Motorcycle Saddlebags

Give your bike the look of leather. Leather saddle bags are a great way to spruce up your motorcycle and give you the added storage you desire. With a vast number of styles and sizes to choose from, your options are endless. Motorcycle saddlebags are also a great way to keep all or your personal belongings safe from the harsh conditions you might encounter on the road.

Give your bike the look of leather without the paying the price of leather. Synthetic leather technologies have increased rapidly, buyers are now demanding quality leather replicas, and this is exactly what you'll find with a new line of quality synthetic leather motorcycle saddlebags. Just like genuine leather motorcycle saddlebags, synthetic saddle bags give you the look and feel of real leather, but with less up-keep and maintenance, as well as that finished look and storage you are after. Synthetic leather motorcycle saddlebags also are available in many different styles, shapes, and sizes to choose from.

Bolt on style motorcycle saddlebags are attached directly to your bike. Most bolt-on styles come with mounting brackets or can be ordered separately. Bolt on motorcycle saddlebags are fairly easy to install and add a level of customization above all others. Saddlebag bracket kits include stainless steel bolts, and mounting brackets, so you don't ever have to worry about rust or corrosion. Bolt-on style saddlebags are an excellent addition to any ride, and are available for most bikes.

Detachable (Throw-over) Style Motorcycle Saddlebags are one of the easiest ways to add extra storage to your bike without using any kind of mounting brackets. This style motorcycle saddlebag is great for just about any application, with its easy on/off system you can easily take you valuable possessions off of your bike very quickly. No more locking up your saddlebags and worrying about theft, just unsnap, unzip, or unbuckle your saddlebags and take them inside with you. These bags come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles and can be easily installed on just about any application.

Leather-

-To clean your leather saddlebags, you want to use an all-purpose leather cleaner.
-Remember cowhide is like your own skin it needs to be moisturized and conditioned.
-The more care you take of your leather the longer it will last.

Synthetic-

-Just use a mild soap and water mix and your good to go.

There are various types and grades of leathers, each serving a different purpose. Some require a bit more maintenance than others, but all follow a set guideline of care to ensure a longer life.

There are four stages in leather care that include cleaning, conditioning, polishing, and protection. When perusing the store shelves for a product that fits your needs, be watchful for what kind of product you're purchasing. It can be confusing to try and figure out which product is for which stage, but look for words that explain how the product is to be used. It is also important to remember to work on your leather in a well-ventilated area. Some leather care products are very strong and can cause irritations.

1.Cleaning

To clean a leather item, first choose a cleaner that will help preserve the natural lubricating oils instead of stripping them. For example, saddle soap is a commonly used product for equestrian tack. It is meant to be used as a cleaner and a protector from moisture, but it strips the leather of the oils in the process of attempting to do two jobs at once. The cleaner of your choice should not leave any greasy residue behind. Residue makes leather susceptible to bacteria and can break down the stitching of your item. Before applying anything to your leather item, be certain to test it out for effect and possible color distortion on an area that isn't visible to the eye. Once you've ascertained whether the leather care product is acceptable to use, apply it to your item. With a slightly dampened cloth, remove the cleaning product. For areas with stitches, there are brushes available on the market. Another cleaning product to consider having in your leather care collection is a nubuck cleaning cloth. They have an astonishing ability to clean and restore leather to its original look.

2. Conditioning

Leather conditioners are meant for occasional use. They contain fats and/or oils that help lubricate leather and replenish the suppleness. Look for a product that will penetrate the strong fibers in leather, but beware of any that include petroleum or mineral oils. While petroleum by-products won't damage your leather immediately, they do over a period of time. Again, just as with cleaning, keep on the look out for thick, greasy conditioning treatments for the best care of your leather.

3. Polishing

Polishing is done for special occasions when you want a more glossy finish on your leather. There are a couple things to be wary of when purchasing a polishing agent. Some products contain coloring factors that will brush off on things you come in contact with. Some products also have a tendency to clog the pores in leather or dry leather out. Just as with cleaning, be sure to test out the product on a small area and when ready, buff to a shine.

4. Protection

Moisture barriers are extremely crucial in preventing rain or other liquid hazards from damaging leather. Stiffness and spouting will happen if leather isn't protected beforehand. There is a drawback in protecting leather with a moisture barrier product. They tend to fill in the pores with a greasiness that makes cleaning, conditioning, and polishing difficult, but it's a necessary process to ensure leather isn't destroyed. Periodically apply a moisture barrier and allow it time to penetrate and dry before using your leather item.

Removing Mildew

To remove mildew from leather, create a mixture of one-cup rubbing alcohol per one-cup of water. Wipe the mildew area with a cloth dipped in the diluted alcohol, then allow it to dry. If the mildew persists, use mild soap and water that contains a germicide, then remove with a clean dampened cloth and allow to dry.

Wet Leather

An important key to keeping leather in top-notch condition is to treat wet leather before it has a chance to dry. Remove any dirt, mud, or other stains with a cleaning agent, then condition while the pores are still fully responsive. It is critical to remember that leather should be dried away from heat. If the leather in question is a garment, it's a good idea to stuff the garment to retain shape.

Storing Leather

Remember that leather is a natural material and should never be stored in plastic because it encourages the growth of mildew and bacteria and will ruin the leather. Always store leather in a cool, dry place away from heat. If the leather item is a garment, store in a breathable bag.

Removing Stains

Fresh stains from things such as blood and food can be cleaned up quickly with a damp cloth. Stains from oil or grease can be lifted by grinding ordinary blackboard chalk, sprinkling the area, and leaving the powder on for a twenty-four hour period. Resist the urge to rub the powder in. After a sufficient time has past, simply use a leather care brush to remove the powder. While fresh stains can be treated and cleaned at home, ground-in stains should be attended to by a professional cleaner who deals in leather.