Leather Care & Maintenance Guide

Leather motorcycle gear is not just clothing — it is a protective system. The abrasion resistance that makes cowhide and goatskin effective in a slide depends on the leather remaining supple, dense, and free from cracks or dry patches. Neglected leather becomes brittle over time, and brittle leather tears rather than slides in an impact. Regular cleaning and conditioning is not cosmetic maintenance; it is part of keeping your gear performing as it should.

The UK riding environment is particularly demanding on leather. Road salt used in winter accelerates drying and cracking if left on the surface. Frequent rain cycles — wet then dry, wet then dry — stress the leather fibres and degrade the natural oils that give leather its strength and flexibility. A consistent care routine, applied every four to six weeks during the riding season and before any extended storage, will extend the life of your gear significantly and keep it looking its best.

The good news is that leather care is straightforward once you have the right products and a simple routine. You do not need specialist equipment or professional help for routine maintenance. A quality leather cleaner, a good conditioner, and a waterproofing spray are the three products every leather rider should keep in their kit.

• Clean and condition every 4 to 6 weeks during the riding season
• Always remove road salt after winter rides — it accelerates leather degradation
• Dry naturally after wet rides before applying any treatment
• Store in a breathable garment bag away from direct heat and sunlight

Leather is naturally water-resistant, but regular conditioning and periodic waterproofing treatment significantly improve its performance in wet conditions. Apply a leather waterproofing spray or wax to a clean, dry jacket at the start of each riding season and again mid-season if you ride regularly in rain. Pay particular attention to seams, which are the first point of water ingress.

After riding in heavy rain, allow the jacket to dry completely before applying any treatment. Wet leather should never be conditioned or waterproofed — the treatment will not penetrate properly and can leave a sticky residue. Hang the jacket on a wide, padded hanger to maintain its shape as it dries.

For jackets with a removable waterproof liner, check the liner's condition annually. The liner can be removed and hand-washed in cool water if it becomes soiled, but allow it to dry fully before refitting.

• Apply waterproofing spray at the start of each season
• Focus on seams and high-wear areas
• Never condition or waterproof wet leather
• Dry naturally on a padded hanger — never near direct heat

Gloves take more punishment than jackets — they are in constant contact with the bars, exposed to rain, and often soaked in sweat on warm days. After wet rides, stuff the gloves loosely with newspaper or a dry cloth to help them hold their shape as they dry. Never wring or twist wet leather gloves.

Condition gloves every four to six weeks during the riding season, or more frequently if you ride in wet conditions regularly. A small amount of conditioner worked into the palm and finger areas keeps the leather from stiffening and cracking. For gauntlet gloves, pay attention to the cuff area where the leather flexes most.

Avoid machine washing leather gloves under any circumstances. The combination of water, heat, and mechanical agitation strips the natural oils from the leather and causes irreversible shrinkage and cracking. For heavily soiled gloves, a damp cloth with a small amount of dedicated leather cleaner is the safest approach. Allow to dry naturally before conditioning.

• Dry naturally after wet rides — stuff loosely to hold shape
• Condition every 4 to 6 weeks during the riding season
• Never machine wash leather gloves
• Store flat or hanging — not compressed in a bag