Motorcycle leather jacket recondtioning questions

[schiddy]

I have a dainese motorcycle jacket that is approx 6 years old and the leather is starting to crack. I'm guilty of not treating up until about last year. I don't ride too too often, prob like 100 miles once a week during the season. The jacket sees moisture if I'm caught in the rain once in a blue moon, summer humidity, bugs, sweat (there's a liner), and normal wear and tear.



The leather when first purchased was super soft, subtle, and smelled awesome (I was told it was from italy the country of the manufacturer but I'm not sure as this is one of their lower end jackets). It has since gotten pretty hard, little bit stiff, and I believe cracking in the perforated sections. It also has more sheen than it did originally. I tried lexol cleaner then conditioner last year but it didn't seem to make a difference at all, even leaving it on for long periods.



I would assume treat this like car leather. I tried searching but there are lots of different methods and processes suggested. I believe this to be more on the side of leather restoration because of the cracking, coarsness, and stiffness of the leather.



What deep cleaning process do I use? What product would be best for restoration of this leather if that is possible, leatherique rejuvenator oil? I have no experience other then with lexol.

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

I would definitely suggest the leatherique twins. They work great!

 

[TLMitchell]

Use the stuff that's made for it:



https://www.leatherclear.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi



The black is good for restoring discoloration, especially around seams. I prefer the neutral when color restoration isn't an issue. In addition to restoring it imparts some wax which enhances water resistance. My leathers get a dose every spring and usually once again mid-season. Current stuff is 10+ years old and been through every kind of weather imagineable. Still soft, supple and looking good.



TL

 

[schiddy]

Use the stuff that's made for it:



https://www.leatherclear.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi



The black is good for restoring discoloration, especially around seams. I prefer the neutral when color restoration isn't an issue. In addition to restoring it imparts some wax which enhances water resistance. My leathers get a dose every spring and usually once again mid-season. Current stuff is 10+ years old and been through every kind of weather imagineable. Still soft, supple and looking good.



TL

Hmmm, do you think it'll restore the leather as much as leatherique? It's already cracked and getting stiffer. And that site says it's for everything not specifically for motorcycle leather. I'm not saying it's not a good product, I might go with it if your experience has been good with it. Just restoration capability is my main concern.



The black one with the dye looks very interesting.

 

[TLMitchell]

Hmmm, do you think it'll restore the leather as much as leatherique? It's already cracked and getting stiffer. And that site says it's for everything not specifically for motorcycle leather. I'm not saying it's not a good product, I might go with it if your experience has been good with it. Just restoration capability is my main concern.



The black one with the dye looks very interesting.

Dunno, I've yet to use Leatherique. Since I use Doc Bailey's for ongoing maintenance I've yet to need it for restoration except for darkening stitching that bleached over time.



TL

 

[David Fermani]

Leather Therapy

 

[schiddy]

Leather Therapy

David, which one are you suggesting, the equestrian restorer and conditioner?



Searching for info on leatherique I found some old old threads from 07-08 with your posts in them. There was controversy over leatherique. Have you tried leatherique or leather masters (which is water based I believe), what were your impressions.

 

[David Fermani]

That's a good one? I only have tried their auto line, but have a friend that loves and swears by their products. (he's actually the one working on the F50 on their site-Eddie Fiuza) I'd call them and talk to Pino. He'll put you on the right track.