I-13-11-01
11/20/2013
2014 Indian Motorcycle Leather Care
Please distribute this Team Tip to all dealership personnel.
This Team Tip is to communicate information on leather care procedures using Indian Motorcycle Leather Dressing
on all Indian Motorcycle products and to relay information about the Indian Motorcycle Leather Recovery Dressing
available spring 2014. The information below applies to all leather products on Indian Motorcycles; both products
assembled at the factory, as well as leather accessories. To keep the Indian Motorcycle leather products looking
their best for all consumers, and on the showroom floor, we ask that you apply the first treatment of the Indian
Motorcycle Leather Dressing (PN 2830200) during PDI following the instructions outlined in this Team Tip.
About leather:
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 Indian Motorcycle Leather
Dressing (PN 2830200), will replace the oils, maintaining the leather’s natural surface.
Exposure to rain:
If leather is exposed to rain, 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 dry out and crack. Whenever possible, steps should be taken to protect the leather from exposure to rain or
water. The leather used on Indian Motorcycles is an all-natural product; exposure to water will result in structural
changes to the material, causing permanent damage. Regular usage of the Indian Motorcycle Leather 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.
About the dressing:
Leather Care Dressing: (PN 2830200)
This dressing is formulated to add back many of the oils that are lost due to exposure to different elements and will
also restore some of the color lost through natural aging. It is suitable for all Indian Motorcycle oil-tanned leather; it
should never be used on suede. Note that one container of Motorcycle Leather Dressing (PN 2830200) is included
with 2014 Vintage models and is available to order for other models.
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 will cause irreversible, non-warrantable
damage to both natural and black leather. Once the leather is damaged, leather conditioner will help, but will not
fully restore the product. Apply this treatment at least one time per month, more often if the bike is regularly exposed
to the elements or parked in the sun.
Leather Recovery Dressing: Available Spring 2014 (PN 2830201) (PN 2205555 Bulk)
The information contained within this publication is confidential and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws, and is the property of Polaris Sales Inc. This
information is provided for the sole use of authorized Indian Motorcycle dealers and distributors. This information is not to be distributed, duplicated, or copied, digitally
or otherwise, without the written consent of Indian Motorcycle Company
© 2013 Polaris Sales Inc. (Page 1 of 2)
To use Indian Motorcycle Leather Dressing:
To slow the aging process and preserve the leather products on your motorcycle, treat often using Indian Motorcycle
Leather Dressing. Please follow these steps to maintain leather products:
1. Wipe down leather products with a sponge and clean water.
2. Wipe down the leather with a dry towel and allow it dry at room temperature. Do not use heat to accelerate
dry 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. Expect better
results with 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).
5. Repeat monthly, more often if the bike is regularly exposed the sun or rain.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Can I use shoe polish to restore color?
A. Shoe Polish should not be used to treat Indian Motorcycle leather products. Shoe polish contains a dye that
can ruin the leather and potentially leave a residue on clothing.
Q. What should I use to treat the black leather that came on my bike?
A. The same Indian Leather care dressing products can also be used on black leather because they are both
natural products. Black leather uses a different tanning process and may not require the application of the
dressing as often.
Q. What should I use on my leather accessories?
A. The same Indian Leather care dressing may be used on all Indian Motorcycle leather products, including
accessories.
Q. Where can I get more of the Leather Care Dressing?
A. Indian Motorcycle Leather care products can be ordered through normal channels. Specific products and part
numbers are listed below:
Leather Care Dressing – PN 2830200
Leather Recovery Dressing – PN 2830201 (Available Spring 2014)
Leather Recovery Dressing (Bulk) – PN 2205555 (Available Spring 2014)
The information contained within this publication is confidential and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws, and is the property of Polaris Sales Inc. This
information is provided for the sole use of authorized Indian Motorcycle dealers and distributors. This information is not to be distributed, duplicated, or copied, digitally
or otherwise, without the written consent of Indian Motorcycle Company
© 2013 Polaris Sales Inc. (Page 2 of 2)