Say, isn't this the January issue? It is, and we put the finishing touches on it in October. Like many magazines, Motorcyclist's production schedule is perplexing, but if the U.S. Postal Service is still in business you should have received your copy in early December. Which means you still have plenty of time before the holidays to purchase some of these goodies for your favorite rider—or to circle some as hints for Santa!
Leatherman Sidekick
Pocketknives are an evergreen gift, and the new Sidekick from Leatherman is far more than just a blade. This multi-tool packs a razor-sharp knife, spring-loaded pliers, wood saw, screwdrivers, file, bottle opener and more. It's a handy device to have for a variety of activities and comes with a 25-year warranty for just $40.
www.leatherman.com
Craftsman Max Axess Sockets
Every gearhead loves tools, especially when they're innovative, high-quality instruments like these Max Axess sockets from Craftsman. These new pass-through sockets eliminate the need for separate shallow and deep sockets and work with six-point, 12-point, Torx, square and spline fasteners. The 19-piece set sells for $44.99 and comes with metric and SAE sockets plus a special ratchet.
www.craftsman.com
Keyport Slide
The Slide is the ultimate keychain alternative. This nifty little device holds up to six key blades, weighs just 2 ounces and is small enough to fit in the oft-ignored fifth pocket of your jeans. Keys are stored within the anodized aluminum case and slide out when needed. The Keyport costs $39 and can be outfitted with RF transmitters for "fobbed" bikes like the Ducati Multistrada and Kawasaki Concours 14.
www.mykeyport.com
Track Medallions
Race fans will love these track outlines, available for all MotoGP and World Superbike race circuits. Machined in America from stainless steel and hand-finished to an attractive shine, these beautiful trinkets are available in two sizes. The smaller, thinner size sells for $9 and works well as jewelry or a zipper pull while the larger, sturdier $10 version makes a great keychain.
www.racetrackstyle.com
Spectro Z-Clean Chain Lube
Originally offered as samples, these 1.5-ounce cans of Spectro Z-Clean chain lube were so popular that Spectro reintroduced them for individual sale. Small enough to stow just about anywhere, these compact cans are perfect for road trips and toolkits. Put one in someone's Christmas stocking for just $3.96.
www.spectro-oils.com
Rev'It! Socks
What? Socks for Christmas?! That's right, but these aren't argyles from Grandma. Rev'It!'s technical socks are seriously advanced; they're even shaped specifically for your left and right feet! The Race socks shown here are made from durable, moisture-wicking polyamide and provide a compression-fit to help support foot muscles and tendons. The Winter socks add merino wool to keep you warm, while the Summer socks have extra breathability. At $36.99 per pair they're pretty pricey, but once you try them you'll be hooked.
www.revitusa.com/en-us/
Contour Roam
Give the gift of memories, preserved in full 1080 HD! Contour's new Roam video camera makes it easy to capture great onboard video. It has a wider, 170-degree field of view, one-button recording and a built-in, rechargeable battery. It's even waterproof, and retails for $199—a hundred bucks less than the company's previous offering.
www.contour.com
Lockstrap
If you're gifting a jacket or helmet this Christmas, accompany it with a Lockstrap. This 2-foot-long nylon strap has a cut-resistant steel cable core and uses a locking carabiner to keep your belongings secure while you're away from your bike. It's built to take abuse yet flexible enough to fold up for easy storage. At just $19.95, it's cheap insurance.
www.lockstraps.com
Apals-Air Lights
These slim, reflective patches contain a powerful LED that helps you be seen from up to a quarter-mile away. Stow one under your seat for use in an emergency or to add conspicuity during inclement weather. The adhesive backing will readily stick to your helmet, jacket or bike. Apals-Air lights are sold in packs of two for $12 and provide up to 70 hours of illumination.
www.brite-strike.com
Chicken Hawk Knee Sliders
A fresh set of knee sliders for the upcoming riding season is a great gift, and Chicken Hawk Racing's offerings are some of the best we've sampled. They're curved for a good fit and have a large leather backing for secure attachment. CHR's pucks are available in two compounds to suit your tastes. The regular, "high-feel" pucks go for $25 per set, while the hard, "long-lasting" compound goes for $30.
www.chickenhawkracing.com
Fastest DVD
Sequel to the riveting Faster documentary, Fastest compresses all the action of the 2010 MotoGP race season into a feature-length film. This flick delves deep into the world of top-level roadracing with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access and incredible cinematography that'll give you goose bumps. Grab a copy for $29.99.
www.fastestthemovie.com