If you have biker friends, you might be on the look out at some point during the year, for the perfect gift, original and durable. So we prepared a selection of the best gift ideas for bikers. 

Yet you might be struggling to find the perfect ideas for your biker friends or for yourself. Yes, there’s no reason not to treat yourself once in a while ? !

That’s why we’ve put together a list of potential candidates, divided by price range (from CHF 20 to CHF 1,000+).

And whatever you like, you’ll find something: tech, textiles, accessories, culture etc. in short for every budget and every desire!

And last but not least, our selection consists of goods that are:

• unusual
• smart and can be used in different set-ups or different bikes and
• durable and will accompany you for a long(er) time.

Because given the challenges our society is facing, we too can make a difference by consuming differently (better?).

Furthermore, we have tested these products and can therefore recommend them with a clear conscience.

We hope you find our selection helpful!

Ride on !

[updated: Nov 2023]

gift ideas for bikers

0 – 100 CHF

1. The book “Jupiter’s Travels” by Ted Simon (around 20 CHF)

“It’s not hard to travel around the world today, just pull out your wallet and fly without stopping for just under forty-eight hours. But to know it, smell it, feel it under your feet, you have to crawl. There is no other way. You should neither fly nor navigate, but stick to the ground and suffer all the pitfalls. Only then is the world immense. […] I was aiming for total independence and wanted to travel as Linvingston or Christopher Columbus did, as if anything could happen, nothing was predictable. It was going to be the trip of my life, the one that millions of people dream of and never take, and I wanted to live up to those dreams. ”

gift ideas for bikers

In these special times, when a new normality is taking hold and borders are opening and closing, depending on government decisions, the fact remains that the biker has a visceral need for freedom and wide open spaces. So what’s better than a book to get away from it all, when the bike can’t get out of the garage?

125’000km on a Triumph Tiger Hundred

This is what its author says. “It’s a story of travel and adventure in every dimension and most of those who have traveled the world after reading it haven’t even considered ever getting on a motorcycle. […] It was not a very vague idea or wish, rather a strong conviction. I knew the instant that this desire occurred to me that it would come true and how I would achieve it. But I couldn’t say why I immediately thought of the motorcycle. I didn’t own one, I didn’t even have the license. ”

In short, this book will allow you to escape in the comfort of your living room and will awaken, who knows, the adventurous instinct that lies dormant in you!

Have you already read it and want something else to chew on? Here is our selection of motorcycle travel stories. You are more into movies? Have a look at our top 10 list of movies about motorbikes.

2. The Book: Girl on a motorcycle (from 25 CHF)

This is a great gift idea for our youngest members (from 5 years old)! This book, based on the story of Anne-France Dautheville, which we told you about in our selection of books on motorcycles, should awaken the instinct of biker-adventurer of our youngest female… and male readers. We do not discriminate! Indeed, in this 52-page book, beautifully illustrated, our future bikers will follow the narrator on her solo round the world trip, carried out in the 70s. In addition, they will learn to change a wheel, make a fire, prepare all the equipment for such an epic journey …

In short, it is a superb gift idea to arouse vocations! It is also translated into German (das Mädchen auf dem Motorrad) and French (La fille a moto). More info on the publisher’s website (here)

gift ideas for bikers

3. A voucher at The Royal Racer Lausanne (from 50 CHF)

Royal Racer is a boutique “chain” that started in France and which was undoubtedly inspired by the growing success of the Deus flagship stores. They are also to be found in Marseille, Lyon, Megève, Montpellier, etc. A branch opened in Lausanne in the spring of 2018. And we at Cruizador, are fans of Rui Mira, who knows all his products, talks to you about materials and manufacturing processes with practically the same passion and the same sparkle in the eyes as the craftsman who produced the garment.

In short, at The Royal Racer, you will find all the arsenal of the gentleman rider or petrol head (it depends). It offers more famous brands such as Deus, Kytone or Belstaff but also confidential brands such as Momotaro, Fleur de Bagne, TCB Jeans or Lewis Leather. The gentleman rider can also indulge himself from a selection of accessories (jewelry, sunglasses, glove, helmet, etc.). Whatever your budget, you will find something to please you anyway. And if you are undecided, Rui will be happy to advise you!

For those who do not live close-by, there is another Royal Racer branch in Bern. Otherwise we can mention a few more nice addresses: 

• Bern: FeinFracht, at Kramgasse, which offers great clothes and accessories. They also have a shop in Basel. More info here
• Geneva: Heritage Station, located in Eaux-Vives, which offers brands such as Momotaro, Fuel, Belstaff, etc. More info here
• Zürich: Hudson Surplus, which boasts a great assortiment and carry great pieces/brands, for gentlemen and -women, not only bikers. More info here

4. Quad lock smartphone mount (around 53 CHF)

We wrote an article on the 10 best navigation tools. However, and while the options are numerous, the Quad lock smartphone mount is a great gift. Why? First of all because it is not expensive and above all because everyone has a smartphone these days (or almost). And that a smartphone is easy to use. It is easy to mount and can be transferred to any motorcycle. So yes, the system is not perfect. Yes, a TomTom-type GPS is more complete and can be used under heavy rain, not like a smartphone. But the Quad lock is very useful and can be used in addition to the Beeline (more on this below).

gift ideas for bikers

5. Battery charger (around 75CHF)

So we’ll tell you right away, it’s not the most glamorous gift. But perhaps one of the most practical. Especially for wintering. The battery is often one of the weak points of the bike. They do not tolerate the cold and especially prolonged breaks. So if the battery drops below the critical charge level, you’re good to change it. And this is again an expense of 100 CHF or more depending on the make/model.

There are many different charger models. But the one from C-Tek, available for example from Polo, offers 3 modes, including a “charge & maintenance” mode which allows you to connect the battery to a power outlet, throughout the winter, and it will take care of adding just the right amount of juice so that the battery does not fall below the critical threshold. With this, your battery should last (a little) longer.

Already a charger, but would you like another idea like this? Check out our guide on the 10 essential tools to have at home when you’re a biker.

100-200 CHF

6.    SW-Motech Air Cushion (around 130 CHF)

When traveling far/long, comfort is important. Otherwise you get tired more quickly and you lose your concentration. Though, not everyone can buy an R1250 GS. And what about all those who are not ready to make a concession on the style or to resell their slick roadster to buy a trail?

SW-Motech found the solution by developing this saddle pad, which consists of a cover that attaches under the saddle with two velcro straps, as well as an airbag that slides inside. And thanks to the small mouth pump, fixed directly on the cushion, you can adjust the inflation level according to your preferences. Note that you need to do a bit of testing to find the right setting. But once you’ve found the perfect setting, it’s like you’re on a flying carpet. So some will tell us, yes, but you might as well buy a custom comfort saddle! Yes, but when you sell or change your bike, how do you do it?!? What if you have several motorcycles?!

The cushion can be transposed in a few seconds, without tools. Note that there are 2 pilot versions (one for trail / roadster / GT and one for chopper type saddles) as well as a passenger version (which also fit for cafe racer with flat saddle).

You will certainly find cheaper versions on the online sites of Asian online seller, however you will not have the same quality guarantees and above all, the pump may be separated, so what if you go on a road trip and forget the pump at home? You are basically screwed!

8. Koso Heated Grips (around 150CHF)

Although many manufacturers now offer this accessory as standard equipment (“high end” models) or as a factory option, you may not be so lucky with your current bike. And with the inter-season sometimes very cool in Switzerland, you might be tempted to add a little extra comfort.
And while up until now Oxford has had the lion’s share of this segment, competitor Koso also has a lot to offer, including a switch integrated into the left-hand grip. So it’s over here for our -> full review <- Or click on the image below

8. GPS Beeline (from 167 €)

We presented the Beeline in more detail in our article on navigation systems. After testing it over two seasons, it is believed to be the best alternative for those looking for a hybrid solution, i.e. the perfect blend between the spirit of adventure/discovery with minimal technology. So sure, it’s not as complete as a full GPS system, but it gets the job done and pretty well. Beeline offers different levels of finish (e.g. brushed metal) as well as different packages (mount).

Read our extended Beeline product review -> here <-

200-500 CHF

9.    Riding Culture Cargo Pants (around 250 CHF)

Style matters. But the rider’s safety is even more important. And each time we are surprised to see the number of bikers who ride with inappropriate clothing. They claim, often in good faith, that motorcycle clothing looks… too biker’ish. And that when they ride a short distance, they don’t want to have to gear up head-to-toe and/or change when they get to work.

But did you know that the abrasion resistance of normal jeans is about 2 seconds !! Imagine falling from even 50km/h. You will probably slide for more than 2 sec. So as soon as there is more tissue, it is the skin that will take the hit.

So to kick off, we have selected the cargo pants from Riding Cutlure, sub-brand of the Rokker Company, based in St-Gall (CH). For around 250 CHF/€/$ are they worth it? And what about safety? 

We put them to the test in this detailed review.  Check it out by clicking this link or the picture below. 

10.    Pando-Moto biker jeans (from 400 CHF)

If you’re looking for a more all-purpose look, i.e. jeans that you could even wear at work, you have to check out the Pando Moto Jeans.  They have developed a new texture, called Dyneema, which mixes directly with the fiber of the jeans and which makes the textile, according to them, 15x (!!) more resistant than steel and which allows the jeans to withstand a fall at 70km/h (CE standard). In addition, there are interior pockets for knee and hip protections.

Read our extended product review -> here <-

11.    A Rideshaper membership 

(from 100 CHF one day to 720 CHF for one year)

We have already reported several times about the collaborative workshop located in Lausanne, Rideshaper. For those hearing the name for the first time, read their dedicated article (here).

In short, it is a collaborative do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop where you can go to work on your bikes, do the services or for the most motivated do a custom project from A to Z. And you have access not only to all the infrastructure of the place (bridge, tools, machinery, etc.), but in addition you will be work under the benevolent eye of Robin, master of the place and professional mechanic, who will make you benefit from his very extensive knowledge on the subject.

So if you are a newbie, have never even changed a filter or a tire, or want to develop your skills, this is the place to do so. And best of all, you will become a member of a community of people sharing the same passion, you will be able to participate in Rideshaper events such as:

• Annual roadtrip;
• Exclusive motorcycle presentations, etc..

Robin offers different formulas (daily, one month only, annual): more info here

gift ideas for bikers

And in order to reward new applicants: Robin offers a coaching session (1-to-1) to the first ten new members (for the annual membership). Use the code RideshaperXCruizador2020 when registering.

12.    Shoei Glamster helmet (from 549 CHF)

The rider who wants to buy a helmet often has to compromise between comfort and style. The biker keen on character motorcycles will favor style and will buy a Jet helmet (Bell for example) or a neo-retro helmets, like the Shoei Ex-Zero. Bikers who like to ride long/far will be buy Touring helmets (Shoei GT-Air for example). And the more fortunate will buy two. But what if you want to go on a long road trip in the comfort of a boudoir while riding in style?

Shoei, with its new Glamster model (combination of Glamor + Hipster), may well have found the right blend by managing to combine the two, namely a vintage look and modern technology. The second interesting aspect is that with three shell sizes for five helmet sizes, the Glamster is quite compact and is significantly less bulky, visually, than one of its main competitors, the Bell Bullitt. Which turns out to be, in terms of sound insulation and usability, less versatile than the Glamster.

So is this the best of both world are a classic case of “stuck-in-the-middle”, i.e. a helmet that does neither of them good. 

We have tested it in all sort of conditions, riding nearly 2’000km with it. So we can come up with a proper answer. Check out our detailed review here, by clicking this link or the picture below. 

13.  A Belstaff biker jacket (from 700 CHF)

A biker jacket is an important clothing piece for two reasons. First, it is an essential piece of safety equipment. Often provided with protection (elbow, back), and made from abrasion resistant fabric(s), the jacket will have the heavy task of protecting what is most precious to you in the event of a fall, namely your upper body. Along with shoes, helmet, pants and gloves, the jacket is one of the essentials.

Secondly, it is a way to distinguish from the masses. But that being said, there is jacket and jacket. And you can find them at all prices, depending on the brand or the material (leather, cordura, waxed cotton, etc.). Personally, at Cruizador, we’re quite a fan of Belstaff, an English brand founded in 1924 and originally specializing in biker clothing. And it is neither more nor less than Ernesto Guevara (known as The Che) who was the first to wear it in the 1950s.

So yes, it has changed owners (it is in Italian hands) and at the same time has taken on a more luxury orientation. But it still offers quality motorcycle clothing, with a modern cut, which fits well. In addition, clothing stamped “biker” meets CE standards and has all the interior pockets designed to accommodate protections (back, elbow pads, etc.). Be careful, however, because Belstaff has other lines of clothing which are certainly stylish but which do not meet CE standards.

A wide range, depending on your style

In addition, for some time, the brand has also offered more technical clothing (Gore-Tex type) and capitalizes on its ambassadors such as David Beckham or Ewan Mcgregor (Long Way Up).

In short, whether you are looking for a more technical garment, or one that has class (type Gentleman Rider), you will find what you are looking for, as long as you are ready to spend some money.

But investing in a quality item is the assurance of having an item of clothing that will accompany you for a long time, that patina and with which you will write a few beautiful pages of your history on two wheels.

And how much does it cost in the end? From approx. 700 CHF for a waxed cotton jacket (like the Brooklands on the pic below) to 1000+ CHF for the leather models.

Want to know more? Check out our extended review

gift ideas for bikers

If you didn’t find what you were looking for in the previous list, here are a few more things to think about:

• An introduction to motorcycle riding by a professional instructor (for those who hesitate to embark on the adventure);
• The motorcycle license why not (student’s license + compulsory 12h-course);
• An initiation or a coaching on a race track supervised by pros (e.g. Yamaha Riding Academy with World Champion Robin Mulhauser);
• Red Wings motorcycle boots;

In short, we hope that you enjoyed our list and that you will find something to please you or your loved ones.

Ride on!

gift ideas for bikers