Motorcyclists tend to have an independent, individualist streak. They value what’s unique and special, like the close relationship between a rider and a bike, or the incomparable feeling of gripping the throttle and taking off. When you’re buying a gift for the motorcycle rider in your life, you want to capture a little bit of what makes the experience so special and compelling. That might sound tough to find, but there’s a whole wide world of motorcycle-related merchandise out there.
On the other hand, with such a huge array of gear and gifts to choose from, it can be challenging to sift through the options to find that one perfect gift — particularly if you don’t ride yourself. There’s always the gift card option, but it can feel impersonal for some folks. And some major motorcycle purchases, like helmets, are better made by the person who will be wearing them.
The motorcycle lovers at Cardo Systems have put together this handy list of motorcycle gear to jumpstart your gift-buying process for the motorcyclist in your life and give your gifts a unique and joyful zip. Whether you’re shopping for a Christmas gift, getting ready for Father’s Day or just want to tell them how much you love them, this list of gift ideas for motorcycle enthusiasts will never go out of style and is sure to be useful for your loved ones who prefer two wheels.
1. Motorcycle Backpack
Any biker will tell you that you don’t want just any old backpack on a motorcycle. You need something that’s designed to be aerodynamic and create minimal drag. Lots of great motorcycle backpacks are now available in a wide variety of designs that make them perfect for many different kinds of riders. Styles range from slim and sport-oriented to more traditional and high-capacity models.
2. Motorcycle Tool Kit
If your motorcyclist is also a gearhead, a portable motorcycle tool kit can be a great gift. Motorcycle tool kits come packed with all of the most useful tools that a motorcyclist might need for a quick roadside repair. Pliers, torque wrenches, screwdrivers and more are all packed into these handy kits that can be rolled or folded up so that they fit easily into standard saddlebags or even a backpack. They may even contain other essentials like earplugs.
When buying any kind of bike tool as a gift, make sure that the tool will fit the recipient’s bike. If you know what model of motorcycle they ride, getting a bike-specific kit may make sense. But if you want to be on the safe side, you’ll usually be better off getting one of the many universal fit motorcycle tool kits that works on most models of bikes.
Stay Connected with a Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Solution3. Helmet Communications System
Group rides with friends and family can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of riding a motocycle, but it’s key to stay in touch while on the road. A motorcycle helmet Bluetooth communications system is the perfect way to maintain communication during a ride, making the riding experience safer, more fun and more connected. These motorcycle helmet intercom systems use technologies like Bluetooth or Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) to create intercom networks between riders in a group or riders and passengers, all while keeping an eye on the road through a clear visor.
4. Handlebar Cup Holder
Refreshment on the road? A motorcycle handlebar cup holder makes it not only possible, but downright convenient. These ingeniously simple devices clip onto a motorbike’s handlebars and offer a full-sized cup holder to cradle a coffee, water, tea or beverage of choice. The best models are adjustable to fit different sizes of beverages, and many are downright cool-looking, with features like chrome finishes that set them apart from the crowd. Pair it with an insulated travel mug for on-the-go sip-ability whenever and wherever.
5. Action Camera
These small but mighty cameras are designed to be mounted on a rider’s helmet or handlebars and can take just about any combination of wind, water and general weather nastiness. They’re a great way to look back at treasured memories of rides past — from hair-raising corners to breathtaking scenery — and can help riders identify their riding habits and improve their technique. These action cameras are especially useful for capturing the excitement and scenery of an off-road adventure or documenting a long ride. And in a worst-case scenario, they can even provide helpful evidence to catch irresponsible drivers after an accident.
While GoPro is the action camera brand that’s familiar to most people, there are now plenty of other great brands on the market. Some feature impressive tech like 4K video, image stabilization and even live streaming. Whichever model you go with, make sure to grab a helmet or handlebar mount to go with the camera as well.
6. Saddlebags
Saddlebags can make a great gift for a motorcyclist who loves to take longer trips on their bike. These versatile bags can be packed with clothes, shoes, riding gear, road snacks or even camping supplies for true wilderness road trippers. They often feature expanding zip-up designs that allow motorcycle enthusiasts to squeeze more gear into them, since space is at a premium on the back of a bike.
Much like with backpacks, waterproofing is an especially useful feature in saddlebags that you should strongly consider. For riders in wet climates, hardshell or leather construction is usually preferable to cloth. Also note that most saddlebag models are geared toward a certain type of bike, such as sport bikes or cruisers, so make sure that the type you buy is compatible with the type of bike that the gift recipient rides.
Upgrade Your Ride Experience with Packtalk Pro7. Scale Model Motorcycle
There are plenty of great motorcycle gifts that aren’t riding gear. Many people who ride motorcycles also love showing off their favorite bikes, as well as the process of building and tinkering with something. Scale model motorcycles are a fun and crafty gift that can do both by taking a motorcyclist back to their Hot Wheels days.
Many different kinds of motorcycles are available as ultra-detailed scale models that look great on an office desk or in a man cave. You’ll find everything from Harleys to sport bikes in miniature size, crafted with loving detail right down to each bike’s specific engine parts. Some come pre-assembled and ready to go, while others require a few hours spent with model glue and a craft knife. Give your loved one the gift of a custom motorcycle.
8. Classic Motorcycle Movies
The classics of motorcycle culture also make great gifts. From genre staples like Easy Rider with Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper to international films like The Motorcycle Diaries and The World’s Fastest Indian, the history of motorcycle cinema is long and rich, and it offers plenty of awesome movies on DVD. You might even find a spot for goofy flicks like Ghost Rider if your motorcyclist likes their movies with a side of cheese — just remind them not to imitate the stunts.
9. Motorcycle Lock
Unfortunately, stolen motorcycles are all too common — but you can help protect someone else’s bike by giving them a sturdy motorcycle or dirt bike lock. Many different kinds of locks are available for all different varieties of motorcycles, and they can make great gifts. Look for locks that offer a secure fit and compatibility with their specific bike type. For added security, consider pairing the lock with a durable motorcycle cover to help protect the bike from both theft and the elements. A high-quality lock combined with a cover can offer peace of mind for any rider.
10. Motorcycle Gloves
A good pair of motorcycle gloves is a must-have motorcycle safety gear item for safe and comfortable riding. Just like your average coat is no substitute for a proper motorcycle jacket, normal work gloves from a hardware store won’t cut it. Motorcyclists need a tougher and more durable type of glove that will protect their hands in the event that they hit the pavement.
When buying a pair of motorcycle gloves as a gift, remember that the best motorcycle gloves will have features such as:
- Constructed from resilient materials like leather
- Palm grips
- Breathable design that allows air to circulate
- Waterproof construction
- Pre-curved design that makes it easy to grip the handlebars
- Reinforced impact-resistant padding in critical areas like knuckles and finger joints
Tactical or military-style gloves are popular for motorcyclists, as they typically include many of these high-performance features. You should also consider their existing gear like their riding jacket to ensure a cohesive look. When in doubt, though, it’s hard to go wrong with a pair of gloves that is specifically designed for motorcycle riding.
11. Motorcycle Care Kit
Many motorcyclists are sticklers about bike maintenance, which makes a motorcycle care kit an ideal gift for those who can’t stop polishing and waxing their bikes. A good motorcycle or dirt bike care kit should include all of the motorcycle care essentials, such as:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Automotive wax
- Leather conditioner
- Tire cleaner
- Windshield cleaner
- Microfiber towels
- Metal polish
If you want to go a step further in helping the motorcyclist in your life pamper their bike, combine a care and cleaning kit with a gift certificate for a tune-up at their favorite mechanic so that the bike both looks and rides like new.
12. Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are proof that sometimes the simplest gifts are the most useful ones. Disposable hand warmer packets use a simple, non-toxic natural reaction to gently warm skin. They’re easy to tuck into gloves, boots or a balaclava, and their convenient warming power makes them popular among everyone from first responders to sports fans to, yes, motorcycle riders. Hand warmers are extremely cheap — just a few dollars will get you a big pack — and undeniably effective for warming up fingers and toes. They can even help ward off frostbite on extremely cold rides.
Alternatively, reusable hand warmers offer a more long-lasting and sustainable solution. Some are powered by lithium-ion batteries similar to those that power smartphones, while others can be filled and refilled with butane (lighter fluid). And despite what you might think, they’re designed to be perfectly safe to keep in a pocket. Make sure to throw in a bottle of lighter fluid or a portable charger to keep the hand warmers charged when it matters most.
13. Smartphone Holder
This gift is probably best reserved for someone whom you know will use it responsibly — we’re thinking GPS and traffic reports, not Instagram and TikTok! That said, a smartphone gadget like a phone mount can be an ideal way to help a motorcyclist enjoy the benefits of GPS while keeping their hands on the handlebars. (And remember that Cardo Systems Bluetooth motorcycle helmet communicators also offer voice operation for smartphone integration that’s completely hands-free!)
14. Motorcycle Coffee Mug
If they already have a motorcycle cup holder, you might as well finish the job by getting them a motorcycle coffee mug. You can put just about any image on the side of a mug these days, such as a photo of your loved one when they got their first motorbike, a picture of their bike or even a snapshot of a classic hog from back in the day. You can also find all kinds of motorcycle-inspired designs online for the aficionado in your life.
15. Motorcycle T-Shirt
Everyone loves a T-shirt. They usually don’t cost a lot of money, and they are a great way to show off their unique personality. Find a shirt that captures everything they love about motorcycles — whether it’s official merch from their favorite manufacturer or a photo of the open road. You can design an image from scratch to make a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing. If they have a motorcycle group, try designing a logo for their organization. You can order custom shirts in bulk and give one to every member of the team. T-shirts also make great add-on gifts for more extravagant purchases like motorcycle boots.
16. Motorcycle Keychain
The last thing your loved one needs to worry about is losing their keys. You can help them stay organized by getting them a special motorcycle keychain. The object itself could be shaped like a motorcycle. You can also get them a chain that clips onto their belt or vest for easy access when they’re riding their bike. Consider finding one that comes with a light to help them see in the dark. You can even get them a remote GPS tracker for their keys so they can locate them on the map. They won’t have to worry about losing their keys ever again.
Motorcyclists are passionate about what they love, which is why the best gifts for them capture that same fiery spirit. Even if you’re not a rider yourself, keep that passionate and independent vibe in mind when shopping and you’ll find something that will rev their motor.
