2016 Holiday Gift Guide $100 to $250
Whoever said you can’t put a price on love obviously hates America. Of course you can, and the more you spend, the more love you can get. But why fight the holiday crowds when you can sit there on your laptop and gather unto yourself pallets of love by giving your favorite motorcycle aficionado one of the following superb gifts? The true spirit of the season begins kicking in right at the $100 threshold. Set jinglebells to stun, Mr. Sulu.
HJC Superhero Helmet – $249.95
How about one of HJC’s officially licensed Marvel superhero helmets for the big kid in your life? This one’s the Iron Man, but you can also play Spider Man, Venom, the Punisher or Captain America! The Iron Man IS-17, complete with Advanced Polycarbonate shell and three-stage internal SunShield, goes for $249.95.
Milwaukee 6121-30 11 Amp 4-1/2″ Small Angle Grinder – $119
I personally have no idea what to do with this thing, but the all the hep cats in the flannel shirts who make custom bike-building videos have one to shoot sparks across the garage. Milwaukee says its 11-Amp motor delivers up to three times more durability and up to 50% more power than the competition “to power through the toughest jobs.” Well, let’s hope it never comes to that, but it’s a cool tool and it’s red. About $119 at Milwaukeetool.com.
Craftsman 55 pc. ½-in. Drive Dual Mark Impact Socket Set – $149.99
If your aging loved one is still using sockets from the Bronze Age, these are worth the money if for no other reason than because the “Dual Mark” designation means the size of each one is stamped in big easy-to-read digits – twice! This set’s a Hot Buy! Right now, $149.99, at Sears.
Star Wars 74-Z Speeder Bike Quadcopter Drone – $239.99
Here’s your chance to “relive the classic scenes of Endor!” The next best thing to a flying motorcycle, this thing’s supposed to roost through the air at up to 35 mph, and would no doubt be a big hit with the neighborhood cats. Pick one up at your friendly neighborhood Brookstone, for a mere $239.99.
Dainese Bonneville Jeans – $229.95
I have a few pairs of pricey riding jeans, and these Daineses have become favorites. To the casual observer, they’re a pair of stylish Italian jeans, but to the pavement, should the two ever meet, they have a layer of Kevlar/Aramid fabric in the impact zones along with (thin) armor in the knees. Other makers, including Alpinestars and Rev’It, sell similar lightly armored riding jeans, a great compromise between ATGATT and regular jeans for everyday riding: $229.95 at Dainese.
DID 520 ERV3 Gold Racing Chain – $150
Ever since we learned Valentino Rossi runs a standard DID chain on his mighty M1, I have lusted for one for my own streetbike and would wager I am not alone. DID claims its X-ring design greatly reduces friction compared to an O-ring design, and if it’s strong enough for MotoGP, it should last a while on anybody’s beater: Around $150.
Boots For Your Baby – $184
What I don’t know about the ladies could keep Wikipedia busy for years, but what I do know is there’s no surer way to win their undying devotion, if only temporarily, than with a new pair of boots. I personally dig the Harley-Davidson “Mindy Performance” kicks, but be sure to hold onto that receipt because you know how that works: $184.
WEEGO Jump Starter Battery+ with Bonus Battery Pack Holiday Bundle – $119.99
Not only do you get a Heavy Duty Jump Starter Battery+ that can start gas engines up to 6.4L and diesels up to 3.2L (MO Tested here), and charge up any USB-plugged device, Weego also throws in a rechargeable battery pack, with lithium-ion battery cells to charge those things too – all for $119.99: MyWeego.com.
Rizoma RRC Levers – $130
Rizoma of Italy makes all kinds of beautiful and functional levers, mirrors, engine guards, and just plain bling to fit all kinds of sportbikes and Harleys. Personally, I’m lusting after a pair of its adjustable RRC levers for the old R1, priced at about $130: Rizoma.com
Aerostich Center Stand Dolly – $245
I almost want to trade in for a bike with a centerstand to be able to use this: Heavy-duty 360º non-marring, locking casters let you do-si-doe your bike, up to 1000 pounds, all around the garage with minimal effort. $245 at Aerostich.com.
Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder – $139-$169
If your S.O. comes home with blood-curdling tales of being lost and almost running out of gas, here ya go. “The Gas Bag conveniently transports one gallon of hydrocarbon fuel for power sports racing in a collapsible welded film and ballistic nylon reinforced container that rolls up or packs flat when empty, weighing less than 1 pound.” $139 to $169, Giant Loop.
Oakland Repsol Honda Team Hoodie – $133.52
Monsieur’s official MotoGP licensed hoodie contains Honda, Repsol and Gas logos on both front and backs side as well as HRC on the right sleeve and GAS on the left; 40% cotton, 40% nylon, 20% polyurethane: $133.52 at the MotoGPStore.
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Gee John, if you ever get tired of journalism, you'll make a fine QVC host, or carnival barker, or something. I think that WeeGo jobbie might be a fine thing for my wife to keep in her car.