Protect your motorcycle leathers!
Each piece you add to your collection is an investment in your protection and if we’re being honest, it’s an investment into how cool you’re going to look while you’re out riding, too. In order to keep those leathers lookin’ good for as long as possible, you’ve gotta put in a little elbow grease.
So how often should you clean your leather? Well, if you’re riding here in Florida, you may notice a larger amount of bugs sticking to you on your rides down those humid coastlines we’re famous for. Certain bugs can be potentially damaging to your leathers, so you’ll want to clean those off ASAP.
It’s best practice to clean your equipment as soon as you get home, so as not to forget about it. You want to get it off before it has a chance to crust over and is more difficult to remove. Think about it, if bug guts can cause damage and discoloration to your car paint, imagine what it can do to leathers. Wipe all that away with a warm, damp rag before you get started. Then on to the fun stuff.
There are TONS of products available for cleaning and conditioning your leather. Everyone has their favorites and we could all probably debate which is best until the end of time. Each is a little different in regards to price points, applications, and ingredients, so shop around and try things out until you figure out what works best for you. Use a leather cleaner first, obey the waiting period, if there is one, and then apply the leather conditioner.
If you’re interested in weather-proofing your leather, there are a variety of options available in this arena as well, all depending on what kind of leather you’re trying to weather-proof. A few great brands to mention are Nikwax, Dainese, Motorex, and Motul. It’s all about experimenting and finding out what works best for you. Most weather-proofing will require multiple applications of the product to remain effective. Ride on!