Well 2020 has been a little strange, to say the least, and there’s every chance that Christmas might be a ‘quiet’ one too.
Many motorcyclists won’t have had their usual riding fix this year either, so why not get the biker in your life a motorcycle themed gift to get their 2021 riding season off to a flying start? Looking for some inspiration? Here are five we think might hit the target…
Motocourse annual
Motorcycle racing’s not quite been as we know it in 2020. The Isle of Man TT races were cancelled, calendars chopped and changed around, and almost all ‘elite’ racing took place behind closed doors. It was all a touch weird, however when it did get underway it kept us glued to our screens with MotoGP, world and British superbikes often all battling for our attentions on the same weekends.
Documenting all the action, as it has done every year since 1976, is Motocourse. The 304 page tome is packed full of amazing photography and great insight written by some of the best journalists in the business. £40 from www.iconpublishinglimited.com
Ride 4 video game
If video games are your thing Ride 4 is the one to have. Far from simply being the old game with the addition of new bikes, the latest instalment has far greater depth to its game play.
Ride 4 uses real life production bikes (over 170 of them) and British circuits feature heavily throughout the game, with Brands Hatch, Donington Park and the iconic Cadwell Park (complete with its famous Mountain jump) among over 30 tracks included.
Of course, in many ways it is nothing like riding a real motorcycle, but the game physics feel far more credible than on Ride 3 (which in itself wasn’t too bad) with the addition of endurance races, tyre degradation, changeable weather and dynamic fuel loads all adding to the simulation aspect.
It’s a game with plenty of depth when played offline, and there’s also the ability to compete against friends and strangers from around the world in private or public online races.
Available for PC, XBox One or PS4. £49.99 from www.ridevideogame.com
Auritech earplugs
PPE has been one of the great buzzwords of 2020 and when it comes to PPE for bikers, earplugs should be in every rider’s kit bag.
Many don’t think about it but riding at 60mph generates enough wind noise to cause permanent hearing damage after just 15 minutes, yet most riders don’t wear hearing protection underneath their helmets.
Cheap disposable foam plugs solve the problem but can be uncomfortable, unhygienic and are not exactly environmentally friendly. What’s more, a reason many riders don’t wear them is because they block out all noise, meaning that they can’t hear their bike or the traffic around them.
Filtered plugs, like those from long time market leaders Auritech, solve that by having a ceramic filter. It cleverly blocks out the harmful high frequency wind noise but still allows you hear your engine, the traffic and even music played over an intercom.
They’re a universal fit and made of medical grade silicone, making them hygienic, reusable and long lasting.
At £20 they’re a perfect stocking filler. www.auritech.co.uk
Keep clean with Muc-off
Whether you ride through the winter or want to get your bike looking in A1 condition for the spring, giving your bike a good clean is one of those ‘must do’ jobs over the coming months.
There are plenty of great specialist products out there but British company Muc-Off has established itself as the market leader, not only for the quality of its cleaners, but also for its cool gift sets.
A bit like those toiletry sets you see in the supermarkets, but for your bike, these come neatly packaged and not only offer the famous pink cleaning solution, but also a variety of accessories such as brushes, cloths and carry cases.
Prices start at around £15 and go up to £75 for the Ultimate Motorcycle Care kit. Available from various stockists, or online at www.muc-off.com
Kawasaki facemask
Times have been tough for motorcycle dealers and manufacturers, and even if we can’t afford the latest new models they’ve all got comprehensive gift ranges we can raid for the bike loving person in our life.
Most ranges include a random range of novelties, including everything from mugs and pens to clocks and kids toys. All would make great gifts but we’re going to show our loyalty to six-time world superbike king Jonathan Rea with this Kawasaki facemask. Is there anything more 2020?
£8.95 from www.kawasaki.co.uk
