You know that riding a motorbike or scooter saves you time, money and hassle, reduces congestion and puts a smile on your face. But it also makes you much easier to buy Christmas presents for! So if you’re a new rider, point your loved ones to this page for a few tips:
1: Earplugs
Not the most glamorous present, but it’s a great idea to get into the habit of protecting your hearing from helmet noise by always having earplugs in your jacket pocket. And they can be cheap too! From about 29p a pair for foam ones right up to £59 for custom made ones.
2: Neckwarmer
From the most hi-tech (anti-bacterial, anyone?) to the silliest* no rider should be without a cosy neckwarmer. Better than a scarf because they stay put and have no loose ends to flap about as you ride, and perfect for stopping the draughts between helmet and collar.
*The Get On site editor rides in one printed with rockets and stars
Forcefield neckwarmer
Oxford neckwarmer
3: Some fluffy rabbit ears to stick on your helmet
Look, we’re not saying you have to be silly to ride a motorcycle. Just that if you want some fluffy rabbit, dog or bear ears, angel wings or devil’s horns, to wear on your head, they’re yours. Just make sure you buy the type designed to attach with magnets or suckers, as certain glues can damage your helmet.
Motorcycle helmet ears
4: Some decent security
Because securing your scooter or motorbike not only reduces the chances of a nasty shock when it suddenly vanishes. It can reduce insurance costs too, if it’s an approved lock. We realise that not everybody wants to find a length of hefty chain in their stocking on Christmas morning. For those people, there are disc locks or, for hi-tech gadget lovers,Datatag.
Oxford locks
Datatag
5: A good book
What to do on days when it’s too snowy to ride? Stay indoors and read about riding, of course! You could invest in a manual on better riding, or indulge in some fantasy travel with the story of a great overland adventure. Or be inspired to plan your own adventure, of course! There are too many great books to list here – in fact, why not tell us your favourite motorcycle books?
Then we’ll publish your own top ten list here!
6: A pair of jeans
Hey, hang on? Isn’t it a bad idea to ride in denim? Well yes, if it’s ordinary denim. But you can buy protective gear that looks like denim but is reinforced with Kevlar or similar, and has pockets for armour at knee or hip. Ideal for casual wear around town. Check out the combat pants and parka jackets too.
Draggin motorcycle jeans
7: A pair of slippers shaped like motorbikes
Or a cushion, cookie cutters or a jelly mould. Or chocolate motorbikes or a motorcycle helmet-shaped savings box. Or one of a million motorcycle themed gifts for all tastes and pockets, from key-rings to doorknockers. Or, for the rider who really has everything, give a gift donation to Riders for Health and help a health worker use a motorcycle to serve communities in Africa.
Riders for Health
8: Further training
Even if you have a full motorcycle licence, you can always benefit from more training. A day with Bikesafe or the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) will make you a smoother, more confident rider, whatever your level. For structured training and assessment, try the IAM’s Skill for Life course or a DSA-approved Enhanced Rider Scheme with your local trainer.
Or you could try learning something completely new, like off-road riding or a track day.
9: A motorcycle adventure
Of course you can just take your scooter or motorbike to the ferry or Channel Tunnel, but there are plenty of great companies ready to take the headaches out of riding abroad. Whether it’s crossing the USA on a Harley-Davidson, off-roading through Cambodia or ambling around Spain on a classic-style motorbike, a motorcycling holiday is a great way to relax.
10: A new motorcycle
There are so many desirable motorbikes and scooters out there, we don’t know where to start. If you’ve passed your CBT, you have an amazing range of choices, from a nippy scooter to a bigger machine with cruiser style or sportsbike looks. And of course, if you have a full licence there are literally hundreds of models to choose from. Our tip? Buy a LOT of wrapping paper.