How to Maintain Your Leather Motorcycle Accessories

Leather accessories definitely look good on motorcycles and on the

bikers as well. After all, leather accessories are perfect combinations
of quality and fashion. These come in different colors and styles that
could definitely suit your taste and personality. Although a leather
jacket or any other leather accessory usually lasts for about 9 to 10
years, it still needs proper care and constant maintenance. Motorcycle
accessories made from leather should be given the same attention as
that of a cashmere sweater or silk fabric. These can be very sensitive
once exposed to harsh elements such as weather, strong chemicals and
more. Such occurrence might lead to color fading and leather cracks.

Common motorcycle leather accessories are tool pouches, tank panels,
and saddle bags. You may also include leather boots, gloves and biker
outfit on the list. These items should have a regular cleaning schedule
to prevent their exterior from damage and to prolong the life of your
leather accessories.

Here are some tips from motorcycle experts on how to maintain your
motorcycle accessories made from leather:

1. Thoroughly vacuum your leather
accessories first before cleaning. Be sure to blow off all the excess
dirt before wiping the applicator pad with leather cleaners in it. This
is to avoid leather scratches caused by coarse particles.

2. Use cleaners especially made for vinyl
and leather. Tidy your leather at least once a week or more often if
necessary. This would not only stop dirt build up but would prevent
your motorcycle from looking old as well. Choose a leather cleaner that
is not acidic or that does not contain alkaline. Acidic cleansers may
cause your leather to dry.

3. Do not use detergents, bleaches or any
regular soap in cleaning your leather hand grips, saddle bags and
seats. This would easily dry the leather and would doff the oil that is
needed to maintain that shiny coat.

4. Saddle soaps are not recommended for
cleaning motorcycle accessories. A saddle soap is actually used as a
leather tanner rather than a product for the maintenance of leather
motorcycle accessories. Saddle soap contains high amount of
alkaline that gradually damages the leather as well as the stitches
binding it. If you want to buy a leather tanner, look for modern
emulsions that have deep leather conditioning and have lasting
moisturizers in them.

5. With the help of cloth and water or
clean sponge, rinse your leather accessories thoroughly. After rinsing,
let these dry slowly and completely before you use them again. Do not
use blow dryers or any extra heat that would dry the leather quickly.

6. Once your motorcycle leather accessory
is completely parched, you may put a small amount of leather restorer
or conditioner. This would help maintain the supple look in your
leather accessories. It moisturizes, nourishes, and prevents
environmental leather pollutants from damaging the said material.

7. Motorcycle clothing such as chaps,
pants and jackets are the usual outfit motorcycle riders or bikers use
when aboard their favorite two-wheeled vehicle. Most of these outfits
worn by motorcycle enthusiasts are also made from leather. In
case you feel that your leather clothing is beginning to dry, apply a
very small amount of petroleum jelly and wipe it all over the leather.
Let it dry before using it again. Do not treat your leather clothing as
if it is water resistant. Rain could wash the oil out of the leather
and may eventually lead to a dry and cracked outfit.

Maintenance of your motorcycle leather accessories is very vital to
keep it always in good shape. The more you clean your leather
accessories, the longer you will be able to use it. Take proper care of
your leather components to maintain a smooth-looking exterior and to
enjoy the benefits of leather for more years to come.