How to Restore Leather Motorcycle Saddle Bags

Leather saddlebags can restore to a new shiny appearance.

Leather motorcycle saddlebags can restore to a new appearance with cleaning and conditioning. Leather naturally absorbs liquids to soften the material. Leather requires some moisture to remain shiny and soft. Saddlebags are exposed to rain, road salt, pollen, dirt and debris on a ride so that storage in a dry area will not protect them at all times. Road salt, dust, debris and pollen dry leather so that it becomes dull and lifeless. Large amounts of rain make leather too pliable and subject to tears and rips.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloths
• Leather cleaner
• Leather conditioner
• Sponge
• Chrome polish
• Cotton towel

Instructions

1. Wipe any loose debris, dust or dirt off the leather saddlebags with a dry washcloth.

2. Wet the washcloth in water and wring it out so that it is barely damp.

3. Squirt leather cleaner on the washcloth and wipe it on the saddlebags working from one section to another. Start at the top and work your way down while rubbing the leather cleaner in circles. Use a motion as in waxing a car.

4. Clean each section of the saddlebags in this manner and add leather cleaner to the washcloth as need be to clean them entirely.

5. Let the saddlebags dry. They will dry in a few minutes as the leather cleaner application involves little water.

6. Squirt leather conditioner on a clean damp sponge. Rub the conditioner into the leather in a circular motion. Start at one point and work the conditioner into all areas of the saddlebags on both sides of the motorcycle.

7. Wet a cotton towel and wring it out so it is damp. Place a hand in the towel with the forefinger in a pointing position and the other fingers curled. Dip the forefinger in the towel into a pot of chrome polish and put a slight bit on the towel.

8. Rub each chrome or silver Concho or stud on saddlebags in a circular motion. Put the chrome cleaner on about five Conchos or studs. Keep the polish on the metal only and do not wipe in on the leather. If some polish is on the leather, wipe it off immediately with a clean damp washcloth.

9. Buff the polish with a clean cotton towel to shine metal on the saddlebags. The buffing motion removes the polish and leaves the metal shiny.

10. Continue cleaning all of the metal on the saddlebags doing five Conchos at a time.

Tips & Warnings

• Work leather cleaner and conditioner into the rolled edges and stitches with a soft toothbrush to cover all areas.

• Use multiple washcloths for each application of the cleaner and conditioner if the saddlebags are very old, dry or dirty.

• Leather requires some moisture to remain supple, soft and shiny. Leather conditioner adds essential oils and moisture to the saddlebags.

• Saddlebags that are dry and brittle tend to tear or rip easily when opening and closing them.

• Clean and condition the leather tassels on saddlebags in the same manner so they match the saddlebags in color and texture.

• Only clean five Conchos on the saddlebags at once so that the polish will buff of and remove completely.

• Do not polish chrome in direct sunlight. The polish can dry so quickly that only a portion will remove and leave the metal with a dull finish.

References

• Bike Depot: Motorcycle Leather Care Guide