Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Pocket Bikes Mini Bikes More Fun Than A Barrel Of Monkeys!




By now, almost everyone has seen a pocket Bike Some people may think it's a toy, and some people may see it as a real motorcycle, only smaller. The truth is, pocket bikes and Super Pocket Bikes are really machines of a sport that has been sweeping Europe and Japan for over 5 years. They are well built with an aluminum or steel frame and will be a fun and sleek style of bike. They are not incredibly fast, but will have speed enough to get over hills and have a lot of fun. There is lots of fun to be had with these wonderful little machines.

Americans got their first glimpse of pocket bikes just a few years ago. They were brought here from Italy and cost upwards of $4000 a pocket bike. That is what really kept the sport from growing here in the U.S. While many found these pocket bikes cool and interesting, not many people were willing to buy a mini motorcycle for almost the price of a real motorcycle.

Some pocket bikes are run on gas and some on electricity. Gas models are faster than the electrics. If the bikes are for a younger person the electric might be a good idea. The electrics have there own charger and you simply put them on the charger overnight. Pocket bikes were very expensive when they first came out but prices have dropped very much.

Fortunately for us today, there are several manufacturers that have taken the principals pioneered and tested by these original manufacturers and applied them to the pocket bikes and super pocket bikes you see today. Costs have been cut, and more technologically advanced manufacturing plants have further driven down costs. However, some manufacturers also cut the quality of the parts and motor that goes into a pocket bike.

So what is the difference between a pocket bike & a super pocket bike? A pocket bike is smaller in size and lighter in weight. If you have ever dreamed of competing in a motorcycle race or event, the smaller pocket bike is the way to go. It accelerates very fast, reaches the finish line in a matter of a few seconds and has a very flat torque curves. This is ideal for racing. These smaller pocket bikes also have less bells-and-whistles for the sake of weight reduction. Weight, in any vehicle, is the enemy.

Pocket bikes can be found in many stores. You can find them in department stores or in some of the motorcycle shops as well. There are many great deals online. It will depend on the type and the amount of money that you want to spend on your pocket bike. It is going to be so much fun shopping for the perfect bike for you.

Depending on what country and or state you live in there will be differing rules and regulations for riding these great little bikes. Some places demand that you must be licensed to ride on the road while others say because the motors are of a smaller size you may ride them on the road without a license.

The author has two online stores.
A motorcycle leather clothing online store he also has Gutz LeatherLadies and mens leather clothing

Building A Chopper The Easy Way




Building A Chopper The Easy Way
Maybe you don't have loads of cash or just like doing things for yourself. Building a custom chopper can be fun and you can gain a great deal of satisfaction from doing it yourself.It takes patience and dedication but if you have average mechanical abilities you can be successful.

Build a custom bike kit first. This way you have all the parts you need and it will be a great way to learn how to build a chopper with less frustration. You will find out about your strengths and weaknesses, what you like or dislike in parts, and you will accelerate your learning for your next custom chopper built from scratch.

To avoid unpredictable result, experienced chopper builder recommend waiting until you can afford buying all the accessories from one manufacturer. Waiting may not be easy when it comes to building your dream come true. But when you finally complete your custom chopper, you will be really glad you waited.

You can and you can find some custom parts to add to it if you like. There are many sources online if you want to add parts. There are Salvage yards and also parts locators online or you can try a local salvage yard if available.To save money you can find used mirrors, wheels, seat, handlebars . Online. Add a nice paint job and this will make the greatest difference to you Chopper.

Aside from the overall style, the one thing that will make your bike truly unique is the paint job. A lot of custom bike kits come with pre-painted tanks in a variety of slick styles. If you can't find a pre-painted style that you love with the bike design that you want, you can always sand down the tank and have it repainted in your own style.

More than likely, you're going to run into roadblocks along the way even though most custom bike kits come with detailed instructions. When this happens there are plenty of resources online with advice and forums with question and answer logs. Try documenting your own progress on a blog so that others who need answers in the future can find them on your site.

When shopping for custom bike kits, it's important to look at more than price. Custom bike kits do cost less than ready made bikes, but that doesn't mean that bottom of the barrel prices will yield a quality motorcycle. There's no problem with shopping around for competitive prices on reputable brands. Buying an unknown brand based on price alone can be trouble.

Once you've done your research and chosen a quality custom bike kit that fits your style and your price range, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the freedom and satisfaction of your own custom chopper. With the intimate knowledge you'll have of every construction detail of your bike, you'll be able to add new parts to further customize the look of your bike throughout your years of ownership. The one thing better than cruising on a chopper is the satisfaction of having built it from the ground up.

The author has two online stores.
A motorcycle leather clothing online store he also has Gutz LeatherLadies and mens leather clothing

Monday, December 24, 2007

The coming of the electric motorcycle




May 31, 2005 Electric motorcycles are in their infancy but there’s a realistic promise of electric motor performance that is more suited for the racetrack than that of internal combustion engines and infinitely better suited for the road. As the first electric bikes find their way onto racetracks and begin mixing it with two and four strokes, it appears you need three times the horsepower in a gas-powered motor to get a bike as fast as an electric bike. And then there’s the new 500bhp 67 Kg Symetron electric motor which should really kickstart performance electric automobiles and bikes. Personal electric vehicles have always struggled to capture the attention of the masses. While electric vehicles held their own in the early years of motoring and indeed held the land speed record for a time, battery technology was simply not ready and electric vehicles eventually perished against the power and range of vehicles powered by the internal combustion engine, not to mention Henry Ford’s cost efficient mass production techniques.
In the early years, mobility was the unique proposition which drove sales of all automotbiles but as penetration rose to the point where most people had a car, mass marketing was called upon to stimulate demand and since that time, automobiles and motorcycles have been largely sold on emotion.
Most registered road-going conveyances can do at least twice the speed they are legally allowed to do, and there’s a growing percentage that can triple the speed limit. For motorcycles, that percentage is much greater than with cars.
A high performance internal combustion engine snarls and growls and appeals to base emotions. Electric motors don’t snarl. In their most familiar form they drive rather than power a range of domestic appliances we do not equate with passion or brute force - electric toothbrushes and carving knives, hedge trimmers, can openers, screw drivers and, heaven forbid, dentists drills.
Despite a rash of high performance fuel cell, hybrid and electric prototype show cars from Honda, Toyota and Mitsubishi designed to promise the future, electric power is still largely regarded as the domain of tree huggers and greenies and the radical left. Performance electric cars are seen as at worst fictional, and at best, rare and expensive and they are not made by Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, Koenigsegg or Bugatti. No-one would sell the children to buy one.
Which leaves a rather large gap in the market, because the time is already here when electric motors can “do the business.”
Electric MotorcycleReliable, Professional manufacturer You will find the one you like herewww.luyuan.cn

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Leathers a buyers guide to leather motorcycle apparelSeptember 12, 2006




When pondering the purchase of motorcycle leathers, there are several issues that one must consider. While one would think that style would be first and foremost, in actuality, it is the protection that a good set of motorcycle leathers affords the skin that is of the utmost priority for any serious biker. Leather has over the years been proven to be the best material for motorcycle clothing, due to its resistance to tear, its natural warmth, and its acting as a first layer of defense, coming between the biker and the rough asphalt road. Leather has often literally saved the skin of many bikers.
All leather is not the same. In this article, I will attempt to address the choices that a biker faces when purchasing motorcycle leathers. We will explore the different types of hides available, the different tanning processes, and how to tell the differences.
There are basically three hides that you will run across when looking for motorcycle leathers: Pigskin, Buffalo, and Cowhide. You may at times find such hides as Lamb skin, sheepskin etc. Just make a note that these hides are inferior and should not be considered riding grade leather.
PigskinSometimes called Soft Leather, pigskin is very thick and soft to the touch. It will keep you warm in the winter and looks very nice. There is nothing wrong with soft leather (pigskin or lambs skin) except that it has a tendency to tear, is not very durable, and is not considered riding grade leather. If you are looking for the Biker Look but do not ride, Pigskin is the way to go! Also, for garments that are not neccessarily worn for protection, (such as leather vests) pigskin and lambs skin are excellent choices due to their suppleness and pliability. There are many fine styles available in soft leather and it is the least expensive leather out there. If you ride, stay away from Pigskin for protection; spend the extra money to protect yourself with some true riding grade motorcycle leathers.
Buffalo HideAnother high quality leather, Buffalo Hide is not from the North American Buffalo, but the Water Buffalo, a native of India and Pakistan. Many leather products come from this part of the world, and the Pakistanis are world renown for their expertise in the manufacturing of leather garments. Buffalo hide is also very thick (ca 1.2mm) and can be tanned in both top grain and naked leather processes. Durable and not easily torn, Buffalo Hide, though not as common as cowhide, is considered to be riding grade leather. CowhideThe most common material used for motorcycle leathers is Cowhide, chosen for its strength and durability. It is anywhere from 1-1.3mm thick, depending on the tanning process, is naturally warm, and will afford the utmost protection against road rash. The ultimate in riding grade leather, Cowhide is the choice of Bikers everywhere.
Whichever type of hide you choose, you need to also understand the tanning process, and how it adds or detracts from the quality of the leather. Leather was once the skin of an animal, and therefore must go through a tanning process to strengthen it, and to keep it from decomposing. Tanning makes the skin stable and rot proof without sacrificing its structure and strength. The tanning process involves several stages, including the removal of the hair and the outer layer of skin, as well as the fatty part of the flesh. The hide is then stabilized by one of several methods using animal oils, alum, chrome salts or vegetable tanning. How it is actually finished determines the quality, or riding grade, for our purposes.
To fully understand choices available, one must first understand the term grain. The grain is the epidermis, or outer layer of the animals skin. While imperfections such as cuts, scars, and scratches will exist, the grain in its natural state has the best fiber strength, and therefore the best durability. The grain also has natural breathability, resulting in greater comfort to the wearer.
Finished Split LeatherThe middle or lower section of a hide that has been split into two or more thicknesses. A polymer coating is applied and embossed to mimic grain leather. Finished splits should only be used in low stress applications because they basically have no grain. If the polymer coating is left out it is often used to make suede. Not considered to be riding grade, but can look good nevertheless.
Top Grain LeatherTop grain leather has been sanded to remove scars and imperfections, then sprayed or pasted for a uniform look. The smooth side is where the hair and the natural grain used to be. Top grain is probably the most common material found in motorcycle leathers. It is not the best leather available, but with a medium price range, and thicknesses of 1 to1.2mm, top grain leather is considered to be a strong and durable riding grade material.
Naked LeatherAlso known as Full-Grain Leather, this tanning process uses only the finest of hand picked hides. Full Grain leather has only the hair removed and is not sanded to remove imperfections, thus the epidermis remains in tact. Naked (without embellishment) Leather has nothing other than the dye added. Full grain naked leather requires no breaking in period and is soft to the touch from the very beginning. Hides are typically 1.3+mm thick, and must be hand picked for uniformity. The natural full-grain naked leather will wear better than other leather, and will actually improve over the years. This type of leather is the ultimate riding grade; the most sought after, and consequently, the most expensive.
How to Tell the DifferenceFinished Split will be thin. Most riding grade leather is at least 1mm thick. Top Grain leather is the top of the skin and has small bumps all over where the hair follicles used to be. Top grain garments are somewhat stiff when new, and require a breaking in period. On the other hand, naked leather, or full grain leather is very smooth and does not exhibit the small bumps that are present in top grain. Nor is the garment stiff when new. Naked leather is soft to the touch from the beginning and requires no breaking in period.
Pigskin, or Pig Napa most resembles naked leather, in that it is a soft and supple hide, and can also be very thick. Not to say that it happens often, but beware of unscrupulous retailers that try to pass pigskin for full grain cowhide. If its cheap, its probably pigskin. Lamb skin is also very soft and pliable, though not as thick as pigskin. Lambskin also has a smooth surface.
Things to keep in mind are that most leather garments are manufactured overseas in India, Pakistan, and China. The Made in America garments are going to be the most expensive on the market, and the quality of the hide and the workmanship is not going to be that much better. Many motorcycle leathers are designed in America and made in Pakistan. As mentioned previously, Pakistan is world renown for its leather expertise, and you should be able to trust their labeling. Pakistan exports both Buffalo hide and Cowhide garments. Leather garments manufactured in China are usually made from pigskin. This is not to say that its always the case, but you should be able to tell by price.
Remember, if you ride Dont skimp on the Motorcycle Leathers, they could someday save your hide!
About the Author:Michael Talbert is an online retailer of leather and textile motorcycle apparel. For more information you can visit his websites at Biker Leather Ltd. and Extreme Biker Gear .

Motorcycle Leather JacketsBy: Smitha




There is no good way to really start out writing about the topic of motorcycle leather jackets without mentioning the history, or little bit of the background information about the motorcycle jacket as it stands today, giving the generations after its’ fashionable push a new way to glimpse the motorcycle jacket as more than just for motorcyclists. Classically motorcycle jackets are tough and usually leather jackets with linings to keep the motorcycle rider warm throughout whatever length their trip goes, and the leather makes the rider able to struggle through the erosive pull of the wind.
Directing most of this through the manufacturing process is usually a person who has the ability to keep the machines moving, as the manufacturing process becomes much more mechanical to save costs on the materials being combined with the effort, and the brands that create their own spin on the leather motorcycle jacket become more unique as the times begin to shift trends in a new direction. It can be difficult to condense all the processes into a short synopsis to explain appropriately the way in which a design becomes a reality, and the creation becomes a wearable good that can be shipped all over the world.
In America, where this look really seemed to take off, the leather is still hand-cut from premium-quality American leather to be custom-tailored to a rider’s personal measurements. Perfected over sixty years of designs, these jackets are still popular with riders the world over, and can be shipped to any destination relatively easily and affordable. Ordering information can be just as easily acquired over the Internet, as well as through any number of catalogs that will give the shopper a good choice of materials, and can make the most of the amount of money that the average consumer would be willing to spend.
Motorcycle Jacket - Large selection of motorcycle jackets and gear
For more motorcycle articles visit: http://www.motorcycle-articles.com

How To Choose A High Quality Motorcycle BootBy: Gregg Hall




Todays biker is looking for classic styling, high performance and unmatched quality--from their boots and their bikes. So what should you look for when buying motorcycle boots? First you want Premium Oiled Leathers, the best leather available.
This Black Odessa Leather is waxed and oiled to make the boot more water resistant. I prefer the Vibram Chippewa Sole. This is the best motorcycle boot sole in the industry. This particular motorcycle boot sole is oil resistant and provides good traction due to its high surface contact area. Since a lot of us are around oil spills and such working on our bikes, this is a must have. Buy cheap boots without oil resistant soles and the oil will eat them away.
Another thing I prefer is Goodyear Welted Construction, which greatly adds to your motorcycle boot durability. Make sure the motorcycle boots are stitched, not glued, meaning that the soles are completely replaceable when you do finally wear them down, and lets face it motorcycle riders are tough on their motorcycle boots. The uppers are going to last virtually forever so dont make the mistake of buying motorcycle boots without replaceable soles.
Another thing overlooked by many is a Toe Shifter Pad. This is of major Importance to bikers because it protects the toe and arch from fatigue and damage due to gear shifting. Thats not something that everyone thinks about but its important.
Make sure the motorcycle boots you buy have Quality Non-Tarnishable Hardware. You want your motorcycle boot hardware to look as polished and shiny as your bike.
I also like the Texon Insole which takes moisture away from the foot to keep it as dry as possible. The insole is also anti-microbial, preventing bacteria growth in your motorcycle boots. Make sure the lining of your motorcycle boot is fully leather lined with additional upper padding to provide maximum comfort.
Look for the Bison Stampede Collection from Chippewa which is made from the American Bison. This leather is supple, comfortable, and durable. It normally outlasts regular bovine leather by as much as 50-80%.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses. Look at www.motorcyclegearandaccessories.com for your motorcycle gear.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

How The Pros Save Up To 80% On Motorcycle Parts-10 Tips For Success




When you consider buying used motorcycle parts and accessories you have several options. Lets consider each and see the pros and cons. Buying from a brand name dealership is one way to go. It's also a great place to inquire about used motorcycle prices. Some brands have a reselling program which guarantees the bikes quality. Honda and Harley and even BMW have such a program.

The advantages of Buying from a general dealership is a general dealership has many different brands and sells different quality bikes I would prefer to buy directly from the owner than a general dealership.Buying from an auction Consider this option only if you are experienced.

There is a huge difference buying and riding.Last but not least Buying from the previous owner. This is your best way to find out about the bike, history and other specifics. But it's best to know a little about the market prices for the motorcycle part or accessory you want to buy.

Now that you have decided to buy read the following purchase tips

.1. Shop online. It's not uncommon to save 70 to 80 percent on some parts. I'm talking about used parts mostly. Remember all Motorcycle run on used parts.

2. You can multiply your chances of success by using a parts locator. Parts locators are tied into salvage yards all across the US. Searching on your on could take hours. Just fill out a simple form and let them do the work. Check the end of the article for part locators.

3. After market parts are another way to save in some cases. These are parts made by another manufacturer. In some cases these may be even better than original parts. You can always check the reviews of parts online if you have concerns.

4. Check EBay and other Auctions For new and used parts if you can find your part you will probably get it for a fraction of the cost that a dealer would charge.

5. Do a search on your favorite search engine under the term used motorcycle parts. You'll probably be amazed at the results.

6. Check your local yellow pages for a Motorcycle salvage yard. The chances are good around the major cities.

7. When buying used parts be sure the part is guaranteed to arrive in working condition.

8. Don't install used or after market parts if your motorcycle is under warranty. In some states this may void the warranty.

9. Place an ad in your local classifieds. These are usually low cost ads and if you find the part that you need, this may be the most economical way of all to find parts.

10. There's a few online classifieds devoted to motorcycles. You can get lucky here once in awhile.If you can do a little of the work your self and find used or rebuilt parts it's possible to save a great deal of money, Especially when rebuilding or restoring some of the old bikes. I hope some of these tips have helped a little. May God be with you.

About the Author (text)The author has two online stores With beautiful leather clothing. http://www.bikerleatherz.com and http://www.gutzleather.com
About the Author (HTML)The author has two online stores.A motorcycle leather clothing online store he also has Gutz LeatherLadies and mens leather clothing

The Incredible Electric Motorcycle-Latest Developments




Global warming, high gasoline and oil prices have several companies and many experimenters working on battery powered Motorcycles.

Advances in battery technology and super efficient motors have made the electric motorcycle practical. Also fuel cells have started to appear on some models. Thin film fuel cells and other fuel cell technology promise an exciting future.

The first mention of electric motorcycles in patents was in the 1860's but we have come a long way since then. Modern electric motorcycles are super efficient, have almost no emissions and require less maintenance.

The advantages of electrics are Lower fuel costs. It cost about one tenth as much to ride an electric. They are almost silent with almost no emissions and lower maintenance costs.

The disadvantages are higher up front costs, and shorter range. Although Gas powered motorcycles get extraordinary gas mileage--with many getting more than 50 miles per gallon--they emit more pollution than even large SUVS because they aren't equipped with equivalent emissions-control technology.

With new emissions standards, SUVs are 95 percent cleaner than motorcycles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While motorcycles could help reduce oil consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions, these gains come at the price of dirtier air.Electric motorcycles eliminate tailpipe emissions, keeping pollution out of the city, and they can be powered with clean sources of electricity.

What's more, electricity costs less than gasoline. Most of the advances have been in battery technology.Electric motorcycles are practical today because of advances in battery technology. Lead-acid batteries, which have been used in electric motorcycles in the past, are very heavy, provide a short range, and last for only a couple of years.Some of the commercial models uses nickel metal hydride batteries. This type of battery is lighter than lead-acid batteries and more durable Lithium-ion batteries, in turn, are lighter than nickel metal hydride, and new chemistries have made them durable as well, lasting as long as or longer than nickel metal hydride batteries.

These cycles are powerful and capable of high speed. In 2006 the word speed record for the quarter mile was set at 9.1 and 135 miles per hour. Later that year the record was broken again by the same team, this time 8.9 seconds at 145 moles per hour.Most of the production models are limited to 70 miles per hour or less. This is because they are set up for city riding. This helps extend the range, which is one of the weak points now.

Major advances in fuel cells promise an exciting future for electric cycle and cars.
In one university study shows that it should be possible to make thin skin fuel cells the size of a couple of cans of coke that would power a whole house. Many companies are using hydrogen as a fuel, but ethanol and many other substances can fuel them.

The major thing that is holding back electrics right now is price. With some of the models selling for $15,000 they're not exactly for everyone.But prices will drop, batteries will improve and new technology in fuel cells will make the electric cycle and car a practical reality soon.

About the Author (text)The author has a long history in electronics. Spending several years as a Broadcast Engineer and a self-employed communications technician.He is the owner of http://www.bikerleatherz.com.His new site is http://www.gutzleather.com
About the Author (HTML)The author has a long history in electronics. Spending several years as a Broadcast Engineer and a self-employed communications technician.He has two online stores.A motorcycle leather clothing online store he also has Gutz LeatherLadies and mens leather clothing

The Natural Beauty Of Leather




Leather is an incredibly wonderful natural fabric that's been used for thousands of years. No man made material has been able to surpass the natural beauty and toughness of leather. It can be tanned and dyed. It's tougher and lasts almost forever,if taken care of. Some leather if tooled makes beautiful wallets belts saddles rifle scabbards and other items.

Another advantages are in motorcycle clothes it gives a degree of safety in case of a spill.

Leather conforms to your body like no other material.Leather can be dyed by several methods one method is called drum dyeing a process where the item in immersed in dye and tumbled in a rotating drum. Aniline is Leather that is colored all the way through with a transparent dye. The effect is applied by immersing the leather in a dye bath. Because the finish is transparent and shows the natural markings of the leather, only the best quality hides can be used.

One additional method is called Waxing, which is what the term "Waxy Cowhide" refers to. The cheapest Split Hides are occasionally run through a conveyor that uses a Wax/Dye Sublimation process to basically "melt crayons" into the hide. This can be either very expensive or very cheap, depending on how many imperfections in the hide there are and the type of machinery it's run on. There is no grain on a Waxy Cowhide and it is almost as glossy as Patent Leather, so it has very few and limited uses.

Most Waxy Cowhide in Motorcycle Apparel is of the cheaper variety.Leather - is a material created through the tanning of hides, pelts and skins of animals, primarily cows.

Leather is a very important clothing material, and its other uses are legion. Together with wood, leather formed the basis of much ancient technology. Leather with the fur still attached is simply called fur.

In advertisements you may see the term distressed brown as a color. This is the natural color of the leather. All of the other colors are achieved by dyeing.

When looking for leather items you may see the term Naked Leather this a term used to describe hides that are tanned and colored (dyed) but are not finished as you would normally think of. Since the finishing process is used to hide natural defects in the leather, Naked Leather hides must be hand selected for thickness, uniformity of grain, and lack of defects. Because they are unfinished, they are extremely soft to the touch and have that "broken-in" appearance and feel while still brand new. Naked Leather hides are not defect-free; they just have fewer imperfections.

Tanning is the process, where hides are chemically cured to prevent deterioration. The chemicals used in this process also enhance the flexibility of leather and improve its ability to withstand extreme humidity and temperatures. There have been recent advancements in tanning that produce even higher quality leather.

Tanning is followed by another process that restores the natural lubricants lost during the conversion of rawhide into finished leather.

Nothing Equals Leather For Beauty, Function, And Versatility the qualities of leather - created by nature and preserved by the tanner - are superior to those of any man-made or synthetic material. Leather provides support. DURABILITY - Leather "breathes" allowing air in and moisture out. A natural insulator, leather protects against extremes in temperatures and humidity. BEAUTY - By its very nature, leather comes in a wide range of pleasing textures and surface patterns. It also takes well to a variety of finishing processes, designs, and color applications.

About the Author (text)The author has two online stores With beautiful leather clothing. http://www.bikerleatherz.com and http://www.gutzleather.com
About the Author (HTML)The author has a long history in electronics. Spending several years as a Broadcast Engineer and a self-employed communications technician.He has two online stores.A motorcycle leather clothing online store he also has Gutz LeatherLadies and mens leather clothing

10 Tips To Help Your Motorcycle Leather Last Longer




Your biker leather can be damaged by excessive moisture and dryness but with proper care Motorcycle jackets, boots, chaps and saddlebags can be kept looking very nice and last for years.

Check out these simple tips and your leather will look beautiful and last for years.

Generally speaking people like leather because it is easy to care for. It is not, however, indestructible.

In general, the more heavily finished a leather surface is, the more resistant it is to spills and stains.Untreated leather absorbs, and is easily stained, by oils. Abrasive cleaners, and organic solvents can also harm it. Soap and water is good for routine cleaning, but commercially available leather cleaners may work better.The latter often contain lubricating materials, which are intended to keep leather supple.

Really dirty leather may require the use of a mild detergent solution but care should be taken, because some detergent solutions may not be pH balanced, containing compounds that could harm the leather. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. It is also a good idea to damp-wipe rather than soaking the leather with water.

If you love the smell of leather, the touch of it, the sense of protection it offers as well as the way it makes YOU personally feel, then read the top 10 leather care tips and additional information.

1.Unprotected leather is susceptible to spotting from water and other liquids; a newly purchased leather item should be treated immediately to prevent permanent stains. Be sure to use a product that will not clog the pores. Leather needs to breathe.

2.When using a commercial cleaner to clean you item be sure to get matching items cleaned at the same time. There may be a small color change after cleaning. This is natural and to be expected. If you get matching items cleaned at the same time this won't be a problem.

3.Prevention is the best cure. Treat your new item as soon as it arrives. Store in a dry environment, don't use harsh household chemicals and avoid preparations that contain alcohol.

4. If your leather gets wet hang it on a padded hanger and allow it to dry air dry. Apply a little conditioner when the leather is nearly dry.

5.Small repairs can be done with rubber cement. For example if the hem in a skirt is starting to unravel a little rubber cement saves the day.

6. For spills: Wipe up excess liquid immediately with a clean clothe or sponge. If necessary use clean lukewarm water and let the leather air-dry. For spots and stains: Apply a mild, non-detergent soap solution with a clean, wet sponge. Rinse well and let air-dry. Especially stubborn dirt may require a detergent solution, but care should be taken. For butter, oil or grease: Wipe excess butter, oil or grease off the leather with a clean, dry cloth, then leave it alone as the spot should dissipate into the leather in a short period of time. Do not apply water to try to wash a butter, oil or grease mark.

7. Use Caution if using mink oil or other animal fats they will darken leather.

8. Avoid turpentine and mineral spirits as they can pull color.

9.Do not use waxes, or silicone formulas or other leather preparations that impair the ability of the leather to "breathe".

10.To remove gum from leather heat it with a hair dryer until it is completely dry and then rub it off with a dry cloth. If there is any marks left apply some conditioner.With proper care, leather out wears denim 20 to 1. I've heard stories where a good quality, well-maintained leather jacket can last as long as 50 years! Find out everything you can about your leather jacket, get the right stuff and set aside time for mandatory cleaning. If you don't do it yourself, then pay a pro to clean your leather jacket for you. You can thank me later for that tip!


About the Author (text)The author has two online stores With beautiful leather clothing. http://www.bikerleatherz.com and http://www.gutzleather.com
About the Author (HTML)The author has a long history in electronics. Spending several years as a Broadcast Engineer and a self-employed communications technician.He has two online stores.A motorcycle leather clothing online store he also has Gutz LeatherLadies and mens leather clothing

Why Buy motorcycle leather online? The simple answer is to save large amounts of money and get high quality products.




Before writing this article I visited a couple of motorcycle clothing stores and checked prices. It's clear that in many cases you can save up to 300 or even 400 percent on leather products.I might add it's possible to find online stores where you can pay more.

One main reason that you can save is that online stores have very little overhead. The local brick and mortar stores may be paying $2000.00 to $4000.00 just In rent. Believe me some people choose the highest price article and believe that automatically assures them the best products. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Some sites operate with a low overhead and rely on volume sales to making a small profit on each article. Others reason that it requires less work and fewer employees to sell with a much higher markup.

I think it's clear that you want a business that is selling high quality merchandise with a low markup.I'll give 10 tips designed to help you make an informed buying decision.

1. Remember while style is important it's the protection the leather gives you that is most important.

2. You probably want top grain or naked leather. For medium priced articles choose top grain. If you want the ultimate in leather choose naked leather. The hides are hand picked for the highest quality.

3. Make sure your online store has a sizing chart. You usasally by a size larger when buying leather. This will be spelled out on the sizing page.

4. Choose an online store that has one-piece leather jackets and chaps these are the high quality item that you want. Some sell thinner leather that is glued together to make the final thickness. These are cheaper inferior items.

5. Don't look for the highest prices and assume your getting the highest quality.

6. Motorcycle wear can be leather or a man made product. Always choose leather for cool weather riding. Cordua: a Nylon product may be all right for warmer weather.

7. Compare several online stores and choose on with medium prices and high quality products.

8. Choose leatherwear that is 1mm or more thick Cow or Buffalo hide. This will assure you are getting a high quality product in most cases.

9.Remember Leatherwear made in the USA is going to be very expensive. Many of the best buys are designed in the US and made in Pakistan China or elsewhere.

10. If you have any questions email or call to get answers before you buy. If they are a reputable company they will be happy to help you.

One thing I haven't mentioned is safety. Wearing clothes with reflected stripes could save your life and that's the most important thing of all.

I sincerely hope these tips help. May god be with you?

About the Author (text)The author has two online stores With beautiful leather clothing. http://www.bikerleatherz.com and http://www.gutzleather.com
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