Gear

Americana-Inspired Gifts For Your Favorite Motorcyclist

Americana may be a broad term, but we’ve found a collection of gifts that embody the spirit of our country well

November 5, 2018

America. Land of the free, home of the brave. A country of wide-open spaces and converging cultures, built on a foundation of enterprise, hard work, and innovation. In the 242 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America has been many things for many people, but there are some symbols of the nation that have endured longer than others which represent a cultural heritage all our own. This Americana comprises hard artifacts and states of mind, pastimes and forms of art, brands, musical styles, films, television shows, events, and much more.

Check out these motorcycle games riders will love this holiday season

We were inspired by some of these themes in our November/December 2018 print issue and decided to keep the ball rolling with an Americana-inspired gift guide for this year’s holiday season. We have come up with some great gift ideas that embody the spirit of America, will appeal to the motorcyclist in your life, and could serve as the start of a brand-new adventure.

Harley-Davidson Dealership Poker Chip Frame

When thinking about motorcycle brands, Harley-Davidson is an undeniable part of Americana. It's got a long history and represents freedom and power and industry to many riders. Plus, the brand does a lot to engage its base, including offering special poker chips at each of its dealers. Maybe you have a few lying around already, or maybe the thought of collecting these hasn't crossed your mind. But setting the objective to fill the frame means deciding to head out on the open road, to explore a place you might not have ever considered going and to provide an opportunity to meet and talk with riders from a different town or state. This gift is more about the adventure it promises than the collection, and once it's filled you'll have a nice memento of some of your past rides.Harley-Davidson

America the Beautiful Pass

In 1916, the National Park Service came into existence and since that time America’s parks have become a huge part of the identity of this country. The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Zion, Badlands, Denali, Shenandoah… The list goes on and on. Plus, these are absolutely stunning destinations to take in from a motorcycle. The America the Beautiful Pass gets you in to all National Parks and federal lands for one year, and one pass will allow two motorcycles to enter the parks, as long as signatures and identification line up. If seeing more of the country is on the to-do list, one of these passes would be a perfect gift.USGS

Texas Tornado Boot Camp

So this would be a big one, but what is more American than barbeque, flat-track racing, campfires, bunkhouses, shooting competitions, Texas, and beer? Nothing, that’s what. The Colin Edwards Texas Tornado Boot Camp offers all that and more during numerous four-day events throughout the year. It’s a pricey gift that will set you back a few thousand dollars, but if the rider you’re buying for has been really, really, really good, this is the chance to learn from and ride with Edwards, a former MotoGP competitor and two-time World Superbike champion, to get tips from a handful of other pros from difference racing disciplines, and make lifelong friends in a truly warm and inviting atmosphere. The focus is on bike control and flat-track technique, using small-displacement Yamaha dirt bikes on manicured tracks throughout the Edwards compound, and riders of all experience levels are invited to participate. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and would be a gift someone would never forget.

The Photography of Michael Lichter

Michael Lichter is one of the most celebrated motorcycle photographers. His work is striking, the images of riders often telling a complete story in one frame, sometimes fun, sometimes intimate, sometimes devastating, sometimes exhilarating. He's known for all types of work across the industry but has been a staple at the Sturgis Rally since the late '70s. This book includes images taken over 20 years at the event, charting the changing times and cultures of the riders who made Sturgis a temporary home in that time.Michael Lichter Photography

Garmin Zumo 595LM

The road trip. An obvious staple of motorcycle culture but also a prevalent theme in American culture at large. It's about discovering the land, discovering yourself, learning about the people of the country, and growing through experience. And while getting lost can be a memorable part of that adventure, keeping yourself on track is pretty helpful too, which is where the Garmin Zumo 595LM comes in. It's made specifically for riders, which means it's glove-friendly, has alternate routes built in to find the curvy, scenic roads, and provides rider alerts for changing state helmet laws or potential hazards ahead. It's got loads of additional features for motorcyclists too, making it a fantastic option for the rider who wants to see some new territory.Garmin

Ora’s Tattoo Aftercare

While getting inked has been part of cultures throughout the world for centuries, tattoos are a big part of motorcycle culture for some riders in America. Ora's Tattoo Aftercare ensures that fresh ink heals quickly and stays vibrant. It's 100-percent natural and made in the USA. This is one of those gifts that your favorite biker may never buy for him- or herself, but we'd bet they'd be glad to have it when the time comes.Ora's Amazing Herbal

Trends UK Build Your Own V-Twin Engine

For youngsters, or for older folks who like building models, the Trends UK Build Your Own V-Twin Engine will be a blast. It's a snap-and-screw-together, fully functional miniature 90-degree V-twin. There are more than 150 parts included in the kit along with illuminating spark plugs, an electric motor to fire it to life, and a step-by-step Haynes manual to help guide assembly. This is a seriously cool gift for anyone who has an interest in engineering or motorcycles. And there's no doubting that V-twin muscle is deeply ensconced in American motorcycle tradition.Trends UK Ltd.

Indian Motorcycle Slap-On Can Koozie

Like Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle has a long history in American motorcycling, and its status as one of the preeminent manufacturers in the USA makes it a perfect candidate for an Americana gift list. But rather than a shirt or jacket or hat with the Indian logo, we found something even better. The Indian Motorcycle Slap-On Koozie combines a bunch of things which could be considered part of Americana. The unending search for a way to keep a can of beer cold in your hand. V-twin motorcycles. Odd gadgets. Nostalgic toys. If you remember slap-on bracelets from a few decades back, you'll get how this koozie works. It's a fun, odd, and useful gift that will come as a surprise to anyone that opens it.Indian Motorcycle

Related: Motorcycle Games Gift Guide

Vuz Waterproof Motorcycle Tent

Camping, being outdoors, exploring nature, road trips. We've mentioned some of these before in previous gifts, but these are definitely part of the American experience throughout the last 200-plus years. Thankfully we have pretty high-tech gear to choose from today, so the adventure outside doesn't have to be quite as arduous as it once was. And now your bike can stay protected too thanks to the Vuz Waterproof Motorcycle Tent. This piece can accommodate up to three sleepers and offers a parking space for your bike and your gear. It's rated for up to three seasons of use, is waterproof, and weighs just under 14 pounds. This is a do-it-all tent for the adventure touring rider and will make the next ride across the country even more of a joy.Vuz

Donation on Your Behalf to a Veterans Charity

Our country would not be what it is today without the effort and sacrifice of our military service members. The selflessness, the honor, and courage of those protecting our borders and our way of life is essential to America existing at all. So maybe a different kind of gift would hit the mark for the rider in your life this year. Organizations like Veterans Charity Ride and the Motorcycle Relief Project provide support to veterans through motorcycles in one way or the other, and have done immense good to those suffering the burdens of war back home. Check them out and consider making a donation on behalf of the rider in your life as a way of saying thanks this year.