition your leathers more often. It is recommended that if you get caught in a rainstorm without proper rain gear, you recondition your leathers soon after wards. The process of cleaning and conditioning is essential.

It is necessary to clean your leathers before you condition them. Always make sure your leathers are completely dry before beginning the cleaning process. First, wipe dust and dirt away with a soft, water dampened sponge or cloth. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, or there are noticeable stains, there are many professional cleaning products available. Never use traditional dry cleaning methods on your motorcycle leathers. Unlike fabric, leather has natural oils and dry cleaning removes these natural oils, reducing the leathers suppleness. After cleaning your leathers, it is crucial that they air dry completely at room temperature. When your leathers are completely dry, you can begin to condition your leather. Using the conditioner of your choice, spread a small amount on a soft cloth and gently work it into the leather in a circular motion. After treating the whole garment, allow it to sit for about thirty minutes to fully absorb the conditioner. If you choose, you can repeat this treatment when extra conditioning is necessary. Then, using a clean, dry cloth, remove any excess conditioner. Never condition dirty or wet leathers, as the conditioning oils will trap the water and dirt, which can break down the integrity of your motorcycle leathers.

The following are some general storage tips for your motorcycle leathers: Store garments on a broad hanger, not wire, to maintain its shape. Never store you leathers under a plastic bag or in an overly heated area. Leather needs to breathe, so take your leathers out riding as much as possible! Ultimately, your motorcycle leathers are important to you and well cared for leathers will increase in beauty as they age.