Motorcyclist on your gift list? Here are some ideas
Gift buying is relatively easy for the motorcycle fanatic in your life. There's no end of accessories that can make riding safer, more comfortable and more interesting.
Over the summer, Paste BN was able to see some of the latest in motorcycle technology at the big annual motorcycle gathering in Sturgis, S.D. And also, we came across an interesting book on vintage motorcycles.
So here are three gift ideas:
•The "connected helmet." Motorcyclists can use devices that work with helmets to take pictures, listen to music, make phone calls and talk to a seatmate as they cruise down the highway. One worth considering is the Sena 10C ($349). Another is the Cardo Systems Scala Rider PackTalk (price varies).
•A black box for diagnosing problems from a smartphone. The Vance & Hines Fuelpak FP3 ($399) is plugged into a motorcycle’s data port. It allows riders to add aftermarket exhaust, air filters or other accessories and then adjust their engines to get the most from them. They can use it to do their own tuneups.But make sure your motorcycle's ride will work with this kind of device.
•The Timeless American. Author and photographer Eddie Lee has created a 264-page book showing off 46 impressive American-made motorcycles produced during what he calls the "golden era" -- 1900 to 1915. The book ($125) includes cycles from makers as well known as Harley-Davidson and Indian and some as obscure, at least to many casual riders, as Marsh Metz and Flying Merkel.