Cycle Leather

This video is a good example of why you should always wear motorcycle protective gear when you ride a motorcycle!  As you can see, the car in the video runs the red light and the cop, coming from the right of the intersection, never even has time to react.  How often has something like this happened (or almost happened) to you.  I know, I’ve certainly had my share of close-calls.

I don’t know how badly this cop was hurt, but I expect it would have been much worse if he hadn’t at least been wearing a leather motorcycle jacket and gloves.

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….

Some of my favorite scenes in ‘Dark Knight’, the latest installment of the ongoing Batman saga, are those involving the BatPod.  An apparent escape vehicle, which first appears in the movie when the Joker toasts the BatMobile with an RPG and it is just about to self-destruct.  The Batpod emerges from the wreckage, just before the whole thing goes meltdown, in the form of a very cool,  low-slung, two-wheel hybrid.

The front and rear tires are enormous at 508 millimeters, with the engines contained within the hubs of each wheel.  Having no handlebars, it is steered by sleeve-like shields that fit over the arms and actually rotate around the bike’s frame by twisting the entire upper-torso, functionally integrating the rider into the bike.  With foot pegs mounted 3 1/2 feet apart on either side of the tank, the rider actually lies on top of the tank, belly down, again actually integrated into the machine.

Of course all of the obligatory batman equipment is retained, machine-guns, cannons, flame-throwers, grappling hooks, etc…

The actual working version used in the movie was designed by Nathan Crowley, and a fine job he did.  Maneuverability appears to be incredible, as the wide tires and low center of gravity indicate it should be.   I only have one question…   Where do I mount my leather motorcycle saddlebags? 

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

Here’s a new twist on the classic leather motorcycle jacket… 

 Kenji Takeuchi, the founder and owner of a Japanese electrical services firm, has developed and marketed (only in Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America, so far) a motorcycle jacket with inflatable air-pockets that automatically inflate in the event of an accident where the rider is ejected from the bike.

Inspired by the emergency flotation bag used by scuba-divers, that jacket has a safety key that, if removed, causes concealed air-bags in the jacket to inflate.  A coiled safety wire is attached to the bike at one end and to the safety key at the other.  In the event of an accident, the wire pulls the key from the jacket, if the rider is thrown from the bike, the jacket then instantly inflates protecting the rider from the resulting upper-body trauma.  The jacket then automatically deflates in about 6 seconds, allowing the rider to move about freely.  A quick-release allows the rider to get off the bike without triggering the jacket.

Despite a cool initial reception by Japanese cycle manufacturers the Hit-Air, as it is called, is selling quite well in the markets where it is available.  Due to liability issues, it is currently not available in the U.S.

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. 

Look fashionable all the time while you’re zipping down the road or simply hanging out with your rider friends. One of the best outfits for riders like you are stylish motorcycle jackets made of quality natural leather. These are made from premium split cowhide leather and are studded with durable metal hardware.

Many of these discount motorcycle jackets have removable liners to make them easy to clean. Select from a wide range of designs especially made for men and women. They come in various colors, textures and style options. Some are also offered in durable Buffalo leather.

 Riding on a motorcycle doesn’t leave your hands free to hold stuff other than your bike’s handlebars. Bring and carry all your stuff without any problems by simply selecting a set of motorcycle saddlebags made of premium leather in a size and shape that best meets your needs. You can now dress up your ride with the time-honored classic looks of these durable leather bags.

These motorcycle saddlebags are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and styles. They come in a variety quality leather options, like full-grain leather and buffalo leather, that are very affordable and yet durable. They are great for bringing along all your gear on whatever type of bike you ride.