Cycle Leather

Motorcycle leather should be treated with leather conditioner periodically.  This will help to keep it waterproof, as well as soft and comfortable, while extending it’s life.  Even in a rainstorm at highway speed a properly treated leather motorcycle jacket, along with the accompanying leather chaps and gloves will do an excellent job of keeping a rider warm and dry. 

Even when the leather becomes somewhat damp from prolonged exposure to wet weather, it still acts as an excellent windbreak to keep the rider from getting severely chilled. 

A good quality leather motorcycle jacket can also help to keep you cooler in warmer weather and protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.  These jackets have vents that can be opened to allow airflow between the jacket and the rider’s skin, carrying away excess heat and moisture in the process.

Leather motorcycle jackets, pants, vests, chaps and gloves are a trademark style for many motorcyclists. They don’t just wear these leathers to make a fashionable appearance, they wear them for comfort and protection as well.

Ok, this bike is sooo incredible Hot!!  I want it!  As soon as someone actually builds it…

It was conceptualized by Israeli designer Amir Glinik using existing Ferrari parts and technology. 

Designed around the theoretical modification of the Ferrari Enzo V-12 engine chopped down to just 4-cylinders, modified to drive just one wheel and stuffed into a motorcycle frame.  The design is completed by a super-sleek chassis, F-16 style controls for steering, and tank-top touch-screen to tell you what’s going on under all that fiberglass.

Hey! A girl can dream right?   Just think how sweet it would look with the pink leather jacket and pink chaps I already have 

The image that usually comes to mind when you think of chaps is a guy on a motorcycle, tooling down the road on his bike.  But chaps also serve a very important role in the workplace.  Many forest workers, welders, construction workers, and ranch workers wear leather chaps to protect their legs from the hazards of their jobs.

 Usually these are of a similar design to the brown leather chaps pictured here.  Most are made from full-grain cowhide or buffalo leather for extra toughness.  They are cut-resistant, puncture-resistant, abrasion-resistant, naturally fire-retardant, and will take an unbelievable amount of abuse before needing to be replaced (as opposed to the skin on your legs). 

Ok, this may be the ultimate in Eco-Friendly.  I don’t know where this was done or by whom.  But someone appears to have invested a considerable amount of time constructing this life-size replica of a motorcycle using woven baskets.   Apparently, it is even functional for storage, as the interior is accessible by lifting one of several ‘lids’.

I probably would have put a mannequin on it dressed in a brown leather motorcycle jacket, brown leather chaps, and brown leather gloves to complete the effect, but hey that just me….

Well, here is another motorcycle airbag story…

Apparently, the folks at Yamaha have been working on a ’safer’ high-powered scooter.  

Dubbed the ASV-3 (Advanced Safety Vehicle)  it is apparently designed to make those highly dangerous scooter rides a little bit safer (for some certain parts of your anatomy anyway). 

One of its numerous safety features is an airbag that is concealed just under the front of the seat. 

In the event of a high speed crash, the bag deploys between your legs to, presumably, prevent you from flying forward, off the scooter, and onto the pavement or other hard obstacles. 

 At least your reproductive future is protected, huh?   Although, considering most automobile airbags deploy at over 150 MPH, I think I would still wear a good pair of leather motorcycle chaps and a ‘cup’, to protect me from the airbag

Have you heard about the new traffic laws in Miami?  Seems that popping a wheelie on your bike in public can get you a fine, jailtime, a 10-year suspension of your bike license and get your bike impounded.  I think they forgot branding and public whipping !! 

 I mean I can understand the need for safety, but sheesh!!  Some of the other actions being cracked down on are excessive speeding, and concealing your plates to avoid tracking and prosecution.  These I can see understand a little more, but just popping a wheelie?   C’mon that’s pretty draconian, don’t cha’ think??

I have to admit though some of these guys do need their heads examined, in a lot of cases they are out there pulling these stunts in just a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and no helmet.  At least put on some protective gear, like a leather motorcycle jacket and some leather chaps and a helmet, so that way when you wipe out and by some chance - you live, at least you still have some skin left.  

Besides, if your gonna try to hide who you are, a full-face helmet doesn’t hurt.

If you live in a temperate climate like I do, there are at least several month out of the year where most if not all of your motorcycle leather and gear are going to be stored away until next season.  Proper storage can make a huge difference in the longevity and comfort of your quality leather wear.

First of all, your leather should be clean before storing it away.  Spot-clean as necessary to remove any stains using a quality cleaning product intended for use on leather only.  It not a bad idea to have your cycle leather professionally cleaned once per year before storage to remove excess body oils and impurities that spot-cleaning does not get out. 

Give your leather a light-to-medium coat of leather and suede protectant or leather lotion and allow to air-dry before storing (do not use leather lotion on suede unless you test it first, it may change the color).  And don’t forget about your gloves.

Leather motorcycle jackets, leather vests, and leather dusters should be stored on heavy wooden coat hanger (the type that is curved to maintain proper shape of the shoulders) if available.  Leather motorcycle chaps should be stored buckled in their normal position, zipped, and folded in half over a sturdy hanger (wooden or plastic not wire) or rod. 

 Finally, store your leather in a dry, well ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and check on it at least once a month to make sure it isn’t getting too dry.

Leather Saddlebags can be left on the bike during the off-season but should be given a thorough cleaning by hand (obviously you can’t have your saddlebags dry-cleaned) and a generous coat of leather protectant, they take the most day-to-day abuse of all your cycle leather - so don’t forget to take care of them.

Ok, sooner or later you’re gonna get caught in the rain with your cycle leather.  And when you do, you’ll be glad you had it because nothing else protects you from the bitter sting of sudden rain and foul weather better than your faithful companion - leather (unless you happen to have a full rain suit, that is).  But, what to do afterward?  How do you restore your cycle leather to it’s original condition after it’s been soaked?  Don’t panic, it’s simple.

First of all, don’t ever put your leather garments in the dryer, no matter what.  Allow your leather to air-dry at room temperature, and then apply a quality leather and suede protector (refer to part-1).  Suede can be buffed with a soft cloth or towel to restore the nap once it is dry. 

If available, dry leather jackets, vests, and dusters on a heavy wooden coat hanger to maintain shape while drying.  Chaps should be hung upside-down, by the cuffs, from a clothes line, if possible, to prevent them from drying out of shape.  Fur and faux-fur trim can be dried with an ordinary hair dryer on the lowest setting, shake and fluff the fur while it is drying and be cautious not to get any adjacent leather too overly warm in the process. 

When riding a bike, it is important that you keep yourself protected from the dust and grime. You must wear protective clothing gear, such as brown leather chaps, to prevent dust, grime, and sand from accumulating on your clothes, particularly your pants. It also protects you from the cold weather. In addition, a pair of chaps can also be an added protection in cases of motorcycle falls.

Most chaps come in leather. Leather is a versatile material and is very durable. That is why it is quite popular in motorcycle outfits. Some chaps are made with the combination of leather and spandex for a more comfortable fit. Other protective gears that a bike rider must have are, of course, a durable helmet, a pair of gloves, and a jacket.