Mouldy saddlebags - it’s an age thing.

[Swinborg]

So I waiting for the swing arm to get powder coated, I thought I could do some of the less mechanical stuff, something I could do in the evening.  Soooooo it’s restore the saddle
Bags!  They are absolutely covered in mould and the leather is HARD like plastic.   Has anyone got and knowlage in leather restoration?  Hints and tips much appreciated as I had a quote for ALOT of money to fix them up!

[Jess from VA]

First scrub the heck out of them (avoid bleach).

Then you could try Saddle Soap, but I've never had much luck with it.

If the color is bad or faded, use Kiwi Black shoe polish.  Better than a dry rag is surgical cotton, soaked in cold water, then wrung out (small circles, work it in).  Use an old toothbrush for seams.  Then, better than a buffing brush, use more clean surgical cotton, soaked in cold water, then wrung out.  (spit shine boot method).  Nitrile gloves are better than black fingers.

Then use Kiwi mink oil (again small circles, work it in). This will reduce the polish spit shine, but preserve and soften the leather.  I use no rag, just fingers (maybe with Nitrile gloves). Now buff with boot brush.  When done set them near heat, like the furnace or out in the sun.

There are many leather cleaners and protectors, but I like Kiwi stuff.  

If your lids/bags are collapsed, I think they sell some stiffeners to put inside.  https://leatherlidinserts.com/shop/2000-2007-honda-valkyrie-3-strap-saddlebag-inserts/

[Swinborg]

Wow those inserts are cool!  Never thought of that - great advice!!!

[-mike-]

Forget about these inserts
Compare with pictures on website

They do fit on US Style saddle  bags only
I HAVE these inserts ordered 2 years ago for the same bags you have.
I even asked the manufacturer with picture if these would work .Inserts still in box now.

I fabricated my own then:


-mike-

[Jess from VA]

I've read about others making their own bag stiffeners.

It would not be hard to make some from plastic or something.  The problem would be the right glue (that doesn't stain the leather on the outside). 

[old2soon]

     Just as Jess stated mink oil. I've been working Hard to keep my AMERICAN MADE Redwing boots alive and the mink oil IS helping a LOT!  As Jess said work at it SLOWLY. RIDE SAFE.

[-mike-]

I've read about others making their own bag stiffeners.

It would not be hard to make some from plastic or something.  The problem would be the right glue (that doesn't stain the leather on the outside). 

I followed the Leatherlid Insert instructions, and used leather contact glue and black aluminum core blind rivets  as reinforcement.

If one is interested in a copy of the instruction manual, just drop me a line per p.m.

-mike-

[John Schmidt]

I've had the "privilege" of reconditioning a couple sets of leather Valkyrie bags. I pretty much used Jess' method but when drying, I stuffed them full with enough clothing, towels, etc., to force them to stay expanded to full size while drying. Used one set on a Valk I restored to sell, the other set I sold.

[chief120865]

I use leather honey on my Chief Vintage leather saddlebags. They sell a cleaner and a conditioner it works very well

[ckahler]

My 98 valk came with moldy, collapsed, saddle bags. Cleaning them with Windex got rid of the mold. Pop riveting in a small piece of wood from a latitice pannel did wonders restoring the shape. I did not need to make a complete frame. I have since put the bags on my 500 Shadow.

[Swinborg]

That’s a great idea!

Will look into that…..

….I used saddle soap, but I am seriously dubious of it. I mean adding sugar to mould cannot end up well, can it????

I then used a lot of neatsfoot oil and saphir rénovateur to finish off.  Good news is the leather is now nice and pliable again.  I followed this guys advice, really
Interesting watch either way!!!!

https://youtu.be/BuUGdDJ_q54

Thanks again for the hints and tips - really useful!!!

Max

[BobAnth]

Leather does not like dampness. Damp basements and garages with out good air circulation will continue to give the problem again.