How to Maintain and Care for Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags?
Introduction
Are you planning to buy leather saddlebags? If so, then you are making the right investment decision. The dual benefits of the leather saddlebag are: it upgrades the appearance of the motorcycle and keeps the gears within easy reach. You buy an expensive leather accessory for long-term use.
If you are looking for leather care tips, then keep reading this guide. In this guide, you will learn about the steps to clean the leather motorcycle saddlebags. By the end of this guide, you will also learn about how you can prevent the cracking and fading of leather accessories.
Why Do Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags Need Maintenance?
Saddlebag made of leather requires maintenance because it is manufactured from premium grade materials like top grain or full grain, and has natural oils. Leather’s constant exposure to the sun, rain, and dust removes these oils from leather and weakens its fiber strength.
The improper care of leather products like saddlebags leads to:
Cracking
Dryness
Discoloration
Loss of strength and durability.
Loss of shape, texture, and elegance
Proper care and maintenance will reduce the purchases needed and extend the lifespan of the leather goods. Head to the next section for the leather care tips and maintenance.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Leather Saddlebags
In case of care and maintenance for leather saddlebags, we have provided simple yet effective steps to follow. Implementing these tips will surely help in maintaining the appealing vision and usefulness of the leather bags.
Tip 1: Clean the Bag After Every Ride
The most underrated tip is to clean your bag after every ride. When you use the bike on the road, your saddlebag is bound to get dirty. Use a soft and dry cloth to remove dust. This helps in preserving the natural beauty of saddlebags.
Pro Tip: You can also use microfiber cloths, as they do not scratch the surface while getting rid of dirt.
Tip 2: Get Yourself A Good Leather Cleaner
As with saddlebags, cleaning is the most important step in preserving the lifespan and aesthetics of the leather. One should get a leather-specific cleaner, not general household cleaners, alcohol wipes, or bleach-based soaps, because they remove a lot of natural oil from leather.
Pro Tip: Apply leather cleaner in a circular motion with a clean cloth and allow to sit for a few minutes before wiping off.
Tip 3. Condition Your Leather Bag Every
The leather conditioning is the non-negotiable tip as it keeps the leather soft, flexible, and hydrated. The proper leather conditioning prevents it from cracking and dryness. Based on your usage, it is recommended to condition your leather every 4–6 weeks.
Tip 4. Avoid Getting Them Soaked
Water is an enemy of leather. In case your leather saddlebag gets wet, then gently pat it dry with a clean cloth.
Pro Tip: Let your wet leather saddlebag dry naturally at room temperature.
Tip 5. Don’t Ignore Seam Areas
With time, the seams and stitching area of your saddlebags collect dust and moisture that must be removed regularly with a soft-bristled brush.
Tip 6. Empty Your Bag Occasionally
Make it a habit of removing everything from your saddlebag every week to inspect the spilled stains inside the bag.
Tip 7. Don’t Overload Your Bag
Leather stretches under pressure, and its fibre weakens. When you consistently overstuff your saddlebag, its shape gets deformed, and the edges weaken. Read the manufacturer’s weight limits before stuffing your leather bag.
Tip 8. Store Them the Right Way
Want to maintain the functionality and look of your bag? Store it in a cool place away from direct sunlight in a dust bag.
Store Tip: Never use plastic or paper to stuff your bag.
Steps to Clean Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags
Follow this step-by-step guide to clean leather motorcycle saddlebags at home.
Step #1: Remove Everything From Your Leather Saddlebags
Start by emptying your leather saddlebag. Take out everything from the bag, from travel gear to the empty packers and bottles. Shake out any dust or debris.
Step #2: Wipe Down Surface
Wipe off the dust and dirt from inside and outside the bag using a soft and clean microfiber cloth.
Step #3: Inspect for Oil Stains
After wiping off the dust, look for the stain marks inside and outside of the bag. Based on the type, you can use different ingredients to remove stains. For example, baking soda is highly recommended to remove oil stains.
Step #4: Clean Your Leather Bag
Use a leather cleaner to clean your bag from the inside and outside. Put a small amount of it on a clean cloth, and apply it in circular motions.
Step #5: Leather Conditioning
After leather cleaning, let your bag dry naturally. Then, apply a leather conditioner. It is an important step as it restores softness and prevents cracking and dryness.
How to Prevent Cracking and Fading in Leather Saddlebags?
Do you know, many leather saddlebags get cracked and fade with time. This happens because saddlebag owners don’t know the tips that prevent discoloration and cracking.
1. Keep Your Leather Bags Conditioned
Skipping the leather conditioning means inviting the problems of leather cracking and dryness. Leather conditioning is important because: - Maintains the leather’s durability - Preserves the natural shine of leather - Restores the distinct character and texture of the bag. - Supports the development of patina.
2. Cover/Use Spray
On rainy days, use a saddlebag cover to prevent your bag from getting wet. In the harsh summer, use the UV protectant spray to create a protective layer to prevent discoloration and dryness.
3. Clean Stains Immediately After every ride, inspect for mud stains and remove them immediately with a dry microfibre cloth.
4. Never Stuff Your Leather Bag with Plastic
Leather breathes, and it needs favorable conditions for it. Therefore, when you’re not using a leather bag, stuff it with a cotton cloth. Never use plastic as it traps the moisture, thus damaging the leather quality.
Conclusion
Your leather motorcycle saddlebags are not just your bike accessory. It is the reflection of your style statement, personality, and class. When you take your bike, you want everyone to embrace its look and feel. You can impress everyone when your bike asset, i.e., the leather saddlebag, is in sound condition. From regularly cleaning and using the cotton bag to store it, these easy care and maintenance tips go a long way in improving the durability and functionality, and appearance of the bag.
FAQs
1. Are leather saddlebags waterproof? Saddlebags made from genuine leather materials like top-grain and full-grain have some degree of water resistance properties.
2. How do I protect my saddlebags from rain? The best way to protect your leather saddlebags from rain is to use saddlebag covers.
3. How do I stop my saddlebags from cracking? Regular conditioning, cleaning of stains, and using UV protective spray are some of the best and easiest ways to prevent cracking of leather saddlebags.
4. Can you use saddle soap on leather motorcycle bags? Leather experts recommend using the saddle soap on a leather motorcycle bag. But it should be followed up with the leather conditioning.
5. What’s the best way to store leather saddlebags? When you are not using the leather saddlebag, store it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, in a cotton bag.
6. Is it safe to use leather polish on saddlebags? Yes, it is safe to use leather polish on saddlebags, as it will condition the leather and replenish its natural oils. However, you should use only the high-quality leather polish that doesn’t have alcohol ingredient.
