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[MJZ]

It is such a simple thing to do, just put a little on a cloth and rub the seat. The only time I think about it is sitting here in the office and never remember when I get home.

Here is the question, how often do you put a leather cleaner or a treatment on your seat? (farts don't count)

[ultrafxr]

It is such a simple thing to do, just put a little on a cloth and rub the seat. The only time I think about it is sitting here in the office and never remember when I get home.

Here is the question, how often do you put a leather cleaner or a treatment on your seat? (farts don't count)

Why not? 

[hard10]

... The only time I think about it is sitting here in the office and never remember when I get home...

When you remind me & I'm no where near the bike!

[MJZ]

Why not? 

OK, other leather treatments.

[Screamin]

Keep a bottle / tin of cleaner / treatment w/ the other waxes, cleaners, etc. When it looks like it needs it I do it. If I've got time on my hands I do it regardless. Haven't been on the damn thing 'cept once in the last three months so I can't remember how often that works out too. Screw winter. Anyway, 4,5,6 times a year.

[REGGAB]

Every time I wash the motorcycle..........on average once a week spring thru fall.

[MUFFMAN]

Every time I wash the motorcycle..........on average once a week spring thru fall.

Ditto. The sun is really hard on Leather. I like the Doc Bailey's.

[MJZ]

In the famous (almost) words of Jack Nicholson, "I don't want the truth, I can't handle the truth"!
Once a week, hell I'm at least 104 behind on one of my bikes.

[MUFFMAN]

In the famous (almost) words of Jack Nicholson, "I don't want the truth, I can't handle the truth"!
Once a week, hell I'm at least 104 behind on one of my bikes.

Shame on you. Get out that polish!!

[Twolanerider]

MJ, I've got no idea if it's true or not but I use it as justification for not feeling about not doing it more often.  I know an old graybeard leathersmith who swears that too much leather dressing (of any kind) actually is not good for the leather.  It should be cleaned and treated; but not all the time.  So I dress mine no more than once every couple of months.

[MUFFMAN]

MJ, I've got no idea if it's true or not but I use it as justification for not feeling about not doing it more often.  I know an old graybeard leathersmith who swears that too much leather dressing (of any kind) actually is not good for the leather.  It should be cleaned and treated; but not all the time.  So I dress mine no more than once every couple of months.

Two Lane. I've heard that as well but my Corbin still looks brand new. Oh, chit, I just remembered. I only picked it up in Daytona last October.  It IS new.

[Twolanerider]

Two Lane. I've heard that as well but my Corbin still looks brand new. Oh, chit, I just remembered. I only picked it up in Daytona last October.  It IS new.

Muff, I know I'm not a materials guy for leathers.  But I guess it makes sense that it could be "too wet" and thereby lead to some degradation prematurely.  The old leathersmith I know so well sure swears by it though. 

My saddles have always held up well doing them once every two or three months rather than more often.  And I'm sure happy about using his advice as an excuse to feel ok about cleaning something less often .

[iski]

MJZ - usually all the leather gets a treatment about once a month.  If I have ridden in rain, sometimes it's a little more often than that.  Don't have the time or patience to take care of it weekly but if I notice it's getting dry, I take care of it.

Doc's is a fantastic product & good for all kinds of leather.

[MJZ]

OK, now that I feel sufficiently guilty, took the seat off last night to treat it and decided to go ahead and put the tour pack on for Copperhead, since I'll be out of town until the 25th. Since I only ride solo, I almost never put the tour pack on and have never used it with the Corbin Dual. I went to put the tp on last night and it is not even close, did any of you that have the Corbin on  SEEG's run into this? Oh and before you ask, yes, I did take the V Rail off the seat.

[MUFFMAN]

I think if you put the tour pak on first, then the seat you will be fine. Try that and let me know.

[VAZHOG]

It is such a simple thing to do, just put a little on a cloth and rub the seat. The only time I think about it is sitting here in the office and never remember when I get home.

Here is the question, how often do you put a leather cleaner or a treatment on your seat? (farts don't count)

Once in the spring (i use the Harley Cream) remove the seat rub the stuff on and let it air dry 24 hrs then wipe it down with a clean colth. The tour pack is conditioned on the bike rub it on and let it dry 24hrs rube the excess (buff) it off.

repeat in the Fall.

[RedDevil]

I read somewhere, I can't remember, that under normal circumstances, you should condition the leather twice a year.  I condition my seat, dashpad, and tourpak in the spring and fall, like VAZHOG, but will use the HD leather cleaning wipes more often, mainly just to get the dust and road grime off of them.

     

[Midnight Rider]

I use the Glare Leather Treatment instead of the Harley Goop.  Do it whenever it looks like it needs it, which probably works out to about every couple of months in heavy riding season.  I'll usually detail the bike thoroughly before an extened trip, and will do it then, regardless.  I also try to find some shade to park the bike in, if possible, just to keep the leather out of the sun, or just cover it with my jacket.

[porthole]

Here is the question, how often do you put a leather cleaner or a treatment on your seat?

  Whenever she wants to go for a ride 

[SPIDERMAN]

Whenever she wants to go for a ride 

Lexol is the only way to go

Cleaner and treatment two separate bottles

Best stuff made for anything leather

B B

[iski]

Been using Lexol for all leather for several years - jackets, chaps, leggings, seats, bags, car seats, etc. Not good for suede.    Local cobbler told me it is essentially the same stuff as Neats Foot Oil.  Used that stuff prior to Lexol & that reminded me of some baseball gloves which I don't use anymore.

[miker]

OK, now that I feel sufficiently guilty, took the seat off last night to treat it and decided to go ahead and put the tour pack on for Copperhead, since I'll be out of town until the 25th. Since I only ride solo, I almost never put the tour pack on and have never used it with the Corbin Dual. I went to put the tp on last night and it is not even close, did any of you that have the Corbin on  SEEG's run into this? Oh and before you ask, yes, I did take the V Rail off the seat.

Mine does not fit with the pillion on...the tp mount plate rubs hard on the pillion...I need to modify it or the tp plate..
Its a serk with corbin solo, no rail.

[FNGw/08SERK]

I've got Lexol and the HD stuff. Any thoughts on which is better?? Need to do the bags and seat!! Thoughts?? 

[REGGAB]

I've got Lexol and the HD stuff. Any thoughts on which is better?? Need to do the bags and seat!! Thoughts?? 

Howie,
I've never used Lexol......and that tub of grease that came with the motorcycle is lost somewhere in the cabinet clutter above the washer and dryer.  Can't speak for the use of Lexol, but that HD grease looks and feels like lard.  I used it once.
GLARE Leather protectant works great after every wash.  Just applied a fresh coat this afternoon.  Every now and then through the week I'll go over all the leather with one of those Meguier's Leather Wipes.  Those things work great to get the dust off.
If it were me, I'd do the seat and the bags.

[spydglide]

I've got Lexol and the HD stuff. Any thoughts on which is better?? Need to do the bags and seat!! Thoughts?? 

I've used both, either will give satisfactory results......you just need to replenish the oils that dry out of the leather (sun/rain/washing/wear/etc) to keep it soft & pliable.  Both will attrack dust/dirt...just have to wipe it down and keep it relatively clean.  My 2 cents.  spyder

[porthole]

I got a small tub of unprocessed whale oil off of a shipwreck years ago (diving), that seems to work pretty good, although it does stink for a little bit.

[Capo]

It is such a simple thing to do, just put a little on a cloth and rub the seat. The only time I think about it is sitting here in the office and never remember when I get home.

Here is the question, how often do you put a leather cleaner or a treatment on your seat? (farts don't count)

I usually treat the leather once a month in season and before I stop each winter. After 5 years the leather got a real nice patina and wrinkles here and there. The seat on my 03 SERK seems to be a higher quality leather than my CUSE-maybe it's the pan. I actually used the entire tub of Harley leather treatment and bought a larger one. I also find I like to apply the conditioner when the leather is warm from the sun-seems to absorb better then buff.

[FNGw/08SERK]

Once again thanks to all  I went with the Lexol... Now I'll see how it wears. Didn't like the looks of the HD Conditioner. Just .02

Howie

[miker]

OK, now that I feel sufficiently guilty, took the seat off last night to treat it and decided to go ahead and put the tour pack on for Copperhead, since I'll be out of town until the 25th. Since I only ride solo, I almost never put the tour pack on and have never used it with the Corbin Dual. I went to put the tp on last night and it is not even close, did any of you that have the Corbin on  SEEG's run into this? Oh and before you ask, yes, I did take the V Rail off the seat.

Yup...I had to drill out the rivets and cut a piece out of the top/back of seat pan to get the TP frame to fit on my serk. 
While I had it opened up I also cleaned up the bottom fender radius because it was rubbing too...
Corbin sure has seemingly gone downhill fast.
The pan was nasty, lumpy and out of square...It is better now

[iski]

Once again thanks to all  I went with the Lexol... Now I'll see how it wears. Didn't like the looks of the HD Conditioner. Just .02

Howie

Lexol has worked ok for me for years.  I also use Doc Baily's leather black for small scratches & any areas that become discolored.

http://www.docbailey.com/leather_black.asp

Stuff works great on boots, too.

[FNGw/08SERK]

Lexol has worked ok for me for years.  I also use Doc Baily's leather black for small scratches & any areas that become discolored.

http://www.docbailey.com/leather_black.asp

Stuff works great on boots, too.

One downside to the leather bags is my BSR seems to leave finger nail "trails" when opening the lid- no matter how careful!! I am hoping the Lexol will conceal. If not I'll try the Doc Bailey's, thanks Mike.

[iski]

One downside to the leather bags is my BSR seems to leave finger nail "trails" when opening the lid- no matter how careful!! I am hoping the Lexol will conceal. If not I'll try the Doc Bailey's, thanks Mike.

You are welcome, Howie.  The Doc Baily's sells for about $25 a bottle at bike rallys around here.  Bought my last bottle about 3 years ago - used in on the 02 RK classic bags & Mustang seats - look as good as new.  My BSR is usually pretty good about that stuff, but after 7 years, leather bags need a little help.  The foot dragging drives me up a wall, but she is "vertically challenged" so understanding is best in these circumstances I suppose.

Use it more regularly on black boots - easily restores them. 

[REGGAB]

One downside to the leather bags is my BSR seems to leave finger nail "trails" when opening the lid- no matter how careful!! I am hoping the Lexol will conceal. If not I'll try the Doc Bailey's, thanks Mike.

Same thing happens on the Tour-Pak.  Looks like a cat got after it.

[iski]

Same thing happens on the Tour-Pak.  Looks like a cat got after it.

She has been very good about using the luggage rack rail to lift the tour pack.  Have seen what you are referring to though.  Suppose a "hand rail" (if one existed) would be too damn ugly.   

[Hugh Janis]

One downside to the leather bags is my BSR seems to leave finger nail "trails" when opening the lid- no matter how careful!! I am hoping the Lexol will conceal. If not I'll try the Doc Bailey's, thanks Mike.

Wow Howie, what's your back look like?  Rocky's got some nails!

[FNGw/08SERK]

Wow Howie, what's your back look like?  Rocky's got some nails!

A hell of a left hook too Jim        

[Hoist!]

Anyome hear of these guys? http://www.fiebing.com/product.asp?typeID=3

This sounds like sounds like good stuff, as well as the rest of their line!

Aussie Leather Conditioner

Developed with Australian horsemen, Aussie Leather Conditioner helps leather to withstand hot, dry climate conditions. Contains natural Beeswax. A must for saddle owners in bitter cold and dry areas as well as those in hot, dry climates. Perfect for use on saddles, tack, boots, guncases and handbags.

It should help repel water too.

Hoist!

[Capo]

Anyome hear of these guys? http://www.fiebing.com/product.asp?typeID=3

This sounds like sounds like good stuff, as well as the rest of their line!

Aussie Leather Conditioner

Developed with Australian horsemen, Aussie Leather Conditioner helps leather to withstand hot, dry climate conditions. Contains natural Beeswax. A must for saddle owners in bitter cold and dry areas as well as those in hot, dry climates. Perfect for use on saddles, tack, boots, guncases and handbags.

It should help repel water too.

Hoist!

The H-D leather treatment has bees wax too sounds like it's virtually the same-what's the price point?

[iski]

Anyome hear of these guys? http://www.fiebing.com/product.asp?typeID=3

This sounds like sounds like good stuff, as well as the rest of their line!

Aussie Leather Conditioner

Developed with Australian horsemen, Aussie Leather Conditioner helps leather to withstand hot, dry climate conditions. Contains natural Beeswax. A must for saddle owners in bitter cold and dry areas as well as those in hot, dry climates. Perfect for use on saddles, tack, boots, guncases and handbags.

It should help repel water too.

Hoist!

Neat Foot Oil I used to use was Fiebing as I recall.  Never used the other stuff.  Beeswax works very well as a conditioner & waterproofer. 

[CVOwner]

Saddle Soap, Kiwi outdoor saddle soap, cheap and probably the  same chit as the lard and whale blubber and crap that harley gives you and the neatsfoot oil. The thing I like best is, CHEAP!

[spydglide]

Saddle Soap, Kiwi outdoor saddle soap, cheap and probably the  same chit as the lard and whale blubber and crap that harley gives you and the neatsfoot oil. The thing I like best is, CHEAP!

I thought saddle soap was just for cleaning leather.  But, I always use something else after the cleaning to replenish the oils.  spyder

[Piper]

Who has a leather seat ?
My FLHTCUSE3 is vinyl, the same as every other bike I have ever owned.
I did see a leather seat on a bike once in the 1970's. It got wet once and never looked the same again.
I guess we are just using "Leather" as a general description ?

[spydglide]

Who has a leather seat ?
My FLHTCUSE3 is vinyl, the same as every other bike I have ever owned.
I did see a leather seat on a bike once in the 1970's. It got wet once and never looked the same again.
I guess we are just using "Leather" as a general description ?

Corbin uses leather in the seating area of all their seats.  My SEEG came with a stock seat that had leather in the seating area.  Vinyl in the other parts.  spyder

[Midnight Rider]

I thought saddle soap was just for cleaning leather.  But, I always use something else after the cleaning to replenish the oils.  spyder

Spydy...saddle soap IS just for cleaning leather...does a great job for that, but not much for conditioning/waterproofing.  Lexol is a great product, but I find the Glare leather protectant to be the best, just like the rest of their products.  The Doc's Black stuff works well for covering up scratches, etc.  The good thing about Glare is it has UV protectant, and UV is the enemy of leather.

[CVOwner]

Spydy...saddle soap IS just for cleaning leather...does a great job for that, but not much for conditioning/waterproofing.  Lexol is a great product, but I find the Glare leather protectant to be the best, just like the rest of their products.  The Doc's Black stuff works well for covering up scratches, etc.  The good thing about Glare is it has UV protectant, and UV is the enemy of leather.

Just threw out my saddle soap! read on!
fact, saddle soap is a very poor cleaner. It must first dissolve its own oils, limiting its capacity to dissolve dirt and oils in the leather. Saddle soap is also inherently alkaline but alkalinity is damaging to leather. Another problem arises during application. Most saddle soaps instruct the user to work the lather into the leather. Since loosened dirt is suspended in the lather, it is pushed back into the leather's pores.

    Saddle soaps have long been replaced in tanneries by modern emulsions which penetrate, soften and condition with greater ease and stability. the popular myth of saddle soap as a cleaner however persists as modern folklore.

[spydglide]

    Saddle soaps have long been replaced in tanneries by modern emulsions which penetrate, soften and condition with greater ease and stability.

And have you identified a source for obtaining these 'modern emulsions'?   :nixweiss:har!  spyder

[SPIDERMAN]

Who has a leather seat ?
My FLHTCUSE3 is vinyl, the same as every other bike I have ever owned.
I did see a leather seat on a bike once in the 1970's. It got wet once and never looked the same again.
I guess we are just using "Leather" as a general description ?

All Corbin seats are real leather. So far as I know, the top or seating section of all CVO seats is leather. Yours is too whether you believe it or not. Check the center panels and read the spec sheet on H-D's website. We also have some site members with $3k seats that were custom made and believe me dude, they're leather. That's the whole point of this thread- - - - - how do people protect their investment.

S'anyway, I did the Lexol thing to my Corbin yesterday  Cleaner then treatment. Could not believe how dirty a seat I thought was clean really was. Man that open grain leather Corbin uses really soaks up the treatment too.

B B

[Capo]

All Corbin seats are real leather. So far as I know, the top or seating section of all CVO seats is leather. Yours is too whether you believe it or not. Check the center panels and read the spec sheet on H-D's website. We also have some site members with $3k seats that were custom made and believe me dude, they're leather. That's the whole point of this thread- - - - - how do people protect their investment.

S'anyway, I did the Lexol thing to my Corbin yesterday  Cleaner then treatment. Could not believe how dirty a seat I thought was clean really was. Man that open grain leather Corbin uses really soaks up the treatment too.

B B

You said a mouthful there Spyder-I cleaned my 6 week old seat and was shocked at the dirt-then I fed it some of the H-D beeswax glop-I'll buff that out tomorrow and voila better. I still think the seat is one of the weaksest links in the CVO chain considering the INVESTMENT!!!

[CVOwner]

And have you identified a source for obtaining these 'modern emulsions'?   :nixweiss:har!  spyder

Yeah, there's a millioin of them, Leather replenishers, I like the Meguirs wipes, not too expensive and easy to use.

3k Seats?? you gotta be outta your ever lovin mind!

[SPIDERMAN]

3k Seats?? you gotta be outta your ever lovin mind!

Maybe more. Check out Alligator Bob on the web. My original set for the 03 SERK pictured in his ads which SCRM-R now owns was purported to have cost $8k new for bags and seat. AB made them for himself I believe and sold them to a friend, who sold them to me and then I sold them to SCRM-R, who by the way is not the only site member with Alligator Bob handiwork.You reach a point where there's nothing more to chrome, wheels don't do it for you, you name it, you've been there done that. If you're totally into it as some of us are, you go in search of something off the charts. So expensive or unique, nobody else has it. Not for everybody I'll admit, but if you've ever had something like this and pulled into a crowded parking lot full of Harleys, you'd understand.

B B

[CVOwner]

Maybe more. Check out Alligator Bob on the web. My original set for the 03 SERK pictured in his ads which SCRM-R now owns was purported to have cost $8k new for bags and seat. AB made them for himself I believe and sold them to a friend, who sold them to me and then I sold them to SCRM-R, who by the way is not the only site member with Alligator Bob handiwork.You reach a point where there's nothing more to chrome, wheels don't do it for you, you name it, you've been there done that. If you're totally into it as some of us are, you go in search of something off the charts. So expensive or unique, nobody else has it. Not for everybody I'll admit, but if you've ever had something like this and pulled into a crowded parking lot full of Harleys, you'd understand.

B B

Thats insanity man, insanity! But like I always say, to each his own!

[Lzyboy]

On my super glide I used Son of a Gun. My gut is telling me that is not a good idea for the SERK 08 leather. I just used the HD dressing given to me when purchased bike on the seat.

Looking at getting the wipes myself. but is Son of a gun good? I also like cheap, its bad enough the kids have to share trade off when they eat dinner due to gas pricess..

[roadrunner]

On my Corbin seat I use the HD leather cleaner(only because I have some left over) and the Waterproof Beeswax 7 Oz
"Camp Dry" Beeswax Waterproofer.  Leave the bike in the sun to warm the leather (you can warm the leather with a hair dryer) rub the wax in let it soak, the buff it out.  The wax may get wet again when left in the sun, I keep a 100% cotton cloth in a saddle bag and buff the seat out. 

[SPIDERMAN]

I have a problem maybe you guys can help me with. Because I have an artificial knee in one leg and an artificial hip in the other, getting on LD is a chore at times. As such, I have scuffed my Corbin in the same place with the sole of my boots enough that the finish is marred. Any ideas how to fix this ?

B B

[FNGw/08SERK]

I have a problem maybe you guys can help me with. Because I have an artificial knee in one leg and an artificial hip in the other, getting on LD is a chore at times. As such, I have scuffed my Corbin in the same place with the sole of my boots enough that the finish is marred. Any ideas how to fix this ?

B B

Depending on bad it is Brian I would consider taking it to a good leather repairman or a horse tack shop to ensure a consistant color for the fix. These guys are capable to fix these types of issues readily.

Howie

[MUFFMAN]

I have a problem maybe you guys can help me with. Because I have an artificial knee in one leg and an artificial hip in the other, getting on LD is a chore at times. As such, I have scuffed my Corbin in the same place with the sole of my boots enough that the finish is marred. Any ideas how to fix this ?


YOU USED TO BE ABLE TO GET A LEATHER STICK REPAIR KIT IN DIFFERENT COLOURS. IT ALMOST LOOKS LIKE A MAGIC MARKER PEN. IF YOUR SEAT IS BLACK TRY AN ACTUAL PERMANENT BLACK MAGIC MARKER.

B B

[Steve_G]

If the leather isn't worn through, you can use Doc Bailey's or leather dye.  Then treat it with a preservative. 
I recently stumbled across the best stuff I've ever seen for leather.  I can't believe how good it makes my jackets, vests and chaps look and feel.  It's called Obenauf's Leather Oil.  They also make a product called LP (for leather protector).  And they have a silicone water proof product -(I haven't tried that one yet).  Here's a link to their web site:  www.obenaufs.com

[Sean M Cary]

Kinda funny story...kinda stupid, ok - really stupid.

We had a Marine up in Cherry Point (Air Wing - go figure) who put some kind of dressing on his seat that made it so slippery he fell off riding it...   

DOH!

Sean

[Fired00d]

Kinda funny story...kinda stupid, ok - really stupid.

We had a Marine up in Cherry Point (Air Wing - go figure) who put some kind of dressing on his seat that made it so slippery he fell off riding it...   

DOH!

Sean

You think that is bad try putting some Armor All on your windshield wipers.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[SPIDERMAN]

If the leather isn't worn through, you can use Doc Bailey's or leather dye.  Then treat it with a preservative. 
I recently stumbled across the best stuff I've ever seen for leather.  I can't believe how good it makes my jackets, vests and chaps look and feel.  It's called Obenauf's Leather Oil.  They also make a product called LP (for leather protector).  And they have a silicone water proof product -(I haven't tried that one yet).  Here's a link to their web site:  www.obenaufs.com

Thanks for jogging my brain. Hank has some Doc Bailey's

B B

[Mr D]

In the past i have used "Doc Baileys" on my 06 CUSE Tour box and seat, Looked great but after being in the sun a couple of times the shade of the leather turned a dark plum color so call it ?? i think of it being a dye base it actually changed color being in the elements, Switched to "Lexol" Using cleaner first to clean thoroughly and applied conditioner, No probloms with color change what so ever, Now i apply the conditioner every time i clean (twice monthly) 

[spydglide]

Hey MrD, was the 'plum' color only noticible in the sun?  Sounds like it wasn't too noticeable.......(might go well with my 'Huckleberry')  har!  spyder

[Mr D]

Hey MrD, was the 'plum' color only noticible in the sun?  Sounds like it wasn't too noticeable.......(might go well with my 'Huckleberry')  har!  spyder

It was most noticable in the sun, However in my garage i have a abundant of fluorescent lightting for visability, I could notice it but not as much. Yeah it would go well with your 'Huckleberry'