Types of Leather

The most common materials for motocycle leather are cowhide and water buffalo because of their strength and durability.

Leather goes through a tanning process to strengthing and stabilize it. It also keeps it from decomposing without compromising its strength and structure. There are several steps in the tanning process. After the hair and outer layer of skin are removed the hide is stabilized using one of several possible methods. The riding grade or quality is determined by how the hide is finished. The outer layer of the animal's skin is called the "grain" and will show imperfections such as cuts, scars and scratches. The grain in its natural state has the best fiber strength and the best durability. The grain also has natural breathability which results in greater comfort to the wearer.

Finished Split Leather is the middle or lower section of a hide that has been split into two or more layers. A polymer coating is applied and embossed to mimic grain leather. Finished split leather is best used for low stress applications. These layers can also be used to make suede.

Top Grain Leather has a unifom look that comes from sanding to remove scars and imperfections, and then spraying or pasting it. The smooth side is the side that originally had the hair, the natural grain. While top grain is not the same as full grain or naked leather, a thikness of 1.2 - 3mm make top grain a very strong, durable riding grade material.

Full Grain Leather is made from the finest hides. Because there are no scars or imperfections it does not need to be sanded, only the hair has been removed. Naked leather is hand picked for uniformity and after the hair has been removed, only dye is added to it. This type of leather is very soft and requires no breaking in peroid. Natural full-grain naked leather wears better than other leathers and impoves with wear. At 2mm or more it is the best quality riding grade leather and also the most expensive.