Anybody ever put mink oil on theyre saddlebags?

 

I don't think I would do that. Mink is really good for waterproofing leather, but it leaves a residue that attracts dirt and dust. It will stick to it and be very difficult to remove. A good leather conditioner is probably a better choice.

 

Just use Doc Bailey's and you'll be very happy.

 

+1.....only used Mink oil to waterproof. It is also good on baseball gloves to soften the leather.

 

Definately don't use mink oil unless you plan to convert your MC to a Submarine..

 

Gottcha thanks. Glad I asked. I was myself worried about softening therefore inducing the "heritage sag".

I'll look into this doc bailey product. You use it on your seats also? Our seats are real leather right?

 

The seats are vinyl and I've never had to do more than wipe them down to keep them clean.

 

I use to use it on a set of bags years ago. It was provided by the bag manufacturer, Pac Kit. It worked great. I'd rub it in thoroughly, then take a clean rag and buff it. That removed the excess and prevented the dust from gathering on it.

Are there better products? Doc Bailey's is good stuff. There's other stuff out there, too.

One humorous downside that I blame on the mink oil happened at Purgatory Creek campground high up in the Rockies. I think a bear tried tasting one of my bags. Guess he didn't like it, though. I got up in the morning and strolled down to the john. On the way back I saw something steaming vapor beside the Shovelhead. It was a big pile of bear crap, and there was slobber/wet stuff all over the corner of the right bag.

 

I would only use Doc Baileys once or twice a year. Rest of the time I would use a good leather conditioner. Harley sells some that is as good as any, and I use that to clean the seat and bags during normal cleaning.

Doc Baileys is a paste that restores the leather to black. Its a great product, but you need to allow it to dry completly and then buff it out. If you add anything to the bag, or remove anything, and the doc baileys isn't dry and buffed...you will get black on the item that wil NOT come off easily. Make sure you wear glos whn using Doc Baileys.. it will stain your hands for weeks..