New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Motorcycling Snow More

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I can tell because all the stores had Christmas items out since mid October. Since most of us have been good boys and girls, it is safe to say Santa will be good to us. Many have tucked away their 'sleds' for a long winter's nap, so we will have to be content looking and wishing for stuff for our 'sleds'. Here are some things to consider for the upcoming snow season.

Bike cover

A good quality bike cover that will protect your bike from the harsh elements will save you money and keep a clean scoot to boot. Make sure it is the type that can breathe if stored inside, so it will not retain moisture and cause rusting.

Magazine subscription

Get your favorite person a subscription to their favorite motorcycle magazine. This will keep them current on other new toys, safety items and other frivolous stuff they really don't need but really want.

Motorcycle stand

A motorcycle stand is a great safety item that can also be a convenience item. It can help you when you change the oil, check your tires, or even just wax your sled. This way you can sit when you have a stand.

GPS

This is a Global Positioning System devise to aid your lack of navigation skills. If you are a techno geek, or like a high tech way of finding your way around, this is the way to go. Most have a TV type screen that points your way on a map and tells you when to turn. Hey, this is better than stopping and asking for directions, right?

Jack knife

This is always on my favorite wish list for Santa. Cheap, handy and can get you out of a jam or get you into a jar of jam. A good multi-function Swiss Army knife can be indispensable when you travel. Be sharp and get a jack knife.

Bike wash and wax

A great stocking stuffer for the clean bike person in your life. Clean bikes look better and feel faster. If you make it look fun, maybe you can get someone to help you, hey Tom Sawyer did!

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Class

A safety class is great gift that can sharpen your skills for the beginning of the riding season. Check early for your spring tune up.

Clothing

Elk skin or deer skin gloves are long lasting gifts that are easy to palm off. Jacket pants and boots are also a nice addition if your outfit is a no fit. Undergarments made of wicking material can keep you cool and dry in hot weather and warm in cold weather. Cooling vests and also help keep you cool under all that gear behind that windshield.

Horn

Many aftermarket horns are much louder and can help add to your 'visibility' is used correctly. Make that pathetic 'meeeep' a serious 'BEEP' so cagers know you are around.

Heated grips

If you ride in cool weather, heated grips can keep your hands from being curled up for the rest of your natural life. Do you really want to look like papa Smurf for the rest of your natural life? Check to make sure you can add these without straining your charging system, especially if you have more lights than your Christmas tree.

These are some thought starters for the motorcycle person in your life. This is the time when the bike is probably put away for a long winter's nap and a period of mourning for the rider. Stocking stuffer's help making this a less painful period. Make your motorcyclist feel good and the bike look and sound better. Give bike stuff and make your motorcyclist safer and better looking, or at least appear better looking.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

Practice Safe Riding - Gary Mandak