Motorcycle Gear Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Equipment in Top Shape

The engine keeps you going, but the equipment keeps you safe. As bikers, we rave about the importance of engine maintenance and what upgrades to make, but talks about motorcycle riding gear maintenance are seldom heard. A morbid thought, but all that protects your skin from asphalt during a crash is this gear. It is something you don't need until you do, and then you hope you have it. The importance of riding gear cannot be understated.

When a biker gets their first motorcycle (or second, not the point to focus on), they get gear with it. Helmets, jacket, gloves, boots, the whole shebang. However, does the rider take care of them? They are just products at the end of the day. And products left unmaintained start to deteriorate, leading you into a false sense of security. Assuming your helmet is as safe as the day you got it, when it's really not, is quite a scary thought.

So, in this blog post, let us share some motorcycle riding gear maintenance tips so our gear actually does what it was advertised to do.

Understanding Your Riding Gear Materials

Before we dive into the cleaning process, let's quickly understand, without being too nerdy about it, the materials commonly used in riding gear. This is important as different materials require different cleaning techniques and products.

So, generally speaking, motorcycle riding gear consists of:

• Leather
• Mesh
• Textile
• Armor

Motorcycle Gear Maintenance Tip Number 1: They Need A Wash

Many riders show severe neglect in this regard. They never wash their motorcycle riding gear, jackets, gloves or helmets.

That is a mistake. All of them come in indirect or direct contact with our bodies and thus our sweat, plus they shield us from elements. Debris, dust, rain, pollution, sunlight, the random piece of object that hits you on the highway; everything.

They get dirty, and they must be washed. Here are some instructions when you start the clean-up process:

• Use cold water and gentle cycles when cleaning your gear. This prevents textiles and waterproof layers from damage.
• Use mild cleansers that are free of chlorine or fabric softeners. Otherwise, you're at risk of reducing the protective qualities of your gear
• Remove liners and armour to maintain their form. This also allows you to reach those not-so-easy-to-reach places and ensures a thorough cleaning.

Drying them the right way matters too. The ideal way is to just let them air dry as unnatural heat sources, like blow dryers, can end up damaging the fabric and lead to shrinkage of armour.

How Different Materials Are Washed

Not all motorcycle gear should be washed the same way. Each material reacts differently to water, soap, and heat, so it's important to know what works best.

Leather: Wipe down with a damp cloth instead of soaking it. Use a leather cleaner or conditioner to keep it from drying out and cracking. Never toss it in a washing machine.

Mesh: Mesh jackets or gloves can often be machine-washed, but stick to cold water and mild detergent. Air dry them instead of using heat, as we mentioned above.

Textile: Textile jackets and trousers usually have protective coatings, so avoid harsh chemicals. Use cold water on a gentle cycle, and always remove the liners and armor first.

Armor: Most armour pieces are removable and can be wiped down separately with a damp cloth. Do not expose them to high heat, as it may alter their shape.

Motorcycle Gear Maintenance Tip Number 2: Storage

Cleaning your gear is only winning a battle; the war wages on. Now, the second phase begins, which is storage. How you store it makes a massive difference in terms of how long your motorcycle riding gear will last.

Here are some key storage tips:

• Keep it cool and dry: Store your gear in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity are sworn enemies of riding gear. Yes, even if you've got rain-ready boots with waterproof protection, it's best to store them away from damp places.
• Use hangers for jackets: Instead of folding, hang jackets on wide, padded hangers to keep their shape. Avoid wire hangers that can dig into the shoulders.
• Boots upright: Store boots upright or use boot trees to prevent them from collapsing and creasing.
• Helmet care: Keep helmets in their protective bag or on a shelf, away from sharp objects or places where they can fall. Never hang them on handlebars, as this stresses the inner padding.
• Avoid plastic bags: Gear needs to breathe, so don't suffocate it in plastic covers. Use fabric garment bags if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my motorcycle gear?

It depends on how frequently you ride. For regular riders, a light cleaning after every few rides and a deeper wash once a month is a good habit. Leather, however, may only need conditioning a few times a year.

Can I put my riding gear in the dryer?

No. High heat can damage protective layers, cause shrinkage, and weaken armor. Always air dry your gear.

Do helmets need cleaning too?

Yes. The inner liners absorb sweat and oils, while the visor and shell collect dust and debris. Most helmets have removable liners that can be washed, while the exterior should be wiped down with mild soap and water.