Choosing a gift for a motorcyclist often means hesitating between the useful, the fun and what they already own. Here are 7 motorcycle gift ideas, from protecting the bike to comfort on the road, with what to check before you buy so you don’t get it wrong.
1. An approved lock #
This is the most practical gift for protecting a motorcycle: a second lock is useful whenever the bike is parked anywhere other than its garage. U-locks, chains and disc locks do not protect in the same way, and a disc lock alone is not enough against theft by lifting the bike into a van: the safest approach is to combine several protections, as the French insurer Groupama recommends.
Before buying, check the approval label on the packaging (in France, look for the SRA or NF marks). An insurer can require an approved lock, but this has to be written in the policy: it is best to ask the rider whether theirs includes such a clause, or let them choose. If you want to choose a motorcycle anti-theft device, start by comparing the types of lock and their limits.
2. A GPS tracker to find the bike again #
A lock slows a thief down; a GPS tracker helps you find the motorcycle if it disappears. The two work together: most electronic systems, GPS trackers included, do not prevent theft by lifting the bike away, but the tracker lets you locate it afterwards.
At Invoxia, two models suit a motorcycle:
- The GPS Tracker Classic: €99 with 1 year of subscription included, or €129 with 3 years. It weighs 27 g, is water- and dust-resistant (IP67), detects suspicious movement and offers a battery life of 3 to 6 months depending on how often it locates. Handy for a bike that stays parked for a long time. Available in Europe only.
- The GPS Tracker Pro Max: €179 / $ 179 with 1 year of subscription included and a built-in SIM card, so there is nothing to install. Its Absence mode watches the bike during a long absence and warns you of a theft attempt, while its Alert mode reacts during a short stop. You can also set virtual zones; it offers up to 6 months of battery life on a single charge and, in the event of theft, generates a file you can share with the authorities. Available in Europe and in the US.
Giving a tracker also means giving a subscription: 1 or 3 years included depending on the Classic version, 1 year for the Pro Max, to be renewed afterwards. To compare trackers before you buy, you can compare GPS trackers for motorcycles, and for a bike that sits for a long time, choose a long-battery-life motorcycle GPS tracker.
3. A battery charger or maintainer #
A battery discharges when it is not in use, and winter can speed this up when the bike sits idle, explains Dafy, a French motorcycle gear retailer. A charger with a maintenance mode is therefore a useful gift for a rider who puts the bike away for the winter. Check that the charger is compatible with the battery technology (lithium, lead-acid, GEL or AGM) by asking the rider or checking the motorcycle’s manual.
4. Comfort or safety gear #
Gloves, glove liners, a neck tube, a high-visibility vest: these gifts go down well, provided you know the size and how the rider uses the bike (city, road, long trips). Avoid giving a helmet or a jacket without a fitting. If in doubt, choose an accessory without a size (neck tube, phone mount, luggage).
5. A riding course or a track day #
For the rider who already has everything, an experience remains a memorable gift: a riding course, a track day or an introduction to riding on a circuit. Find out the level required, the equipment needed and the cancellation conditions before booking, and give a voucher with a flexible date.
6. A maintenance kit #
Cleaning product, grease or a chain maintenance kit: a modest gift, but appreciated by those who look after their machine. Choose products suited to the bike’s type of final drive, and avoid brands the rider doesn’t know: they almost always have their habits.
7. A gift card, to take no risks #
If you don’t know the size, the brand or the model of the bike, a gift card from a motorcycle gear shop remains the safest option: the rider chooses for themselves, and you avoid a gift they can’t use.
Which gift for which type of rider? #
- The rider who stores the bike for the winter: a charger with a maintenance mode and a long-battery-life GPS tracker.
- The rider who parks in town: an approved lock, complemented by a GPS tracker.
- The rider who travels: luggage, a neck tube, and a tracker to find the bike if it is stolen on the road.
- The rider who already has everything: an experience (course, track day) or a gift card.
FAQ: choosing a gift for a motorcyclist #
What should you give a motorcyclist who already has everything? #
An experience (riding course, track day) or a safety accessory people don’t usually buy for themselves, such as a GPS tracker or a second lock. If you are unsure, a gift card from a motorcycle gear shop avoids duplicates.
Can a GPS tracker prevent a motorcycle from being stolen? #
Not on its own: most electronic systems, GPS trackers included, do not prevent theft by lifting the bike away. The tracker lets you find the motorcycle and receive an alert as soon as it moves. To deter theft you need an approved lock, ideally combined with a tracker.
Is an approved lock compulsory to insure a motorcycle? #
An insurer can require an approved lock, but this has to be written in the policy. In the event of theft, you must report it to the police, notify your insurer and keep the lock’s invoice: at the French insurer Groupama, the claim must be declared within 2 working days, a deadline that depends on the contract. Check the terms of your policy before you buy.
Do you need a subscription for a motorcycle GPS tracker? #
Invoxia trackers work with a network subscription, already included at purchase: the GPS Tracker Classic is sold with 1 year (€99) or 3 years (€129) of subscription included, the GPS Tracker Pro Max with 1 year included (€179). After that, it has to be renewed. To compare options, you can compare motorcycle GPS trackers with no subscription.
Which GPS tracker should you choose for a motorcycle parked all winter? #
A long-battery-life model: the GPS Tracker Classic offers 3 to 6 months depending on how often it locates, and the GPS Tracker Pro Max up to 6 months on a single charge. If you are torn between two brands, you can compare Monimoto and Invoxia.
Is a GPS tracker ready to use as a gift? #
Almost: the GPS Tracker Pro Max has a built-in SIM card and the GPS Tracker Classic does not use a SIM card, so there is nothing to install on the network side. You just need to activate it and pair it with the Invoxia app, which takes a few minutes.
When should you order a Christmas gift? #
Standard Invoxia delivery takes 5 to 7 working days, and 48 hours with express delivery. It is best to order early enough for the gift to arrive before Christmas, and to choose express if the date is getting close.