Leather Care for Your Motorcycle

Leather looks great and makes for a comfortable motorcycle seat, but if you don't take care of it, you might find yourself left with a blistered saddle or cracked saddlebag. Leather is used precisely because of its ability to take a beating while maintaining its integrity, but those powers don't last forever. Just as you have to change the oil on your bike, or put air in your tires, so too should you put a little bit of time and energy into the leather accessories.

At Interstate Cycles, we value our customers as much as our customers value their motorcycles. If you need parts, services, or a new bike, stop by our Lake City, Florida location. We proudly serve the areas of Gainesville, Tallahassee, Alachua, Valdosta, Jacksonville, and Sanderson, Florida.

Clean it Off

Leather is an ideal material for motorcycles because it's extremely strong and relatively light weight. But as a natural fiber, leather has a tendency to absorb the things it comes in contact with, from the salt on your skin to the oil from the road. The first thing you need to do to get your leather in top condition is to wash it and get it clean from anything that may have attached itself. There are many purpose-made leather soaps and shampoos, and finding the perfect one can be a matter of trial and error. But with any product, many of the basic elements stay the same. First, you want to test the product in an inconspicuous location so that if it does damage to your leather or changes it in any way, you'll be able to stop using the product before you have a big problem. Second, lightly wash the leather with the soap of your choosing. Don't let soap and water sit on the leather, as this could do more harm than good. Quickly wash it, and then wipe it dry.

Condition

Conditioning is necessary for putting essential oils back into the leather that have been stripped out by use and washing. Some people believe that any oil will do the trick, but this isn't a very smart approach. If you pour olive oil on, you'll have a greasy seat and you'll smell like salad dressing when you get off your bike.

That being said, some natural oils like linseed oil and castor oil can work for this application. Apply with a clean rag, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe any excess and buff the surface until it has a soft sheen. You can also buy any number of commercial leather care products. Sometimes waxier products can be good for motorcycle seats because they penetrate the leather and restore its minerals but they don't leave the surface greasy.

Protect

The last thing you want to do is protect the most vulnerable pieces. Saddlebags on a motorcycle are close to the ground, so any water, debris, or oil from the road can get picked up. Make sure to clean well and inspect for any rot or damage. Once you've cleaned the surface, apply leather oil to add a high degree of protection from the elements. Don't use this product on the other leather accessories on your bike, as it can lead to a greasy finish. On the bottom of the saddlebags, however, it will provide a necessary barrier.

Caring for your motorcycle's leather is a piece of motorcycle maintenance that many fail to include in their routine. This brief process may seem like a pain, but it's key for extending the life of your seat, saddlebags, and any other leather piece of your bike. At Interstate Cycles, we love our motorcycles and understand the importance of maintenance. If you need motorcycle parts or services, stop by our Lake City, Florida showroom for help. Proudly serving the areas of Gainesville, Tallahassee, Alachua, Valdosta, Jacksonville, and Sanderson, Florida, we will help you get back on the road as soon as possible.