5 Motorcycle Gifts Richmond Riders Actually Want (Tested by Our Staff, Under $200, In Stock Now)
Let's be honest: buying gifts for riders is a minefield. Get it wrong and you've just handed someone a keychain they'll "definitely use someday" (translation: never). Get it right and you're a hero who actually gets why they disappear every Saturday morning.
We asked our staff; John, Brian, Mike, and Gray, who collectively have more road rash and track time than common sense, what they'd actually want under their tree this year. No generic "stocking stuffers." No Amazon basics. Just gear that solves real problems, makes rides safer, or answers the question: "Why don't I already own this?"
Quick gift-giving intel: Not sure what to buy? Look for ✅ Safe Bet tags (hard to mess up, universally useful) or ⚠️ Ask First markers (fit/preference-specific). Richmond locals: Swing by the shop this week to grab these before they're gone. Shipping? Order by Dec 15th for Christmas delivery.
1. NOCO Boost Sport GB20 / GB40 – The "Saved My Ass" Gift
Starting at $99.95 | ✅ Safe Bet – Buy This for Anyone
Why riders actually want this:
Dead batteries don't care that you're 40 miles from home on a Sunday morning. Brian keeps a GB40 in his saddlebag on every ride because "nothing kills a group ride vibe faster than one guy stuck in a Sheetz parking lot waiting for AAA." This pocket-sized lithium jump starter gets bikes running in under 60 seconds—no jumper cables, no begging strangers for help.
The gift-giving win:
This is the rare gift that makes riders feel cared about instead of judged. Translation: "I want you to ride more and come home safe," not "Your bike is unreliable." Works for sportbikes, cruisers, ADV rigs—hell, it'll jump your car too. Doubles as a phone charger, so it's useful even when the bike's fine.
Real-world proof:
Compact enough to fit in saddlebags or under seats. Spark-proof tech means even your buddy who "knows what he's doing" can't screw it up. GB20 handles 500A (most bikes), GB40 cranks 1000A (bigger engines, diesels, "I ride a Goldwing" territory).
Brian's take: "I've jumped three bikes, two cars, and a buddy's jet ski with mine. If you ride more than 20 miles from home, this isn't optional."
2. Alpinestars A-1 Pro Chest Guard – The "I Didn't Know I Needed This" Gift
$179.95 | ⚠️ Ask First – Off-Road/ADV Riders
Why riders actually want this:
John's been racing motocross since he was 15 and introducing his sons to the track now, he wouldn't let them swing a leg over without chest protection. But here's the thing: most chest guards feel like wearing a medieval breastplate in July. The A-1 Pro is Alpinestars' most ventilated protector, with dual-density plates that flex with your body while keeping ribs and collarbones intact during offs.
The gift-giving win:
If your rider does trails, enduros, or ADV trips with sketchy fire roads, this is the upgrade they've been putting off because "my old one is fine" (it's not fine). Hard compound center takes impacts, soft contours adapt to body shapes. Pair this with boots and a helmet for the ultimate "Mom/Dad/Partner Who Actually Gets It" flex.
Real-world proof:
Lightweight enough that riders forget it's on. Direct airflow channels = less sweat, more ventilation. Low-profile design fits under jackets without adding bulk.
John's take: "I wouldn't let my kids ride without one. If you're buying for someone who rides dirt or dual-sport, this is non-negotiable safety, not a 'nice-to-have.'"
3. ICON Patrol 3 Waterproof Boots – The "Finally, Dry Feet" Gift
$190.00 | ✅ Safe Bet – Commuters, Tourers, All-Weather Riders
Why riders actually want this:
Mike's been riding since he was 2 years old. He's had three decades to learn one truth: wet feet ruin rides. The ICON Patrol 3s are waterproof, oil-resistant, slip-resistant, and built with BOA lacing (no fumbling with wet knots at gas stops). Reinforced shifter overlays mean they'll outlast whatever bike you're riding now.
The gift-giving win:
Boots are intensely personal—but waterproof boots that work are universally loved. These fit the daily commuter soaking through November drizzle, the tourer caught in surprise mountain rain, and the "I ride year-round because I'm slightly unhinged" crowd. They're not flashy, but they're the gift that gets used 200+ days a year.
Real-world proof:
1000D polyester upper laughs at abrasion. Hi-rebound EVA insole = comfort on all-day slogs. BOA lacing = one-handed tightening (crucial when you're juggling gloves, helmet, and a gas pump).
Mike's take: "If you're buying boots for someone, waterproof is the only move. Richmond weather is bipolar—dry mornings, wet afternoons. These keep your feet happy through all of it."
4. Alpinestars Charger Pro Backpack – The "I Need This Every Ride" Gift
$199.95 | ✅ Safe Bet – Daily Riders, Commuters, Weekend Warriors
Why riders actually want this:
Gray handles our online orders and website maintenance—he's not racing CRF450s, but he knows what street riders actually need. The Charger Pro is sleek enough for cafe racers, functional enough for commuters hauling laptops, and aerodynamic enough that it won't turn you into a parachute at 70mph. Water-resistant shell keeps gear dry in light rain. Multiple pockets = no more digging for your phone at stoplights.
The gift-giving win:
This is the gift for riders who use their bikes, not just polish them. Padded laptop compartment means they can ride to work/school/coffee shops without looking like they're hauling camping gear. It's practical without being boring—exactly what riders want but rarely buy for themselves.
Real-world proof:
Thoughtful shape reduces drag (no flapping at highway speeds). Chest/waist straps = stability in corners. Water-resistant ≠ waterproof, but it'll handle surprise sprinkles or morning dew.
Gray's take: "I don't have a bike yet, but when I get my Bonneville, this is day-one gear. It's what I'd recommend to anyone who commutes or runs errands—looks good, works hard, doesn't scream 'tactical operator.'"
Shop Alpinestars Charger Pro →
5. Cardo Spirit HD – The "Finally, I Can Hear My GPS" Gift
$179.95 $161.96 | ✅ Safe Bet – Solo Riders, Commuters, Budget-Conscious Upgraders
Why riders actually want this:
Brian spent four years as a helmet/comms specialist at Tucker Distributing, working directly with Cardo. His verdict on the Spirit HD? "Everything you actually need, none of the stuff you're paying extra for." Powerful 40mm HD speakers, phone/GPS connectivity, built-in FM radio, and 13-hour battery life—all for under $162. It's the comms system for riders who want crystal-clear navigation prompts and music streaming without dropping $400.
The gift-giving win:
This is the perfect first helmet comms system. No commitment to group-ride mesh networking (yet), no overwhelming tech overload—just plug-and-play Bluetooth that connects to any phone, GPS, or other Bluetooth headset (any brand, within 400m). It's the gift that says "I want you to stop missing turns because you couldn't hear your GPS over wind noise."
Real-world proof:
Waterproof design handles rain, mud, dust, and snow (Richmond's greatest hits). Voice-command operation = hands stay on bars. Fast-charge tech gives 2 hours of talk time from a 20-minute charge (perfect for "oh crap, I forgot to charge it" mornings). USB-C connection = no proprietary cable nonsense.
The "actually affordable" angle:
Two-way intercom works for rider + passenger or rider + one buddy. Not a group-ride mesh system, but for solo/duo riders, it's everything you need at a price that doesn't make you wince. Plus, Cardo Connect App keeps firmware updated over-the-air—no cables, no laptop, no IT degree required.
Brian's take: "If you're buying someone their first comms system, Spirit HD is the move. You get Cardo's sound quality and durability without paying for features they won't use yet. Once they're hooked, they'll upgrade to Packtalk on their own."
Shop Cardo Spirit HD – Now $161.96 →
The Bottom Line: Gifts Riders Will Actually Use
Finding motorcycle gifts that don't collect dust is simple: ask riders what they'd buy if money weren't an issue, then look for budget versions of that. These five hit the trifecta—safety, practicality, and "why don't I already own this?" appeal.
Still stuck? Text us a photo of their bike or describe their riding style (track days? daily commuter? weekend warrior?) and we'll point you to the right gear: (804) 726-9570
Need it by Christmas?
📦 Shipping: Order by Dec 15th
🏍️ In-Store Pickup: Swing by this week—these are moving fast.
Follow us for more gear recs →
Join our mailing list for deals →
More Holiday Gift Guides:
- Gifts Under $20
- Gifts Under $50
- Gifts Under $100
- Gifts Under $300
- Best High-End Gifts
- Beginner Gear Essentials
Leave a comment