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[johnbv]

I'm about to bucket wash my 2012 CVO for the 1st time, up till now, I just washed it without soaking down the entire bike, question, is it ok if the leather seat gets soaked ? I have read where the leather wicks water down into the foam padding, resulting in a wet butt the next time its ridden, what's the general consensus on what to do with the seat during a good wash ? Thanks to all Forum members for any advice !!!

[DICKW]

Wash it, wet it, scrub it, it's gonna happen eventually. Get-R-Done, you'll have more things to worry about than getting your seat wet. It'll be just fine.

[Jswerve]

I'm about to bucket wash my 2012 CVO for the 1st time, up till now, I just washed it without soaking down the entire bike, question, is it ok if the leather seat gets soaked ? I have read where the leather wicks water down into the foam padding, resulting in a wet butt the next time its ridden, what's the general consensus on what to do with the seat during a good wash ? Thanks to all Forum members for any advice !!!

Never been caught in the rain? They get wet, no biggy.

[grc]

Last time I checked most motorcycles are intended to be ridden outdoors, and one of the nasty things about mother nature and the out-of-doors is that chit like rain, snow, sleet, wind, etc. tend to happen, often without warning.  I realize that Harley has had a history of issues with their bikes and water (like electrical connections that weren't waterproof), but I've never seen them come right out officially and tell the customers to only ride in dry weather.  So I'd say wash it the way you wash the rest of the bike and if the seat foam becomes soaked take it back to the dealer and insist they replace the defective seat.  There is supposed to be a plastic barrier between the seat covering and the foam, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the report from another member about his foam being soaked had to do with that barrier being mispositioned or completely missing.

Jerry

[Twolanerider]

My ass is so big my saddle never gets wet.

[smkymtnboy]

maybe, some leather cleaner/protectant applied after the washing.

[smkymtnboy]

My ass is so big my saddle never gets wet.

there are positives to everything.

[phato1]

maybe, some leather cleaner/protectant applied after the washing.

Be careful with some of those products --  they'll make the seat as slippery as cat pee on a linoleum floor 

[Twolanerider]

My ass is so big my saddle never gets wet.

maybe, some leather cleaner/protectant applied after the washing.

No, that wouldn't help a bit.  Ass would still be the same size....

[smkymtnboy]

No, that wouldn't help a bit.  Ass would still be the same size....

[Jswerve]

No, that wouldn't help a bit.  Ass would still be the same size....

Bwahaha

[TinSpinner]

I try not to soak my seat when I wash the bike so I use one of these special order seat covers. As you can see, they come in several different sizes and shapes, you're sure to find one that fits... 

[Jswerve]

I try not to soak my seat when I wash the bike so I use one of these special order seat covers. As you can see, they come in several different sizes and shapes, you're sure to find one that fits... 

[dahsen]

No, that wouldn't help a bit.  Ass would still be the same size....

Hahahahahaha.......   

Didn't see that one coming...  Lol

[FlaHeatWave]

'Never had any problems with water on any of the leather seats, either HD or aftermarket (Corbin).

[Chains]

I try not to soak my seat when I wash the bike so I use one of these special order seat covers. As you can see, they come in several different sizes and shapes, you're sure to find one that fits... 

Tried these before back in the seventies, cost me a house, furniture, new car and child support for a lot of years. 

[Jswerve]

Tried these before back in the seventies, cost me a house, furniture, new car and child support for a lot of years. 

Haha

[cyco1450]

i'm almost sure stock HD seats are not real leather.  its some kind of synthetic material probably made in china.  anyway, i hose my bike down all the time...never an issue.

[JQCVO]

Clearly the seats are made to withstand water, because eventually you're going to get caught in the rain. They're made for it.
That being said, I like to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. So, I usually take a small kitchen garbage bag and wrap it around the seat when I wash the bike. This way the only time she gets wet is when I get caught during a ride.
This, coupled with a good leather conditioner a few times a year, and you should be fine.
JQ

[skratch]

i'm almost sure stock HD seats are not real leather.  its some kind of synthetic material probably made in china.  anyway, i hose my bike down all the time...never an issue.

the standard seats are vinyl, but the cvo seats do have a leather seating surface.

[Puma]

I wouldn't let the hose run on it continuously so that the water soaks through, but you can get it wet. It'll be fine.

[charles05663]

I take the two minutes and take my seat off.  It also allows me to clean around the battery.

 

[GregKhougaz]

Agree with all comments above but but I always remove my seat and bags when washing the bike.  There is a lot to clean under there.   

[smkymtnboy]

Agree with all comments above but but I always remove my seat and bags when washing the bike.  There is a lot to clean under there.

all the the guys that have commented I have deceided I want u to wash my bike!! you are right lotsa grime under there!!

[GregKhougaz]

Okay. So long as you buy lunch and beer!

[smkymtnboy]

Okay. So long as you buy lunch and beer!

deal! maybe invite tinspinner and his friends? they look like they are dressed to wash bikes!!

[Quantumracer]

Be careful with some of those products --  they'll make the seat as slippery as cat pee on a linoleum floor 

Damn sure made this mistake back in '92.....it'll never happen again!  Took three days and a lot of washing to get that crap off the seat!  DOH!!!

[Camojeeper]

The water didn't hurt the Cow? So it should be ok

[graygus]

Not that we would know anything about getting wet here in the Great Northwest (LOL) I treat mine with bees wax once in awhile other than that they are going to get wet where I ride. I do like those special seat covers and may have to ask Santa for one as I have been very good this year.

[Cat Eye]

maybe, some leather cleaner/protectant applied after the washing.

My bike came with some leather cleaning/protectant paste.

[Puma]

maybe, some leather cleaner/protectant applied after the washing.

I also use McGuires (spelling?) leather cleaner/conditioner on all my leather. Not slippery at all. Don't use a lot of it. The bags and tank strip on my Heritage looked great when I traded the bike. Had it for five years. I use it on vinyl, too. The seats in my GTI have a much softer leather than my bike and it's safe on that, too.

[Camojeeper]

I'm a Lexol guy.  Lexol cleaner then conditioner.
Then if I really want it sealed up I use the H-D leather paste

[Lone Rider]

http://www.kingoffleece.com/product-reviews.html

[CVODON]

Why would you ever wash a bike with the seat on it? 1 screw, or thumbscrew, and it is off. Seems everyone for some reason removes the grab strap anyway, So take thumbscrew out and seat lifts off, and a lot of dirt accumilates under it anyway. I wash mine at least weekly, and remove the seat, cover air filter, computer and radio with press-n-seal and wash away.

[Camojeeper]

For us bagger guys; especially ultra guys it's a pain in the rear to remove the seat

[kiro]

Seems everyone for some reason removes the grab strap anyway

On my other bikes I removed the seat strap but found it useful on my CUSE8. When I'm carrying my camera gear it serves as a tie-down point to pull the backpack, bag or tripod down so it doesn't bounce. As Camojeeper pointed out, taking the seat off isn't so simple - mine generally stays on when cleaning.

[JCZ]

Why would you ever wash a bike with the seat on it? 1 screw, or thumbscrew, and it is off. Seems everyone for some reason removes the grab strap anyway, So take thumbscrew out and seat lifts off, and a lot of dirt accumilates under it anyway. I wash mine at least weekly, and remove the seat, cover air filter, computer and radio with press-n-seal and wash away.

This has been pretty much my style for a lot of years.  I was very surprised that it's a 2012 and the first time it's been washed.  Makes me wonder what the clear coat looks like. 

Lots and lots of water to carry away all the dust, dirt and other solid particles before a rag or sponge even touches it.

Kiro....have you considered installing a passenger grab bar under the backseat?  Much more secure tie down points.

[michaelokielee@yahoo.com]

I have always taken mine to the car wash and blast the hell out of it, it still looks brand new!!!

[smkymtnboy]

I have always taken mine to the car wash and blast the hell out of it, it still looks brand new!!!

be careful with those commercial carwashes!! not saying its not working for you or your doing anything wrong. just be carefeul

[kiro]

Kiro....have you considered installing a passenger grab bar under the backseat?  Much more secure tie down points.

Not really JC - I don't use it as a primary tie down point, just to pull the gear down on the seat with light tension so it can't bounce up.

[charles05663]

This has been pretty much my style for a lot of years.  I was very surprised that it's a 2012 and the first time it's been washed.  Makes me wonder what the clear coat looks like. 

Lots and lots of water to carry away all the dust, dirt and other solid particles before a rag or sponge even touches it.

Kiro....have you considered installing a passenger grab bar under the backseat?  Much more secure tie down points.

Wow, maybe that is why I have scratches. I use two buckets but never thought that was the reason. I thought I was giving it a good hosing.