Cleaning Race Leathers

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LC Cnd
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Cleaning Race Leathers

#1 Post by LC Cnd » Wed Apr 15, 2015 1:48 am

Received one of these today and it fits. Only worn once but not cleaned (bug debris on the shoulders). 1st time I have tried one on and want to do a proper job of cleaning it. What best for Roo leathers? Thx
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mkane
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#2 Post by mkane » Wed Apr 15, 2015 11:21 am

washing machine, no joke.

LC Cnd
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#3 Post by LC Cnd » Wed Apr 15, 2015 11:25 am

Washing machine hmm. Suspect you pulled any inner lining out any particular cleaning agent?

Hellgate
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#4 Post by Hellgate » Wed Apr 15, 2015 11:50 am

Professional dry cleaning. Ask around and a good cleaner will point you to the local shop that specializes in it.


For bugs, Windex and a clean cloth then leather conditioner.
Cheers!

Pete

'12 Tuono V4R APRC, '05 R6, '88 RZ350, '82 XV920R

mkane
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#5 Post by mkane » Wed Apr 15, 2015 4:34 pm

Remove liner. Use http://www.leathertherapy.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Zedixe13
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#6 Post by Zedixe13 » Wed Apr 15, 2015 8:23 pm

mkane wrote:washing machine, no joke.

This is what I do , gentle cycle with organic soap ( baby shampoo ) , and let it dry flat . Look like new and it doesn't stretch at all . Not different than getting wet in the rain .

mkane
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#7 Post by mkane » Wed Apr 15, 2015 10:54 pm

^^as stated above, dry flat, don't hang dry.

tobster
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#8 Post by tobster » Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:27 am

do you guys know of any method for getting old leathers to fit? Mine from 20 years ago seem to have shrunk???

mkane
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#9 Post by mkane » Thu Apr 16, 2015 12:18 pm

Less beer, more cardio.

hondaror
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#10 Post by hondaror » Thu Apr 16, 2015 1:27 pm

Find out where your schrader valve is and let the excess air out. Then shoehorn in. Works every time.

Oh, once in, a dip in the pool ensures they hold their new size...although you have to let them dry while wearing them.


It might just be easier to buy new leathers.

I'm glad I'm not the same size as 20 years ago. I'm now 6'4.25", 220lbs.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

LC Cnd
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#11 Post by LC Cnd » Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:39 pm

Aye, the wee Scotman I recall. :)

Hooligan
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#12 Post by Hooligan » Fri Apr 17, 2015 5:00 pm

Best thing I ever used for cleaning leathers was ...... saddle soap. Recommended by a riding friend who also rode horses. It's easy to use and does a good job without drying out the leather or getting it excessively wet.
'82 RD350LC in '81 colours, OEM pipes, UNI filters
'85 FZ750

hondaror
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#13 Post by hondaror » Fri Apr 17, 2015 9:05 pm

I've heard that before.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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South_Oz
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#14 Post by South_Oz » Fri Apr 17, 2015 9:53 pm

I just bought some new leathers and did a fair bit of reading about what to use to protect them as they will get used once a year.

Saddle soap is great for the leather but not so good for the stitching. I ended up using a lanolin based product.

Dave
RZ 250 85 (Waiting)
RZ 250 85 (Parts)
RGV VJ21 250, Australian Speed Record Holder, MPS/G 250, 140.5 MPH
BMW R1100S 99 (Its Red)
BMW R1200GS (Its BIG)


http://www.dlra.org.au/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

mkane
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Re: Cleaning Race Leathers

#15 Post by mkane » Fri Apr 17, 2015 11:17 pm

Once a year? I wear mine every time I get on a motorcycle.

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