1. Here’s the perfect gift for the rider who wants modern technology in a historic context — the new Brough Superior SS100. Powering the new Brough is a V-twin unlike anything founder George Brough ever employed — an 8-valve, twin cam, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 997cc V-twin running 11:1 compression to produce up to 140 horsepower. Custom manufactured by Mark Upham’s relaunched Brough Superior, no two SS100s will be exactly alike as each will be tailored to customer specifications. What price exclusivity? Expect to pay around $80,000.
2. Does your riding buddy need something better than the old duffel bag he strapped to his seat for your last week-long trip? Get him the Beta Plus Rear Bag from Wolfman Motorcycle Luggage. The Beta Plus adds extra capacity to the standard duffel shape by adding “legs” to both ends of the bag, which give it extra capacity and helps keep it situated on your seat while staying clear of the exhaust on most bikes. The bag mounts to your bike using three quick-release straps, one around the rear of the bike and two to the passenger pegs or the subframe. The bag’s silver interior makes it easier to spot what you’re looking for, and a non-skid/non-scratch material on the base and four outside compression straps keep the load tight. Price: $169.99.
3. Looking for a calendar for the Triumph fan in your life? The folks at Baxter Cycle in Marne, Iowa, have you covered. Filled with a lovely mix of vintage Triumph Motorcycles including Bonnies, Trophies and T-Birds, this year’s highlights include a fabulous Rickman-framed T150 Trident, a custom Trackmaster-framed 750cc street tracker built by Eddie Mulder, a rare U.K. market 1975 T140V Bonneville and a 1946 500cc 3T. Price: $25.
4. In the heady days of the late Sixties and early Seventies, motorcycle manufactures pushed aside the old in search of The Next Big Thing with new designs and more cylinders for more power. Superbikes and the 70s tells the story of the revolution in motorcycle design and marketing that changed motorcycling forever, focusing on game changing machines like Triumph/BSA’s 750 triples, Honda’s CB750 Four and Kawasaki’s 903cc Z1. An absolute must for any serious student of motorcycle history. Price: $28.99.
5. While we’re fans of “restorations” of all kinds here at Motorcycle Classics, we enjoy a good custom build, too. Check out the 2014 Bike EXIF Calendar, which highlights EXIF’s pick of 13 of the year’s best custom motorcycles, including the very cool cover bike, builder Mateusz Stankiewicz’s custom Honda CX500. Other bikes include a Yamaha XJR1300 called “Monkeefist” from builders the Wrenchmonkees, an ultra-clean custom Moto Guzzi Le Mans from Kaffeemaschine and more. Price: $15.99 plus shipping.
6. Perfect for a buddy with a British bike, these 100 percent U.S.A.-made billet and brass petcocks from European Spares LTD feature a brass ball valve, two Viton seals, a replaceable screw-in filter and are tested to 35psi. They’re suitable for Triumphs, Nortons and more. They also fit pre-1971 BSAs if you use a 3/8in-to-1/4in thread adapter. They’re available in standard and reserve versions with a barbed hose end or a threaded end for stock fuel line fittings. Price: $76.45.
7. Here’s a great gift for anybody who likes to keep their favorite bike (or bikes!) all shiny and clean: the S100 Care Set. It includes a variety of S100 products including S100 Total Cycle Cleaner, a drying towel, S100 Finish Restorer, S100 Corrosion Protectant, S100 Detail+Wax and a cleaning sponge, all in a molded organizer/carrying case. Available at your local dealer. Price: $55.95.
8. No motorcyclist can have too many gloves. There are different gloves for every purpose and type of weather, but Joe Rocket’s new Classic Gloves look to be perfect for everyday, all-around use. Made of soft drum-dyed cowhide, they feature a gel palm to dissipate vibration, hinged fingers for a more natural fit and added dexterity, and an expandable flex wrist to help make them easy to get on and take off. They’re available in a variety of sizes, including “Thick Fit” sizes for riders with a huskier or wider palm. Price: $49.95.
9. There are times when we simply don’t want to put on a whole riding suit, or even a pair of overpants, like a quick trip to the grocery store or a run to the local sandwich joint. Normal jeans provide little protection should you meet the pavement, which is why Diamond Gusset makes their Defender line of motorcycle jeans. They wear like your favorite pair of jeans, yet feature Dupont Kevlar lining in the seat, knees and hip area. And like all Diamond Gusset jeans, they feature Diamond’s trademark crotch gusset for extra comfort, along with Velcro closures at the ankle to keep them from flapping in the breeze. Made in the U.S.A. Price: $124.95.
10. Everything you wanted to know about the Triumph Bonneville is in this new book, The Triumph Bonneville Bible. Author Peter Henshaw takes readers from the Bonneville’s origins to its production, with year-by-year production changes, detailed specifications, contemporary road tests and more. Filled with period and contemporary photos illustrating the Bonneville’s history, The Triumph Bonneville Bible covers all pre-Hinckley Bonneville models from 1959-on, including the Les Harris models from 1985-1988. Price: $54.95.
11. The Honda enthusiast on your list will love Doug Mitchel’s latest book, Honda Enthusiasts Guide Motorcycles 1959-1985. Covering Honda models sold in the U.S. from 1959 to 1985, this model-by-model guide goes from Honda’s industry-leading 1959-1966 CA95 Benly Touring 150 to the 1984-1986 VF500F Interceptor and CB700SC Nighthawk S. Full specifications are given for each model along with year-by-year changes and model year highlights. A must for any Honda collector. Price: $27.95.
12. Good motorcycle rain gear may not be exciting to shop for, but it sure is nice to have along when the weather changes in the middle of a trip, and that’s why it makes a great gift. Check out the Tempest two-piece rain suit from River Road. This heavy-duty, 100 percent waterproof PVC suit features a hood and dual storm flap, reflective piping on the shoulders, back and legs, adjustable waist straps, storm-proof pockets and a fully mesh-lined interior. Price: $79.95. MC
