How to maintain and care for your motorcycle leather trousers
If you ride a bike, you know that a good pair of leathers is more than just clothing. It is your second skin. When you buy a pair of motorcycle leather trousers, you are spending a decent amount of money on your safety and your style. Because they cost a fair bit, it makes sense to look after them so they last as long as possible.
In the UK, our gear goes through a lot. One day, you are riding through a cloud of midges, and the next you are caught in a sudden downpour on the M1. All that road salt, rain, and grime can take a toll on the hide. If you leave them neglected, the leather can get stiff, crack, or even start to smell a bit funky.
Taking care of your kit does not have to be a chore. In this guide, we will walk through the best ways to keep your leather gear in top shape.
Why looking after your leather matters
You might think that leather is tough enough to look after itself. While cowhide is naturally strong, it is still an organic material. It has oils in it that keep it flexible. Over time, the wind and sun dry those oils out. If the leather gets too dry, it loses its strength.
In a slide, you need your motorcycle leather trousers to be supple so they can stretch and slide without tearing. Brittle leather is much more likely to rip. Regular maintenance keeps the material strong enough to do its job if things go wrong. Plus, well-cared-for leather looks better and feels much more comfortable on long rides.
What to do after every ride?
You don't need to do a full deep clean every time you get home, but a few small habits make a huge difference.
Air them out
When you get back from a long ride, your trousers might be a bit damp from sweat or light rain. Never just throw them in a pile in the corner of the garage. Hang them up in a room with a bit of airflow. Avoid putting them right next to a radiator, as high heat makes leather go brittle very quickly.
The quick wipe down
If you have spent the evening riding through the countryside, your shins are probably covered in squashed bugs. It is much easier to get these off while they are still "fresh." Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe away the road muck. If you let those bugs dry and bake on, they become much harder to remove later without scratching the surface.
Giving your trousers a deep clean
Every few months, or at the end of a busy riding season, your motorcycle leather trousers will need a proper clean. You don't need fancy machines for this, just some basic supplies and a bit of patience.
Remove the armour
Before you start, take out the CE-approved armour from the knees and hips. This makes the trousers easier to move around in while you clean. It also gives you a chance to check that the armour is still in good condition and hasn't shifted or cracked.
Use the right soap
Do not use dish soap or laundry detergent. These are designed to strip away grease, which is exactly what you don't want to do to leather. Use a proper leather soap or a mild, pH-balanced cleaner.
Use a soft sponge and work in small circles. You don't want to soak the leather through the lining. Just use enough moisture to lift the dirt from the surface. Once you have cleaned a section, wipe away any soapy residue with a clean, damp cloth.
Drying your gear the right way
This is the part where most people make mistakes. If you are in a rush to get back out on the bike, you might be tempted to use a hairdryer or stick your leathers in the sun. Don't do it.
Leather needs to dry naturally at room temperature. If it dries too fast, the fibres shrink and harden. Hang your motorcycle leather trousers on a wide, sturdy hanger, so they keep their shape. It might take a day or two to dry completely, but it is worth the wait to keep the fit correct.
Conditioning: Keeping things soft
Once the leather is clean and dry, it will feel a bit "thirsty." This is the time to apply a conditioner or a leather balsam. This puts the essential oils back into the hide.
Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather. You will see the colour deepen slightly as the material soaks it up. Pay extra attention to the areas that move a lot, like the knees and the seat of the trousers. Let it sit for a while, then buff away any extra with a dry cloth. This creates a bit of a barrier against future rain and dirt.
Taking care of the "extras"
A pair of motorcycle leather trousers is more than just a hide. You also have zips, stitching, and stretch panels to think about.
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The zips: Road grit can get stuck in the teeth of your zips, making them hard to pull. Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush is perfect) to clear out the dirt. You can even use a tiny bit of beeswax or a dedicated zip lubricant to keep them sliding.
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The stretch panels: Many modern trousers, like those in the Texpeed range, have fabric panels behind the knees or at the waist for comfort. Don't put leather conditioner on these. Just a quick wipe with a damp cloth is enough to keep the fabric clean.
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The stitching: Check the seams regularly. If you see a thread starting to come loose, get it fixed before it turns into a hole.
Choosing quality from the start
It is much easier to maintain high-quality gear than cheap, thin leather. If you are looking for a new pair, the Texpeed men’s leather trousers are a great example of what to look for.
Texpeed is a brand that understands what UK riders actually need. They use premium cowhide that is between 1.1mm and 1.3mm thick. This is the ideal thickness for road riding because it offers great protection without being too stiff to walk in. They also use YKK zips, which are famous for being hard-wearing and reliable.
By choosing a brand like Texpeed, you are getting gear designed for the real world.
Their trousers often include Samtex stretch panels and adjustable armour pockets, which make them easier to wear day-to-day. When you start with a well-made product, your maintenance routine will keep it looking new for years rather than just months.
How to store your leathers for winter
If you aren't a year-round rider, you might put your gear away for a few months during the winter. How you store your motorcycle leather trousers during this time is very important.
Don't use thin wire hangers. The weight of the leather can cause the waistband to stretch out of shape. Use a wide, padded hanger instead. It is also a good idea to put them in a breathable garment bag. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mould or mildew growth. Keep them in a cool, dry place. A damp shed is the worst place for leather gear.
When to buy a new pair
Even with the best care, leather does not last forever. You should think about replacing your motorcycle leather trousers if:
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They have been in an accident: Even if they look okay, the structure might be weakened.
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The leather has thinned: If you notice spots where the leather looks very thin or "suede-like," it might not hold up in a slide.
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They don't fit right: If you have lost or gained weight, the knee armour might no longer sit in the right place. If the armour isn't over your joint, it won't protect you in a crash.
Enjoy the ride
Looking after your gear is all part of the lifestyle. There is something satisfying about sitting down with a tin of leather balsam and getting your kit ready for the next adventure.
Whether you are hitting the track or just nipping out for a coffee, knowing your motorcycle leather trousers are clean, soft, and strong gives you one less thing to worry about. Take care of your leathers, and they will take care of you. Stay safe on the roads.
Explore Texpeed’s range of textile motorcycle trousers, cordura motorbike trousers and premium motorcycle gloves for summer designed for performance and protection.