Content Source: 2020 Indian Chief, Chieftain, Springfield and Roadmaster Rider’s Manual (9930566 R03) > Cleaning and Storage Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Leather Care

Leather Facts

Leather is a natural product and will exhibit qualities inherent in a natural material. Fading, wrinkles, grain changes, creases and small marks are assurance that this material is not man-made. As the product is used, each leather product will exhibit tarnish from use. Regular care will help keep premium leather products looking their best.

Exposure to Sun

There are many environmental elements that will contribute to the aging of leather products. Regular exposure to the sun, along with heat from the sun and exhaust system or engine components, may rapidly fade the leather. Heat from the sun will dry the leather, potentially causing it to crack. Periodic application of the INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Leather Care Dressing Kit will replace the oils, maintaining the leather’s natural surface. Periodic use of the Leather Care Dressing Kit will help restore and maintain the oil-tanned color and finish to help keep it looking its best.

Exposure to Moisture

If leather is exposed to moisture, wipe down the leather products and allow them to dry naturally at room temperature. Do not attempt to accelerate the drying process by using heat. Heating the leather will remove the natural oils and cause it to dry out and crack. Whenever possible, take steps to protect the leather from exposure to moisture.
NOTICE
The leather used on INDIAN motorcycles is an all-natural product; exposure to moisture will result in structural changes to the material, causing permanent damage. Regular usage of INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Leather Care Dressing will help prevent this type of damage.

Exposure to Dirt/Dust

Leather items on motorcycles can get extremely dirty with normal use. It is acceptable to wipe down leather products with a sponge and clean water, especially after a long ride. If extremely dirty, use a small amount of mild soap in the water and follow with a clean water rinse.

Leather Care Dressing

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Leather Care Dressing is a leather conditioner formulated to restore many of the oils that are lost from leather due to exposure to environmental elements. This conditioner is suitable for all oil-tanned leather on your INDIAN motorcycle, but it should never be used on suede.
This leather care dressing will also restore some of the color lost through natural aging and now includes UV protection. The rate of aging depends on how often the motorcycle is used, how it is stored, and weather conditions. While visible signs of aging are more noticeable on natural leather, lack of care may cause non-warrantable damage to both natural and black leather.

Leather Care Dressing Application

Apply Leather Care Dressing as part of a regular maintenance regime, such as polishing chrome and washing painted surfaces. Apply this treatment at least one time per month. Apply more often if the motorcycle is regularly exposed to the elements or parked in the sun.
  1. Wipe down leather with a sponge and clean water.
  2. Wipe down leather with a dry towel and allow it dry at room temperature. Do not use heat to accelerate drying time.
  3. With a clean cloth, lightly rub the dressing into the leather and wipe off any excess. Be cautious not to allow droplets or globs of the treatment to sit on an area of the leather as that area will darken. For better results, use a straight wiping motion rather than a tight swirling motion. Lighter areas may need more treatment applied to darken them.
  4. Allow the treatment to dry before riding (typically one hour).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use shoe polish to restore leather color?

A. Shoe polish should not be used on the leather items on your INDIAN motorcycle. Shoe polish contains a dye that can damage the leather and may leave residue on clothing.

Q. What should I use to treat the black leather that came on my INDIAN motorcycle?

A. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Leather Care Dressing is suitable for all oil-tanned leather on your INDIAN motorcycle. Black leather uses a different tanning process and may not require application of the dressing as often.

Q. What should I use on my leather accessories?

A. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Leather Care Dressing is suitable for all oil-tanned leather on your INDIAN motorcycle, including accessories.

Q. Where can I purchase a Tan Leather Restore Kit or the INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Leather Care Dressing?

A. Please see your authorized INDIAN MOTORCYCLE dealer for these products and for all of your motorcycle care needs.

Q. Can I use the leather care dressing after using the tan leather restore kit?

A. Yes. The leather care dressing should be applied at least once per month (more often in extreme conditions) to maintain the desired finish. Apply leather care dressing as part of a regular exterior maintenance plan (e.g. polishing chrome and washing painted surfaces).

Q. How many applications can I get out of one tan leather restore kit?

A. Each kit contains enough product for two applications.

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