Coolest Gifts for Motorcycle Riders

Pros

• Easy installation
• Guaranteed phone security

Cons

• Phone case not included

Directions don’t come naturally to many motorcycle riders, and the amount we get lost is a testament to that. Sometimes getting lost is part of the adventure, and sometimes you just want to get home. Either way, it couldn’t hurt to have a map within eye reach while you’re on the move. And thanks to Quad Lock products, that’s now possible.

Quad Lock makes a huge variety of phone mounting products and motorcyclist-specific products are some of the most popular. This particular unit, the Quad Lock Motorcycle Handlebar Mount, includes everything you’ll need to install it on any motorcycle and allows for your choice of mounting angle. You’ll also need to get one of QuadLock’s sleek phone cases to complete the package. 

Pros

• Adjustable
• Renowned biker brand

Cons

This distressed trucker hat makes a great gift for any motorcycle rider. It’s ideal for throwing on when the helmet comes off, or just for wearing around the garage.

If you don't like this one, Hot Leathers has plenty of styles and colors available; t-shirts too. Check them out here.

Pros

• Unparalleled safety
• Re-packable even after crash. 

Cons

• Pricey present, but what price safety?

The Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 System is tuned for street riding and can fit under just about any textile jacket. How does it work, you ask? Three gyroscopes and three accelerometers monitor the rider’s speed and body position to identify when major abnormalities (read: crashes) are happening. The vest will inflate to protect the shoulders, chest, ribs, and full back and is proven to reduce impact forces by 95%. 

It’s the single best investment you can make in your personal safety as a motorcyclist.

Pros

• Made for riding with features motorcyclists will appreciate
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Not everyone rides a Harley but hey, black socks are universal

These Harley-Davidson UltraDri 3 Pack Poly Blend Riding Socks are made of 75% ultraspun polyester, 20% nylon, and 5% spandex. UltraDri moisture wicking keeps feet cool and dry, while the embedded arch support reduces foot fatigue during the ride. They also feature reinforced heel and toe protection and a ribbed “stay-up” top for a secure comfortable fit. 

This 3-pack of men’s size large fits shoe sizes 9-13. Best of all, they’re made in the USA.

Pros

• Impressive detail, surprisingly affordable
• 750ml is enough for a full bottle

Cons

• Kinda cheesy but kinda cool, too

This 750ml hand-blown glass decanter is shaped in the form of a sport bike and boasts surprisingly intricate detail. No matter if your favorite motorcycle rider uses it as a display or actually fills it with booze, it’s sure to make a statement. It measures 11.97 x 8.66 x 5.71 inches. 

Pros

• Choice of metric or SAE kits. 
• Seemingly always on sale

Cons

• Too large to carry on sportbikes?

The Stockton Roadside Tool Kit has a massive selection of tools to aid in almost any mechanical motorcycle emergency. The tool organizer rolls up to fit in most saddlebags and storage areas. 

Need help deciding which kit is right for you? Harley riders are going to want the Standard (SAE) toolkit, while nearly all other vehicles will use the Metric kit.

Pros

• Ergonomic, comfortable design 
• Carrying case

Cons

• Won’t last forever

Tired of rolling up those foam earplugs and stuffing them in your ears? Try Earpeace Moto. Get it, Ear Peace? I was skeptical about these when offered, especially at $29.95, but for that price, you get a number of them, along with a handy carrying case. 

They work as advertised to block out unwanted noise on a long ride and they don’t get your ear canals sore as those foam plugs do after a daylong moto. You can also wear them discreetly at concerts without looking like an old person. Perfect stocking, or ear canal, stuffer.

Pros

• Made of durable zinc alloy
• Money-back guarantee

Cons

• Corny, yes, but fun & functional

Die-cast from zinc alloy, this charming bottle opener is durable, compact, and rust-resistant for long-term use. It’s small and easy to carry, but works best in the kitchen or garage. It’s great for the shop. 

It also comes in a cool gift box. If you’re looking for an inexpensive gift for a motorcycle lover, you’ve found it.

Pros

• Includes both black and white removable faux shearling collars
• Renowned Australian motorcycle apparel brand

Cons

• Armor sold separately

Sa1nt's Unbreakable denim jacket with its snap-on/off faux-shearling collar (both black and white collars come with the jacket) is back, and more protective than ever. The classic denim styling now features internal pockets for D30 armor (sold separately) in the back, shoulders, and elbows to keep you even safer should things go south. 

Pros

• Connect to up to 15 other riders
• Phone, music, and voice control

Cons

• Self-installation required

Hand signals from your riding buddy can only go so far, especially when a waving arm could mean anything. Communication systems go a long way toward enjoying group rides and Cardo’s PackTalk Edge is the perfect communication system for individual and group use. The waterproof model includes a Mesh network Bluetooth connection for phone calls, directions, and music while also allowing for rider-to-rider communications.

That’s right, you can conference with up to 15 riders directly, though we’d recommend keeping it to three or four max. JBL speakers are included in the package and make communications and music crystal clear. Best of all, you can set up voice commands and speed dial to make sure those eyes stay on the road.

Pros

• High visibility
• Storm flaps and armpit ventilation

Cons

• Baggy fit

Do you trust Nelson-Rigg to cover your motorcycle? We do, and you should, too. But do you really trust them to keep your arms and legs dry in a torrential downpour? Again, we do, and you should, too.

The Nelson-Rigg Stormrider Rain Suit is the perfect rain suit thanks to its modular construction and high visibility. It’s a two-piece suit with pieces that can be worn individually, making it usable in a light drizzle or monsoon. 

Two large outer pockets are joined by a full-length zipper with a self-fastening storm flap, meaning it won’t leak despite being a two-piece. A soft corduroy inner collar keeps it comfortable. The price varies depending on size, and it comes with a two-year warranty.

Pros

• Compact enough (10" x 12" x 2") to fit in a saddlebag

Cons

• Are there any?

Correct tire pressure is crucial to safe riding and long tire life, but checking the pressure, finding a gas station with a working air pump, and filling the tire is a chore that many of us ignore. Harley-Davidson's Air Pump is designed to simplify this necessary procedure by being small enough to carry with you. 

This all-in-one pump plugs into your bike's battery charging harness and features a built-in 0-160psi pressure gauge and bright LED work light. The 11" air hose and 6-foot fuse-protected power cord easily reach the front and rear wheels, and are stored in convenient compartments when not in use. Kit includes pump, valve stem extension, and nylon carry bag

Pros

• Motorcycle specific design
• Waterproof laptop slot

Cons

• Mid-range storage, but can size up to R30. 

Kriega is the leading brand in motorcycle baggage, and its backpacks are no different. Waterproof inside and with 20 liters of storage space, the R20 backpack is perfect for commuting and it features Kreiga’s harness-style fasteners. An innovative technology pioneered specifically for motorcycles, the chest clip and straps allow the bag’s weight to be pushed forward, making sure that the weight stays centered on the back without disturbing your riding balance. 

It’s the perfect motorcycling backpack, as far as we’re concerned.  

Pros

• Stylish, incognito look
• Waterproof and protective

Cons

• Limited color and size choices

The Chelsea boot is a classic, inspiring a host of variations from dressy versions to rugged hiking models. And now you can wear a pair on your motorcycle, thanks to Italian boot manufacturer TCX. By adding a side zipper to the otherwise elastic slip-on boot, TCX has made a classic silhouette safe for motorcycling and stylish too. A proprietary waterproofing lines the inside of the boots, keeping your feet dry and serving as an insulator for winter riding. 

Safety is the utmost priority when riding, and these Staten WP CE-certified boots live up to the task, with a reinforced malleolus area, toe, and heel. 

Pros

• Handheld size makes for easy storage
• Flashlight and USB port connection

Cons

• Good for 3-4 motorcycle jumpstarts before recharge

Finding your bike’s battery dead is never fun, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Scosche makes this 300 amp PowerUp Portable Jump Starter that will get your bike going in no time. Charge the pack overnight before you head out the door, pack it away under your seat, and enjoy the ride knowing you can save yourself and a friend if need be.

Not only does this compact piece of tech work to restart your bike, but it also features two USB ports and a flashlight for ensuring proper connections at night. 

Pros

• Protective, leather construction
• Waterproof, insulated, and heated

Cons

• Thick handlebar feeling

California motorcycle riders will be confused to hear the term “heated gloves,” but salty East Coast/Midwest riders will be all too familiar with the concept. As winter approaches, fair weather riders are thinned out and the all-weather riders emerge, layered up. A necessary layer in freezing temperatures is appropriate gloves, ideally these Highway 21 Radiant Heated Gloves.

Powered by a 7V battery, these leather gloves are like any other armored leather gauntlet, but they get nice and toasty. Riders can tune their heat preferences across three levels and the gloves are insulated and waterproof on their own, making them an excellent choice for sub-freezing riding. Sizes range from Small to 3X-Large.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Reminder cable included

Cons

• Not universal fit

Whether your bike is a tool for metropolitan mobility or rural enjoyment, it’s never a bad idea to lock it up when parked. Motorcycle theft is a huge problem in major cities around the world but a simple disc lock will fend off the majority of thieves. Kryptonite makes it simple with the Keeper Disc Lock, blending hardened materials with affordable pricing.

A spring-loaded locking cylinder makes securing your bike easy, but make sure your brake rotors are drilled before you buy. The locking pin works by threading through drilled brake discs, though this lock fits nearly every bike. And don’t forget to use the orange reminder cable; we know from personal experience that trying to ride away with a disc lock on isn’t a pretty sight. 

Check out all the Kryptonite locks here.

Pros

• All you need for most late-model Harley repair functions

Cons

• Harley-specific, and only '02-later models

If your favorite rider rides a later-model (from 2002) Harley, this all-in-one tool is an ERC ("Every Ride Carry") item. This compact folding tool is equipped to perform basic on-the-road service functions on most late-model Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It offers two Torx bits (T27, T40), three Hex bits (3/32", 1/4", 3/8"), a Phillips ccrewdriver bit, and two slotted open-end wrenches (9/16", 1/2"/10mm). In true Harley fashion, the kit includes a nylon pouch with hook-and-loop closure and bar-and-shield logo.

Pros

• One size fits all
• Great for all kinds of sports and activities

Cons

• Doesn't fit larger than a 40-inch waist

Sitting in the saddle for extended periods of time means riders need as much flexibility as they can get. Arcade's elastic performance belts stretch to move with you, providing valuable freedom of movement for motorcyclists of all sizes. One size fits all (up to 40 inches), many colors and styles are available, and they transfer seamlessly from riding pants to streetwear. 

Pros

• Motorcycle-safe certified
• Portable with carrying bag

Cons

• Outdoor power source needed

The Muc-Off Motorcycle Pressure Washer Bundle comes with everything you’ll need to keep your bike fresh, including chain lube and a motorcycle-specific cleaner. The pressure washer itself is rated at 1015 psi and comes with a handy carrying bag as well as multiple nozzles. A 4.0-liter bottle of washer-specific snow foam is the pinnacle product of the kit, though a number of other Muc-Off products are included. 

Microfiber towels are there to make sure you correctly dry the bike off as well as a mild Motorcycle Protectant, which keeps it looking fly for weeks to come. 

Pros

• Anti-scratch pads
• Steel construction

Cons

• Some bikes are too low or too tall

Maintaining your motorcycle can be challenging without a garage and lift. Tirox has got us covered though, with its new SnapJack V2. A collapsible tool for propping up your rear wheel, the SnapJack uses the bike’s swing arm to leverage, allowing access to the chain and wheel. An anti-slip pad for unpaved surfaces is included with the kit, joined by a front brake lever strap for maximum security. 

It can extend up to 15-inches, making this steel model suitable for all but the tallest of bikes. And it folds away for easy stowing.

Pros

• Soft and comfortable
• Designed and made in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Cons

• Not true riding gear but clever nonetheless

Bagger riders love stylin’ and profilin’, even if that means sometimes riding without a helmet, or in t-shirts and sneakers. It’s not smart, but you can’t stop these guys from representing. 

We like this “My Retirement Plan” t-shirt because it’s 90% cotton and is made right here in the USA, in Ann Arbor, MI. Best of all, it’ll fit perfectly under our armored riding jacket.

Pros

• Removable armor and cargo pockets
• Three color options available

Cons

• Abnormal sizing

Riding pants are an often overlooked piece of the riding gear puzzle. It makes sense, especially when it’s not visually clear why a pair of jeans can cost $300. Enter the Klim Outrider Pants, a $199 Cordura-like cargo pant aimed at serious riders with casual styling. 

D30 armor and abrasion resistance thread make these pants suited for all types of riding while also looking like your favorite pair of Carhartts. Keep in mind these can run large, so you might need to size down.  

Pros

• Cheap luggage solution
• Universal fit 

Cons

• Easily, cheaply replaceable

Cargo nets are as important to motorcycles as gasoline. I’m serious. Cargo nets are how 90% of loads are carried on motorcycles, and for good reason. It’s a cost-efficient solution to bringing along an extra helmet or strapping down some Trader Joe’s.

As long as the bike in question has some frame rails or passenger pegs and a rear pillion, this cargo net will work. No need to get fancy with the nets either, considering regular motorcycle riders will soon find themselves with a collection of them. You can never have too many!

Pros

• Long range
• Lightweight and easy to use

Cons

• Pricey but worth it

ADV, or Adventure, riding is all the rage. If you know an ADV enthusiast, here's the ideal gift. A favorite among overlanders, cross-country skiers, and anyone else who occasionally finds themselves far from cell service, Rocky Talkie Mountain Radare ideal for any adventure where communication is critical. A specialized lithium-ion battery offers more than four days of battery life, even in subfreezing conditions. The radio transmits the maximum power legally allowed for use without a license (two watts). The max range is a claimed 35 miles but that will vary, particularly in mountainous terrain.  It has a shatterproof LED screen and thermoplastic protective covering, and clips to a backpack or other MOLLE strap via a lightweight but tough included carabiner.

We've used these radios and can confirm that the sauce here is, indeed, awesome. 

Pros

• One size fits all

Cons

• Only available in black

Ideal for motorcycling but also great for snow sports and hard hat wearers, this beanie will keep your skull and ears warm, and even your face if you pull up the mask. It's made of thermal fleece and a poly spandex blend for stretch and comfort.

Pros

• Heat shield technology
• Able to be locked up

Cons

• Heavier weight thanks to thorough waterproofing

If you thought outside elements were harmful to a car, just think about how a motorcycle is affected! But your bike doesn’t have to endure the elements, thanks to a simple motorcycle cover. Nelson Rigg’s Defender Extreme Cover is a great choice due to its material thickness, waterproofing, and heat-resistant construction.

Gussets near the front and rear wheels allow for covering locking and this cover can even be packed down to the size of a toiletry bag for moto-tripping. A range of sizes are available and even sport bike or cruiser-specific covers exist. It’s innocuous, high quality, and priced on the low end of the cover range. What more could you want? 

Pros

• Deploys in milliseconds
• More affordable than other options

Cons

• Might be uncomfortable to wear after a while

Alpinestars' Tech-Air 3 autonomous airbag system is a lighter, less-expensive option than the Tech-Air 5 above. It can be worn over or under whatever riding garments you want to wear it with. The Tech-Air 3 uses three accelerometers and three gyroscopes to figure out when you need airbag protection in a crash. It deploys in milliseconds, inflating to protect your torso, collarbones, and lots of body parts that you’ll need later.  

At about $150 less than the 5 (above), the Tech-Air 3 makes that security more affordable to all.

Pros

• Lots of color options
• Shatter-proof

Cons

• Flimsy foam

Goggles are a fun accessory for off-roading or metropolitan styling, and this pair of Biltwell Overland 2.0 Goggles strike the perfect balance. The package includes a clear and tinted lens, with a yellow lens available for certain models. The dimensions of these goggles make them applicable to just about every full-face helmet and even for those who wear glasses.

Pros

• Washable
• Inexpensive maintenance tool

Cons

• Plastic construction

Keeping a bike’s chain clean is one of the most important regular maintenance tasks to keep it running smoothly. Thankfully, it’s also one of the easiest tasks, requiring a simple Motorcycle Chain Cleaning brush like this mode from Moto4U. 

This two-pack comes in bright colors, so you won’t misplace them, and includes a double-sided design for deep cleans and surface touch-ups. 

Pros

• Available in Kindle format
• Honest, witty writing from a riding legend

Cons

• None!

If you want to be inspired to go on an adventure of your own, look no further than Elspeth Beard’s book Lone Rider. It chronicles her 35,000-mile ride around the world, solo of course. Beard covers just about every continent in this book, and it’s a breathtaking display of heart and riding skills dating back to 1982. 

We won’t spoil too much, but this book is sure to make you pack your bags and head for the nearest forest. 

Pros

• Nationwide coverage
• Unique, off-road mapping

Cons

• Requires careful studying before riding

Motorcycle riders can be really particular at times, which can make gift-giving difficult. Sometimes, all they really need is an adventure or the push to do so. And Butler Maps will make hitting the road that much easier, thanks to its painstakingly detailed cartography.

Butler makes on and off-road maps for the entire United States and even parts of Canada. Some of the most notable maps are the backcountry discover routes, known as BDRs, which lead ADV riders through the best trails in the country. Wherever you live, you’ll be sure to find the right ride with Butler.

Pros

• Plenty of options available
• Takes the guesswork out of motorcycle gifting

Cons

• Not very personal, but it is very practical

Available in increments from $15-$200, a gift card to Revzilla, the number-one motorcycle gear and apparel retailer in the US, is the perfect gift. If you don’t know what your motorcyclist wants, or just don’t know them well, pick up a gift card to Revzilla.