Your friends and family have probably already asked, “What do you want for Christmas?” If you know, great. If you don’t, here’s a list of products I know you’ll enjoy. Why not just email them a link to this page?
Many of the products are linked using my Amazon affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, I get a small fee that helps offset the cost of the site if you purchase something. The list is small because I’m selective. I’ll add more products as I find and use them. If you have recommendations, tell us in the Leave a Reply box at the bottom of the page.
Gifts under $15
Dorcy 180-Lumen High Flux LED Flashlight – Yellow
A friend recommended this flash light to me. I bought one and liked it so much that I purchased 7 of them last year as Christmas gifts. The beam is incredible. The case is yellow plastic and rugged. They offer several other colors too. There’s one in my utility drawer right now. Not convinced, look at the 700+ reviews on Amazon.
Note: Amazon has them on sale for under $15. I paid much more.
ZANheadgear Polyester Fleece Neck Warmer
Here’s the deal. If you’re riding in the cold without something around your neck, you’re missing the boat. I stumbled upon this product (the one I have is a different cheapo brand) at a motorcycle rally. I was shocked how well it kept the cutting cold from hitting my neck area. I selected this brand on Amazon because of all the positive reviews and because it’s so cheap. Simple yet effective. Perfect.
CrampBuster CB2 Wide and Crampbuster CB4 Throttle Assist
I stumbled onto this product when searching for something to help me hold the throttle on long rides. I didn’t want a full-up cruise control, but I wanted something that would help me hold the throttle with minimal effort. This low-tech solution works perfectly. You will have to fiddle to get it just right, but it is easy to adjust it, even when you’re in motion. Again, simple but extremely effective. Oh yeh, and cheap.
Two-Up: Navigating a Relationship 1,000 Miles at a Time
In this book author Lynda Lahman explains the technical and emotional aspects of long distance riding. She and her husband Terry competed in the Iron Butt Rally — nearly 11,000 miles in 11 days. I knew little about long distance riding when I started the book. Now, I want to ride in one.
The book is also about relationships. I wasn’t as interested in this aspect of the book, but the 85% that concentrated on long distance riding was informative wnd well-written. I could hardly put it down.
Anti Monkey Butt Powder
Alright, I know this is a little awkward. But if you’ve never tried this product, you should. It keeps private areas dry for men and women. Runners, horseback riders and motorcyclists love this product.
If you’re not convinced, click on the link and read the customer reviews on Amazon.
Gifts under $35
ROK 2-pk Tie Downs 18″-54″ Motorcycle Adjustable Straps
ROK straps are great. They are super versatile and don’t take up much space in a tank bag. I love these ROK straps so much, I use to be a wholesaler. Be careful, there are several different sizes of these straps. I recommend these longer ones. I love them and you will too.
ROADGEAR Programmable Hi-tec Digital Tire Gauge
If you’re like me, you struggle checking the pressure in your motorcycle tires. Pressure gauges made for cars just don’t fit well on motorcycle tires. I found this pressure gauge when searching for a solution to this problem. Look at the reviews, and you’ll put it on your wish list, just like I have. It’s kinda expensive, but if it makes checking the pressure in my motorcycle tires easier, it will be worth every penny.
Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
Every motorcyclist should own this book by David Hough. It has tons of practical information about improving your riding skills.
I have to warn you though, this is not a skim-and-comprehend kind of book. It is more like a Calculus book for riders. It needs to be read, studied and implemented through practice. It’s difficult to ride a motorcycle the right way, but the author explains how. This book is a part of my library, and it should be a part of yours. I refer to it often. Look at the Amazon reviews.
Gifts under $50
Battery Tender 021-0128 Plus 12V Battery Charger
A Battery Tender keeps your battery fully charged and conditioned. This is especially important during the winter months when you don’t ride as often. Many say it extends the life of your motorcycle battery. If you’re thinking about purchasing a cheapo knockoff (like I did)… don’t. My want-to-be Battery Tender was a piece of junk. I threw it away because I was afraid it might damage something. Get the one that every loves and trusts. See the Amazon reviews and you’ll see why they’re considered to be the best.
Gifts over $50
Condor Pit Stop/TrailerStop and Condor Trailer Only Chock
When I first heard of wheel chocks I wondered if they were worth the money. After using one and seeing how convenient they are, I’m a believer. It’s the safest way to secure a motorcycle in a trailer, and it’s so easy to pull into one in your garage. It works every time, and it’s secure. The Condor brand is highly rated, as you can see. Fans love them.
Great list – I own that tire pressure gauge and love it. It stores the recommended pressure for front/rear tires and fits easily in between the brake rotors and wheel. I’ve made it a habit to check the pressure before every ride and I’m really surprised how much air my tires can loose over the course a few weeks.
One suggestion on neck warmer – Cyclegear has a line of very thin base layer items called “freeze out”. I purchased the balaclava and can’t express how well it works. It keeps my head, neck and nose toasty and fits comfortable under my helmet. It’s around $20 regular price, but frequently on sale for half of that.
Just ordered 3 copies of the book you recommended…
@Ryan
Thanks for the feedback on the tire pressure gauge… and also the Cyclegear “Freeze out” apparel recommendation.
David
via email…
The two items I think would be handy for any street rider. Is the book “The police rider’s handbook to better motorcycling” available from many places. Also “Police Advanced riding tehniques” by Mike Waite available at http://WWW.mikewaite.co.uk
Both look at how to drive on the street were there is no one looking around blind corners to see if it’s safe to blast through. They do need some translation from the riding on the left side of the road.
While I feel you can never have two many skills while driving a motorcycle. I also feel if you are using emergency cornering or braking skills on the street you need to really look at your style of riding. Or the street may well do it for you.
Frank