After a wet ride

Wet leather is fragile. Dry it the wrong way and you'll end up with cracks, hard spots, or shrinkage. Dry it the right way and it lasts decades.

Right after

Wipe off standing water with a clean towel. Don't rub — pat. Then take it off the bike if you can.

Drying

Air-dry at room temperature, away from heaters, fireplaces, and direct sun. Heat is what cracks leather, not water itself. Patience over hours, not minutes.

Once dry

Condition with leather conditioner — water pulls oils out of the leather, so put them back. A small amount (dime-sized) on a soft cloth, worked in evenly.

[Replace with your preferred conditioner brand and any region-specific advice for salty winter rain, etc.]