[motorcycle.com] - 2017 Holiday Gift Guide Part 4: $250 And Up

[Ninjette Newsbot]

When I was told I would be tasked with putting together the $250 and up category of our 2017 gift guide, I must admit, I smirked on the inside. What an easy thing to do! Motorcycling can be expensive and the parts we pine after generally are expensive. So here is a list of items in the $250 and up category for that someone speciale in your life. The sky’s the limit!

Gear Bag: Ogio Rig 9800 $269.99



I have found myself gathering motorcycle gear and dumping it into the backseat of my truck many more times than I would like to admit. It’s difficult to transport multiple items of motorcycle gear efficiently without having a bag that can fit it all. Whether it be motocross gear or road track gear, a large gear bag can take the headache out of traveling with everything you need.

Ogio Rig 9800 Rolling Luggage Bag Review

The Ogio Rig 9800 is a cavernous piece of luggage at 7500 cubic inches. The bag measures 34″ H x 16.5″ W x 15.25″ D, so if you are traveling on a flight with your gear, don’t expect to carry it on. The Ogio Rig 9800 offers a large wide open main compartment with a padded foam divider to section off your helmet from the rest of your gear. You also have four other smaller pockets of various sizes for other items you would like to keep seperate. Much like other travel luggage, the Rig 9800 includes oversized wheels and a telescoping handle for rolling through the airport, paddock, or parking lot on your way to where ever your moto-adventures take you. It is also available in various colors. Check out the Ogio Rig 9800 here.

New Tires: Dunlop Q3+, Front and Rear $303.59





A new set of rubbers is always a welcome gift for any moto-enthusiast. Like oil, they will always need replacing at some point. For reference, I am using prices for a set (front and rear) of Dunlops new Q3+ sport tires. Some tires cost more, some cost less. Whether you ride an adventure bike, a sportbike or a cruiser, sooner or later you’ll want to slap a new set of tires on your bike, and hopefully it’s because the others have worn down, not due to a puncture (something that happens to me all the time on the 405 freeway). The motorcyclist in your life will be happy to have a fresh set of rubber waiting for them when they need it. I can guarantee it.

Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ Tire Review

Stacyc 12EDrive Electric Stability Cycle, $599



While I may not have any children of my own at this point in my life, I did have a chance to see a kid, the age of 5 or so, jumping one of these things off of some small ramps at a display at the recent Moto Beach Classic held at Bolsa Chica Beach this past October, and he looked like he was having a blast.

The Stacyc differs from other balance bikes in that has a built-in lithium-ion battery to boost the fun and learn throttle control for when your little one is ready. The Stacyc is light enough for kids to learn on just like any other balance bicycle, yet it gives the option to crank on the juice to ease into the fun of two wheels. Using a throttle and hand-brake, it’s an innovative tool to prepare your child for a lifetime of two-wheeled fun. Power output can be switched to three levels, ranging in top speeds from 5 mph to 11 mph. It’s also available in a version with 16-inch wheels ($699) instead of the 12-inch model listed here. Check out Stacyc*here.

Slip-on or Full-system Exhausts: Akrapovic Exhausts $540 – $2,165



It’s one of the first parts many riders upgrade on their motorcycles. Whether they are looking for performance gains or a simple change of exhaust note, motorcyclists the world over look to slip-on and full-system exhausts as the first step of customizing their rides. Akrapovic has made a name for itself as a premium exhaust manufacturer whose components can be found from the MotoGP paddock to the local bike night. For our Holiday Gift Guide, we have used pricing for a new R6 to keep things relative. Slip-on systems, which can offer some weight savings and a different sound, will start at around $540. For those looking to hit the track and want the optimum weight savings and performance gains, a full-system exhaust will set you back around $2,165. Be aware, if you pick one of these up for your loved one, you probably won’t see them for at least the next few hours as they will want to slap that bod boy on as soon as possible. Check out offerings from the Slovenian manufacturer here.

Helmets: Shoei RF-1200 $485 – $626



Helmets come in a wide variety of prices and styles. That’s why they have made it into two of our Holiday Gift Guide price brackets. You can find normal production helmets that are DOT-rated from under $100 to $3,999 (Arai Corsair-X RC, we’re looking at you). You don’t have to spend a grand on a helmet to have a well-functioning piece of protective equipment. For example, the Shoei RF-1200 is a great upper-middle of the line all-around helmet. It works well in many riding scenarios and is very comfortable (assuming it fits your head shape). I have worn an RF-1200 for many thousands of miles and continue to find myself reaching for it when I leave the house. With 45 different color options listed on their website, it shouldn’t be difficult find the right one for the rider on your Christmas list. Take a look at the options here.

Shoei RF-1200 Helmet Review

Jackets and Pants: KLIM Badlands Jacket $949, Pant $649



If the motorcyclist in your life knows not of riding seasons, the KLIM Badlands jacket and pant might be the kit they need to keep them charging forward in the face of inclement weather. The Badlands models from KLIM have always been some of the company’s best and most rugged, gear meant to keep riders safe and comfortable in a multitude of conditions. Any rider who has spent time on a motorcycle in the cold or rain can attest to the importance of quality gear. For the touring rider in your life, browse offerings from KLIM here.

One-Piece Race Suits, $600 – $2700



So your significant other is interested in a trackday. Don’t you want them to be as safe as possible? The truth is, the racetrack is a much safer place to hone one’s skills in a controlled environment as your SO plays out his Marc Marquez fantasies (he will need the one with elbow sliders). There are many different manufacturers of race suits on the market that boast prices fluctuating from $600 to $2700. The great thing about buying a race suit now is the fact that both Alpinestars and Dainese have their flagship race suits on sale as their new models make their way into the line-up.

You can pick up a Dainese Laguna Seca for $937 (down from $1,249) or an Alpinestars GP Plus for $959 (down from $1,199). For those who want the utmost protection, the aforementioned manufacturers offer airbag technology in their top-of-the-line suits. For that kind of investment, you’ll want to bring your rider down to the local D-Store or retailer to ensure fit is correct and to answer any other questions you have. Wrap that special someone in race-grade leather this season with a quality one-piece race suit. Visit your favorite moto-retailer to shop.*

Riding Schools $150 – $2,700





Riding schools of all disciplines are available for motorcyclists looking to improve their riding skills. There are schools that take place in the dirt and at paved racetracks that can be vastly beneficial for riders who are open to learning. California Superbike School is one that has been around for longer than the others and offers courses at Laguna Seca in Monterey, California on-board BMW S1000RRs for $2,700. That could be a bucket-list item for the aspiring track rider on your nice list.

Yamaha Champions Riding School Review

An International Motorcycle Excursion $5,900



Maybe Laguna Seca isn’t quite exotic enough for the love of your life? Leod Motorcycle Escapes offer tours all over the world with some centered around famous racetracks such as the Sachsenring and Phillip Island. For a surefire way to guarantee you give the best gift they get this holiday season, check out Leod Motorcycle Escapes here. While the trip will only last several days, the experience will last a lifetime.

Ducati Panigale V4 $21,195



For the lucky few who find themselves able to afford $20,000+ Christmas gifts, this one’s for you. What is likely to be the pinnacle of modern sportbike technology (at least for the moment), the Panigale V4 will be at the top of the rich and famous motorcycle enthusiast’s wish list. The V4S ($27,495) and Speciale ($39,995) are also available for those demanding performance and exclusivity.

First Look: 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 / V4S / V4 Speciale

Although we could, keep going with dream-worthy ideas, this wraps up our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide. I hope all of our readers receive what they want this year, and maybe these gift guides helped you get it. We realize that gifts aren’t what Christmas is all about, but we wouldn’t say no to a trackday at the Sachsenring or a new Panigale! Happy Holidays!

2017 Holiday Gift Guide Part 4: $250 And Up appeared first on Motorcycle.com.



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