Are you tired of just asking for gift cards every year, rather than try to explain your moto tastes to friends and family? We’ve compiled some tasty stuff that you’re sure to love, no matter what type of rider you are. (And it’s OK if you blur the lines a little, we do too!)
Hit the trail and pound pavement with these sweet pieces of kit.
1. Tired of integrated armor that moves around on you? Overheated in that hot fully armored jacket? Zip on the Forcefield Pro Shirt X-V with armor with cooling BeCool base layer material, and stay comfortable and protected on the road and trail. CE Level 2 armor at the back, shoulders, elbows and chest provides complete protection without compromise. $249. motonation.com
2. Wolfman Luggage has been making awesome trail-rated luggage in Colorado since 1992, and many a dual-sport rider swears by its Expedition Dry Saddlebags. Often imitated, never duplicated, these will keep your stuff dry and strap to just about any bike. $349.99/pair. wolfmanluggage.com
3. This minimalist, compact pump ain’t pretty, but it gets the job done and weighs only 1.2 pounds. The Motopressor Pocket Pump will air up a tire from flat to 32 psi in two minutes. Connects to your bike via an SAE battery connector and has a screw-on valve connector for a secure and easy fit. $40. rockycreekdesigns.com
4. This little piece of plastic changed my life! Yes ladies, you can pee standing up. The pStyle makes trailside, gas station and middle of the night potty breaks so much easier! Our suggestion: opt (or ask) for the carrying pouch as well. $12 + $12 for the case. thepstyle.com
5. Made by Schuberth to Touratech’s specs, the Touratech Adventuro Mod helmet gives you the convenience of a flip-up modular, along with the specific features an ADV rider demands. It offers plenty of ventilation, is goggle-ready and even has an integrated sun visor that flips down with the flick of your finger. $649 (solids), $749 (graphics). touratech-usa.com
6. Plug tubeless tires easily and safely with Stop & Go’s Tubeless Tire Repair Kit. It’s inexpensive, lightweight and it works. $9.95. stopngo.com
7. With the Garmin inReach, you never have to be alone again. The inReach uses satellite technology rather than relying on cell phone service, to let loved ones track your progress, send text messages or an SOS, and even summon emergency extraction in the worst case scenario. Starts at $399.99 + monthly subscription. See website for details. explore.garmin.com
8. If you like the all-encompassing feeling of a traditional sleeping bag, but wish you had a bit more room to move, the Nemo Rhumba 30 Down might be the answer. Its spoon-shaped design allows for more legroom while still packing down into a 5L compression sack. $239.95. nemoequipment.com
Style and function for the queens of the asphalt jungle.
1. Get the extra reach to the ground you need without the dangers of a high heel, with the Joe Rocket Heartbreaker riding boots with a hidden 2.5-inch wedge heel. Zippered side entry, leather construction, calf expansion panels and a grippy sole round out these H.O.T. boots. $124.99. joerocket.com
2. For a standout look, go for the Urban Tribe jacket from Black Arrow. The waxed cotton canvas shell is lined with Kevlar at key impact zones, and CE Level 1 armor is included at the shoulders and elbows. $329 (Australian). blackarrowlabel.com
3. LA-based Atwyld has some of the hottest riding jeans around, and the best part is they’re Kevlar-lined and include quality D30 armor. The Shred Moto Jeans also feature leather down the front of each leg and on each rear pocket, and have a stretch denim skinny fit design. $389. atwyld.com
4. Biltwell’s Gringo helmet has become a standard for urban chic riders everywhere, but our biggest gripe was the lack of a visor. Biltwell remedied that with the Gringo S, an up-spec version of the Gringo with a visor that rotates open and closed, or it can be removed if you want the retro goggle look. Available in multiple colors and sizes starting at $199.95. biltwellinc.com
5. Pack Animal luggage works as well as it looks, and it looks great. Based in Seattle, every Pack Animal piece is handmade using all natural products. We love its Backpack, made of heavy-duty 18-ounce waxed twill, 10.1-ounce waxed canvas and vegetable tanned leather, with a waterproof liner and laptop sleeve to keep your stuff safe and dry. Handmade to order in multiple colors. $325. packanimal.co
6. Worried about leaving your bike parked unattended? Fahgettaboudit! Lock your baby up with the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit chain with disc lock. This sucker weighs more than 15 pounds and is 5 feet long. Its hardened manganese steel links are covered in a protective sleeve and the disc lock is reinforced with anti-drill, anti-pull protection. Most thieves will take one look and move on to easier targets. $178.45. kryptonitelock.com
You don’t just ride for fun, it’s your life. Own your commute with these products…and then treat yourself to something fun!
1. Osprey specializes in backpacks for trekking, climbing and mountain biking, and thanks to their thoughtful designs we love using them for double-duty on our daily commute as well. The Momentum 26 comes in bright green for extra visibility and includes plenty of easy-to-access pockets, and it will work great for bicycle rides and casual use as well. $140. ospreypacks.com
2. Reduce the risk of being rear-ended by an inattentive or tailgating driver with the AdMore Light Bar with Smart Brake Technology. Its low-profile strip adds an extra-bright LED brake light and turn signals, plus an adjustable accelerometer activates the brake light when you roll off the throttle, warning vehicles behind you that you’re slowing before you hit the brakes. $199. admorelighting.com
3. We test and wear lots of helmets here at Woman Rider, but our daily take-it-all and do-it-all commuter helmet is the Shoei Neotec. The Neotec is quiet, comfortable and includes all the features we want in a daily helmet: flip-up versatility, a drop-down sun shade and good venting. Plus it’s a Shoei so quality and safety are second to none. Available in multiple colors and sizes starting at $648.99. shoei-helmets.com
4. You spend every day on your bike, slogging through traffic. It’s time to treat yourself to something fun: a guided overseas motorcycle tour! One of the biggest is Edelweiss Bike Travel, and they run all-inclusive guided tours on every continent except Antarctica (and who wants to ride there anyway?). Peruse the options and check a destination off your bucket list at edelweissbike.com.
5. Protect yourself in the event of an accident with a C5 on-bike video camera system from Innovv. The Innovv C5 mounts to your motorcycle and is discrete and easily hidden. Since it runs off your bike’s charging system, it stays on all the time. Set to a one- or three-minute recording loop to protect yourself on your commute, or record longer stretches manually for fun rides. It can even be used as a security device, turning on when it detects the bike being moved or bumped. $198. innovv.com
6. Be visible no matter what jacket you’re wearing with a Rev’It Athos 2 high-viz vest. It’s designed to fit snugly over your jacket to reduce flapping, and includes Scotchlite 3M reflective strips for nighttime visibility as well. Available in mesh and non-mesh versions. $59.99. revitsport.com
7. Olympia’s Sentry pants give you the protection you need for your commute, with CE-approved knee armor, EVA foam pads at the hips and a 600-denier poly shell with ballistic panels. Leg zippers go from ankle to waist to make them easy to get on and off over jeans, making your change from Super Girl to normal working girl a snap. $169.99. olympiamotosports.com
Go the distance in comfort and style!
1. Touring riders demand the highest performance when it comes to venting, waterproofing and versatility. Klim gear checks all those boxes, and we love its Altitude jacket. Unlike some manufacturers, Klim doesn’t skimp on women’s gear; the Altitude features a laminated Gore-Tex liner, Cordura reinforcements, the latest D30 EVO armor including a back protector, tons of vents and pockets and quality YKK zippers. You deserve the best! $599.99. klim.com
2. Good base layers are the secret to a comfortable ride, especially on long trips and in changing weather situations. We wear Forcefield’s Base Layer tops and bottoms on all but the coldest trips. They’re made of high-tech fabric that regulates your body temperature, pulling body heat and humidity away, letting your vents or insulating mid layers do their jobs. $89 (tops) and $69 (bottoms). motonation.com
3. We know you know what we’re talking about: itching, chafing, stickiness…. Talcum powder works fine, but we like to pamper ourselves with Lady Anti Monkey Butt powder instead. It uses cornstarch instead of talc for a smooth feel and pleasant smell, and calamine powder helps eliminate irritation and itching. Try it, you’ll never go back. $6.99. antimonkeybutt.com
4. Feel secure leaving your helmet on your bike at lunch and gas stops with the Helmetlok. The 1.5-inch carabiner hooks to handlebars, grab rails…just about anything, and the 6-foot-long cable can run through your jacket AND helmet to secure both to the bike. $29.99 (Helmetlok) and $7.99 (cable). rockycreekdesigns.com
5. The latest and greatest motorcycle GPS is here: the Garmin zumo 595LM. It’s waterproof and has a glove-friendly touchscreen. Use the new Adventurous Routing to tailor your ride route to your tastes, and connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to listen to music or take phone calls. A motorcycle handlebar mount and vehicle windshield suction cup mount are both included. $799.99. garmin.com
6. Think of Moto Skiveez as bicycle shorts, but for motorcycles. Conceived and designed by a bicyclist/motorcyclist, Moto Skiveez uses a chamois pad sculpted specifically to relieve pressure on the pelvis when sitting on a motorcycle for long periods of time. $65. motoskiveez.com
7. These little lights pack a big punch. With only a 2-inch housing, each Clearwater Darla LED light emits 2,000 lumens. The Darla lights are fully dimmable, CNC machined and made in the USA. See and be seen! $499/pair. clearwaterlights.com
From head to toe, we’ve got you covered!
1. These Italian leather riding boots are made for cruising in style. The Falco Ayda leather boots feature ankle protection and a full zip entry, plus a removable shift pad to prevent scuffing (although we kinda like the “broken in” look). $149.95. pacificpowersports.com
2. The Sena Calvary DOT-certified half helmet comes equipped with a low-profile Sena Bluetooth system, so you can listen to music, take phone calls and chat with your friends, all in the most inconspicuous package available. Fully installed and wired, and ready to use! $349. sena.com
3. Sick of riding sunglasses that are sized for big dudes? The Wiley X Sleek is designed to fit small to medium sized heads, and has shatterproof lenses that meet ANSI Z87.1-2010 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Standards as well as US Federal OSHA 1910.133(b)(1)(1) Standards. A removable seal keeps dust and debris out of your eyes. Prescription lenses are available. $100. wileyx.com
4. Keep that ‘cycle clean with an S100 Care Set. The comprehensive kit includes S100 Corrosion Protectant, Detail & Wax, Total Cycle Finish Restorer, spray-on, spray-off Total Cycle Cleaner, a sponge and a drying towel. $60.95 (MSRP, online prices are often lower). s100.com
5. Black Brand makes sexy riding jackets, and they aren’t shy about it. The Mantra leather jacket features gorgeous wing detailing on the back, plus metal stud accents and optional D30 armor. Even better, a portion of each purchase goes to Homes For Our Troops, providing homes for needy veterans. $571. blackbrandmc.com
6. Leather jackets like the Mantra should be well cared for, and an annual or twice-yearly cleaning with Harley-Davidson Leather Care with UV Protectant is a great way to do it. This wax-free formula cleans and conditions your leather riding apparel for years of use. $6. harley-davidson.com
You’re faster than most of the guys you ride with. Sweet.
1. Carry your gear to the track in an Ogio Rig 9800 Travel Bag, or haul it halfway around the world on that bucket list trip to ride Mugello or Philip Island. The Rig 9800 has a sturdy bottom with padded helmet compartment and adjustable dividers to keep your boots and apparel separate. Compression straps cinch everything down tight, and wheels and a telescoping handle make traversing airports a breeze. $269.99. ogio.com
2. Race-quality wearable airbag technology is now within reach of club racers and trackday aficionados with the Alpinestars Tech-Air Race Airbag System. The Tech-Air is the result of more than a decade of development in MotoGP and offers the ultimate in upper body protection. Electronic sensors mean it can be worn on any bike and it’s not dependent on a corded system. $1,149.95. alpinestars.com
3. Pit Bull makes some of the best paddock stands out there. It offers a wide variety of stands for single-sided swingarms, regular swingarms (both spooled and standard) and forks. Pit Bull stands behind its products with a lifetime warranty. Prices vary. pit-bull.com
4. Held has long been known for making excellent motorcycling gloves. We wear the Evo Thrux gloves and love the excellent feel of the kangaroo leather palm, along with the Kevlar-lined backing and secure closures. $170. heldusa.com
5. Wander the paddock in style with the Smith Serpico Slim 2.0 sunglasses. These aviator-style sunglasses are scaled down just a bit to better fit smaller faces. They feature outstanding optics and come in a variety of frame/lens color combinations. Starting at $149. smithoptics.com
6. Every sport rider (especially those who frequent the track) knows that tires are one of our biggest expenses. Dunlop’s newest sport tire, the Q3+, is the only made-in-the-USA hypersport tire, and features carbon fiber reinforcements in the sidewalls with a Multitread dual compound in the center and sides of the tread for excellent grip and long life. Pricing varies depending on size. dunlopmotorcycletires.com
7. Leathers should be comfortable as well as protective, and since we started wearing Spidi’s two-piece Poison leather suit we’ve gotten quite spoiled. The 1.2-1.3mm cowhide shell is soft and supple, and incorporates large flexible textile panels for comfort. A unique inner Lycra suit zips on to hold the outer suit in place and keep the bottoms up when the jacket is unzipped. CE-approved armor at the knees, elbows and shoulders is included. Custom sizing is available. $1,299.90. spidi.com
