Cycle Leather

This is the first of several posts dedicated to proper leather care and storage, tips to enhance the life and appearance of your all your leather wear and Motorcycle Leather in particular.  Today we will begin with general maintenance and protection.

Leather protection should begin as soon as you purchase your new leather item and repeat every couple months during the riding season and again ‘lightly’ before storage.  Use a high-quality stain and water repellent product to stop water and soil staining before it occurs.  Avoid products that contain silicone and wax, these may be fine for your camping gear but, they contain ingredients that break down the natural oils in leather. 

A high quality leather lotion, containing lanolin, is a good choice for replenishing the natural oils and protecting all smooth and grained leathers.  Apply with a soft cloth according to manufacturers directions.  For suede leather or fringed leather, there are several non-silicone spray-on products that will not alter the coloration of the suede after it dries and is much easier to apply to fringes.  And of course, always test the product in a hidden area for any discoloration or undesired affect.

Apply hair spray and perfume before putting on your leather to avoid damage or discoloration.  You should also never apply tape, stickers, pins, or fabric paint to your leather.   These simple tips should help keep you and your leather happy for years to come - watch for future segments.

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.

Bike riders know that they cannot just get on their bikes and go for a ride. Because they are exposed to the wind, dust, pollution, and sun, they have to make efforts to shield themselves from these hazards. That is why most bike riders are seen wearing leather motorcycle jackets. These jackets are not just worn to look cool and handsome; they are actually worn with a purpose.

The jackets protect the riders from the cold weather. They also protect them from dust particles and other pollutants when on the road. Leather is a favorite jacket material because it gets better as it ages. Leather is also durable and waterproof. Hence, it is popular among motorcycle enthusiasts.