Cycle Matters "Holiday Wish List" for motorcyclists
Cycle Matters Editors - Dec 2, 2009

Cycle Matters editorial staff selected these top 10 gifts for the biker on your list who has almost everything. These items – individually or collectively – will put a smile on any biker’s face and are sure to add value to motorcycling experiences and adventures.   Recommended gifts range from $4.00 to $73,000. 

1.     Motorcycles for couples: Looking for new ways to energize your relationship – hobby or adventure? Go to your local motorcycle dealer and put you money on a bike for each of you. Major brands such as Honda, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki manufacture multiple “his & her” models (touring, cruisers, and sportbikes), from which to choose. Any motorcycle enthusiast can find a model that fits…and fits your personality.

Travel to places you’ve never been, experience things you’ve never experienced, and meet people you’ve never met. Motorcycling is fun…JUST PURE FUN!! The adventure begins in your driveway.

2.     Ride Like a Pro version V DVD: Learn the three riding techniques used by motorcycle officers. You do not need Ride Like a Pro I thru IV. Ride Like a Pro V contains all the tips, tricks and techniques from those versions plus much, much more! The video shows the most common mistakes students make while taking this course so that you recognize and avoid mistakes.

The video shows a diagram of the proper line through the turns painted on the course as it should be ridden. It shows what happens to students when the proper line is not followed. It shows overhead views of pro's riding the course the correct way. ((In addition, new exercises in the citizen's portion will help you to transition to the actual motor officer course you'll see in the video. $34.95 on DVD at: http://www.ridelikeapro.com.    

3.     Snap-On Low Profile Metric Ratchet/Socket Set (210RAFM). Cycle Matters editors choose this 10-piece set as an innovative new product that helps make shop jobs easier. It has the smallest ratcheting arc available for ultimate speed, and a sealed ratchet head that ensures long-lasting durability. Low profile sockets combined with a low profile ratchet get the job done in the tightest work areas. Easily access tight clearance areas with no loss of strength. Manufactured from special alloy steel, precision forged and heat-treated for optimum strength and durability.

The10-piece 3/8-inch Drive Metric Low Profile Ratchet/Socket Set with Dual 80® Technology (210RAFM) includes the 80-tooth low profile ratchet (RAF80) and nine 12 point low profile sockets (8mm to 18mm). $169.61 at http://www.snapon.com.

4.     Bonneville Stories DVD: Interviews and images that take an inside look at the racers and their machines that journey around the world to make history on the salt. Shot by Lou Fischer, featuring 'Salt Flats Fever' Music and lyrics by Drew Gatewood. Including stories about Keeper's of the Blue Flame, BudFab and more! $15 on DVD at http://www.speedtrialsbybub.com.

5.     ZeroX Electric Motorcycle: Electric powered mobility is on the horizon if not in your garage. You get extended miles, reduced cost, and no noise!

Zero motorcycles for track and trail, for dual-sport, and for the street are high performance bikes that are revolutionary because they are fully electric. Imagine instant torque and power from a standstill. Imagine smooth acceleration as you race out of turns. Then, imagine never needing to stop at the gas station.  Using Zero Motorcycles’ proprietary Z-Force lithium ion power pack and aircraft grade alloy frame, Zero features an industry leading power-to-weight ratio that increases its range and maneuverability. MSRP ranges between $7,450 and $9,950 and may be reduced up to 59% depending on applicable local tax credits. Go to http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/ for more information.

6.     MSR-200 High Definition MotorSports Camera by Hoyt Technologies, Inc. This on-board HD video camera designed specifically for motorsports and other on-board applications. The MSR-200 combines affordability and small size of a helmet camera, with the high quality and ease of use of a traditional video camera. It shoots in crystal clear 720P H.264 HD, includes a wired start/stop remote, and accepts up to 32GB SD/SDHC cards. $329.99 at http://www.hoyttech.com/.

7.     Frozen Spark Plugs: Cryogenically enhanced spark plugs for motorcycles.Cryogenics is a computer-controlled ultra-freezing treatment process that realigns the molecular structure of the electrodes to provide more consistent, longer lasting spark discharges. This results in increased power, smoother operation, and reduced emissions. Tim Ackerman says; “Frozen Spark Plugs have never lost a horsepower shootout!” At $12.50 per plug ($45.00 set of 4), you can change the performance output of your motorcycle.

8.     Road Dog Motorcycle Trailer: Road Dog Trailers are designed from the ground up specifically for motorcycles. The company’s proprietary torsion suspension allows all Road Dog Trailers a very low center of gravity. What this means for you is a motorcycle trailer that pulls smoothly and effortlessly with almost zero affect on your ride. There is a difference in motorcycle trailers, and Road Dog is leading the way!  Style and design of the Road Dog is what catches your attention, but the performance is what really separates Road Dog Trailers from other brands. Prices range from $1,995 to $3,295. Visit http://www.roaddogtrailers.com for more information.

9.     Loctite Disc Brake Quiet Stick: Invented by Henkel, this unique, wax-like stick is specially formulated to dampen brake pad vibrations, and eliminate associated squeaking and noise, without the sticky, smelly mess of traditional, solvent and water-based products. Disc Brake Quiet Stick forms a water-resistant, high temperature film that will absorb vibration and quiet disc braking. $4.00 single stick. Visit http://www.henkel-ap.com for more information.

10. Heated clothing: Heated gear is a must have. We recommend Gerbing Microwire Heated Clothing due to its instant heating, quality of construction, functionality, and lifetime warranty. In addition to being warm when wearing heated gear, you are safer because your extremities actually function. Heated gear is light-weight and versatile, and you can travel with less. See Cycle Matters product reviews on Gerbing products. http://www.cyclematters.com/motorcycle-product-reviews/clothing-accessories/heated-gear

And, we could not resist adding this last suggestion to our list this year…

World’s Fastest Electric Motorcycle: The clean, pure ride you’ve been waiting for is here, with 150 mph of quiet, gorgeous power. Say “Hi” to the Mission One, the world’s fastest electric sport bike. It debuted at this year’s TED Conference to rave reviews—and giddy celebrity pre-orders. Crank it up to 150 with an amazing 100 ft-lbs. of instantaneous torque at every speed. Its liquid-cooled AC induction motor and single-gear transmission eliminate the distraction of shifting. Lithium-ion battery pack runs a full 150-mile range between charges. Use the interactive interface (just like pro racing teams use) to collect data on your laptop, adjust the throttle maps and tweak the regenerative braking system to suit your riding style. Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Mission One retails for $73,000 and this exclusive edition is limited to just 10 bikes tricked out with numbered NM plaques, exclusive wheels, and a special paint job.