Do you have any add on your bike? Motorcycle bags, perhaps? Is it a leather saddlebag? I was going through some blogs the other day and one of the bloggers had an update on the progress of a bike she and her Dad are customizing. They had bought six black Harley-Davidson vintage studded saddlebags for the seat; the studs will be used elsewhere. As usual, the leather was sleek. A thought crossed my mind. Twenty years later, how will that leather seat look? In fact, when was the last time I saw a leather accessory on a motorcycle that looked good as new? It is almost never.
A motorcycle bag is an accessory. Essentially, accessories are meant to add value to something. However – for value of money – motorcycle accessories serve two purposes. Motorcycle bags, in this case, are used to ferry luggage from point A to point B, and to add beauty. There are different types and kinds of motorcycle bags; panniers, saddlebags, tank bags, handlebar bags, and sissy bags. They are all used to different types of luggage.
Saddlebags are a favorite of many riders. They are classified into two; soft and hard. Soft saddlebags straps therefore they are strapped onto the bike. Hard saddlebags, on the other hand, are installed on either side of the bike. These are also known as panniers. They can be locked; therefore they are suitable to carry valuables and highly breakable luggage.
Leather, which is a natural fiber, lasts longer than synthetic fibers. It is for this reason that most soft saddlebags are made of leather; to provide flexibility and durability. So as an alternative to pulling stunts on the highway to attract attention, let a fashionably elegant leather bag do that for you. Elegance does not necessarily need be expensive, just maintain your same old leather bag and no one will think it is an old skin.
Obviously the first question that comes to mind is "How do you maintain the new look of your bag for the next ten or twenty years?" Naturally leather will wear with time. Most of this is attributed by harsh weather conditions and other environmental factors. It does not do well under UV rays and neither can it stand water. The impurities in the air also contribute to its deterioration.
Maintaining a leather saddlebag is not an easy job, nor is it a once in a while task. Leather saddlebags need to be cleaned regularly with a saddle soap. Saddle soaps are used to clean, condition, and soften leather. Do this about two times a week. Conditioners are also recommended although leather tends to react with the chemicals components. Apply a protective UV coat to hinder tear and distortion of the shape.
Protecting your saddlebag from direct contact with water will guarantee that new look for a very long time. When the weather is humid or rainy, apply a coat of water proof gel before heading out. Use a cover when it rains, or detach the saddlebags from your bike and leave them in the house. There are different leather cleaning products, it is therefore important to follow the instructions of the particular product you are using. It is also advisable to stick to one brand.
Attracting attention with your leather saddle bag can be easy, if you put effort into it. Wash and condition your leather bag using the right products. Do not forget to apply a protective coat against direct sunlight and water before every ride. Do this religiously, and you will be enjoying the limelight for a very long time.
