Motorcyclist Stocking Stuffers

I need a favor.

This year I am looking for 2-wheel related Christmas stocking stuffers that fall into the ‘must have’ category.  I have a problem - I’m cheap overall when it comes to the non-essentials.  Heh - with the internet at my disposal, I often shop whatever future purchase is in mind to death…then sometimes forget to actually buy it!  This (particular) time is different.  I say particular because I am seemingly a little vulnerable to spend some $$JACK$$ with my new track bike purchase.

Here’s the deal…  I am looking to commute as much as possible to & from work now that the AZ summer heat is gone.  For those of you that don’t know, I have an Aprilia Futura for that task.  The bike already has commuter creature comforts like Heli-bars, Throttlemeister, Double Bubble screen, heated grips, just ordered a luggagelocker tankbag, EXL tailbag, and power supplies.  I have good riding gear for the commute:  Fieldsheer 1-pc Highland suit that has a removable liner, Sidi Way Tepor boots, winter & sport bike gloves, and an X-11 helmet.  Oh yeah, I do have rain gear, but not rain gloves.  I’ve recently added music to the equation with Etymotic ER-6i and mt crappy MP3 player.

NOTE:  The AZ winter is beautiful during the day, but is down to 32F on the morning commute.  For a sissy like me, that’s cold!

For the most part, I’m all set for the track goodies.  I kept all my gear and trackside supplies from my prior adventures.  And having a partner in the deal, we have tons of stuff short of spares.  On the list of ‘for the right price’ would be a full exhaust system and an extra set of wheels/rotors for sake of ease.  I’m in no need of tire warmers as we will probably stick with DOT tires that warm up quicker race compounds.  I am thinking about a canopy though…that could be cool.

And finally, for the dirt it seems like I’m all set there too.  On the short list is a Z-start rekluse autoclutch since I stick to the single track goat trails.  My dirt bike is a 00 YZ426f that I have converted to a trail bike.  I have all the good tuning mods found on thumpertalk.com.  I have a tire repair kit and all the goodies associated with trail riding (except that autoclutch!).

OK - my primary focus is to make the commuting experience as comfy as possible.  On the very short list are:

  • Better winter gloves
  • Favorite ‘motorcycle’ tools
  • Heated vest??? (any opinions?) 
  • Tool kit…or at least a wrap so that I can make my own.
  • Good balaclava?
  • Underarmor longsleeve & pants (for dirt & non-commuting trips)
  • LED / bright tail light for better visibility from behind

 I got this idea from this month’s MCN where each contribitor gave his Christmas stocking stuffer picks.  Bastards!  Lots of ideas there!  Please help me spend before I change my mind a get all practical again.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

4 Comments

For the track: UnderArmor is your friend… they evey have it in super FAT sizes for me.

If I was to buy one gift for myself, that would be a motorcycle tire repair kit for on the road. I would like one of the cool CO2 units, with an electric backup pump.

Comment by gothicbeaST | October 22nd, 2006 11:30 am | Permalink

Try a good book and the ideas that are contained therein as a stocking stuffer. “First to Last (The Tale of a Biker)” is a great new biker’s book. Have a “look-see” at my website www.dennislid.com.
d. lid

Comment by Dennis Lid | October 23rd, 2006 12:36 pm | Permalink

AB,

If you are really going to be commuting on those “cold” mornings (anything below about 50 deg) an electric vest is by far your best choice! Heated grips are not enough, you’ve got to keep your core warm. It’s also good for those 70-80 degree valley days that drop off substantially as you add elevation in the mountains - can you say “Alpine”! Besides the comfort, you’ll be much sharper and quicker in reacting to hazards if you’re not spending any attention on being cold!

I use a Widder (with the collar). The vest should fit fairly snug with only a T-shirt on underneath (keep that heat as close to your body as possible and layer the insulation on the outside of it). I can give you lots of other assistance setting the whole system up and making it work it’s best, if you decide to go that route.

I’ve been using an electric vest for about 15 years now and won’t go out without it, except on those mid-summer days (and even then I wished a had it a few times after the sun went down). The best part is, you can wear it in mildly cool conditions without turning it on because it’s insulation will keep you warmer. Then when things get uncomfortable, just whip out the cord, plug it in, select your setting and suddenly you are transformed from a snifling, shivering mess to a confident rider ready to put another 100 miles under your wheels.

I’ve had my manhood criticized any number of times by old school types, but they always seem to pull me aside to ask more questions at some point in the future (usually after a Fall ride in the mountains that ends after dark). Not long after that, the cord dangling from their left hip and the smile on their face is apology enough.

It can make you a true year-round rider!

A skinny guy like you probably has trouble holding body heat anyway (unlike GothicBeast and I).

Rhino

Comment by Anonymous | October 23rd, 2006 3:06 pm | Permalink

Bob,

Go electric! I commuted for years and an electric vest made all the difference in the world between a happy ride and misery. Recently I upgraded a bit and moved up to a heated jacket liner and gloves. Have not tried them yet but I know it’s going to be good.

For a great deal, follow the URL below for the discount side of Gerbings’ electric stuff. It’s where they sell their close-outs and left overs. Great prices for cheapskates like the sort who are unwilling to spend the money for a REAL track bike like the RS250. ;-)

http://www.kreamersports.com/shop/?shop=1&cat=10&

Doug

Comment by Doug | October 23rd, 2006 6:43 pm | Permalink

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