Robert Martin

Motorcycle Toys For Motorcyclists Of All Ages

Prep for the holidays

November 9, 2018

If you've visited a grocery store, pharmacy, or really any public place in the past couple of weeks, you'll know the holiday season is upon us. Already. Menorahs and Halloween decorations incongruously share shelf space at my local grocery store, and in some dark corners of consumer-dom there are whispers that Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas Is You" has furtively seeped through in-store speakers like a sentimental harbinger of holiday dread.

Don’t get me wrong, the holidays are great; I just think they should be enjoyed at the proper time of year and not be muddled by the ranker form of capitalism that seeks to redefine their meaning.

Fortunately, if there’s one thing that can cheer up the motorcyclist depressed by early onset holiday-itis, it’s a good motorcycle toy. Which is why we’ve made a list of some of our favorites. After all, what’s better than the gift of two wheels—even if they’re in 1:12 scale and made of plastic?

Maisto MV Agusta F3 Serie Oro

The classic die-cast Maisto model is a perennial favorite of kids and adults alike. They're the kind of thing you find lingering in the $5 bin at your local motorcycle mega store and can't help but pick up because in what world would you not want a 1:12 replica of, say, a Ducati 750 F2. They can be used with great effect to bribe children into good behavior or can be placed in the already-well-behaved child's stocking. Beats coal anyday.Maisto

Minicraft Models Honda 750

Whiling away a few hours constructing a 1/3-replica Honda CB750 engine is as instructive as it is fun. With "working" internal parts and flashing spark plugs, the model is a great way to instruct your child in the rudimentary workings of an internal combustion engine. Or pour yourself a drink, make space at the kitchen table, and dive right in.Minicraft Models

Lego Technic BMW R1200GS

Lego strikes gold with its BMW R1200GS replica model. That Lego was able to replicate the GS's styling with relative accuracy suggests the architectural, rudimentary merit of the wasserboxer's design. And it only takes 603 pieces.LEGO

Meccano by Erector Ducati Monster

The Meccano Ducati Monster 1200 S allows the budding mechanic to grab a couple of miniaturized tools and assemble one of Borgo Panigale's most iconic machines. Pretending to be a Ducati worker has never seemed so appealing. You don't even have to pick up smoking to fit in during break time.Meccano

Kyosho Casey Stoner RC212V RC Motorcycle

With a built in gyroscope, the Casey Stoner replica Repsol Honda RC212V remote control motorcycle leans into turns just like the real thing—even without an outspoken Aussie behind the controls. Top speed is somewhat less than the genuine article, but reportedly quick for a 1:18 scale model.Kyosho

Dynacraft BMW S1000RR

Dynacraft's BMW S1000RR takes the Hot Wheels concept and mashes it up with the realistic looks of a replica model. Still, with a top speed of 2.5 mph, it takes beginner bike to a whole other level.BMW

Stacyc 16EDrive Bike

If a Yamaha PW80 seems a long way off, or just too intimidating for your little one, Stacyc’s e-bikes might get him/her well on the way to internal combustion fun. Think of the Stacyc as a balance bike with a throttle. Powered by a 20-volt battery pack (like the one on your cordless drill), the Stacyc weighs less than 20 pounds and has three power modes that limits top speed to 6 mph, 9 mph, or 11 mph.Stacyc.com

Hoversurf Hoverbike

Hoverbikes are real. California-based Hoversurf's Hoverbike has a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis that brings weight down to 253 pounds, but its lithium-manganese-nickel battery only provides enough juice for about 10–25 minutes of manned flight. Hovering up to 16 feet above the ground on a motorcycle-like machine is pure sci-fi, which makes it the ultimate toy. At $150,000 it's a very expensive toy.Hoversurf

Spin Out Motorcycle Tin Racer

For the nostalgic motorcyclist, an old-school tin toy is just the thing—especially one that does donuts and a rolling “burnout.” The manufacturer says the bike is modeled after a Harley-Davidson, but on closer inspection, the engine appears to more closely resemble a BMW airhead.Tin Toy Treasures

Oset 12.5 Eco 24V And 24.0 Racing Trials Bikes

UK-based Oset makes a range of affordable electric trials bikes for kids and adults. The 12.5 Eco 24V, for kids up to 60 pounds, has adjustable throttle response and handlebar position to get your little one up to speed with confidence. Mom and dad can go along for the ride too with the Oset 24.0 Racing. Thanks to a 1,400-watt 48-volt motor and lightweight chassis, keeping up with a fearless toddler shouldn’t be a problemOset

Smooth Industries Helmet Cake Pan

If you're going to go to the trouble of baking a cake, it may as well be in the shape of a helmet.Smooth Industries

Motorcycle Coloring Book

If you’ve ever shopped for a kid’s coloring book, you’ll know it’s hard to find one that isn’t aesthetically objectionable. Since your child/niece/nephew will proudly give you their colored picture to hang on the fridge, it might as well be of a motorcycle. And if the kid can’t keep the colors inside the lines, you may have to steal the coloring book for yourself.Aerostich

The Ralph Mouse Collection

Beverly Cleary's collection about the adventures of Ralph the motorcycling mouse is a perennial favorite and makes a great gift. There's never been a better ambassador of the sport than Ralph.Beverly Cleary