How To Care For A Leather Trimmed Motorcycle Helmet

A clean visor is a safety item as much as a comfort one, since scratches and haze scatter light and make it harder to judge distance in low sun or Recommended Looking at night. Clean a visor with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and avoid dry wiping, which is what causes most fine scratches in the first place.

A leather trimmed helmet needs a little more attention than a plain shell, but the upkeep is straightforward. Dust and light dirt can be wiped away with a soft, dry cloth, and any marks are best treated with a product made for leather rather than general household cleaners, which can dry the material out over time.

The result takes longer to arrive than an off the shelf helmet, and that is by design. A made to order piece is fitted, finished and checked individually before it ships.

A made to order helmet starts long before any material is cut. Measurements are taken, the intended use of the helmet is discussed, and a rider works with the maker to settle on a shell, lining and finish that suit them specifically, rather than picking from fixed stock sizes.

Neither format is a universal answer. Weather, speed, journey length and personal comfort all play a part, and many riders end up owning one of each for different trips.

Sun and heat are the two things to watch for. Leaving a helmet on a dashboard or in direct sun for long periods will dull and eventually crack leather trim, so a helmet bag or a shaded spot makes a real difference over the life of the helmet.