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.