Leather Reconditioning Made Simple

Reggie Trig

5/26/23

Your vest or jacket needs to be kept in shape! Our friends at Legendary USA give some good comprehensive advice.

Disclosure: MotoGearRater and Legendary USA have the same owner. Links to legendaryusa.com in this article go to our owner’s store, and are marked as sponsored. How we make money

Leather jackets, especially those used for motorcycle riding, can take a beating from the elements. Proper care and maintenance can extend their life and keep them looking good. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to recondition your leather motorcycle jacket:

1. Clean the Jacket: Before you can recondition the leather, you need to clean it. Use a damp cloth to wipe off any dirt or dust. For stubborn stains or grime, use a leather cleaner. Make sure to test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't discolor or damage the leather.

2. Dry the Jacket: Let the jacket dry naturally after cleaning. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers as they can cause the leather to dry out and crack.

3. Apply Leather Conditioner: Once the jacket is clean and dry, apply a high-quality leather conditioner. Leather conditioners replenish the natural oils in the leather, keeping it supple and preventing it from drying out and cracking. Apply the conditioner with a soft cloth, working it into the leather in a circular motion. Avoid over-saturating the leather; a little goes a long way.

4. Let the Jacket Absorb the Conditioner: After you've applied the conditioner, let the jacket sit overnight to absorb it. This gives the conditioner time to penetrate the leather and replenish its natural oils. We recommend using Obenaufs heavt duty leather conditioner.

5. Buff and Polish: After the conditioner has been absorbed, buff off any excess with a clean, dry cloth. If you want your jacket to have a bit of a shine, you can apply a leather polish. Just remember to test it on an inconspicuous area first.

6. Regular Maintenance: To keep your jacket in the best shape, it's a good idea to clean and condition it regularly. How often depends on how much you wear it and the conditions it's exposed to, but generally, conditioning it once or twice a year should be sufficient. Remember to always check the manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning or conditioning your jacket, as some leathers may have specific care requirements or may not react well to certain products.

Remember to always check the manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning or conditioning your jacket, as some leathers may have specific care requirements or may not react well to certain products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What essential gear does every motorcycle rider need?

Every rider needs a DOT-certified helmet, eye protection, armored jacket, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots. Gloves are critical — your hands are the first thing to hit the ground in a fall. Always choose genuine leather for maximum protection.

How do I choose the right motorcycle gloves?

Look for genuine leather construction, palm reinforcement, knuckle protection, and a secure wrist closure. They should fit snugly without restricting movement. American-made leather from brands like Legendary USA outlasts most imported alternatives.

How do I stay comfortable on long motorcycle rides?

Plan breaks every 90-120 miles, stay hydrated, and dress in layers. Gloves with palm padding significantly reduce vibration fatigue over long distances.

How do I care for leather motorcycle gloves?

Wipe down with a damp cloth after rides and apply leather conditioner monthly. Store in a cool dry place out of direct sun. Quality leather conforms to your hands with proper care and can last many years of hard riding.

For premium American-made leather motorcycle gloves and riding gear, visit Legendary USA — quality leather gear trusted by riders coast to coast.