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[Jerry/MD]

In May, I rode my '09 SEUC from Syracuse, NY to York, PA in constant rain with no adverse affect on the seat. Was I lucky? 

[Screamin]

Leather??   

[willyB]

So imagine my surprise, took delivery of a 2011 FLTRCUSE, and found the following in the owners manual, in the care and cleaning section. "LEATHER CARE" ( 2nd paragraph ) and I quote " Leather surfaces are designed for long term exposure to inclement weather and should be protected with Harley Davidson Seat Rain Cover or Motorcycle Storage Cover (sold separately). See your Harley Davidson dealer.
         Wow, since the rain cover is not to be used while riding I guess I am not supposed to ride in the rain. I don't get it, I don't like riding in the rain, but sometimes get caught in it anyway. What do you guys think?

Remember that old ball glove you've got hidden in the attic? I imagine it's all dried up and cracked. Now imagine you have been using that same glove over the years and now the leather is soft and pliable with a patina that only comes from use.

I worried for a long time about a custom leather seat that I had on my previous bike until somebody used the ball glove comparison on me. Dang it! Now I'm just waiting for that old worn in leather look.

[PierceEye]

So my stock seat Buffalo Leather insert (center section) is FAKE ?  WTF  ?

I do know the buffalo inserts on my 2010 FLSTSE are real, fake leather (Neoprene) on most of the rest of the seats. Actually the reason they came up with neoporene fake leather is is does not get hard and crack in cold weather like some vinyls will...look at a snowmobile

[trahog]

Dont ride in the snow either,with that bad ass 09 cvo road glide ,

[SERK3]

Don't use Doc Bailey's on your seat, that chit is slick, bit is great for boots, etc....

[kraut]

In May, I rode my '09 SEUC from Syracuse, NY to York, PA in constant rain with no adverse affect on the seat. Was I lucky? 

I'm positive there is not a single piece of real leather on our FLHTCUSE4s. I don't know how often I got really soaked this season, but other than some connector-problems to no effect.

I use some protectant on the seats anyway as I got used to do with the FLHRCI. After just 1 year you could clearly see the difference in surface and colour on the bags and seats (no real leather too) and especially on the seams.

Any material needs at least some care 

[PierceEye]

I'm positive there is not a single piece of real leather on our FLHTCUSE4s. I don't know how often I got really soaked this season, but other than some connector-problems to no effect.

I use some protectant on the seats anyway as I got used to do with the FLHRCI. After just 1 year you could clearly see the difference in surface and colour on the bags and seats (no real leather too) and especially on the seams.

Any material needs at least some care 

X1

[skreminegul07]

As mentioned earlier, no matter what the material, the seams leak.  Some designs are worse than others, where the water puddles up over the seam or the older recessed buttons.  Then the next few days riding, water seeps out the bottom and soaks the inside of your pants with cold putrid foam juice.  The Mustang seats are actually sealed at the seams and buttons.  I would assume Corbin and other do the same. 

[grc]

I do know the buffalo inserts on my 2010 FLSTSE are real, fake leather (Neoprene) on most of the rest of the seats. Actually the reason they came up with neoporene fake leather is is does not get hard and crack in cold weather like some vinyls will...look at a snowmobile

You wouldn't be talking about Naugahyde by any chance?  I realize that Nauga's aren't something you see every day, but one of the advantages of their hides is that you don't have to kill them to get the hide, they just shed their skins.  Some think they look kind of cute, I'm not so sure about that.  Go here for a look-see:     http://naugahyde.com/


Jerry

[kraut]

 

[PierceEye]

You wouldn't be talking about Naugahyde by any chance?  I realize that Nauga's aren't something you see every day, but one of the advantages of their hides is that you don't have to kill them to get the hide, they just shed their skins.  Some think they look kind of cute, I'm not so sure about that.  Go here for a look-see:     http://naugahyde.com/


Jerry

I stand corrected...yes naugahyde  

[Screamin]

You wouldn't be talking about Naugahyde by any chance?  I realize that Nauga's aren't something you see every day, but one of the advantages of their hides is that you don't have to kill them to get the hide, they just shed their skins.  Some think they look kind of cute, I'm not so sure about that.  Go here for a look-see:     http://naugahyde.com/


Jerry

$30 for a classic, $40 for a custom color. 'Spose they went w/ classic? I'm betting they raise them in China.

[GBeck]

Been riding on custom leather seats for years.  Treat the material and never let it dry in direct sunlight.  Ages like a beer drenched back ally stripper if not taken care of.  "Foam juice?!" Love that!!!!

[FltruseDave]

So imagine my surprise, took delivery of a 2011 FLTRCUSE, and found the following in the owners manual, in the care and cleaning section. "LEATHER CARE" ( 2nd paragraph ) and I quote " Leather surfaces are designed for long term exposure to inclement weather and should be protected with Harley Davidson Seat Rain Cover or Motorcycle Storage Cover (sold separately). See your Harley Davidson dealer.
         Wow, since the rain cover is not to be used while riding I guess I am not supposed to ride in the rain. I don't get it, I don't like riding in the rain, but sometimes get caught in it anyway. What do you guys think?

 Hey Motor1 Who reads the owners manual anyway? Just ride it and trade it in, in like a year or two... lol. Remember the last time leather was water proof it was still on the cow. They only use leather in the places that there isn't a lot of flexing such as the seating surface The sides of the saddle are vinyl because it flexs all the time while we're sitting on it. If they use leather in these area's the seat would crack and wearout prematurely. The HD manual should read "to extend the life of your motorcycle keep in a hermedicly sealed box with a Temp of 72f RH of 40% and should be kept away from uv light. Do not ride your motorcycle as it will have a dire affect on your warranty"