Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Breaking in a leather jacket

Anyone one know of some good ways to break in a new leather jacket that's stiff as hell as rapidly as possible besides the obvious...wearing it???? Thanks

-Josh

Hi Josh,

No I don't know of any ways except the obvious. Perhaps you could curl up those areas that are too stiff and store it that way when not in use? The issue is really of flexing the hide's fibers. So this might do the trick. Also, a conditioner might help soften it up. Ask the folks who sold it to you what they recommend as far as a conditioner is concerned. Or try this link: Leather Care

Josh, here is another link for a product I have not tried... URAD

Here is another conditioner that I like to use. I use it on all my leather. The last time I used it was on my new boots. They were super stiff, Obenauf's helped soften the leather, so they are very comfortable now.Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP

Soren

Used to use shaving cream with lanolin when I was breaking in a baseball gloves, think it would work on jackets, but I haven't tried it.
Wearing the jacket always works for me- especially this time of year (reminds me of what I am not doing that I want to do).

Here is something you can try it is by Tandy Leather, I've used it for last 20 yr or more. It doesn't change the color of leather ( darken the lighter leathers, like mink oil or saddle soap ). It is Dr. Jacksons Hide Rejuvenator. It cleans,protects,conditions & softens. Just pasted on my First leather jacket to a riding buddies wife who is leaning to ride, & after 25 years it looks almost brand new. It has been across many miles & thru 3 bikes. Shame it got too small, they don't make them like they used to, with thick hides anymore.
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Keep the rubber side down & the wind in your face.

Sadle soap does a credible job.

Hi Greybeard,

I too use a clear glycerin bar. That is more commonly referred to as 'saddle soap'. Although I am using Corbin's saddle cream on my Corbin's saddles.
Saddle soap is found at any saddle shop, saddle shop as in horses.

My jacket loosened up considerably when I got caught in a drenching rainstorm.