The holiday season is fast approaching, bringing with it the familiar tradition of gift-giving. While finding gifts for loved ones is easy if you share common interests or understand what makes them tick, the same cannot be said for the motorcyclists on your list. We have a knack for going against the status quo, and the usual gift charade is just not for us! So, I totally understand why you might be feeling a little lost about what to get that special a motorcyclist in your life.
The ideal gift is one that, cliché as it may sound, keeps on giving. It should capture the biker’s attention and help them do what they love better, with a little more comfort and safety on the road. But don’t fret; I’ve put together an awesome list of moto-niceties and general items most bikers crave – just to help you find that thoughtful present at the right price, too. After all, we riders deserve a genuine smile this holiday season, don’t we?
17 Best Gifts for Motorcycle Riders in 2024
Gift Model | Category | Perfect Match | Check & Shop Now |
---|---|---|---|
AGV K6 | Best Street Helmet | Safety-conscious, style-savvy | RevZilla | MotoSport | Amazon |
AGV AX-9 | Best Adventure Helmet | Adventure-seeking, versatile | RevZilla | MotoSport | CycleGear |
Cardo PackTalk Edge | Best Bluetooth Headset | Tech-savvy valuing seamless communication | RevZilla | CycleGear | Amazon |
AGVSPORT Mayhem | Best Gloves | Comfort-focused, performance-oriented | Amazon |
My Mother Warned Me About Blokes Like Me | Best Book | Avid readers with a taste for thrilling tales | RevZilla | Shock&Nawe |
GoPro HERO11 Black Mini | Best Action Camera | Adventure-capturing, thrill-seeking | Amazon |
OGIO No Drag Mach 3 | Best Backpack | Sleek, practical appreciating style & utility | RevZilla | MotoSport | Amazon |
Nelson Rigg Trails End Adventure | Best Tank Bag | Organized, prepared for long rides | RevZilla | MotoSport | Amazon |
Quad Lock® | Best Handlebar Mount | Tech-savvy, convenience-driven | RevZilla | CycleGear | Amazon |
Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus | Best Motorcycle Cover | Protection-focused, weather-ready | RevZilla | MotoSport | Amazon |
Little World | Best Helmet Lock & Cable | Security-conscious, safety-first | Amazon |
Motul Chain Care | Best Chain Care Kit | Maintenance-oriented, bike-care enthusiast | RevZilla | MotoSport | Amazon |
Stockton Roadside | Best Tool Kit | DIY enthusiast, always prepared | RevZilla | CycleGear | J&P Cycles |
AGVSPORT Super Alloy | Best Jeans/Pants | Style-conscious, performance-focused | Amazon |
Michelin Commander II | Best Tires | Road conscious, safety-aware | RevZilla | MotoSport | Amazon |
eGift Card | Best Gift Card | Thoughtful, versatile | RevZilla | MotoSport | Amazon |
Riders Plus | Best Membership Subscription | Community-driven, passionate about riding | RevZilla | CycleGear | J&P Cycles |
I’ve been a rider for over 50 years, so I know exactly what makes a perfect gift for fellow enthusiasts during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. And so, I’ll only recommend items I’ve personally experienced – no overwhelming list of 30 or 50 suggestions, I promise!
To simplify your selection process, I pledge to review gifts thoughtfully in various price ranges: under $50, under $100, under $300, and under $500. Your search for the perfect present ends here, as I bring you a tailored selection based on my genuine expertise and passion for riding:
1. AGV K6 S: Best Street Helmet
Helmets are quite sensitive, and riders carefully select the most suitable one for their riding style, preferences and just the right size and price. Trust me; I would know. But you really can’t go wrong with AGV, especially these dual AGV K6 and AX-9 helmets.
The successor to the K5, the AGV K6, weighing a mere 2.7 pounds (1,220 grams), stands as the lightest road helmet in the world, all thanks to its carbon aramid fiber shell. Its streamlined design, reminiscent of the ECE 22.06-certified Shoei RF-1400, minimizes turbulence and is optimized for all riding positions, catering to sport, touring, and commuting riders alike. In my experience, the AGV K6 doesn’t buffet at all, ensuring stability and comfort, especially at freeway speeds.
2. AGV AX-9: Best Adventure Helmet
I also own the transformer of helmets, the adaptable AGV AX-9. It goes anywhere—through debris, gravel, dirt, or even in the rain or snow, you name it! And gets me to my trails as a quiet and protective full face and then effortlessly morphs into a dirt-ready helmet for green lane adventures.
Yes, the previous iteration, AX-8 Evo, had a glitch in its design where the shield was a bit scratch-tolerant, and the chinbar constantly got in the way of the fun. But the R&D team at AGV listened, and now, the AX-9 edges closer to perfection—at least in terms of being an all-in-one solution. I reckon, the AGV AX-9 is easily the most comfortable dual sport/adventure motorcycle helmet I’ve ever worn in my more than 50 years of motorcycling experience.
3. Cardo PackTalk Edge: Best Bluetooth Headset
The Cardo Packtalk Edge motorcycle Bluetooth headset sets a new standard for excellence, surpassing its predecessors, the discontinued Packtalk Bold and Slim models. Its standout feature is the user-friendly universal air-mount system, effortlessly fitting all helmets, a convenience absent in models reliant on clickable mounts. Powered by Bluetooth 5.2 technology, it offers a 2 Mbps data rate, 15-50% reduced power consumption, and an impressive 13 hours of music playback.
The Edge delivers exceptional sound quality through 40mm-wide JBL speakers, reaching a maximum volume of 120dB—30% louder than its predecessor, Packtalk Bold, and even surpassing competitors like Sena 50S. Furthermore, the Packtalk Edge is exceptionally lightweight at 1.7 oz (lighter than the Sena 50S’s 2.26 oz), offers extended FM radio reception from 76-108 MHz with 6 preset stations, and comes with an industry-leading 3-year warranty, providing users with unparalleled confidence and reliability.
In practical testing, the intercom range slightly fell short of the claimed 1 mile, reaching 0.7 miles. Despite this minor discrepancy, the Cardo Packtalk Edge excels in ease of use, outstanding sound quality, and durability, making it my ultimate gift for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking top-notch Bluetooth connectivity.
4. GoPro HERO11 Black Mini: Best Action Camera
GoPro remains a top choice for many motorcyclists looking to capture their exploits on video for sharing with friends and social media or for keepsakes, despite the growing variety of action cameras available. Building on the success and popularity of the HERO11 Black, GoPro decided to ditch the dual-screen setup and reduce the volume by about ⅓ to give us the HERO11 Black Mini.
And we love it! It has all the same video capabilities and magic as its bigger sibling, HERO11 Black, with the added advantage of being sturdier for motorcycle action. Moreover, the small battery and memory status indicator screen are more practical for chin and chest mounts, where you can view your camera from the top anyway.
And I have to say, the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini (52.4 x 38 x 51.2mm, 133g) might not be as tiny as you would expect for a ‘mini’ version, but you do notice the 20-gram weight reduction from the 11 Black, especially if you have the camera top, side, or chin-mounted on a motorcycle helmet.
I mean, yes, the world’s smallest action camera, the Insta360 Go2, tips my scale at 26.5 g, and even the chunkier DJI Action 2 Camera (39 x 39 x 22.3mm, 56g) dwarfs in comparison to the Mini. But the two also lack the superior Emmy-Award-Winning HyperSmooth 5.0 Video Stabilization that allows you to capture steady 5.3K videos and 24.7 pictures from the footage or even the wide 8:7 Field of View that enables you to record and make editing decisions later.
5. AGVSPORT Mayhem: Best Gloves
Perhaps you can get them a pair of motorcycle gloves that are excellent for quick trips and everyday errands but also reliable for ‘when it happens.’ In that case, you are in luck because the short, CE Level 1-KP (street riding) certified AGVSPORT Mayhem gloves, true to their iconic brand reliability, are just the pair that will last for years. They offer a great balance of grip, comfort, and safety with memory foam palm padding and mesh surrounding the hard TPU knuckles on the backhand to provide a good measure of airflow and crash protection.
But what I love the most about my AGVSPORT Mayhem gloves is that the index finger and thumb are touchscreen-ready, so I do not have to take one glove off as often to receive calls and change the riding mode on the bike’s dash. That, along with the gorgeous faux leather with nylon thread construction, which I reckon looks better than real leather, the Neoprene cuffs liner, and Spandex-lycra motion panels, ensures a comfortable and enduring fit. It’s certainly not the most high-tech premium glove AGV makes, but it is a versatile budget pick that offers the best bang for your buck.
For lady bikers, you can check out the Alpinestars Stella SP-2 V2 Gloves for a slimmer feminine anatomical fit.
6. My Mother Warned Me About Blokes Like Me: Best Book
In particular, “My Mother Warned Me About Blokes Like Me” by Boris Mihailovic invites readers on an exhilarating journey into the wild and unapologetic world of motorcycle clubs. In this gripping memoir, Mihailovic, a member of one of Australia’s toughest motorcycle clubs, shares his thrilling adventures, heart-stopping encounters, and unexpected friendships.
Within the pages of this book, readers are treated to adrenaline-pumping tales that delve deep into the camaraderie, loyalty, and code of honor that bind motorcycle club members together. With raw honesty and a sharp wit, Mihailovic paints a vivid picture of his life on the edge, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected moments of humanity amidst chaos.
Mihailovic’s charismatic storytelling immerses readers in a world where danger lurks around every corner, yet bonds of brotherhood remain unbreakable. The narrative is woven with humor, danger, and a touch of rebellion, making the book a rollercoaster of a read that will leave your loved one breathless and craving for more.
7. OGIO No Drag Mach 3: Best Backpack
In the course of our motorcycling lives, a bag becomes the unsung hero, more than just an accessory; it’s a trusted riding companion that perfectly blends fashion, functionality, and convenience. The two most popular options are a backpack and a tank bag.
In particular, the OGIO No Drag Mach 3 Backpack is best suited for sport and street-riding bikes due to the more aggressive chin-to-tank riding position, allowing the rider to distribute the weight evenly on their back, maintaining balance and stability, regardless of the bike’s position. On the other hand, the relaxed commanding riding stance of ADV, with intermittent standing, allows us adventure enthusiasts to take the burden off our shoulders and strap it onto the beast.
And boy, can these bikes take some weight to their front without affecting their handling characteristics!
8. Nelson Rigg Trails End Adventure: Best Tank Bag
Designed to suit the tapering tank design, the Nelson Rigg Trails End Adventure Tank bag has become immensely popular with riders since its introduction in 2017. As a rider, I can tell you that tank bags are extremely useful for storing regularly used items for easy retrieval while on our two-wheeled motorhome. For me, the Nelson Rigg Trails End Adventure has been a literal lifeline because I stow my first aid kit in an easy-to-find spot, even for non-motorcyclists, in case I take a tumble and pass out.
What I like about the Nelson Rigg tank bag, besides the quick-release mount system that everyone seems to be insanely in love with, is the slim, compact, well-thought-out design that allows me to stand on the pegs of my Tekken 250 SE without impairing the bike’s controls, as large bags typically do. And of course, the clear touch-friendly map pouch occasionally saves me from ruining a new iPhone when it rains, while the practical side pockets keep house keys and a host of other small items I’ll need later.
Yes, and the dust-proof claim by the Rigg Gear Adventure line is true because I have ridden through the Oleshky Sands, and my passport remained unsullied! Oh my, did he just make a reference to GOT?
9. Quad Lock: Best Handlebar Mount
Who needs a map when you have your smartphone, your reliable companion to guide you to your happy place and lifeline in the fast-paced modern world? But before you strap your shiny new iPhone 15 to the yoke of your motorcycle with peace of mind, you need to trust experience over some phony online reviews! The main reason I chose the Quad Lock is the security of my iPhones and the ease of use, as mounting the phone takes a slight one-handed 90-degree turn, easy to do even with a freezing or gloved hand.
When I ride on the street, you will find my phone securely held in a ‘poncho,’ clasped within the Quad Lock motorcycle handlebar mount. In 12 years of using these mounts, I have never experienced an incident where the phone came off the mount, unless I crashed directly impacting the mount or phone. Droid users will be at a disadvantage here because Quad Lock only makes cases for iPhones and a handful of Samsung phones. So, if your friend uses an Android or some other alien technology, I would recommend you consider the RAM Mount X-Grip. It might not be as easy to use as the Quad Lock, but it will grip onto a rock if you want it to.
Also, worth noting is that mounting your phone to your motorcycle handlebars exposes it to potentially harmful vibrations, which can damage the camera auto-focus mechanism, among other things. The remedy? Get the anti-vibration attachment for the Quad Lock mounts to dampen the vibrations. Vibration damping is also inherent in the RAM Mounts X-Grip Handlebar U-Bolt Base, which I prefer for off-roading and adventure rides.
10. Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus: Best Motorcycle Cover
Did you know that motorcycle covers are a leading bike theft deterrent, in addition to keeping out the harsh elements that can destroy the intricate parts of your motorcycle? Yes, people typically don’t covet what they can’t see, and bike thieves, in particular, like to identify the make and model while casing the area before swooping in for the theft. A motorcycle cover also makes sense as a thoughtful gift for your special motorcyclist, especially because the weather becomes increasingly unfavorable for riding this time of year, and they are probably considering storing their bike for the winter.
The Dowco Guardian is a special pick because of its heat-sealed and taped seams, making it waterproof. It also features a sewn-in pocket where I stash a Portable Motorcycle Alarm, treating my unannounced guests to a 113 dB welcome and inadvertently waking up the entire neighborhood. Generally, the larger, the better, if you don’t mind the excess material draping to the floor. This size can accommodate future additions like panniers, higher handlebars, windshields, or sissy bars, lol!
11. Little World: Best Helmet Lock & Cable
Still, on matters of security, it’s often the helmet that is the low-hanging fruit when parked at a rest stop for lunch. How about getting your rider the Little World Motorcycle Lock & Cable, a heavy-duty lock-and-cable combo that allows them to secure helmets, jackets, and pretty much anything they can loop a cable through to the bike’s frame, deterring petty thieves.
Yes, ‘deter’ is the word here because if a thief has enough time and resources and wants the AGV K6 so badly, I don’t think this lock will stop them. But for short stops, this will suffice to avoid carrying around the helmet even for bathroom breaks.
I appreciate the value you get with this particular lock for practically next to nothing. The combination lock mechanism also means fewer keys to lose. Heck, even the bikes are going keyless now, so why not let your special person enjoy this simple yet effective lock and peace of mind?
12. Motul Chain: Best Chain Care Kit
Riding motorcycles and maintaining them go hand in hand. Not necessarily because motorcycles are unreliable, but because we motorcyclists like to be ‘in the moment,’ using rational thought to resolve slight defects or give better love and care to our machines, compared to car drivers who rush to a mechanic every time a ‘check engine’ light pops up.
Even the simple art of cleaning and maintaining a motorcycle chain can be deeply philosophical, as immortalized in Robert M. Pirsig’s work, ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values,’ a must-read for every budding motorcyclist. Speaking of maintenance, the Trackside Rear Paddock Stand is a must-have addition to every motorcycle home garage, just like the Stockton Roadside kit belongs in every travel itinerary.
13. Stockton Roadside: Best Tool Kit
Whether your rider spends countless garage hours seemingly picking apart the bike or is often away for days at a time on a tour, a tool kit is an awesome and thoughtful gift for them this holiday season. Avid adventure riders will tell you, such a small kit as the Stockton Kit by Revzilla can be the thin line between camping on the roadside without a tent or finding a warm bed in a bed and breakfast somewhere.
I carry the Metric version of the kit, which is compatible with most Japanese and European bikes, while Harley riders, I understand, are better off with the Standard SAE one. Although I haven’t experienced any major breakdowns on any of my bikes since getting this kit last year, I recently replaced a blown fuse on the Ninja 400 by the roadside with the one from the kit. I believe it was the mini blade 20A fuse for the Green’s radiator fan control circuit.
14. AGVSPORT Super Alloy: Best Jeans/Pants
Out with the old, in with the all-new AGVSPORT Super Alloy Jeans! I am an all-the-gear-all-the-time (ATTGAT) kind of rider, and while a custom goatskin leather race suit by AGVSPORT is the safer choice, motorcycle jeans are more practical for me off the track. They look just like fashion denim jeans but have a special weave and Advanced Safety Stitching Construction (ASSC), DuPont Kevlar inner lining, and Smooth Ways CE Level 2 soft armor, making them more than 10 times stronger than regular jeans.
As you shop for the right fit for your rider, sizes range from 30-30 up to 38-36, and the 30, 32, 34, and 36 inseams are available for all waist sizes. These jeans tend to fit one to one and a half sizes smaller, offering a snug fit and discrete style in either black, sophisticated gray, light blue, or trendy blue. The 5-pocket design (not counting the additional armor pockets on the sides) allows me to carry my wallet and a few essentials while on the go and helps conceal the fact that these are riding gear.
15. Michelin Commander II: Best Tires
Tires consume a significant portion of a rider’s annual maintenance budget. Depending on where and how they ride, some tires last for only 1,500 miles, while others endure for over 10,000 miles. Enthusiasts who indulge in burnout can wear down a full tread depth in just a few sessions. Surprisingly, even if not frequently used, tires should be replaced every 5-6 years due to the rubber compounds drying out. Unused motorcycle tires come with an actual expiry date stamped on the sidewall as a 4-digit code.
Enter the Michelin Commander II (140/75R17), a contemporary radial tire with a sleek appearance. It features proprietary aramid fiber (similar to Kevlar) construction, enhancing stability and minimizing deformation. Thanks to their Silica Rain Technology, these tires maintain excellent grip on slick wet surfaces. Michelin claims they can endure up to 40,000 kilometers (almost 25,000 miles), nearly twice the range of your average cruiser’s OEM tire, like the Dunlop D407/408 on the Harley Davidson Electra Glide.
Keep in mind, these tires can fit a variety of motorcycles, but it’s crucial to ensure their compatibility with the specific bike you intend to use them for.
16. eGift Card: Best Gift Card
Still unsure of what to get your special motorcycle enthusiast this holiday season? You can never go wrong with an eGift card, letting them buy whatever they desire. It’s a great way to play Santa and support that special someone who rides by letting them choose what they want for Christmas.
Revzilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, MotoSport, BTO Sports, and Amazon offer a wide variety of prices ranging from $5 to $500, and of course, no one is stopping you from gifting two or more of these. Being a virtual card, this option is delivered instantly to the recipient’s email with a custom message, which you can specify during checkout. They also offer an actual printed gift card, which is a physical card shipped out within about 5 days for most locations in the U.S.
But you can only use the card online, unless you live in the Philadelphia area where you can walk into their brick-and-mortar store and use the card on any item of your choosing. The physical certificates start at $15 and go all the way up to $200. Much like their virtual counterparts, they do not expire and can only be used on the respective websites.
17. Riders Plus: Best Membership Subscription
The RPM Membership offers a VIP shopping experience in three of the fastest-growing online motorcycle gear and accessory stores: RevZilla, J&P Cycles, and Cycle Gear. This loyalty program allows riders to earn a redeemable 5% cash back on select brands while shopping on the three sites, enjoy free 2-day shipping, and get early access to certain products.
Revzilla RPM also provides access to a free REVER Pro Membership ($39.9 value), an enthusiast app for GPS navigation, route planning, ride recording, sharing, and more. Additional benefits include a 10% discount on over 70 brands, RPM Concierge Services featuring Calendly, and discounts on bike rentals with Twisted Road.
I've diligently categorized my motorcycle gear recommendations into all available categories, with the aim of providing you with a comprehensive analysis that showcases the absolute best options for all your needs. These items are the culmination of in-depth research, extensive testing, and personal use throughout my vast experience of 50+ years in the world of motorcycling. Besides being a passionate rider, I've held leadership positions and offered consultancy services to reputable companies in over 25 countries. To See Top Picks and the Best Prices & Places to Buy: Click Here! |
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