I’ve told my daughter for years that if she’ll just go to her local dealership I’ll give her part numbers and her Christmas shopping for me will be as easy as walking up to the parts counter. So far it hasn’t happened. I guess she likes the shopping experience. Oh well. I never claimed to understand the female shopping phenomena.
What follows is a short list of things I will probably buy for myself eventually, or not, but are things I’d welcome under the tree. If you are a shopper looking for gift ideas, then the following list may give you some ideas for the rider in your family. If you’re the rider, print this out, pencil in your changes, and leave it laying around conspicuously. Maybe it will work better for you than it has with my daughter.
New riding gloves. Don’t buy them at Sears, Hecht’s, or JC Penny’s. Go to a bike shop or order them from store that specializes in motorcycle apparel. The department store variety will bunch up in the palms and fingers and make shifting and braking difficult.
A good flashlight small enough to fit in my saddlebag.
Rags. I know, it’s not something to write home about, but believe me they will be appreciated. Some polish goes well with this.
Handcuffs. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, but they really are great for securing stuff to my bike. Check eBay.
A set of open end/box end wrenches. Metric for Japanese bikes, and standard for American bikes. Go to Sears and buy Craftsman.
While you’re at Sears, a flat, a Phillips, and a stubby Phillips screwdriver would be great as well. Again, make sure they are Craftsman and not Sears brand.
Any sort of electrical clothing. Start with a vest or jacket, then gloves. The optional thermostat is great as well.
Rain gear. Get the two piece kind, but make sure the top is a bib type, or long enough to cover the bottoms when I’m sitting on my bike. Frogg Toggs are great.
A new visor for my helmet. Even if I bought one last week, I’ll have it scratched up before long.
A tire gauge. I’ve already got one, but you can never have too many (think digital, hint, hint).
Bungee cord tie downs. If you can find them, the 4 hook net kind are the best.
A cover for my bike. Dowco makes a great one, and it’s guaranteed for life.
Maps. I wore mine out last summer. You can get them free from the state DMV web sites, or from visitor’s centers. ADC also sells good Atlases.
Riding boots. No, don’t need a new pair. Mine are broken in and quite comfortable. Just have them resoled. Make sure the cobbler uses non-skid materials.
A new back tire. It’s certainly not very traditional, but I promise I will thank you for it. Buy it at the shop that services my bike, and keep the receipt.
And finally – chrome. Just go to the parts counter, tell the parts person what bike I have and how much you want to spend. They will take care of the rest.
