Holiday Gifts for Motorcycle Riders Under $100

 The Problem with Most Gift Guides

Every December, the internet floods with "top motorcycle gifts" lists written by people who've never clipped a tree or spent four hours in the saddle.

We're not doing that.

Every product below has been crash-tested, rain-soaked, or daily-driven by someone on our Richmond crew. These aren't just good deals under $100—they're the gear our staff actually recommends when riders walk into the showroom asking "What would you buy?"

Perfect for: Gift-givers shopping for riders (or riders treating themselves before the holiday budget vanishes).

 


1. Acerbis X-Factory Handguards — John's Pick for Trail Survival

Price: $99.95 | Shop Acerbis X-Factory Handguards

ACERBIS X-Factory Handguards

"I've broken three levers this season before switching to these," says John, who races District 13 with his sons every weekend. "The X-Factory guards aren't the beefiest Acerbis makes, but they're the sweet spot—enough protection for tight Virginia singletrack without adding bulk when you're threading through trees."

Why off-road riders swear by them:

  • Aluminum bar core wrapped in injection-molded nylon = survives tree bounces that snap bare aluminum guards (ask John about that November race at Budds Creek)
  • Dual-injected polypropylene shield = replaceable when (not if) you destroy it in a crash; shields roost, debris, and branches
  • Universal mount kit included = fits most dirt bikes out of the box without custom machining

Real talk from the pits: These won't save your hands from every branch—that's what the beefier X-Factor model is for—but for under $100, they're the handguard three of our motocross guys run personally.

Fits: Most dirt bikes with 7/8" or 1-1/8" bars; may require brand-specific mounting hardware for some adventure bikes


Over 15 colorways to match your bike graphics
In stock: Richmond showroom

 


2. Alpinestars Plasma Back Protector — Brian's "Should Be Mandatory" Pick

Starting at $64.95 | Shop Alpinestars Plasma Back Protector

Alpinestars Plasma Back Protector

"Four years at Tucker Distributing taught me one thing: most riders skip back protection because it's uncomfortable," says Brian, our apparel specialist who's personally crash-tested more gear than he'd like to admit. "The Plasma Insert fixes that—it's so low-profile you forget you're wearing it, which means you'll actually use it."

Why this beats the armor that came with your jacket:

  • CE-certified Level 2 = absorbs 20% more impact energy than Level 1 foam (the difference between a bruise and a hospital trip)
  • Nucleon Cell structure = flexes when you move, hardens on impact (same tech Alpinestars uses in MotoGP suits)
  • Fits most jacket pockets = drop it into any jacket with a back protector slot—instant upgrade

What Brian wishes more riders knew: "Your 5-year-old jacket probably has foam armor that's compressed into a useless pancake. This insert costs less than an ER co-pay."

Options: Nucleon Plasma Insert or Full Back Protector with straps

In stock: Richmond showroom—try the fit before buying

 


3. 100% Armatic Goggles (Mirrored & Clear Lens) — Mike's "No Fog, No Excuses" Pick

Price: $79.00 | Shop 100% Armatic Goggles

100% Armatic Goggles (Mirrored & Clear Lens)

"I switched to these after my old goggles fogged up mid-moto and I nearly rode into a hay bale," says Mike, who races his CRF450R every weekend when he's not helping customers at Sprocketz. "The anti-fog coating actually works—even in Virginia humidity—and the dual-layer foam keeps sweat out of your eyes when you're three motos deep."

Why these outlast cheaper goggles:

  • Scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens = doesn't turn into frosted glass after one season of roost
  • Includes both mirrored and clear lenses = bright sun days and overcast trail rides covered (most brands make you buy separately)
  • Dual-layer foam = manages sweat and creates a seal that prevents fogging

Mike's pro tip: "Run the mirrored lens for outdoor tracks, swap to clear for woods riding or night practice. Takes 30 seconds and you're not squinting or seeing ghost images."


Loyalty perk: 237 Sprocketz points = $4.74 toward your next gear purchase

     


    4. Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar Glove — Gray's Pick for Three-Season Riding

    Price: $99.95 | Shop Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar Glove

    Alpinestars SMX-Z Drystar Glove

    "Every spring, riders come in asking for 'waterproof gloves that don't feel like oven mitts,'" says Gray, who maintains the Sprocketz website and fits apparel daily. "The SMX-Z Drystar is my answer—full Drystar waterproof liner, but slim enough that you still feel the clutch and throttle. I've recommended these to at least 20 people this year."

    Why street riders choose these over bulkier options:

    • 100% waterproof Drystar membrane = bonded into the glove construction for a reduced-material chassis (not a flappy separate liner that bunches up)
    • Full-grain goat leather = supple, abrasion-resistant, and breaks in without the stiffness of cowhide
    • Hard knuckle protector + CE Level 1 KP certified = real impact protection, not decorative plastic
    • Touchscreen-compatible fingertips = answer your phone at gas stops without the awkward glove-teeth-yank move
    • Palm reinforcements + rolling pinky construction = superior grip and extra abrasion resistance in slide zones

    Fit notes from Gray: "Alpinestars runs snug—if you're between sizes, go up. The stretch back hand and inserts give you break-in room, but they won't stretch a full size."

    2 colorways available
    Season: Spring/fall sweet spot; add liner gloves for winter, too warm for mid-summer

     


    5. Factory Effex V.1 Bike Stand — John & Mike's "Best $100 You'll Spend" Pick

    Price: $99.95 | Shop Factory Effex V.1 Bike Stand

    FACTORY EFFEX Bike Stand V.1

    "Every motocross dad needs a stand—this is the one we use at the track," says John, whose CRF450R sits on a Factory Effex stand between motos. Mike agrees: "It's not fancy, but the rubber top actually grips and the graphics look sharp. Plus it's light enough to throw in the truck without wrecking your back."

    Why this beats the $30 no-name stands:

    • High-traction rubber top with directional frame wear areas = bike doesn't slide off when you bump it (ask us how we learned this matters)
    • Counter-sunk rivets = won't scratch your frame like cheap stamped-metal stands
    • Pre-drilled with rivet nuts for optional bolt-on wedge = add the leveler (sold separately) to get both wheels off the ground for chain maintenance
    • Officially licensed graphics = Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, Husqvarna, Suzuki and more—matches your bike's factory colors

    John's usage note: "I've been running the same stand for two seasons—still solid. The graphics fade in UV, but the structure hasn't budged."

    15+ brand/colorways available
    Available: Richmond showroom—multiple options in stock

     


    6. Fox Racing 180 Race Spec Duffle Gear Bag — Brian's "Just Buy It" Pick

    Price: $89.95 | Shop Fox Racing 180 Race Spec Duffle Gear Bags

    Fox Racing 180 Race Spec Duffle Gear Bag

    "I see riders show up to the track with grocery bags and backpacks falling apart, and I want to hand them this bag," says Brian, who's hauled gear to more races than he can count. "The 180 Duffle fits a full kit—boots, helmet, jersey, pants, gloves, goggles—without turning into a giant stuffed sausage. And the zippered side pockets mean your phone and keys don't end up buried under muddy gear."

    Why this is better than your old duffel:

    • Large main compartment = helmet, boots, and full gear set without playing Tetris
    • Zippered side compartments = easy gear distribution and access
    • Inner and side mesh pockets = small stuff (goggles, tools, snacks) stays organized
    • Detachable padded shoulder strap + grab handles = carry options when the parking lot is a mud pit

    Brian's real-world test: "I've been using mine for a year—still no blown zippers or torn straps. Wash it when it gets rank, and it's good as new."

    2 colorways available
    Perfect for: Motocross riders, track day enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to stop showing up with gear exploding out of a trash bag.

     


    Why Buy These Gifts from Sprocketz?

    Local advantage:

    • All six items in stock at our Richmond showroom (2 minutes off I-95 exit 74)—come try fit and sizing before you buy
    • No shipping delays for last-minute holiday shopping

    Rider expertise:

    • Staff picks backed by real crash stories, race results, and thousands of miles
    • Call or stop by for honest advice—we're riders first, salespeople second

    Trade-in bonus:

    • Bring old gear for 15% off these gifts (yes, even that ratty old helmet)

    Loyalty rewards:

    • Every dollar = 3 Sprocketz points; 300 pts = $6 toward your next purchase

     


    The Bottom Line

    Under-$100 gifts don't have to be gimmicky. These six picks solve real rider problems—broken levers, fogged goggles, wet hands, sore backs, disorganized gear—without the "stocking stuffer" vibe that screams "I don't know what you actually need."

    Give something the rider in your life will use in January, not toss in a drawer by February.

    Ready to check these out in person? Visit Sprocketz at our Richmond showroom or shop online at sprocketz.store.

    Want more gift ideas? Check out our full holiday gift guide series:

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