Motorcycle Leather Types and Quality
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Motorcycle Leather Types and Quality
Most people think of leather as being cowhide and indeed, it is the most common Capable of expressing numerous textures and quality, cowhide is quite durable and suited to various uses A natural byproduct of the meat industry, cowhide is suitable for use in furniture, garments and accessories . .Thickness is a primary factor in how leather is used and for what purpose Thicker leathers are suitable to uses that require extra durability, such as in motorcycle leathers They not only offer superior protection but can also offer exceptional style This is typical in the case of jackets and chaps where you may need a second skin between you and the elements . .Fashion leather is often made from softer, more supple leathers that can be lambskin, pigskin, buckskin or goatskin Lambskin is known for being a very soft, luxurious leather often used in form fitting vests, skirts, pants and light jackets Pigskin has its own delicate textures and soft silky naps that make excellent shirts, sportswear and blazers . .When choosing leather, you may run into terms that can be confusing Here are some definitions . .Naked Leather is a term that refers to unblemished leather without scars or uneven grain in the garment . .Split grain refers to any leather that is not from the actual outside of the hide and is better known as suede It has better flexibility than top grain leather but is not as durable or as waterproof as top grain . .Full top grain is from the smooth top layer of the hide With more durability and stiffness than split grain, it better resists water and abrasions . .Leather adjusts to the temperature, which will keep you warm in winter and still cool in spring and fall When selecting garments for waterproofing, look for items constructed with as few seams as possible, since stitched seams become weaker as the materials degrade, inviting leaks . .There are four basic methods of waterproofing for leather; oil based, wax based, silicone based and water based Oil based compounds soften leather making it more pliable and more rip resistant . .Wax based water proofing tends to cut down on breathability However, this method is commonly applied to boots and can be quite effective, if reapplied regularly Be sure to buff off the excess as it can attract dirt and grime Wax is not recommended for application to jackets or vests since it cuts down on air transference when perspiring . .Silicone will stiffen leather when exposed to low temperatures and does not aid in conditioning the leather Silicone is recommended over wax for boots with a Gore-Tex liner, because it is more breathable . .Fluoropolymer is water based, comes in a spray can and has been rated the best by authorities on the subject Suitable for use on leathers that have been treated previously by a different method, it dries quickly, repels stains, and does not change the appearance of most leather However, it does not condition the leather and if concerned about possible staining, treat a small inconspicuous area first . .To see years of quality wear from leather, carefully choose an item made from the best thickness and type for its function .
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Why I Like Classic Car & Cycle People!
While watching the TV news, I was appalled at how many people can’t just get along, to quote Rodney King. It is truly a very sad situation. Then I thought about all the different types of people we have at our event and how well they all get along. In the 18 years we have been doing our events, we have never had any trouble with the participants at our shows. Bikers, Low Riders, Classic Cars, Hot Rodders, Sports Cars types and Tuner owners, they all attend our classic car & cycle show and all of them have a great time. Don’t get me wrong, they all have different likes and dislikes, but they are tolerant of their fellow gear heads. The world could learn a lot from Gear Heads! Learn to appreciate the other person’s point of view. Low Riders always draw a crowd when they put their vehicles through their “dance”. Now I’m not at all interested in having a car that hops, but I sure can appreciate the work and engineering that goes into allowing thousands of pounds of Chevy to bounce six feet off the ground. I also don’t want a car with 1000 horsepower with a blower sticking out of the hood. but I sure do enjoy checking out those types of cars at the car shows. The way I see it, we are all different and we should revel in these differences not curse them. Diversity makes the world an interesting and fun place to live in. It’s a shame that some people feel its either their way or the highway. Whether its religion, politics or drive trains, we all need to love our neighbors and that which makes them unique. If the world was made of Classic Car and Cycle People, what a wonderful place it would be! See Ya There! Ray Taylor Owner of the San Diego Auto Swap and the Classic Cars Net Free Classifieds http://www.CarsNet.com http://www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com Ray Taylor is the owner of the real world San Diego Car & Cycle - Show & Swap. He also owns www.CarsNet.com, www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com
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