Content and Features Writer who combines a passion for motoring, a flair for writing that has been branded ‘very you’, and having opinions that can’t be kept to oneself, into a career. A veritable motorsport nerd, happily working nearly every weekend of the year as a result, time off is spent either playing squash or trying to visit each country in world at least once.
It seems to start earlier every year, but Christmas is upon us once more and before we tuck into the turkey, gather for the King’s Speech and that ‘friendly’ game of charades turns into all-out family warfare, there is the small traditional matter of getting those gifts bought, wrapped and popped under the tree.
Fortunately, if your loved one enjoys all things motorcycling then there are myriad options out there for you to make them smile… at least until charades kicks off, anyway.
Check out the BikeSocial Motorcycle Christmas Gift Guide, ideal for practical gifts, nifty stocking fillers and fun experiences…
But first, here’s Consumer Editor, John Milbanks’s round-up of the accessories he’s been using this year:
Really useful gifts for bikers
Motorcycle accessories which could double up as Christmas gifts
Denali CANsmart Controller Gen II
£242.99 (BMW range, Honda Africa Twin, KTM 890/1290)
A versatile, easy-to-install and easy-to-use way to connect and independently adapt various components of your motorcycle, the Denali CANsmart Controller Gen II gives you control over two sets of spotlights, high-power horn and brake lights without needing to mess around with your motorcycle’s electronics.
The device connects to components using data signals, saving you from altering the motorcycle’s wiring, which would risk voiding its warranty.
Available on most models in the BMW range, plus the Honda Africa Twin and KTM 890/1290 Series.
Get a grasp of what’s happening underneath your motorcycle’s bodywork without having to fork out on potentially expensive servicing and repair costs with the HEX GS-911 diagnostic device, developed for the big-selling BMW GS.
If you’ve ever found yourself picking your jaw up off the floor after being charged a pretty penny just to find out if or what is wrong with your motorcycle, the HEX GS-911 is a clever little device that could give you all the information you need and potentially fix the issue.
Able to read and clear fault codes, reset service reminders, display control unit information, perform component output tests, view/log/graph live sensor values, perform component calibration and more, the HEX GS-911 should save you money over time. Read the BikeSocial Review of the HEX GS-911 Diagnostic Tool.
Price: £109 - £217 (prices vary according to size and motorcycle)
Add some practicality to your motorcycle with an all-weather SW Motech PRO tank bag, available in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to fit easily to most motorcycles.
Question: If you didn’t post your exploits on social media, then did it really happen…?
For those who enjoy watching their motorcycling exploits back - or showing off to friends on social media - the Insta360 video camera is a trick bit of kit that will give those adventure excursions or days out on the track more impact.
Get the waterproof X3 and you’ll be able to film 4k first person views, ‘impossible’ third person views, AI editing and live streaming capabilities
Isle of Man TT+ Subscription
£14.99
If your loved one is obsessed with the Isle of Man TT, then those unable to make the trip over to the Manx island will feel like they’re right there from the comfort of their own armchair with the Isle of Man TT+ service.
Offering up live, multi-camera action throughout two weeks of high-octane action, the service also brings you exclusive documentaries, podcasts and news to keep you entertained for the rest of the year.
MSV Track Day Voucher
£50 - £600
Ideal for those who like to enjoy a track day or ten, MSV offers a variety of vouchers suiting all budgets to put towards getting your knee down at many of the UK’s premier racing circuits.
Whether your based north, south, east or west - or if your loved one is trying to shave those extra hundredths off his best lap around a particular venue - with Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Donington Park, Cadwell Park, Oulton Park and Bedford Autodrome on its roster, there is something for everyone.
Alternatively, invest in Bennetts for your next insurance policy and you’ll receive automatic BikeSocial membership, which includes huge discounts on the six Bennetts/BikeSocial Track Days held on MSV circuits throughout the year.
Givi Monokey Trekker Outback (42L)
Price: £220 approx.
If you travel long distances, the spacious and secure Givi Monokey Trekker Outback includes a Security Lock mechanism and a useful mat for the base that absorbs impact and vibrations, plus you can include optional accessories that allow you to personalise the top case to suit your own taste. Read the BikeSocial Review of Givi Trekker Luggage
Cosmo Connected
Price: £45 approx.
Stay safe and visible with the Cosmo Connected LEDs for your helmet while riding your motorcycle or scooter.
With activation possible with your glove, the clever device even detects falls and share journeys with your loved ones with its live tracker feature.
Available in ‘High Protection’ (20dB) and ‘Max Protection’ (24dB), these Ear Peace Pro earplugs protect your delicate hearing if you happen to spend a lot of time on the road, on track days or out motocross riding.
If you find using assorted apps on your phone a touch fiddly - not to mention worry about it falling off while you’re riding - then a proper sat-nav system might be more functional.
Better still, with the TomTom Rider 500 & 550 Series, developed especially for motorcycle riders, features more durable, weather-proof materials and a touchscreen you can use through your motorcycle gloves, plus speed camera alerts and live traffic updates.
Let’s face it, motorcycling garb is cool whether you’re riding or not and it’s no coincidence clothing and accessories associated with numerous manufacturers have wide appeal.
Various brands offer their own line of clothing - both fashionable and functional - so take your pick, but we personally like the ‘cool Britannia’ style of Triumph Motorcycles, which offers a wide range of t-shirts, jackets, jeans, wallets, belts and more to suit budgets big and small
Bennetts British Superbikes Clothing & Merchandise by Dread
£13 - £120
Look the part when you go to attend a round of the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship) with Dread’s wide range of BSB merchandise - featuring the likes of Suzuki, FS-3 Kawasaki and OMG Racing - whether it’s a woolly hat for those autumnal Showdown events, caps for a scorching summer of action or a track jacket for the rain that could appear at any point in the season!
Engine - Pure Organic Gin
£24.45
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a tipple or two and for those who enjoy a refreshing G&T on those long, festive evenings there is a wide selection of motorcycling themed brands out there.
TT favourites Peter Hickman and John McGuinness have their own branded gin to purchase for the super fan, but how about something a little quirkier with this gin from Italy, which provides the perfect solution if you need to blend it in with the oil cans in the garage to keep it from sticky fingers in the house…
Just be sure to leave the motorcycle at home if you’re having one out and about though…
Kiddimoto Suzuki Grand Prix Wooden Balance Bike
£110 - £140
You don’t need to be an adult to enjoy pleasures on two wheels with a range of balance bikes available so you can inspire a child’s passion from a young age.
Better still, there are some super cool options to choose from, including those that mimic enduros, sportsbikes and - our favourite - even MotoGP machines, such as this one inspired by the Suzuki Ecstar team.
Just don’t tell them that their new favourite team is no longer competing…
Motocourse
£47.50
The veritable bible of motorsport, the iconic Motocourse title, detailing the racing season gone by, is now in its 47th year.
With detailed reviews and results of each MotoGP and WorldSBK round, plus season reports for the BSB, the Isle of Man TT, MotoAmerica and more, all complemented by beautiful, high-quality imagery, this glossy publication is a must-have for those who want a souvenir for the year to look back on.
