2016 Father's Day Buyer's Guide

So Dad’s always riding around on two wheels, and already has all the latest and greatest (so he claims). What to do for Father’s Day? Here are a few ideas to let Dad know you love him and you love that he rides!

Alpinestars T-GP Pro Air Textile Jacket If dad is into sportbikes, he'll love this new aggressively styled vented jacket from Alpinestars. The T-GP Air Textile jacket is made of abrasion resistant 400/600 denier advanced poly-fabric, with performance stretch panels, and mesh throughout. The mesh keeps dad cool as a cucumber, while the durable denier keeps him protected from road rash. CE certified Bio Air protectors at the shoulders and elbows keep dad's extremities safe from potential impact, made all the better as they're removable and adjustable. These along with the PE foam at the chest and back are perforated for additional air flow. And just in case dad's weekend ride varies in temperature, the T-GP Pro Air comes with a removable thermal liner. A lot of bang for the buck at $329.95! Available in men's size S-4XL, and offered in black, black/white/red, and black/white/yellow. alpinestars.com

Novistretch Fairing Bra and Harley Lid Cover Ever go on a road trip and get completely hammered with bugs, only to have to attack that with Goo-Gone later? Or worse, get chips in your paint from errant rocks in the road kicked up by your buddy's bike? Help dad avoid these headaches with the Novistretch Fairing Bra and Lid Covers for Harley-Davidson. The stretchy fairing bra fits all factory Harley Batwing fairings, along with some aftermarket fairings like the Memphis Shade or Reckless Batwing. Available for $109.

The Lid Covers fit Harley-Davidson hard bag lids from model year 1993 to 2016. The same synthetic stretch fabric as the Fairing Bra is used to cover dad’s bagger hard cases, protecting them from boot scuffs, road tar, and wayward bugs. A mere $69 gets you a pair of these, and dad will love you for it.

Both Fairing Bra and Lid Covers are made of synthetic stretch material that is kind to paint, unlike older vinyl or leather options. They are made in the USA, which is a rare thing these days, and come with a 1 year warranty. novistretch.com

Dunlop Trailsmart Tires Is dad more the ADV rider-type? Maybe he's gallivanting around the country (or the world) racking up destination stickers on his panniers, and constantly boasting about his most recent exotic moto adventure location? If that's the case, it's likely he needs a new set of tires. Dunlop's new Trailsmart tires are the most advanced adventure tire in Dunlop's lineup. Designed specifically to handle the weight and power of current adventure bikes, the Trailsmart's high silica content compound was made for high mileage riding, emphasizing grip in wet and dry conditions. With a new XGT Cross Groove tread pattern, these ADV tires are primarily meant for riding on the pavement; however, their intersecting grooves quickly wick water away, and help them handle off-road travel as well. MSRP $165.95 - $260.95. dunlopmotorcycletires.com

Stylmartin Continental boots Dad's been holding onto his classic scrambler for decades, and now it's finally cool again. To match that retro style, he needs a new pair of kicks! Enter Stylmartin's Continental leather boots. Made of full grain nappa leather exterior, and calfskin leather interior, these heritage boots are water repellent. They offer shin and ankle protection, and a rugged Vibram sole. With four adjustable buckles, these vintage motocross-inspired boots offer style, protection, and comfort. Offered in red(!) and black, and available in European sizes 38 - 47, the Stylmartin Continental boots retail for $345. motoandco.com

Butler Maps Dad hates asking for directions, right? Well, with Butler maps, he'll never need to. Designed specifically for the touring motorcyclist, Butler maps highlight the best motorcycling roads in the country. This leaves the guesswork out of planning an epic moto adventure. Most of their maps cover paved roads, but they have a special Backcountry Discover series, as well, covering off-highway dual sport routes. Best of all? Butler maps are waterproof, and tear resistant, so if dad gets caught out in the rain, he'll have no excuse for not finding his way to the next destination. Usually starting at $14.95 per map, Butler is currently having a Father's Day sale: 6 maps for $60, or their Master Collection of 17 maps plus a canvas Wolfman map case for $170. butlermaps.com

A Penguin in a Sparrow's Nest All dads love to tell stories, particularly from their youth. What better way to say you love to hear your father's tales (and perhaps inspire him to share more), than giving him a book full of memories from a motorcycle journalist? Dad will surely enjoy relating to the trials and tribulations of a life on two wheels in A Penguin in a Sparrow's Nest, by UK-based author Frank Melling. From his first motorcycle love at age 11, to sleeping on the boat deck on the way to the Isle of Man TT, to becoming a test rider for BSA, Melling recalls very warm and candid tales of his youth that are funny, heartwarming, and sometimes unbelievable. If dad loves to read, or lives vicariously through other motorcyclists' stories, he's bound to enjoy this addition to his motorcycle library. Available for $32. frankmelling.co.uk