To bug, or not to bug

[Greg]

     You know how the experts talk about having a ritual to make sure you get into a "riding frame of mind" before you ride? One of my rituals is to clean my bike.
      But should a person "de-bug" the leathers? Aren't our bug carcases earned badges of courage? If we de-bug, we look snazy. But on the other hand, we tread on posing territory.
   Oh the dilemma. 1st world problems ... as they say. 


Carcase G

[Elk]

I am a periodic de-bugger; clean when the dead buddies are piled too deep.

Besides, it just takes 15 miles or so of rural riding to begin to seriously replace them and it is tough to look like a poseur wearing real gear.

[carlson_mn]

When it starts to smell a bit fishy from accumulated bug juice, it's time to clean.

[flyinlow]

I've never understood the whole badge of honor with a dirty bike or dirty leathers. Clean them, they'll last longer.

[Joel S]

Any tips for cleaning leather or textiles ??
(Have some held gloves that need a good cleaning too  )

Thanks much

[EdgeRyder]

I usually pull the armor out of the textile gear and run it through the wash then hang dry. 
not sure about leathers... other than running through a good rainstorm.   

Ray

[carlson_mn]

just a nice warm and wet cotton rag and leathers clean right up.  A little mild foaming hand soap rubbed on first helps lift them off and break down the guts.  Nothin to it. 

And yea, I made the mistake of machine drying a textile jacket and it shrunk, so don't do that.

[pkpk]

And yea, I made the mistake of machine drying a textile jacket and it shrunk, so don't do that.

Yep, I always use that line too.  No matter that age has caught up to my fitment size. 

[Vander]

I think de-bugging should happen.  Dead bugs stink in the rain... and I personally don't see them as a badge of honor.  I just think "Wow... that dude hit alot of bugs" 

Tricks that I know for cleaning gear:

Leather?  Leather Wipes by Armor-All
Textile?  Rinse in the shower (hot water) and scrub with a soft bristled brush; drip dry

[Powershouse]

I'll have to look for those Armor-All leather wipes.  I've always used Lexol and a rag for leather gear, including the palm side of gloves.  I use Sno-Proof on the back side of gloves.

For textile gear I use the Aerostich instructions and use Nikwax products to maintain the waterproofness.  http://tank.aerostich.com/pdf/careofaerostich.pdf