[Arizoni]

I have an old black leather motorcycle jacket.  The kind with the overlapping front with a diagonal zipper, some large and small pockets just like the jackets worn in the '50's.

I've had it for over 20 years and wonder of wonder, it still fits me.
It has several battle scars on it which serve as mute testament to the tens of thousands of miles we've ridden together.

I really haven't done anything to preserve it and got to thinking today, what should I use?

I have a good brand of real Saddle Soap with oils, lanolin and waxes, and a bottle of Meguiar's Gold Class Leather Cleaner along with the old standby, Kiwi Black shoe polish.

Does anyone know which is the best to use and what the possible negatives of using one or all of these might be for my old leather jacket?   It's been a friend for a long time and I want to keep it happy.

[gizzo]

Wow. Sounds like my old jacket. That style's called a Brando jacket in Aus. Maybe the same in the US? Still got mine, second hand about 25 years ago in as new condition, a bit worn and with a little road rash like yours now. It still fits perfect and is really comfortable. I never gave it any leather treatment or cleaned it though so no advice there....

[Richard230]

In addition to saddle soap, I like Lexol leather conditioner.

My son-in-law likes mink oil.  He got a hold of one of my leather jackets earlier this year and now I smell like a big mink.

[REpozer]

As Richard230 stated Lexol leather conditioner
Once a year.
I don't know of any negatives.
Rub it in let it set overnight.

[Ice]

 Another vote for Lexol.

[mattsz]

God, Jerry!  Sounds like you persevered in the end, though!

I didn't know you could repair a leather jacket after the EMT's got through with it...

[ace.cafe]

I think for cleaning, a good quality saddle soap  would do fine. Always test any cleaner on a small spot inside the jacket to be sure that it doesn't remove any color.

The preferred leather treatment would be Pecard's leather treatment in small amounts, rubbed in by hand,  and buffed. However, I also use Lexol on my boots and other leather items and it works well on them. I just use the Pecard's on my expensive Schott horsehide jacket because they specified it as the best thing to use.

[tooseevee]

I just use the Pecard's on my expensive Schott horsehide jacket because they specified it as the best thing to use.

            How did I just know you'd have a Schott 

[ace.cafe]

            How did I just know you'd have a Schott 

Oh, just a lucky guess, I suppose!
 

[High On Octane]

I use Lexol on my leather jackets.  Cleans quite nicely and leaves the leather soft and pliable.

[Arizoni]

I thank you all for the helpful responses.

I ended up using the saddle soap and now both my jacket and I am very pleased with the result.

Thanks again. 

[Scotty Brown]

Excellent product --Leather Honey leather conditioner (www.leatherhoney.com)  Used on horse bridles and halters and all tack.  I use it on my Enfield leather saddle bags, gloves and jackets, leather hats etc.----Lexol also an excellent product --Soap OK but not as much penetration into the leather.