Buying holiday presents for people can be tricky, but buying cool motorcycle gifts for bike enthusiasts is easy. We’ve put together a handy guide featuring a wide range of gifts ideas to cater to different budgets and tastes. Luckily, motorcyclists are an easy bunch to buy for.
The Best Motorcycle Gifts for Bikers in 2021
For motorcycle lovers, you can’t go wrong with any motorcycle-related gifts. So as long as you’re giving a gift that’s loosely connected with two-wheeled transportation, your motorcycle enthusiast is sure to love it. However, if you want to buck the trend and buy a really unique and useful gift, we’ve got some interesting motorcycle gift ideas for you in this guide.
For the motorcycle enthusiast who loves to clean their motorcycle, a full detailing kit is one of the best motorcycle gifts you can give. A detailing kit will give them everything they need to clean, polish, degrease, shine, and protect their motorcycle.
The Meguiar’s Motorcycle Care Kit comes with everything a rider would need to be able to bring the shine back to their pride and joy. The Meguiar’s brand name is one of the most recognizable in the bike detailing world, and their products come highly recommended by industry professionals and home users alike.
This particular seven-piece kit features six specially formulated cleaning and polishing products and a microfiber applicator cloth, too. The products include Meguiar’s EZ Clean Spray & Rinse, Detailer Mist & Wipe spray, Liquid Wax, Leather Cleaner & Conditioner, Plastic Polish, and Metal Polish. In short, it has everything a rider needs, and all for an affordable price.
Top Features:
Includes 6 specially formulated cleaners and polishing products
Storage space is at a premium on motorcycles, and riders who need to transport items from A to B often wear a backpack. Unfortunately, your average backpack isn’t designed for two-wheeled travel and can often leave riders with sore muscles from poor weight distribution. Plus, many standard backpacks aren’t particularly aerodynamic and can have long straps that flap around on the road.
Many motorcyclists probably won’t go out of their way to buy themselves a dedicated motorcycle backpack — they probably prefer to save their cash for a new helmet or aftermarket parts for their bike instead. And that’s exactly why this backpack makes for a great motorcycle gift idea.
The OGIO No Drag Mach 5 is easily our favorite bag on the market. It’s has been expertly designed to improve a rider’s aerodynamics and reduce drag. It is waterproof, has ample storage room (24 liters) with a padded laptop sleeve and other storage pockets, and features a number of support straps as well as a special helmet carrying strap.
The foam back is padded with added air ventilation. And the soft shoulder straps are designed to be comfortable, secure, and won’t scratch a helmet. There are other motorcycle backpacks out there, but this one takes tops honors because it is well designed and looks great too.
Top Features:
Aerodynamic design
Water-resistant shell
Cushioned fleece-lined interior with removable hip belt
A neck tube, or neck warmer, is a perfect gift for motorcycle lovers. It doesn’t matter whether they live in a hot or cold climate as there’s always a good use for one of these motorcycle accessories.
When worn around the face and neck, this neck warmer will protect riders from wind or icy temperatures. Neck warmers are more practical than a full head-covering balaclava as they can be worn easily with a helmet, and they’re small enough to be tucked away And they’re inexpensive too, making them an excellent gift for motorcycle riders if you’re on a budget.
Neck warmers aren’t the most technologically advanced pieces of motorcycle apparel; however, a high-quality one will last longer which is why Alpinestars’ neck warmer gets our vote. Alpinestars is a well-known, trustworthy brand, and their neck warmer won’t break the bank.
Manufactured from a double layer of insulating single-sided fleece, this stretchy neck tube keeps the cold and wind out. It has a seam-free construction so it can be worn comfortably under a jacket collar, and it comes with the Alpinestars logo embroidered on it. And for easy upkeep, it’s 100% machine washable.
One of the best motorcycle gifts you can buy a rider isn’t exactly for them but for their bike. A motorcycle cover will help protect their bike from wind, rain, sun, snow, and ice, while simultaneously deterring thieves. Even motorcycles parked in garages can benefit from being under a proper protective layer. It’s amazing how many riders don’t own a cover for their motorcycles which is why they make excellent gifts for motorcycle riders.
The Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus provides excellent bang-for-your-buck and is a do-everything cover to keep their pride and joy safe and sound, whatever the weather. Built from a special ClimaShield Plus fabric, the Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus is completely waterproof but breathable and protects against UV ray damage.
The cover has a soft cotton interior and a moisture-guard ventilation system that promotes airflow and prevents any moisture build-up underneath the cover. It also features heat-resistant panels to protect the cover from the heat of the motorcycle’s engine and exhaust, and a cleverly designed lock supports system. You can also buy a security alarm for it.
Top Features:
ClimaShield fabric construction
Rain, snow, frost, wind, and UV resistant
Moisture-Guard ventilation that circulates air effectively
Sometimes the best gift ideas for motorcycle riders are the practical ones. It’s easy to buy brand merchandise or a cheap accessory — or you can buy them something useful. Though chain lubricant might not be the most exciting motorcycle gift in the world, it’s a thoughtful one.
Chains always need lubrication, and anything that makes motorcycle maintenance more affordable for a rider is always welcome. If you want to buy a gift that’ll be a hit for the motorcycle rider in your life, then the Motul Motorcycle Chain Lube is the lube to consider.
This highly versatile product can be used on nearly any type of motorcycle chain. However, we should stress that it’s not the best product for dirt bikes and dirt bike riders, since it doesn’t offer much in the way of dust protection. Motul makes an off-road version that you can buy instead.
All they have to do is spray it on their motorcycle chain, and it will protect the chain from the elements as well as road dirt and grime. Again, it’s probably not the most exciting of motorcycle gifts, but it is really useful, and the thought will be appreciated.
Motorcycles are incredibly easy to steal and even an amateur thief can drive off with an expensive motorcycle in seconds if it doesn’t have adequate protection installed.
Unfortunately, many motorcyclists forget to buy quality locks. Obviously, spending big money on protective clothing is a sensible idea … but only investing $10 on a padlock and chain isn’t exactly clever. The best gifts are often the important things that the receiver would probably never think of buying for themselves. That’s why motorcycle locks are great gifts for motorcycle lovers.
This premium disc brake lock from Abus Granit is worth every cent. In addition to being compact and easy to put on, it’s also equipped with a sophisticated alarm system that blasts a 100 dB alarm when tampered with. It also has a strong 13 mm bolt, a hardened steel body, and a cylinder that can’t be picked.
Top Features:
Hardened and tempered steel lock with a 13mm locking bolt
A motorcycle helmet lock is another motorcycle accessory that many riders forget to buy for themselves. A high-quality helmet lock will save them from carrying their helmet around when out on the town or worrying about someone walking off with their expensive helmet. Every motorcycle enthusiast will want to protect their lid, and now they can.
This special lock is a carabiner lock that’s simple and easy to use: they can simply thread the self-coiling steel braided cable through the helmet at the D-ring or through the chin bar and through an anchoring point on your motorcycle. Then close the carabiner and lock it up with a unique 3-digit pin code.
The lock and cable is weather-resistant, rustproof, waterproof, strong, and more than enough to deter thieves. It’s the perfect motorcycle gift for any rider who takes their gear seriously.
Top Features:
Compact carabiner lock with a 3-digit pin code
Extendable cable can attach to more than one helmet
Waterproof, rustproof, and weather-resistant
Rubberized locking mechanism will not scratch helmets
8. Ram Mounts X-Grip Handlebar U-Bolt Base Phone Holder
These days, smart technology has become an indispensable part of our lives. Whatever your opinion of smart technology is, you can’t deny that it is pretty useful. The real problems arise when people try to multi-task while riding or driving. Having a proper handlebar-mounted phone holder reduces the danger of using a cell phone while riding. To keep your motorcycle lover safe on the road, a motorcycle phone mount can be one of the best motorcycle gifts you can buy.
Our particular favorite is the RAM X-Grip model. The universal X-grip shape features a spring-loaded cradle that can expand or contract to fit a wide variety of devices (see the product listing to make sure their phone or tablet will fit).
The mount is held together by a u-bolt base that locks onto the handlebars and can be positioned as desired thanks to the articulating ball and socket arm joint, allowing them to use navigation apps or answer or decline phone calls in a safe manner.
Top Features:
Compatible with all Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models
Weatherproof and rustproof handlebar mount
Constructed from aluminum, stainless steel, and composite materials
Good rain gear is always a welcome gift. Even if your intended recipient already has a set of good wet weather gear, another pair won’t hurt, especially if they live in an area with regular rainfall.
Rain gear might not seem like an obvious gift, but it’s actually quite thoughtful. A good set of rain gear can extend a motorcyclist’s riding season by a fair bit. And the more miles any motorcyclist can clock in a year, the happier they are! Luckily, buying rain gear isn’t that difficult, and the fit doesn’t have to be as exact as other motorcycle riding gear.
The Nelson-Rigg Stormrider offers a great deal of weather protection for a reasonable price, and the brand name is one you can trust. The Stormrider suit is a two-piece outfit, composed of a soft polyester outer shell, mated to a PVC inner layer. Combined, the two layers are waterproof and water-resistant.
The rain suit also features a multitude of useful pockets, watertight fastenings, a storm flap, an inner corduroy collar, cooling vents for added breathability and air circulation, high visibility motifs, and boot stirrups. You have your pick of three colors with seven sizes to choose from. Every rider should have one of these stowed under their seat!
Top Features:
Waterproof polyester suit with PVC backing
Elastic waist, adjustable cuffs, and handy boot stirrups
Gloves might not be as fancy as a jacket or helmet, but many riders end up using whatever gloves they can afford rather than buying the motorcycle gloves that they actually need. That’s why a pair of decent gloves make great gifts for motorcycle riders.
Specifically, we’re talking about winter motorcycle gloves though. Because frozen or wet hands during a cold-weather ride can be downright miserable. The Dainese Tempest D-Dry Long Gloves are the kind of high-end winter glove to keep their hands toasty the next time the temps drop.
Constructed from a mix of Amica suede and Digital suede, the Tempest gloves feature ComforTech knuckles and a reinforced palm protector, with Smart Touch fingertips, a visor wiper thumb, soft inserts, and reflective details. More importantly, these gloves also offer excellent thermal insulation. They’re breathable and waterproof too, which help keep your hands toasty and dry in the winter.
They also feature tightening straps, an adjustable cuff strap, and pre-curved fingers for added comfort. Are cheaper gloves available? Yes, but this is about gift-giving, so if you can afford to, splurge a little. No motorcyclist will ever be disappointed by a present made by Dainese. And that’s a fact.
Top Features:
Waterproof and breathable
Heavy thermal inner lining for added warmth
Smart Touch fingertips and visor wiper thumb
Bonus Motorcycle Gifts For Bikers
While the motorcycle gifts above are our favorites, you can find plenty of other motorcycle-related presents to buy. Here are a few more ideas to help you find the winning choice.
Bottle Opener
Yes, it’s a bit of a cliché about motorcyclists drinking beer, but it’s also pretty accurate. There’s nothing quite like cracking open a cold one after working on your bike, and a handy bottle opener is a welcome addition to any garage or man cave. It doesn’t have to be motorcycle-themed – though you might get bonus points if it is! Wall-mounted bottle openers are always a popular choice as they’ll never get lost. Whatever style you choose, you can guarantee that a bottle opener will be well received … and it doesn’t hurt to wrap some beer up with it too.
Motorcycle Book
Books are always a great gift idea. There are so many different motorcycle-related books out there from big coffee table picture books that highlight especially amazing or seminal models to more in-depth biographies about important industry players or motorcycle racing legends. Adventure motorcycling stories that tell of intercontinental travels are very popular, but there’s more on offer than “Long Way ‘Round” books. The always-popular “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” is a classic that every rider should at least have on their shelf — even if they never read it! If in doubt, Ted Simon’s “Jupiter’s Travels” is a solid winner, too.
Manufacturer Signs
No man cave or garage is complete without a sign or two on the wall. Imitation antique tin signs are excellent gift ideas for motorcycle riders. They are relatively inexpensive and look cool too. Harley Davidson, Indian, Norton, and Triumph are some of the most popular. And if you’re not sure about the brand name, you can always go for a gasoline or oil company sign instead. A retro Mobil or Shell sign will look just as good.
Artwork
Similar to the manufacturer and gasoline company signs mentioned above, a quality print or piece of wall art can also make for a unique gift for a motorcycle rider. If you’re searching for something truly unique, we recommend checking out Etsy, where you can find something really special. A nice hand-pulled screen print of a vintage Ducati will look epic on any wall, be it in a garage or a living room.
Motorcycle Keychain
A brand-themed keychain is another guaranteed win when you’re struggling to find a unique gift for motorcycle riders. If the motorcyclist who you’re buying for rides a Kawasaki, then getting them a cool Kawasaki-branded keychain will be a hit. Key chains can come in a variety of styles with varying levels of authenticity. If you’re on a budget, scour eBay for some cheaper alternatives. If you feel like forking out, then visit the brand’s online store and pay a little extra for a genuine piece of company merchandise.
Motorcycle T-shirt
Branded clothing can also make for a great gift. Similar to keychains, the only thing you need to be careful of is to make sure that you’re buying the right brand for the type of motorcycle the rider owns. A Harley-Davidson t-shirt won’t have the same effect on a Suzuki GSX-R1000 owner. Oh, and of course, you need to make sure that you’re buying the right size, too.
Motorcycle Toys
Even grown adults can enjoy a cool toy, whether it’s a remote-controlled motorcycle or something from Lego — like this cool Harley Davidson Fat-Boy. Lego Technic also has some great sets that anyone interested in mechanics and engineering should love assembling. There are also motorcycle sets with moving pistons and spinning chains. And there’s no shortage of scale models of engines or motorcycles out there, and any self-respecting gear head should get a kick out of playing with something like that.
Motorcycle Gifts: Buying Guide
Buying gifts for anyone, motorcyclist or otherwise, is always a difficult task. People have different tastes and different expectations. Fortunately, motorcyclists (by definition) enjoy motorcycles, so as long as you’re buying something loosely associated with two-wheeled fun, they’ll probably appreciate your gift. But before you hit the “buy” button, here are a few more things to consider when you’re shopping around this holiday season for the perfect motorcycle gifts.
Who Are You Buying For?
One crucial thing to keep in mind is who are you buying for? Obviously, they are a motorcyclist, but are they male or female? Should you be shopping for motorcycle gifts for him or motorcycle gifts for her? For most of the suggestions in our gift guide, gender doesn’t matter, but if you’re buying clothing then you might want to take that into account.
Next up, what kind of motorcycle do they ride? A cruiser rider might have different tastes from a dirt biker, so knowing what kind of motorcycle they ride will give you an advantage. Similarly, what brand of motorcycle do they ride? You don’t want to buy Yamaha merchandise for a KTM fan.
Sizing
For most of the items on our list, we’ve been very careful not to include any items or products that are particularly size-dependent. Sizing any kind of clothing is difficult at the best of times, but for motorcyclists, it’s even harder. Many holiday gift guides might suggest motorcycle helmets and motorcycle jackets as presents – but this is a bad idea unless you’re planning on purchasing the item with the person you’re buying for.
A motorcycle helmet must fit perfectly for it to be effective, and the same is true with other protective motorcycle garments. That’s why it’s good to look for apparel and riding gear that doesn’t need perfect sizing to work properly, like loose-fitting rain gear or a simple t-shirt. Rain gear needs to be sized thoughtfully though; it must be large enough to fit over the top of a rider’s regular riding gear, but not too big that it acts as a sail!
Your Budget
There’s another reason why we didn’t include any fancy helmets or jackets in our gift list: they’re prohibitively expensive for the vast majority of gift-givers. We’ve outlined products that range from $10 to more expensive items that’ll cost you upwards of $100-$200. When you’re shopping around, make sure you have a clear idea of what you’re willing to spend.
In the world of motorcycle accessories and apparel, things can get real expensive real fast, but “expensive” doesn’t always mean “the best.” We recommend that you keep your budget in mind and do a bit of research before making a final purchase. You don’t want to pay over the top for something, especially when a cheaper equivalent may do the job just as well.
Return Policy
Lastly, consider the return policy. The problem with buying online is that some items aren’t exactly what you hoped they’d be when they arrive on your doorstep — or perhaps they don’t fit quite the way you had hoped. And of course, people’s tastes are different, and you’re desired recipient might not be as enthusiastic about the motorcycle gift you’ve purchased as you were when you bought it. Take the risk out of buying a bad gift by checking the seller’s return policy. And while you’re at it, check the terms and conditions of any warranty too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gift cards make good motorcycle gifts?
Yes. If in doubt, you can always give a gift card to give to your motorcyclist friend or relative. Gift certificates are available for a wide range of brick and mortar stores, but you’ll can often find the best deals online.
Amazon has a great selection of motorcycle gear at competitive prices, so you’re in doubt, purchasing a gift card will be a well-received gift. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the gift certificate first. Check how long it’s valid, and whether or not it includes the delivery and postage costs of any purchased items.
What’s a good motorcycle-themed baby shower gift?
Anything plush, baby-friendly, and motorcycle-shaped should do the trick. Fully plush motorcycle-shaped toys exist and make great presents.
Want to make a motorcycle baby shower gift? If you want to make something for a baby shower, a hanging mobile with bike-shaped cut-outs and ornaments is a cool way to add some of your own artistic flair.
Some enterprising gift-givers even like to make motorcycle centerpieces out of diapers. Yes, you read that correctly. There’s no shortage of instructions about how to make one of these online. Check here for a good in-depth guide!
If you want to buy something that falls on the right side of tasteful though, you can’t go wrong with any of Harley’s own branded riding gear, from balaclavas and neckerchiefs to leather jackets and riding pants.
What are bad ideas for motorcycle gifts?
Helmets, jackets, and anything that relies on perfect sizing are not the best motorcycle gifts. Helmets need to fit snugly and securely to be effective in a crash. Similarly, jackets and pants also need to have an accurate fit to offer the best protection.
These items are fine to give as motorcycle gifts if the recipient has tried them on in advance and you know what to size and brand to purchase. Otherwise, leave this purchase to them — or give them a gift card so they can go shopping themselves.
Joe is a motorcycle industry veteran who has not only been paid for his words on the industry but also to throw a leg over a bike on the track. Besides riding, and occasionally crashing motorcycles, he also likes to build up older bikes in his garage in Germany. He says; "I like what I like but that certainly doesn’t make my opinion any more valid than yours…" We like Joe's educated opinion and hope you do too.
