Spring is on its way. If your bike’s been parked up over the winter, you’re probably raring to get back out on the open road. Make sure you’re ready to hit the streets by giving your leathers a quick spring clean too.

How often do I need to clean my motorbike leathers?

Depending on how often you ride, you should consider cleaning them every three or four months. Washing them will help them to stay looking their best and can help them to last for longer too. Removing dirt is just part of the picture. The key is to keep your leathers in good condition, so they stay supple and strong for as long as possible. As well as saving you money (as you won’t need to replace them so often), it also makes your leathers easier to put on and take off and can help to make them more comfortable to ride in.

What is the best way to clean motorbike leathers?

You don’t need to send your motorbike leathers to the dry cleaners, but can keep them in good nick yourself at home. All you need are cloths, a soft brush, leather cleaner, and leather feed to keep your gear in tip-top condition.

Getting it clean

• First, you need to clean the leather with leather cleaner. Check the packet to make sure you’re using a cleaner, not just a leather feed. If you just feed the leather, you’ll trap grime and it won’t look clean.
• Use a soft brush with a little of your leather cleaner and gently scrub the surface to remove dirt and insects. Use small circular movements to avoid scratching and damaging the surface.
• Next, use a damp cloth or some kitchen roll to gently remove the dirt that you have loosened. You may need to rinse your cloth several times. Try not to let your leathers get too wet.
• It’s a good idea to tackle this job panel by panel, rather than trying to clean it and then wipe away the dirt and excess cleaner in one go.
• To keep zips clean and in good working order, brush away dirt using just a brush and clean water.
• Hang up your leathers somewhere airy to allow them to dry out. Don’t put them too close to a heat source, like a radiator, as this can cause cracking.

Feeding the leather to keep it strong

• When the leather is dry you’ll need to condition it with a special leather feed. This is just like moisturising your face and helps to keep the leather strong and supple. Use a soft cloth to apply the leather feed and be careful not to use too much or it could end up being rather sticky! It’s a good idea to follow the panel by panel approach, as per the cleaning stage.
• Finally, after waiting a little while for the feed to absorb, use a soft cloth to buff the leather to a shine.
• Follow the same approach to clean your leather gloves as well.

Insuring your motorbike leathers

Classic Motorbike Insurance: What You Need To Know

Delivering power and prestige at a fraction of the cost of four-wheeled counterparts, classic motorbike ownership is an affordable passion. But the spending doesn’t stop at finding and buying your dream bike.