What Bikers REALLY Want this Holiday

Gift Guides Galore this time of year - enough to make the average person cringe with fear every time they open their Inbox! That being said, we've already put out Our Holiday Gift Guide... what can we say? 🎅

But back to the purpose of this blog: we at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson are here to tell ya what the Biker on your list really wants this year.

But first, a few things we Bikers would like you to keep in mind:

1. Don't spend outside your budget. Yes, a brand new beautiful Harley-Davidson Motorcycle would be lovely to see in the garage on Christmas morning! But not if you have to go deep into debt over it. As we said on our "Thankful" web page: make a list, check it twice.
2. While it's nice if you know the exact year & model bike of the person you're shopping for -"He's got a 2009 FLTR Road Glide, which is the first year of the frame re-design"- it isn't exactly necessary. There are more than a few parts & accessories where we don't need to know. And if they've bought their bike from FXCHD and/or brought it in for Service, we're going to have that info in case we do need it. Although if it's a part s/he has specifically told you they want, then you're golden!

But don't let that fool you! Honestly, it really is easy to surprise that Biker with a gift he, she or they will really love.

If you've budgeted $0 - $25 

Grab a motorcycle map which shows things like Bike Nights and scenic routes (we have 'em here!). Or a photo of them riding- scan their Facebook or Instagram account and have it printed. Beanie caps, ear plugs, a pocket knife, motorcycle Christmas ornaments and can coozies also are appreciated.

If you've got $25-$75

The stuff your Biker will find to be right up their alley: Bike Cleaning Kits, a Smart Battery Tender, Snap-On 8-in-1 Screw Driver, H-D Barware -pint & rocks glasses, Harley button-up shirts, hoodies, and the like... I could go on and on, but I think you've got the point. 

For the $75+ budget

Things like luggage, vintage motorcycle signs, a bike dryer, FXRG Riding Gear or even a paid spot for an Advanced Riders Course immediately come to mind. Then there's the gift of adventure: a day at the track, a weekend on the lake (when it's warm enough to ride their motorcycle to), or a project bike for them to restore. Again, endless possibilities.

All of those are really nice gifts to give... and of course we would love to have you buy everything in our dealership over the next six weeks...

That being said, the one thing that Bikers really want is:

Respect

Treat Bikers just as you would like others to treat you -that wonderfully simple 'golden rule' that so many seem to forget these days. Just be honest and respectful with us. Don't assume we're automatically 'bad' people who are uneducated and unimportant. 

Allow me to share this video from one of our good friends. Jaws sums it up best I think: "...actually get treated right..."

And if you still need gift ideas for that Biker in your life, feel free to ask us -we're happy to help!!

How to stay sane during the off-season

Bye, bye bike for the next five to six months... (but hopefully sooner). How to survive?

In case jetting off to someplace warmer where you can ride isn't in your budget -just like us at FXCHD- here's some ideas on how you can stay sane when you're off you bike:

• Winter is pretty - get outside!! You already love to be outside riding your motorcycle... maybe try renting a snowmobile and get a hobby to keep you occupied and outside during the winter months.

• It is officially Snow Shoveling Season -which really is good exercise (you could burn 300-400 calories in 30 minutes). Just be sure to do it safely: follow these tips from Insidehook. You'll be fit in no time!

• Watch as many motorcycle movies and television shows as possible. 21 Days Under the Sky, Easy Rider, On Any Sunday, Sons of Anarchy, etc., etc. Living vicariously through others is one way to escape the winter blues.

• Bank your Time Off: if you're lucky enough to work where you can save up your paid vacation till you want to use it (as opposed to being told when you get vacation), bank 'em up. And/or you can get a part-time seasonal job to save up- that way you can take even more time off during the summer riding season. 

• Do any engine upgrades now and take advantage of the down-time. You'll have fun turning your bike into a beast and will be ready to unleash it come spring-time.

• Plan your next motorcycle adventure: start doing research now, choose your destination, where you'll stay, the roads to get there and what you'd like to see. But remember to leave enough 'wiggle room' to allow for exploration.

• Socialize! Join your local H.O.G. Chapter -our NNY Harley Owners Group always has stuff going on, even in the 'off' months.

Sure spring is months away, but the next Riding Season starts now!