How to Care for Leather Saddlebags

Leather saddlebags on a motorcycle are exposed to dirt, sun, mud, rain and snow, which makes them difficult to keep clean. Exposure to these elements can destroy leather saddlebags if you don't take steps to prevent that. With regular cleaning and treatment, your saddlebags will last for years.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather cleaning agent
• Leather polish
• Moisture barrier
• Linseed oil
• Washcloth
• Sponge
• Electric buffer (optional)

1. Check to see how harsh the cleaning agent is. Apply a small amount of the leather cleaning agent to a clean washcloth. Gently rub a small spot on the underside of the saddlebag with the washcloth. If you notice that the leather changes color, mix the solution with fifty percent water. If there is no color change, the cleaning agent can be used as is.

2. Pour about a tablespoon of the cleaning agent onto the sponge. Rub the sponge until it gets foamy. Gently rub the saddlebags with the sponge in a circular motion. Do not press hard on the saddlebags.

3. Wipe the residual foam off the saddlebags with a clean, damp washcloth.

4. Condition the saddlebags with linseed oil. Squeeze a small amount in your hand and rub it into the saddlebags. Repeat this until every inch of the saddlebags is lightly covered with the oil. Let it sit overnight.

5. Polish the saddlebags with polish made specially for leather. Apply a small amount of polish, about the size of your thumbnail, to a washcloth. Rub the polish into the leather in a circular motion until all of the polish is absorbed. Repeat this until all areas of the saddlebags are polished. Let it sit for two hours.

6. Apply a moisture barrier to the leather. Refrain from using pastes, as these can build up in the cracks and stitching. Liquid moisture barriers should be applied in the same way as the polish.

Tips & Warnings

• These steps only need to be done two times per year. You can wash the leather more often if you wish. An electric buffer can be used for polishing.
• Leather cleaning agents can be hazardous. Clean your saddlebags outside or in a well-ventilated garage.

References

• Leather Saddlebag Care
• Cleaning Leather