Newbie Leathers
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 1
From: eastern shore, md.
RE: Newbie Leathers
tie them into multiple knots and run 'em through the dryer a few times...might wanna stomp 'em a few times as well.....although i like the "drag-em-behind -the -bike idea" of course you probably shouldnt be wearing them when you do that...although that might give YOU that "worn in" look!
Banned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Newbie Leathers
Riding in the rain worked for my chaps. I have been wearing them almost daily for the last month and they didn't look any different. Last Saturday I wore them to a PGR mission and on the way home it started to pour the rain. Now they look about three or four years old. SquishFace also had a good idea, but I wouldn't recommend it though [sm=insomnia.gif]
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 4,685
From: West Texas Sandhills
RE: Newbie Leathers
Why make them look so worn. I try to keep mine looking as new as possible. I don't want to spend any more money on leather than I have to. Guess I'm just cheap.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Newbie Leathers
Use a commercial leather cleaner and conditioner, about once a day, for 3 days or so when the jackets new. This will help remove any of the artifical scents (yes, even real leather gets that "new leather" spray in stores), and wash away any excess dyes and preservatives. This will get you a good start to your new jacket.
Then its off to the races! Or just wear the damn thing. Clean dust & grime off with a damp washcloth, use specific leather cleaner once every month or two of use (and use a conditioner too!). It'll take awhile, but someday your jacket will be old-school used. Like whiskey and muscle mass, some things can not be worked-around or bought early with any amount of money. Failure to properly care for your jacket will result in nasty cracks & flakey leather: The only thing worse than a smelly biker is a smelly biker wearing a decomposing cow carcass.
Properly cared for a leather garment will last several lifetimes. Preserved medieval graves in europe have yeilded multi-century old leather garments that would still be useable today they they weren't so small and unfashionable.
PS: Harley sources its leather cleaners from the same company that Honda uses. The Honda stuff is cheaper (But I like Armor-AllÂŽ because you can find it at any car parts store).
Then its off to the races! Or just wear the damn thing. Clean dust & grime off with a damp washcloth, use specific leather cleaner once every month or two of use (and use a conditioner too!). It'll take awhile, but someday your jacket will be old-school used. Like whiskey and muscle mass, some things can not be worked-around or bought early with any amount of money. Failure to properly care for your jacket will result in nasty cracks & flakey leather: The only thing worse than a smelly biker is a smelly biker wearing a decomposing cow carcass.
Properly cared for a leather garment will last several lifetimes. Preserved medieval graves in europe have yeilded multi-century old leather garments that would still be useable today they they weren't so small and unfashionable.
PS: Harley sources its leather cleaners from the same company that Honda uses. The Honda stuff is cheaper (But I like Armor-AllÂŽ because you can find it at any car parts store).
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Newbie Leathers
PPS: Use same cleaning regiment for gloves and other pliable leathers (ie: boots & saddlebags are cared-for differently). Since those lil' leather biker hats are gayer than Rob Halford I wouldn't bother owning any, let alone getting one broken in. (Of course if you want to look like an experienced pillow biter this probably isn't the best website for information).
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 750
Likes: 1
From: Katy, Texas
RE: Newbie Leathers
ORIGINAL: rh8234
If you want the leathers to get that well-worn look, wear them to Sturgis and rid in on a Honda.
If you want the leathers to get that well-worn look, wear them to Sturgis and rid in on a Honda.
Only one way to do it right....Get out there and ride! [sm=biker2.gif]