Got a slew of motorcycle nuts on your gift list? Have no fear-Motorcycle Cruiser's annual Holiday Gift Guide is here.
Lid Lair
That helmet cost you serious cash, so why not protect your investment? The Ultimate Helmet Garage keeps your shiny lid dust and scratch free while in storage. The durable Cordura Plus exterior and fleece interior also feature a pocket for an extra visor. Three mesh outer pockets provide space for gloves and sundries and the Toughtek bottom keeps things from sliding when taking the helmet out. $75; get color options and more details from www.roadgear.com.
N-Deed
Building on its successful motorcycle gauges, Formotion Products has released the N-Wave chronograph, a watch that looks like something out of the Alien movies. Corrosion-resistant marine-grade stainless steel and a thick watch crystal add durability while keeping the Citizen full chronograph movement dry in up to 165 feet of water. The name refers to the pressure waves supersonic aircraft produce; these waves coalesce into an "N-Wave" which creates a sonic "boom." Suggested retail is $185. For more details see www.formotionproducts.com.
Speedy Santa
People like gifts they can use year-round, and Spidi's Netstep 365 jacket certainly qualifies. The 3/4-length number sports CE-certified armor in the elbows, shoulders and back along with a waterproof, breathable liner to warm your cockles come wintertime. When it's sunny, zip out the liner and let breezes flow through exposed mesh panels. Just $449; see www.motonation.com for details.
We Just Call
Them Journals Nowadays in case you missed this cinematic rollercoaster ride in theaters, The Motorcycle Diaries is now out on DVD. Based on a true story, the film follows two devil-may-care pals, Ernesto "Che" Guevara and Alberto Granado, on a wild trip across Latin America atop a beat-up old Norton. Executive produced by Robert Redford, and hailed by many film critics as a must-see (we liked it too). In Spanish with English subtitles, $34.95 via www.whitehorsepress.com.
And Then There Was
Don't you think there should be at least one motorcycle-themed item decorating the tree, the halls, the front yard? These crafty little motolights from Aerostich will light up your festivities no matter what the occasion, and at $21 a pop, they're cheap dcor for any budget. No reason to be a Scrooge anymore: get 'em at www.aerostich.com.
Not From Concentrate
We're forever espousing the "better-safe-than-sorry" approach to motorcycle touring, and that means packing compact tools. A good candidate for an all-in-one unit is Leatherman's Juice-series tool, the Xe6. With its built-in needlenose pliers, two knives, a saw, two wire cutters, four screwdrivers and scissors, you're amply covered if the mechanical aspects of your trip go awry. We also like the included 25-year warranty. $59.99 at Amazon.com and REI stores nationwide, or check www.leatherman.com.
Cut the Crap
Forget bulky tapes and CDs-with 120 channels of commercial-free satellite radio and flawless reception that won't fade out in the middle of a great song, XM Radio seems like the logical choice for serious road trips. This compact kit includes everything needed for easy installation and use, and it's movable from vehicle to vehicle-perfect for motorcycle applications. With CNN on the dial, you'll never look back. $130 from www.aerostich.com, or visit www.xmradio.com.