Any recomendations for cleaning / conditioning the saddle bags for a Heritage Classic?

 

I use the Harley products that were given to me.

Sunwash and a brush like a vegetable brush.

Hose down, let dry

Then if real bad use that "bull snot" Harley Leather Care liquid. Rub it in, let sit overnight, buff.

Or skip that and go straight to the Harley Leather Dressing. Like to do this in the sun and let it melt into the leather.


Works for me.

 

Or skip that and go straight to the Harley Leather Dressing. Like to do this in the sun and let it melt into the leather.


Works for me.
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That is what I do. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and use the Harle Leather Dressing and sun to do the rest.

If you really want to keep your bags looking great, invest in the GotSaggyBags inserts.

Regards,

Bill

 

Saggybags are great. I use Pledge on the leather bags (it says on the can that it may be used on leather and vinyl); spray on, wipe off. About once a month, I wash with 409 cleaner, then use HD leather dressing, rub in with bare hand, let set, then buff with cloth.

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Sorry, flatulent entry.

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The saggy bags kit is great. A few locals have it.

But it just looks unatural to me. I like leather to have character.

But that is just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions. [:-]

 

Do Not Use 409 or any other kind of cleaner like this. You will destroy the leather. This sucks the natural oils right out of leather and leaves the chemicals behind. Do Not Use petrolumn based products. They will have sulfur in them.

You want to get the road grit out and reintroduce the oils that weathering leaches out. Leather depends on the natural oils for durability. With out them the leather will dry out and crack.

Wash the bags off with water to get the rough stuff that might be on them.

Now use saddle soap and start with a medium stiff brush. Switch to a sponge. Work the soap in and wipe the excess off. Now let them dry.

Once they are dry you can take any type of leather conditioning oil and treat them. I use mink oil from the tub. Rub it in good and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then take a soft cloth and wipe the excess off.

They make mink oil in a spray. You can also use the following.

Neetsfoot Oil (Not the synthetic kind)
Lindseed Oil
Lanolin Conditioner
Beeswax Conditioner
Silicone Based products for leather

Leather if taken care of will last for years. I have saddles that are over 30 years old that are still look great.

 

I like to use the HD conditioner about twice a year. It goes on like grease and like another poster said, if you leave them in the sun it jut kind of soaks in. Between that I just wipe them down with a damp cloth and treat with the same conditioner I use in my cars. I've also had my bags serviced by BossBags to keep the original shape. They are holding up great.

 

Kinda' thinking the same thing. I've ordered the "Papa Bags" inserts; we'll see after I get 'em put in...

 

Doc Baileys or lexol.

Drew