Care Tips for Your Motorcycle Saddlebags

If there's one thing you can't ride without (aside from your protective gear of course), it's your motorcycle saddlebags . Holding your most valuable personal and motorcycling items, you can't take off without this pair hanging from the sides of your bike, properly and securely attached. Needless to say, your bike's saddlebags have become a major part of your riding that you won't hop on to your bike and speed off without it.

And because your saddlebags are so important to you, it's necessary that you take proper care of this pair of motorcycle gear. Below are some tips you may find useful in caring for your saddlebags.

1. Use a high-quality cleaning solution for leather motorcycle saddlebags to clean your saddlebags. Before you use the solution, check on the label to determine if it contains strong chemicals that may harm the saddlebag's material. Be sure to use only a mild solution so that the color and quality of the saddlebag won't deteriorate. If you're not sure, dilute the solution in water to be safe and then apply the mixture on a piece of clean cloth and rub on the saddlebag's surface.

An important thing to remember is to clean your saddlebags outdoors because these cleaning solutions contain chemicals that are dangerous to inhale. Should you need to clean it indoors, in a garage perhaps, make sure it has good ventilation.

2. When it comes to conditioning your bike's saddlebags, you need not do it very frequently. You can apply leather conditioner once a week or once in two weeks to maintain the leather's elasticity and suppleness. This is a good way to ensure that your saddlebags maintain its good quality and top shape, looking like brand new for a long period of time.

Stay away from petroleum by-products because even though they do not immediately ruin the leather of your saddlebags, they will after some time. Opt for conditioners that will penetrate the strong fibers of the leather.

3. Polish your leather saddlebags once in a while. But don't let your saddlebag's pores get clogged with the polish. Make sure you spread the polish cream evenly and thinly on the surface and not to concentrate on one area only.

4. Apply water protector on your saddlebags to protect it from rain or water and so that there won't be watermarks on it. You can also waterproof your biker saddlebags by applying mink oil or silicone spray. But because this may darken the color of the leather, it is suggested that you try it on first on a small area of the leather that is not so visible. If ever your saddlebags get wet, never dry it out by putting in direct contact with heat like the radiator. Heat will absorb the oil of the leather and leave it dry. Instead, let it dry naturally by placing in room temperature.

Leather saddlebags come in various kinds, all with varying quality. But what's common about them is that they need proper care and treatment to ensure that they stay in good quality and will last a long time. With these simple tips, your saddlebags' lifespan will last as long as your passion for motorcycle riding.

For more tips and information about Motorcycle Saddlebags, check out http://www.rockytopleather.com.

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