Five essential tips for keeping your bike leathers looking great this winter

Five essential tips for keeping your bike leathers looking great this winter

A keen motorcyclist will always look the part and be kitted out in his or her leathers. The rough-and-ready look works well in the summer months, but as winter fully sets in, now is the time to start showing your motorcycle gear some care and attention if you want it to serve you well in the cold.

Besides looking good, your leathers serve as protection from the elements and as protective armour should you be involved in an accident, so it's essential that you keep them in great shape. Here are five tips on caring for your leather garments.

1. Try not to get leather wet

Motorcycle leather is not meant to get wet, so ideally you need a rain suit to wear over it in rainy weather. But let's face it, the British weather has always been unpredictable, so you're bound to get caught in a storm at one time or another. If you find you have been soaked, hang up your jacket and any other leather garments in a warm place, but keep them away from any direct sources of heat. Water and stain protectors are also available on the market, commonly in a spray format.

2. Get your gear repaired

Bike leathers are a big investment and you want them to last. Of course, you may already have had a few encounters with the concrete, so you should carry out repairs or replace panels now before any damage gets worse. You don't want to have to replace the garment altogether! Reinforce any stitching that has had some wear and tear, especially in areas that are under strain under the arms for instance.

Roads are extra slippery in winter, so consider upgrading your garments to include high performance, pliable armour. Fitting back shields into biking suits and jackets will give you that added protection.

3. Treating leather goods

Having your garments cleaned and reconditioned will also add to the lifespan of your items, thwarting the effects of dirt, grime and insects. You might want to get this done professionally, as you risk harming the strength of your leathers if you don't know what you're doing.

Leathers that get wet tend to crack and deteriorate due to loss of natural oils. Using a natural oil-based product will help to prevent this. Water should roll off more easily with good treatments, but don't apply so much that you prevent the jacket's ability to breathe. Keep a look out for professional winter cleaning packages.

4. Storing your leather jacket

Many motorcyclists wouldn't think it makes a difference, but the way you store your garments is actually quite important. Ideally you should hang your leather jacket on a wide and padded coat hanger, otherwise it runs the risk of losing its shape. Keep your riding gear well ventilated - as tempting as it is, do not keep it in plastic or dry cleaning bags, as these harbour moisture. Use shoe trees in your riding boots to retain shape.

5. Things to avoid when wearing leather

Don't smoke or put on products like hairspray or perfume while wearing your leathers, as they can cause damage over time. Try to avoid stiff zips; you can oil them so that they fasten smoothly and avoid catching the leather due to jerking.

Looking after your riding leather is like looking after your skin. You want to keep it well nourished but without causing moisture. Leathers react in a similar way to our skin in harsh weather conditions, so showing it some TLC will certainly prolong their lifespan.

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