There are different grades and qualities of leather used in motorcycle seats and gear, and not all of them are created equal. Some leather are better suited for certain applications than others. So, what about faux leather? Is it any good for motorcycles?
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather, made from PVC or polyvinyl chloride, is good for motorcycles because of benefits like water-resistance, fade-resistance, weather-resistant, etc. However, one main downside is the fact that they get hot in the sun.
Keep reading this article to find out more!
Reasons Faux Leather Is Good For Motorcycles
If you came in for a quick answer, here it is: yes, faux leather is good for motorcycles in many ways. Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the reasons why:
1. Faux Leather Motorcycle Seats Are Water-resistant
One of the main reasons faux leather is good for motorcycles is that it is water-resistant.
This means that you won’t have to worry about your seat getting ruined in the rain or if you accidentally spill something on it.
Water resistance, as far as motorcycles go, is very important because the seating area is always at the mercy of the elements.
A water-resistant seat material, like faux leather, will also be easier to clean because you won’t have to worry about the water seeping into the material and causing damage to the seat cushion or dura foam.
2. Faux Leather Motorcycle Seats Are Fade-resistant
Another important reason faux leather is good for motorcycles is that it is fade-resistant.
This means that the color of your seat won’t fade over time from exposure to the sun or other elements.
This is mainly because faux leather is not dyed or colored the way real leather is. The color is added during manufacturing, so it’s less likely to fade over time.
This is important for motorcycle seats because the seating area is one of the most exposed areas on the bike and can suffer from fading if not protected properly.
A seat that doesn’t fade will maintain its original look for much longer, which is always a good thing.
For more information, you can check out my article on why faux leather does not fade in the sun.
3. Faux Leather Motorcycle Seats Are Weather-resistant
When choosing a motorcycle seat, one important thing to consider is how it will hold up in different weather conditions.
Faux leather, fortunately, is weather-resistant. This means that it won’t crack or dry out in the sun or cold like real leather can.
This is important because motorcycle seats are constantly exposed to the elements and need to be able to withstand all kinds of weather.
Faux leather seats will do fine with or without care and maintenance in extreme weather conditions.
4. Faux Leather Motorcycle Seats Are Very Easy To Clean
As far as cleaning goes, it can get a little bit tricky, especially with real leather. There are soaps you cannot use and certain things you must do to avoid damaging the leather.
Faux leather is much easier to clean because it can take more abuse, and you don’t have to worry about using the wrong soap or cleaner.
All you need is a damp cloth and some mild soap, and you should be good to go. For more difficult stains, you can use a sponge or brush without damaging the surface.
This is important because motorcycle seats get dirty quickly and must be cleaned often to avoid damage and keep them looking good.
5. Faux Leather Gives The Motorcycle Seats A Clean, Unblemished Look
Because faux leather is man-made, it can be made to look like real leather without the common issue of blemishes like dents, scratches, wrinkles, and tears you will find in real leather materials.
Faux leather will come with a clean, consistent look that will make your motorcycle look sharp and new.
This is important because it gives the motorcycle an overall nicer look, which can make a big difference when you are out on the road.
6. Faux Leather Is Available In All Styles, Patterns, & Colors
Most motorcycle enthusiasts will sometimes have an idea of what they want their motorcycle seat to look like.
Fortunately, faux leather can be made into any style, pattern, or color you want. You are no longer limited to the traditional black or brown leather look.
This is important because it gives you more control over your motorcycle’s final look and makes it possible to get exactly what you want.
This can be anything from exotic animal prints to two-tone designs. You can even have your initials embossed into the leather—all of this without having to break the bank.
7. Faux Leather Is More Affordable Than Real Leather
One of the most important reasons faux leather is good for motorcycles is that it’s more affordable than real leather.
This is important because motorcycle seats can be quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to pay top dollar for a seat made out of real leather.
Faux leather gives you the same look and feels as real leather without the high price tag.
So, if you’re looking for a motorcycle seat that looks and feels like the real thing but doesn’t cost as much, then faux leather is definitely the way to go.
There are many reasons why faux leather is good for motorcycles, but these are just a few of the most important ones.
Reasons Faux Leather May “NOT” Be Good For Motorcycles
Now that we’ve gone over some of the reasons why faux leather is good for motorcycles let’s take a look at a couple of reasons why it may not be the best choice for everyone.
1. Faux Leather Motorcycle Seats Get Hot In The Sun
This is definitely one of the biggest drawbacks of faux leather motorcycle seats. They can get extremely hot in the sun, making them uncomfortable to sit on.
If you live in a warm climate or are planning on doing a lot of riding in the summer months, then this is definitely something you will want to keep in mind.
The good news is that there are ways around this. One important thing you can do is installing a mesh motorcycle seat pad. These products are designed to help keep your seat cool by allowing air to circulate through the material.
Another option is to buy an air or water motorcycle seat cushion, a fillable cooling down seat pad that you can use to help keep your seat cool on hot days.
Of course, these products will add a little bit of weight and bulk to your motorcycle seat, but they could definitely be worth it if you live in a warm climate or do a lot of riding in the summer months.
2. Can Be Slippery When Wet
Faux leather is a non-porous material, which means that it can be quite slippery when wet, and this can pose a safety hazard when riding a motorcycle.
Although many of them will have patterns to help with grip, it’s still something you will want to keep in mind, especially if you do a lot of riding in the wet.
The good news is that products are available that can help with this. One option is to buy a motorcycle seat cover that has a textured bottom. This will help to add some grip and prevent you from sliding around on the seat.
Another option is to buy a set of motorcycle traction pads. You can apply these adhesive strips to your seat to help provide extra grip.
They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, so they are definitely worth considering if you do a lot of riding in the wet.
3. Not As Durable As Real Leather
Faux leather is not as durable as real leather, and this means it may not last as long. While faux leather will last longer than cloth seats, it’s still not as tough as real leather.
Real leather may be the better option if you do a lot of off-road riding or are planning on keeping your motorcycle for a long time.
Of course, if you take good care of your faux leather seat and don’t do a lot of off-road riding, then it will probably last just as long as a real leather seat.
All in all, if you are looking for a motorcycle seat that will last for years and years, then faux leather may not be the best choice.
4. You Will Need To Re-upholster Sooner
Another downside of faux leather is that you will likely have to re-upholster your seat sooner than you would with a real leather seat.
This is because the material tends to break down and degrade over time, especially if it’s subjected to heavy use or harsh weather conditions.
If you do decide to go with faux leather, then it’s important to keep this in mind and be prepared to re-upholster your seat sooner than you would with a real leather seat.
5. Faux Leather Has a Low Resell Value
If you decide to sell your motorcycle, then you will probably get less money for a seat that is upholstered in faux leather.
This is because real leather has a higher resale value than faux leather.
So, if you plan on selling your motorcycle in the future, then this is something you will want to keep in mind.
Tips To Make Your Faux Leather Motorcycles Seats
Here are a few tips to help you out if you already have a faux leather motorcycle seat;
- Replace The Durafoam Cushion From Time To Time
If your faux leather seat has a foam cushion, then you will need to replace it from time to time.
The seat cushion will break down and degrade over time, and this can cause your seat to become uncomfortable and also cause the seat material to break down faster.
So whenever you reupholster your motorcycle seats, have the upholsterer access your seat cushions.
If they are not in good condition, have them replaced before you have the seat reupholstered. It is also important to do this even if you have real leather seats on your motorcycle.
- Use A Leather Protector
You can buy a leather protector that you can spray on your faux leather seat. This will help to give your faux leather motorcycle seats better protection from the sun, rain, and other elements.
It’s a good idea to do this every few months or so, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.
- Be Careful When Cleaning
When you are cleaning your faux leather motorcycle seat, be careful not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaners.
You should also avoid using a power washer on your motorcycle seat, as this can damage the material.
Instead, use a mild soap and water solution to clean your seat, and then dry it off with a soft cloth.
If you need to remove any tough stains, then you can use a leather cleaner that is also designed for use on faux leather. Just be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the material.
- Store Your Motorcycle In A Cool, Dry Place
When you are not using your motorcycle, it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place.
This will help to prolong the life of your faux leather motorcycle seat, as well as all of the other parts on your motorcycle.
If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, then it’s a good idea to invest in a motorcycle cover to help protect your bike from the elements when you are not using it.
Final Thoughts And Conclusion
Overall, there are both pros and cons to using faux leather for your motorcycle seat. While faux leather has its advantages and disadvantages, it is still a good option for motorcycle seats.
From water resistance to fade resistance, there are many benefits that make it a good choice for motorcycle seats and gear.
It’s important to weigh all of these factors before making a decision so that you can choose the option that is best for you. Thank you for reading! I hope this article was helpful.
FAQs
Q: Is faux leather any good for protective purposes while riding motorcycles?
A: Faux leather can offer some protection while riding motorcycles, but it is not as durable as real leather. For optimal protection and comfortability, it is best to look into real leather motorcycle gear.
Q: How long does faux leather last on motorcycle seats?
A: Faux leather can last for several years on motorcycle seats if it is properly cared for and stored. However, it will eventually break down and degrade over time.
