ABOUT YOUR ACCESSORY: Several types of leather were used in making your bike's accessories, primarily because of the harsh conditions most bikes must endure. The leather products Frank has made for your bike will stand up to the worst you will ever have to ride through., provided you properly take care of them.

The primary leather used in making Frank's Tank Bibs, Rear Fender Panels, Windshield Bags, Tool Bags, Saddle Panels and standard Mud Flaps is a 9/10 ounce (5/32" thick) Latigo. Latigo is an especially strong and durable leather that has been treated with special chemicals, oils and waxes during the tanning process to produce a leather that is soft and supple, yet extremely strong and flexible; and, because of the tanning process , it is virtually unaffected by adverse weather.

Frank uses an 11/12 ounce (3/16" thick) Saddle Harness Leather for his large Indian Motorcycle Mud Flaps because of the large surface area exposed to the wind. Harness Leather is a thicker more rigid leather than Latigo and will stiffen and become even less flexible with age. It has also been treated with oils and waxes to give it strength and durability, but different types of oils and waxes than those used to tan Latigo.

The thinner, highly oiled, very flexible leathers used to make the sides and flap of the pocket on the Tank Bib, are used because of their ability to flex repeatedly over a long period of time without cracking. Frank uses leather cut from the shoulder of the hide for making his Tank Guards because it is hard and strong leather. It holds up very well to the chaffing and rubbing created by leather chaps or denim jeans.

The hook and loop Frank uses for his mounting system was designed for use under extreme conditions. The hook strip is 100% polyester. It will not creep or shrink with age. Frank has matched the accessory mounting angle with its ideal hook product to give it the greatest holding power (shear strength is rated at 15.45 psi). The adhesive backing on the hook strip is a true "state of the art" adhesive that has superior hold under wet conditions (the adhesive strength actually increases after exposure to moisture), and it has an operating temperature range of - 70 to +350 degrees Fahrenheit. The hook strip's matching loop strip has been sewn onto the accessory with heavy duty nylon thread. The cycle life of the hook and loop combination is rated at 500 openings and closures.

CARING FOR YOUR ACCESSORY: Never expose the adhesive backing on the hook and loop strips to any Citrus based cleaners, commercial Tar removers or the product called Simple Green. Chemicals in these products will destroy the adhesive backing on the hook and loop strips. If you need to remove your accessory for any reason within the first 48 hours of the initial mounting, do so carefully. The adhesive backing on the hook strip requires 48 hours to achieve its maximum strength. This does not mean that you can not remove and adjust the accessory within the first 48 hours, it just means that you need to be careful. You should always remove the accessory carefully, because abuse is not conducive to longevity. If you care for your leather accessories properly, heat, rain, cold or high speeds will have very little affect on them. However, just as you should occasionally check the various components of your bike, you should occasionally check it's accessories to ensure they are securely mounted. Nuts, bolts and screws work themselves loose, and although Frank personally has never had one of his accessories work itself loose, it is possible that your accessory could work itself loose. Frank recommends a quick inspection each time you stop for gas during the first few fill-ups, then at least once a month thereafter.

If your accessories are made from black leather, and they start looking a little dull from exposure to the elements, you can bring them back to an almost new appearance. Carefully remove them, wipe them off and apply a small amount of black leather polish or wax, use only cream or paste type. Frank recommends you use either "Kiwi" (sold in in the round metal tins and available just about everywhere), or "Propert's Boot Cream", which is sold in most Boot and saddle shops. Frank applies a small amount with a buffing brush, wipe the excess off the spots with a piece of old towel, wait a couple minutes, then buff with the buffing brush.

If your accessory was made in tan or brown, Frank recommends you either purchase a jar of "Propert's Boot Cream" in a matching color (Propert's is available in all colors and shades), or you may clean your accessory with Saddle Soap. Keep in mind that tan accessories will gradually darken following exposure to the weather and cleaning materials. This is a natural process and most people feel the weathering process adds character to the leather.

The adhesive hook strips mounted to your bike should be cleaned at least once a year by brushing the strip with a stiff bristled brush. Frank uses an old toothbrush to clean his and remove dust, dried mud, and small rocks.

Take good care of your accessories and they will always be there to protect your bike. If you have any questions or comments, please E-Mail us at EagleCat5969@aol.com