Top Gifts for Motorcycle Riders 2022

Admin · December 12, 2022

Here are some gift suggestions for those motorcyclists that are hard to shop for. (Jeff Allen/)

LEAD: Gift_guide 2022_Lead.jpg | Here are some gift suggestions for those motorcyclists that are hard to shop for. | Jeff Allen

Motorcyclists are notoriously hard to buy gifts for. For many of us, motorcycling is much more than a mode of transportation, it is our primary hobby and a huge part of our lives. But most riders, at least those who own a motorcycle and spend regular time on it, already have their riding kits all picked out. It is for that reason, we’ve left gloves, boots, jackets, helmets, and normal motorcycling gear off of this list in lieu of more universal motorcycle gadgets and accessories. So here are a few of our favorite motorcycle items that the rider in your life may not have yet, and is sure to appreciate.

Fanttik X8 Apex portable air pump: $119

Tire pressure has a major effect on the way a motorcycle handles. Checking it often will not only make you more confident in your bike’s performance, but it is safer, helps your bike handle as it should, and extends the life of your tires. The Fantikk X8 Apex portable air pump is small, easy to store in a backpack or saddlebag. The pump is easy to use, just power it on, dial it up until the LED screen shows your desired tire pressure, and hit power—the pump will do the rest. The X8 Apex is capable of pumping up to 150 psi and has a 7,200 mAh battery capable of inflating multiple tires between charges.

Fanttik’s X8 Apex pump makes it easy to adjust your tire pressures on the go. (Fanttik/)

Leatherman Free P4: $150

Gone are the days of the heavy old friction-locked Leatherman multitool. The new Leatherman Free P4 is a more refined, versatile, and easy-to-use tool built with the same attention to detail and high-quality materials that have made Leatherman multitools such a staple for so many years. The P4 consists of 21 tools, a magnet closure, and a pocket clip on the outside. It is easy to carry and has been a faithful companion on countless adventures. I often pair it with the sheath from Red Clouds Collective ($59) and wear it on my belt.

The Leatherman Free P4 is a more refined tool than your grandfather’s Leatherman, but it carries the same utilitarian spirit. (Leathermen/)

Vanson luggage: Briefcase $299; Waist Bag $139

Vanson is well known for its leather jackets and protective gear, but what many people don’t know is that the company produces some amazing luggage made out of that same competition-grade leather. We’ve been testing the Waist Bag and the Briefcase, both of which are surprisingly affordable for the incredible quality of construction and material. Like the company’s jackets, design is simple and efficient. The briefcase has only one outer pocket with a snap closure, and two open mesh pockets inside the main body of the bag, which closes with a bulky Vanson size 10 zipper. The waistbag’s main strap is adjustable with a double-D ring that motorcycle riders will quickly recognize, and is unlined with just the one small pocket on the bag’s back, accessible from the inside.

Reliable luggage is a wonderful thing and Vanson has proven time and again exactly how reliable its products are.

Vanson luggage is clean and classy, and only real motorcyclists will recognize the subtle Vanson tag. (Vanson/)

Skullcandy Fat Stash 2: $40

Skullcandy is primarily known for its audio equipment, but this little gadget has been keeping me charged on the road for a few months now. The 10,000 mAh means that it can charge your phone multiple times, and it’s no problem if you’ve forgotten a cable, the Fat Stash 2 has wireless charging capabilities as well. Equipped with USB-C and USB-A ports, this battery is compact and an excellent companion for the tech-minded motorcyclist.

Skullcandy’s Fat Stash 2 remote battery is compact and convenient with wireless charging. (Skullcandy/)

Cardo Packtalk Edge: $390

In-helmet communicators have become a regular part of the modern motorcycle rider’s kit. We’ve tried systems from several different manufacturers, but Cardo’s Packtalk Edge is the latest and the greatest. This unit has a longer battery, more intuitive user interface, and higher-quality audio than any other in-helmet device we’ve tested. The new design is sleek and smooth. The device itself isn’t too big or bulky. A new magnet-locking attachment system is easy to use, especially if the helmet is already on your head.

At almost $400 the Edge is an investment, but for a daily rider or anyone who spends a lot of time with their head in a helmet, it’s worth it to have the best system on the market. Cardo also has more affordable systems with similar features and JBL speakers, if you don’t need everything that the PT Edge offers.

The Cardo Packtalk Edge provides clear and crisp audio, whether listening to music or chatting with a friend. (Cardo/)

Beeline Moto: $189–$236

Using your phone for navigation while riding can be distracting and it eats up your battery. The Beeline navigation system is small, sleek, and very easy to use. A variety of mounting options make it easy to attach the Beeline to any motorcycle at a variety of points. The unit is waterproof and shockproof with a battery life of over 30 hours. You have to use the Beeline app in order to work the device, but the app is easy and intuitive as well, never a hassle.

The Beeline GPS is a minimally distracting navigation system that easily fits on a motorcycle’s handlebar. (Beeline Moto/)

ROK Straps: $22

New riders quickly learn the value of a dependable strap or tie-down. ROK Straps are versatile, attach to any motorcycle quickly and easily, and they’re high enough quality to trust with holding your belongings at 70 mph. Available in a variety of lengths, the ROK Strap is made up of two parts, one heavy-duty elastic strap and one longer adjustable strap, the two of which clip together in the middle. I have kept the 28-inch Commuter strap on my bike for the last couple of years now and I use it nearly every day. Whether it’s for groceries, a spare thermal layer, or a water bottle, a good strap is worth its weight in gold and these ROK straps are very good.

ROK Straps have been a key component of many rider kits for years, but we can always use more straps! (ROK Straps/)

Pecard Leather Dressing: $12

Just like we maintain our motorcycles, leather jackets require some maintenance to stay soft and durable. If you take care of your jacket, it can last forever. And when it comes to leather dressing, specifically motorcycle leather dressing, Pecard Leather Care is the best name in the game. Trademarked in 1915, Pecard’s products can revive old leather gloves or an old jacket, or help keep your newer gear nice and soft. The company’s products are recommended everywhere from racing forums to vintage fashion blogs to messageboards for antique and historic leather garment collectors. They’re affordable, easy to use, and a great gift for anyone who wears leather.

Pecard Motorcycle Leather Care is the best name in the game. (Pecard/)

VonZipper Sunglasses: $120

For a motorcycle rider, sunglasses are more than a stylish accessory and protection from the sun, they’re often protection from the wind and elements as we ride. VonZipper is a Southern California–based company that makes a wide variety of frames for both men and women. The company has a recent collaboration with the Born-Free Show, a wide selection of moto goggles, and new stuff coming out all the time. They’re high quality, affordable, and look great.

VonZipper is a Southern California–based company that makes a wide variety of frames (VonZipper/)

Pelican 8 qt Personal Cooler: $70

Motorcycles bring us to beautiful places, so why not pack a picnic? The 8-quart personal cooler is the perfect size to fit in most larger saddlebags and includes mounting points on either side to easily strap to a cargo rack. The interior is split into two sections with a small removable basket, and a freezable ice pack is included. Of course, as it’s made by Pelican, it is ultra-heavy-duty and comes with a three-year warranty.

Pelican has been a name in tough luggage for years, and its new cooler systems take that one step further. (Pelican/)

Streamlight MicroStream USB: $35

A good flashlight should be a part of every utilitarian everyday carry. Options range from $10–$1,000, so it can be difficult to decide which is right for you. But thorough testing of several devices over the years has led me to settle on this Streamlight MicroStream. It is small, compact, and has a two-way deep-set pocket clip that can be used on a hat bill. The battery is rechargeable with a micro-USB plug and battery life is excellent, with a claimed 1.5 hours with 250-lumen output.

A simple and effective flashlight is an incredibly useful tool to keep with you. (Microstreamusb /)