2016 Holiday Gift Guide $250 And Up
Despite all the holly-jolly, ho-ho-ho, and being the most wonderful time of the year and all that, you’re still stumped as to what to buy for that motorcyclist. That’s the bad news. The good news is that you’re flush with cash. So, money is no object, meaning that, while the 98% is looking down in the bargain basement for moto-products, you can play the field. In the spirit of the season (and with hopes that, if money really is no object, you’ll buy some of these for me), I present to you the annual Holiday Gift Guide for presents $250 and up.
(Special thanks to the Friends of MO who suggested some of these gifts.)
Sony X1000V 4K Action Cam with Wi-Fi & GPS – $399
HJC RPHA 11 PRO – $399.99-$599.99
Premium helmets aren’t cheap, but HJC has made a business out of filling helmets with premium features at a lower price than the other top-shelf brands. The RPHA 11 PRO is constructed of carbon fiber, aramid, fiberglass, organic non-woven fabric to create a unique woven blend that produces a shell both remarkably strong and noticeably lighter. The aerodynamic shell structure is designed for performance at elevated speeds, and the shell design is optimized for maximum ventilation using HJC’s Advanced Channeling Ventilation System. The shield system is auto-locking with a spring-controlled lever. Sizes range from XS–2XL in a variety of colors and patterns, including the Boba Fet special Star Wars edition shown above. Pricing starts at $399.99 for solid colors and goes to $599.99 for premium graphics.
Powerlet Microclimate H1 Jacket Liner With Wireless Remote And Controller – $429
So, you want to stay warm this winter? Why not plug the Microclimate H1 Jacket Liner into your bike’s electrical system? Powerlet’s Microclimate Technology utilizes the latest Carbon Nanocore heating elements to produce the highest levels of safe infrared heat with the lowest applied power. The result is being warmed from the inside out instead of having just radiant heat next to your skin. The outside of this mid-layer jacket is a Pro-Form shell that offers climate protection and breathability in a stretchable, easy to wear garment. A heated fleece collar provides warmth along the top of the back and neck. A wireless controller that can be strapped to the wrist or mounted somewhere on the bike allows the rider to fine tune four temperature zones. Yours in sizes XS–3XL for $429.
Tusk Aluminum Panniers with Pannier Racks – $464-$519
Tusk Aluminum Pannier Boxes are made from durable yet lightweight aluminum with a tough silver or black powder-coated finish. The powder-coat prevents the items stored in the bags from getting the black residue produced when rubbed against unfinished aluminum. The bags have a design that eliminates seams on the back two vertical edges (weak spots on other panniers), and all existing welded seams are reinforced with internal stitch welds. Each lid comes complete with four bolt-on footman loops to secure additional items. We thin $464-$519 is a heck of a deal.
Garmin Zumo 595LM Motorcycle GPS – $899
Smartphones may have put the hurt on the GPS market, but if you really want to get your moto-travel on, nothing beats a self-contained GPS. The Garmin Zumo 595LM Motorcycle GPS is a premium unit that features glove-friendly, sunlight-readable 5-inch dual-orientation touchscreen with rugged design for harsh weather. Or how about using Garmin Adventurous Routing to find curvy or hilly roads and limit travel on major highways? Stay safe with rider alerts for sharp curves, state helmet laws, and speed cameras. If you’re wondering what the LM in the Zumo’s name, that stands for Lifetime Maps, meaning you won’t have to pay to keep your GPS up-to-date with the latest road/highway information. Buy your biker significant other one for $899.
Aerostich R–3 One Piece Suit – $1,197
The third generation of the famed Aerostich suit addresses the original’s main shortcoming, waterproof zippers. Previously, in heavy rain, water could work its way past the zippers while the rest of the suit, with its sealed seams on Aerostich’s exclusive American-made mil-spec 500-denier Cordura Gore-Tex fabric. Additionally, skipping the internal liner means the suit is cooler in warm weather. Major impact areas are protected by 1000-denier abrasion-resistant layers and removable, oversized TF impact armor. There’s also oversize 3M Scotchlite reflective areas across the back, chest and ankles to enhance conspicuity in low light conditions.
Aerostich Roadcrafter 3 Review
Available in a wide range of colors, the R-3 One Piece Suit is machine washable. Sizing is: Men’s sizes 34 regular, 36–54 short, regular or long. Women’s sizes 2–20. Order direct from the RiderWearhouse for $1,197.
Airdog Drone – $1,599
AirDog is compatible with GoPro Hero3, 3+ Black, Silver, White (in slim housing) and Hero4 Silver, Black (in Standard Housing), Adapter for GoPro Hero5 available as an accessory. Go ride with yours for $1,599.B.O.B 1500 Air Lift – $1,769
B.O.B 1500 Air Lift – $1,769
Back when we were kids, squatting on the garage floor for hours was no big deal, but now we’re older and can appreciate being able to stand up while wrenching. The B.O.B 1500 Air Lift has a lifting capacity of 1500 lbs., making it possible to elevate even the heaviest of motorcycles to a working height of 40 inches for even the tallest mechanics. A convenient drop-out panel assists in tire changes. Made from durable 11-gauge domestic steel and measuring a full 7 feet long and 28 inches wide, the B.O.B. 1500 has a lifetime limited warranty. Order yours for $1,769.
Triumph Street Twin – $8,700
While the model listed is a reader suggestion, the idea can fit any budget you have. What would make your moto-crazed recipient happier than receiving an actual motorcycle. Prices can range from the bargain basement raw materials for a fun project bike to any reasonably priced motorcycle, like the Street Twin (although the thickness of your wallet will likely determine your definition of “reasonable”), to the almost mythical, like a Honda RC213V-S ($184,000) or a Ducati Superleggera (around $80,000).
Private Track Day – $ Cha-Ching!
All the one percenters do it. Why just this week Keanu Reeves and a bunch of other well-heeled riders rented out Laguna Seca for two days. Heck even King Kenny Roberts was in attendance – riding his old two-stroke 500cc GP bike. While you can’t guarantee that notables like KR show up, unless you know them, you can rent just about any of the world class race tracks for the private use of you and your riding buddies. Go ahead, you know you’re worth it!
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
More by Evans Brasfield
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So that's it then. And still no official John Burns replica bandana.
I guess they can't be had for any price.
Probably wouldn't look good on me anyway.
Neo and the King at a track day? It's a shame no MOrons were invited to report on it.