With a little bit of care these saddlebags will last you many years.We recommend cleaning and conditioning the bags with products like Tannery, Leather Honey or Lexol. If you ride a lot you should clean and condition every couple of weeks, otherwise every 4-6 weeks should be fine.I do not recommend using mink oil or saddle soap, they were made in the 1940s and should stay there.Please do not chemical wash the bike with the bags on. The chemical wash can strip the UV protection and weather protection finish off the bags. If the bags get soaked from riding in a long storm or sitting in the rain, then stuff the bags with newsprint, change the paper out every 30-45 minutes until the bags are dry.  Then clean and condition.If you live in an area where you don't ride during the winter or you plan to not ride for a while, stuff the bags with towels and store in a dry cool place.The bags will last many years if not left on the bike outside all the time. If you don't have a garage take the saddlebags inside with you,