Hi all, I have a set of Alpinestar leathers which I think I've worn less than five times and which have been in dry storage for almost ten years. They're basically as new. Is there any reason they might not be up to scratch or does the fact that they are ten years old, matter not? Thanks for your advice. Richie.
I'd imagine they'll offer as much protection now as they did 10 years back. That's if they haven't shrunk... he he he he.... Like mine
I find DucksWax works better (it’s what Brian Sansom sells for BKS leathers) than Renapur. But everyone has their favourite food for leathers Either way, I agree about “feeding” the leather. Then give it a few days for the leather to fully absorb it before use. Alternatively, Hideout can clean — an ultrasonic clean to get rid of bacteria and add freshness — and feed your leathers. They’ll post them back feeling fresh and smelling like new
A nice wash in gold label saddle soap and then a nice rub down with chelsea leather food. Job jobbed.
Regardless of ‘favourite’ product, get them warm and give them a clean, then rub in some feed. Leave in the warm (an airing cupboard if not outside in the sun) to absorb the feed. Job done.
Hi Ducbird, Not so bad, thank you. And yourself? The 900FE is, at last, in for a service having been locked up in storage for almost 10 years! I have been going through my kit on my limited returns to Blighty, hence finding the leathers. Hope all is well with you. Richie.
Thanks for the responses all, much appreciated. You all mention a leather feed. Is that just a way of prolonging the life of the leathers?
Leather dries over time, reducing its strength. Consequently, you must “feed” leather 1-2 times a year for it to retain its protective properties (abrasion resistance) and suppleness. Otherwise, it becomes brittle. How to clean (if required) motorcycle leathers: https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/advice/biking-tips/how-to-clean-your-leathers/ How to “feed” leather: http://www.duckswax.co.uk/index.php/how-to-apply-duckswax
I'm doing well thank you Be great to see FE back out there I like it when you find things you forgot you had
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dubbin-Leatherfood-Nourishment-protection-leather/dp/B003NVNBV8 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gold-Label...s=sports&sprefix=saddle+soap,sports,76&sr=1-4
If they are like my ten year old Dainese, you will need lots of lubricant. Otherwise no chance of sliding in to them. GL.
Hi Ducbird, I had been thinking of servicing the bike in order to sell her as after all that's happened, I am not sure riding on the road is for me, anymore. However, instead of giving up on biking altogether, something I've loved my entire life, I hadn't considered that an occasional track day might be an option. I have never taken part in a track scenario but from what I have been told, it is at least a controlled environment unlike riding on the road. Whatever transpires, swinging my leg over the Duke for the first time in what seems an eternity will be an occasion in itself.
He he he! I was built like a jockey's whip when I obtained the leathers and for reasons unknown to me, I am lucky enough to have retained that build. It's certainly not down to discipline as I eat like a horse! I am slightly more concerned about what might have taken up residence within the leathers. When I pulled them out of the shed, I was confronted by the most evil looking spider I think I've ever laid eyes on, least on UK soil!
make sure you get something that won't rot the stitches, the stitching is usually the weak point on older leathers (lanolin wax like "hide food" is very bad for this ) I use Gliptone liquid leather and highly recommend it
I still use a 30 year old set of original BKS. They have survived a few offs and look a bit scuffed but always scrub up well (use beeswax based leather food) and still have plenty of life. Down side is they are just so heavy and hot so I have just retired them for a set of Alpinestars now as I need a bit more flexibility.
