Pity the lonely rider of motorcycles this time of year if he or she is out east or in the midwest.
It’s too cold, too wet, too dangerous to hit the road on two wheels. His or her bike probably sits in some garage, sleeping with a belly full of off-season engine treatment. Unless they live down south or out west, those riders sit as their helmet mocks them. And, if they put on their leathers, it’s just going to be wrong somehow.
So, this holiday season, cut that biker in your life a little slack with a gift themed for motorcycles and remind them sun is coming agains soon enough.
Related: Harley-Davidson through Glacier National Park
Below you’ll find my favorite items from the last year for the rider in your life. Gear tends to run expensive in the motorcycle world, but you’ll find a couple more reasonably priced items here to consider.
Now, bring on spring.
2014 Motorcycle Gift Guide
Half the country can't ride motorcycles around the wintery holidays, but you can still snag your beloved bikers some perfect gifts.
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Yamaha FZ-07
PRICE: $6,990
BUY IT NOW: Yamaha.com
We start a motorcycle gift list with, oddly enough, a motorcycle. A versatile, fun, lightweight urban cruiser, the FZ-07 is extremely well-built for a bike you can snag for less than $7,000.
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Icon 1000 Outsider Jacket
PRICE: $550
BUY IT NOW: Icon.com
You're going to see a lot of Icon on this short list because, while I've tried a lot of gear from different (and often larger) manufacturers, Icon is consistently the best looking and best made. A comfortable, well-armored riding jacket, the Outsider looks good enough to be my everyday winter coat.
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HJC RPHA Max Helmet
PRICE: $425
BUY IT NOW: Amazon.com
I've owned two of these HJC RPHAs, and I keep saying I'm going to try out something new for my regular head protection while riding. But, I keep coming back to the RPHA Max for its modular design and excellent ventilation.
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Bell Schott 60 Year Jacket
PRICE: $810
BUY IT NOW: Bell.com
More of an insider item, this jacket is a throwback to the original biker jackets of the 1940s and 1950s. Bell is only making 250 of these collector items — a design partnership between Bell and Schott, the original American motorcycle jacket brand.
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Icon 1000 Prep Gloves
PRICE: $150
BUY IT NOW: Icon.com
Another great lightweight option from Icon, the Prep Gloves offer ample protection — especially for more vulnerable sport bike riders. Inspired by racing gloves, the Preps are contoured and joint reenforced.
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Sena 20S Bluetooth Intercom
PRICE: $299
BUY IT NOW: Sena.com
Send leads the industry in well-made, reliable intercom systems allowing bikers traveling in tandem or in groups to communicate or answer handsfree calls. The 20S stands at the top of the Sena line and is an essential tool for any riders who like to travel en masse.
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Harley-Davidson Helmet J-Hook
PRICE: $6,990
BUY IT NOW: Harley-Davidson.com
Not every motorcycle gift needs to be expensive. This simple gizmo will stop you from setting your poor helmet on the ground or prevent the risk of it falling to the pavement.
You can't buy the concept Livewire yet, so this allows you to hang up your helmet while you wait.
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Bell Bullitt Helmet
PRICE: $399.95
BUY IT NOW: Bell.com
Another throwback item as retro is always in style for bikers, the Bullitt from Bell was new in 2014 and recreates classic helmets of the 1960s and 1970s. I think it's simplicity and aggression made it the best new helmet of the past year.
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Icon 1000 Quartermaster Cardigan
PRICE: $125
BUY IT NOW: Amazon.com
A more affordable and lightweight outerwear option for riders, this Quartermaster can be worn on its own in warmer weather climbs or as a layer under a heavier riding jacket.
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Ducati 1199 Panigale
PRICE: $18,995
BUY IT NOW: Ducati.com
We might as well close out with a motorcycle, too. The Panigale is a street legal superbike – a machine for an expert rider and a true enthusiast. Technologically advanced and faster than a nerve impulse, the Panigale also sports the best noise in consumer motorcycles. A guy can dream.
