We have a department dedicated to reconditioning leathers. This service is in addition to our repair service that you may already be familiar with.

When we receive a set of damaged Vanson Leathers, they are inspected and if any repairs are needed a repair estimate will be given along with an expected delivery date. The cost of repairs (sewing, new leather etc.) is not included in the reconditioning charge. (charges for redye are $350 for the first color and $30 for each additional color. We cannot redye metallic or florescent finishes).

After the repairs are completed, the leathers go through our reconditioning process. The various stages of this process utilize the same chemicals and finishes as were used when the leathers were originally made. This is what makes the reconditioned leathers look and feel like new!

Cleaning and Conditioning :
Using a pH balanced special oil wash process, the leather and the lining are thoroughly cleansed. This removes road/track grime and perspiration stains. The wash conditions the leathers by replacing oils lost due to body perspiration and exposure to UV rays. Using the same Conditioners and oils used in the original tanning process ensures pH compatibility, and restores strength and suppleness.

Drying:
This process is carried out in a controlled atmosphere to eliminate shrinking and loss of shape. The leathers then go through a softening stage to remove any stiffness that may have occurred during drying.

Surface Preparation and sealing:
Prior to refinishing, the entire surface of the leathers is prepped by hand. This time consuming process ensures the refinishing dyes adhere to the leather surface. The leathers are then "sealed" to form a chemical barrier between the leather and the finishing fluids.

Finishing:
The original colors of the leathers are identified and selected from the library of Vanson refinishing colors. The suit is sprayed and/or hand painted with the refinishing colors. The colors and their chemical make-up is the same as those originally used when the leathers were made. This process is very labor intensive, especially when the suit has complex graphics.

Clear coat:
For UV protection and to reduce the buildup of dirt, the leathers are sprayed with a clear coat. After this, they are inspected and shipped back looking like new.

Contact us if you are interested in a wash and redye service.

Vanson Roadrace Leathers are a purpose make garment in the same way that a sport bike is a purpose made machine. A sport bike will not function like a Honda Gold Wing, Vanson Roadrace leathers will not function like touring or pedestrian leather.

The suits are the result of years of development, input from professional racers and utilization of Computer Aided Design technology. The result of this is a suit that is the choice of serious sport riders and racers throughout the world.

When on the machine....
the leathers will allow freedom of body movement during cornering and braking. There is ample stretch in the leather flex sections to allow the rider to achieve a tight tuck on the straight-aways. The double leather padding and MkII body armor is strategically placed, but will not impede movement. The sleeves will be slightly loose to allow for muscle pump-up during long races or in hot weather conditions.

When off the machine....
the leathers will feel very tight across the chest and under the armpits with your arms down by your sides. Do not flex your arms upwards and backwards to stretch the chest. The suit was made to fit on the machine with your arms in front of you, reaching for the bars. The suit will also feel very tight from the neck front to the crotch. For more comfort in this area when off the machine, unzip the front zipper about halfway, this will allow the suit to fall slightly off the shoulders and give more room at the crotch.

The sleeves will also appear a bit long compared with a touring suit or jacket. When on the bike though, they ride up to the correct length.

When standing, the knees and knee sliders will appear too low. However, when you bend your knee, you will see that they move up to the correct position.

A Vanson Roadrace suit is a serious piece of apparel that, used for its intended purpose, will give the wearer the freedom of movement and security he or she wants.

Contact us if you are interested in these services
 

Vanson Leather inc. 951 Broadway Fall River, MA. 02724
Directions [508]678-2000 fax [508]677-6773 Contact Us