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How to Properly Take Care of Leather Motorcycle Saddlebags
There are various kinds of leather saddlebags. The three major categories used to classify the leather used for making saddlebags are split, vegetable and chrome leather motorcycle saddlebags. Although they are very different from each other, the method used for taking care of them is very similar.
Like any other object, proper care and maintenance is needed for leather saddlebags to last. Below is a step by step guide in cleaning them.
Step 1:
You must start cleaning your saddlebags in a well-ventilated area. This is a wise idea because you will be using dangerous chemicals which are included in the cleaning solutions. If you can, do your cleaning outdoors where there is enough sunlight. It will also be best if you use a mild cleaning solution as to not deteriorate the quality and color of the saddlebag. You can also add water to the cleaning solution to dilute it. To ensure that the cleaning solution that you will be using is ideal for your leather saddlebag, try it by cleaning the back of the saddlebag first and see the results.
Step 2:
Conditioning is the next step in taking care of your saddlebags. This method does not have to be done all the time. You can do this every two weeks. The process of conditioning will involve lubricating the saddlebags. This will maintain the flexibility and softness of the bag. You should avoid using petroleum products because this can ruin the leather.
Step 3:
The third step is to polish your saddlebags. This will help it look brand new. Just remember not to overdo it because you can clog the pours of the leather. You should also avoid using petroleum products that can ruin the leather overtime rather than making it last. Use conditioners instead that can actually penetrate the fibers. When polishing the motorcycle saddlebags, make sure that you spread the cream evenly and thinly in every part. Polishing is done to make your saddlebags stand out and look more attractive.
Step 4:
The last stage is to use a water protector to avoid watermarks from being left on the surface by rain. This can block the water from being absorbed in the leather that can possibly damage it. This is done through applying a mink oil or silicone spray. This can also help the saddlebags look cleaner for a longer period of time.
Just remember never to place the saddlebags in front of a heated zone to dry because this will cause the oil be absorbed in the bag and dry out. You can also use saddlebag rain covers which are very useful if you are planning to travel long miles.
Leather saddlebags are useful equipment that you can use to organize and store your things effectively. Because they are very beneficial for motorcycle riders, it is essential that you spend some time in taking care of them appropriately. All it needs is a little time and effort on your part to ensure that these will last for a long time. By going through the four steps above, you can safely take care of your saddlebags so it can also take care of your stuff.
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What Kind of Motorcycle Cover is Best?
Motorcycle covers are not an optional accessory, they are an essential item for your ride, and the importance of a good quality cover should not be underestimated. Motorcycle covers protect your investment from scratches, dust, bird droppings, harmful UV rays, snow, rain and inclement weather of all types. Good quality covers are made of soft material and tend to stick with your bike when they get wet, so they won’t scratch, unlike stiff, plastic tarp-like covers can scratch your paint and hardly survive one season. The best motorbike covers are breathable and have ventilation openings to help prevent moisture from being trapped inside and affecting external and internal parts. Covers with elasticized bottoms are quick and easy to use, and provide a customized fit. If you’re not sure what to look for in a bike cover, consider these types:
• A standard motorcycle cover offers a great value at low cost. Usually costing less than $25, these covers are UV treated, non-abrasive, water-resistant, and may have a full elastic hem. The best standard motorcycle covers also have a bottom layer of heat resistant material to prevent hot engine damage.
• A 100% waterproof bike cover is vented for excellent breath-ability and is the most popular motorcycle cover sold today! Look for one with a full elastic hem for an extra-snug fit. Most fold up small so you can take it with you and have built-in grommets so you can tie down in extreme winds. Look for a waterproof cover that includes a 2-year warranty.
• The VIPS motorcycle cover offers superior encapsulating protection against Mother Nature. The integrated two-cover system straps securely to your bike, sparing your chrome and paint from the elements. The bottom cover is a strong material on top of which you park your motorcycle. When this is strapped up against the sides, the second cover straps down from the top and protects against rain, snow, sun, dust, and more! Heat resistant material prevents hot engine damage and is UV treated and non-abrasive. This top-of-the-line motorbike cover is 100% waterproof, making it an excellent choice for outdoor motorcycle storage. A 5-year warranty gives you peace of mind knowing this cover will protect your investment for a long time.
TIP: Although Honda, Harley, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and other brand enthusiasts are proud of their rides, and rightly so, advertising a cool logo on your motorcycle cover might mean your bike attracts the wrong kind of attention. To be on the safe side, a plain cover is best. After all, another benefit of protecting your bike from Mother Nature is to also avoid letting thieves know what you’ve got. So don’t advertise your loyalty to a particularly valuable brand of motorcycle. Instead, choose a quality, but plain, motorcycle cover to keep prying eyes away, and to prevent the cover itself from being stolen.
Do Not Miss Your Chance of Taking Advantage of Used Motorcycles
The most convincing part of the whole bike shopping process is the test drive, and this rule applies to both new and used motorcycles. This is the time to see how comfortable you are with the bike design or how well the motorcycle performs. Used motorcycles can give away their problem spots during the test drive, yet, you should not overlook the technical inspection either. The condition of the frame is absolutely essential to prevent the potential safety hazards. Any bike that has the tiniest hairlike crack in the frame is a big NO-NO.
Used motorcycles that have any type of frame damage such as kinks, fractures or dents are out of the question, and no matter how appealing the price may be, you should never buy such bikes. The seat and the accessories can hide some of the problems in the frame, and it is of paramount importance that you check those too. If some frame portions are too dark to see, you had better get a flashlight to explore those really well.
Check the chains of used motorcycles because they clearly point to the quality of technical maintenance. A neglected chain can be a lot of trouble for a bike, not to mention the safety hazard that it poses for the rider. Look for corrosion stains and the flexibility of the chain by pulling at the chain. You may have to move the bike around and test all the sections so that you do not miss any detail.
The battery leads should also be checked when shopping for used motorcycles. If the battery leads are clean it means that the bike has been properly maintained. Yet, check for corrosion signs, if there are none, that’s a really good sign.
Moving on to the tires, used motorcycles have more or less worn off tires. The wear should be evenly distributed; it is not a good sign if it is more obvious on one side alone. If the tires are well inflated you will also be able to check the tread patterns. Ask a mechanic for some tire inspection and maintenance tips to really know what to check in used vehicles.
The suspension and the steering head also require special attention when considering the purchase of used motorcycles. Sitting on the bike, pressing the front brake and performing the fork compression should reveal the resistance and the rebound capacity. When inspecting the forks check for irregularities on the surface and for oil leakage.