FLHRC leather bag issue ??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
My 2002 RKC's bags have seen a lot of different weather conditions and I've never noticed any problems. I use Oakwood conditioner and saddle soap (2x/year) and they look great.
Ride safe.
Ride safe.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 2
From: Coral Springs, Florida
They should not be wavy. If they are, it's not right. And yes, the dealer will tell you "that's normal". Regular use of the Harley leather conditioner keeps them looking like new.
This is how mine looked after 2 1/2 years and 30,000 miles:
This is how mine looked after 2 1/2 years and 30,000 miles:
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Toulouse (SW of France)
I went to my dealer and left my 2003 RK for a new 2008 with ABS. The leather was much more loose than the 2003. I went back and switched my bags for the 2003.
Dealer said it was a known problem. Bags would'nt be changed under garantee, but if I wished to get my leather bag fixed by some leather specialist my invoice would be reimbursed by the company. The 2003 bags do not like pouring rain but it's not an offense to my eyes. The 2008' were.
Dealer said it was a known problem. Bags would'nt be changed under garantee, but if I wished to get my leather bag fixed by some leather specialist my invoice would be reimbursed by the company. The 2003 bags do not like pouring rain but it's not an offense to my eyes. The 2008' were.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 18
From: Canada
I've had no trouble with the hard-leather saddlebags on my 2002 RKC, but I am quite fussy with taking care of them. My own routine is as follows:
- if the bags get very dirty (after riding in rain for example), I start by wiping them with a damp cloth to remove the bulk of the dirt and grime.
- then I use "HD Leather Cleaner" to get the bags nice and clean again.
- when the bags are clean, I smother them with "HD Leather Conditioner" and usually let that soak in for awhile.
- and then I wipe the excess conditioner off with a dry cloth.
That's about it. I also remind passengers to avoid scuffing the bags with their boots as they get onto the bike. My saddlebags have never become "wavy", but after reading the above posts, it sounds as if that problem is more pronounced on the late-model bikes.
- if the bags get very dirty (after riding in rain for example), I start by wiping them with a damp cloth to remove the bulk of the dirt and grime.
- then I use "HD Leather Cleaner" to get the bags nice and clean again.
- when the bags are clean, I smother them with "HD Leather Conditioner" and usually let that soak in for awhile.
- and then I wipe the excess conditioner off with a dry cloth.
That's about it. I also remind passengers to avoid scuffing the bags with their boots as they get onto the bike. My saddlebags have never become "wavy", but after reading the above posts, it sounds as if that problem is more pronounced on the late-model bikes.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
By reading this thread you have about a 50/50 chance of the leather being tight. I have a 2007 RKC and mine are as tight as they can be. I do use Harley Leather Cond. and have since day one ( some came with the bike so I figured why not keep using it). I know that some have said that upkeep is the key and I agree but your's is on a brand new bike. I don't think that would be OK with me. Especially if I could go to the showroom and find one that is tight.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 562
Likes: 17
From:
In high humidity Seattle, in an unheated garage,my bags (2007)were having the same problem last winter. I brought them in the house, treated them with HD leather conditioner, put them under a sunny window and after a coupla days they tightened back up. It is moisture related- even during this summer they tend to wrinkle, but after a coupla hours riding in the sun they tighten back up.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA area
A slightly different view from Seattle. On my '01 RKC, I make sure and pull the bags and every 3-4 months give them a good dose of HD leather conditioner. I apply it liberally, rub it in well and then go over it with a hair dryer. It will liquify and then really soak in. Upon cooling I buff it down with a clean cloth and you are good to go. I also make sure and wipe my bags down as soon as I can after rain. No problems at all and they still look sharp.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Rain ?
In high humidity Seattle, in an unheated garage,my bags (2007)were having the same problem last winter. I brought them in the house, treated them with HD leather conditioner, put them under a sunny window and after a coupla days they tightened back up. It is moisture related- even during this summer they tend to wrinkle, but after a coupla hours riding in the sun they tighten back up.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 148
Likes: 2
From:
Lexol
Use Lexol leather conditioner on them...be generous with it and your lid wrinkles will go away...maybe I'll try it on My face wrinkles...humm.
And no fellas...the Lexol didn't turn My leather bags to the hard plastic ones you see pictured, the Lexol is good stuff, not that good though.
And no fellas...the Lexol didn't turn My leather bags to the hard plastic ones you see pictured, the Lexol is good stuff, not that good though.