3 Things to Know as we get into the Shopping Season

Since Halloween is happening pretty quickly, and the fact that I already put my bike up in Winter Storage, that means the Holidays will soon be upon us. And with that, holiday shopping is about to kick-off.

This list is to help you get through the so-called 'silly season' and keep your sanity intact.

1) Shop early, shop often, and get it done

It's going to be a looooong November and a short December. What am I talking about?? November still only has 30 days, while Deceber has 31... BUT, this year Thanksgiving comes late, November 28th, right at the end of the month. So there's only 3 full weeks in December before the week of Christmas. The sooner you can get done with your shopping, the better off you'll be.

2) Love 'em? List 'em!

In the interest of time, I am definitely creating my lists of who I'm shopping for and what I'd like to get them. And when it comes making THAT decision, I go to one of my favorite guidelines: Want, Need, Wear, Read.

• Want -something that THEY say they wanted and not something you think they will want. There is a difference! I was given a book once for my birthday -not from any of my favorite authors or on a subject matter that I usually read... but the person who gave it to me said, "But you love books!" Which I do, it's true. Although when it comes to giving a gift, I want mine to be in line with what they person has said they actually wanted, not just what ever is "hot" at that time.
• Need -it might not be fun or fancy, but if it's something they need then the gift will truly be appreciated. Spark plugs and an oil change kit might not seem sexy, but if they need it to help get their bike back on the road, then wrap that shit up!
• Wear -pretty self explanatory... although this is your chance to get something that speaks to that person's style. See a scarf that'll go perfectly with that new dress? Get it. A dress-up Harley-Davidson shirt for him to wear to the party? Absolutely. The only caveat is to get a gift receipt so that they can return it for the right size if needed. 
• Read -again, pretty self explanatory. That being said, a cookbook is still a cookbook guys. If you're loved one really loves Harley history, then I'd suggest getting her a book like "The Harley-Davidson Reader" and NOT "50 Shades of Grey" (yup- looking at you Mom!). Get them something from their favorite author, or a subject matter you know they enjoy.  They don't have enough time to read? Audiobooks would work in this instance.

Another favorite guideline is the Holiday 50/50 Rule for the other side of the coin (them shopping for you): one for them, one for you. For each gift you're giving your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend, you also treat yourself. You're there anyways, it'll save your significant other the trip and the time, and you know it's something you'll like.

3) Protect and Defend

Even though I work at a traditional brick & mortar store, and would absolutely love it if you came in and do all your shopping at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson, I know that's not going to happen. It's far more easy and less time consuming for you to go online and get at least part of your list checked off.

However there are just as many bad guys out there waiting to take advantage and steal your money. Phishing scams, fake websites, and those rip-off artists who have pirated a brand name to 'sell' you items that don't exist. Here's some tips to help keep you safe:

• Pay with a credit card rather than using your debit card (easier to dispute transactions).
• Don't save your credit card info online. Some sites will offer to keep your card info in order to speed up the check out process on your next purchase, but remember those data breeches over the last year or so? Yeah- enough said.
• When buying, selling or even checking your bank account do not use public/open Wi-Fi. Just imagine someone looking over your shoulder whenever you think about doing a quick purchase while on Starbucks open network.
• Check the website address -bogus sites subtly substitute similar characters (AMAZ0N.com versus AMAZON.com). 
• Same with the brand logo - I once got tricked by a Harley-Davdson jacket I bought online (well before I started working at a dealership of course) because my mind saw what I thought was a complete logo.
• The price is simply too good to believe. Cuz if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Check the seller -if an individual has 20 of the same handbag just in different colors, you should definitely think twice. Individuals are not licensed by the manufacturer to sell, they're most likely selling fakes.

Of course the best way to get a good deal online, along with the real product, customer service, and easy returns, is to shop with an authorized dealer. Go to that brand's website directly, like H-D.com/store or RalphLauren.com. 

And, to be ultra secure and know for sure that you're getting the real thing, head over to the actual, physical store location. You'll get a more personal shopping experience as well as an actual human interaction. 

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 create your "Happy List"

As I type this, my email inbox is filling up with all sorts of advertising (it is Cyber Monday after all). Television is another perfect example of the over load of seemingly senseless commercials this time of year. And if I listened to local radio, I'm sure it'd be the same. 

With tag lines of: "Discounts just for you;" "25% off your entire order;" and "Last Chance to get Yours!" It's enough to drive anyone nuts!

Isn't it ironic that part of my job here at FXCHD is marketing? 

Of course during this holiday season it's almost guaranteed that we'll purchase something for a friend or family member. But before you get so caught up in the onslaught of holiday advertising, let's take a moment to create a plan that will make everyone happy.

All of us have dreams. Big, small, and all sizes in-between -maybe even tied up with a bow. And if the person you're shopping for is a Biker, then they definitely have dreams. Dreams to customize their ride, dreams of a new rear tire or tune-up, maybe dreams about new riding gear or a new bike... or dreams about riding across several states or even across the whole damn country. 

This holiday let's support those dreams.

When buying gifts, let's choose to shop in a way that furthers the dream of someone we know. 

If you're not sure of what the Biker on your list needs to fulfill their Harley dreams, ask if they have a Wish List on 
H-D.com/store. 

Or you could give them an H-D Gift Card. 

I can't afford to spend lots of money on gifts -I'm like most of us, nearly living paycheck to paycheck, saving what money I can. But still when I do purchase gifts, I like to think how I can help to make my friends' dreams come to life.

Sure- it's not your responsibility to fund your friend's dream... But when you have a dream and your friends support you, doesn't that help you to feel happy? 

By giving gifts with these dreams in mind, even something small can be a big thing to the one who receives it. And I guarantee that will have you, the giver, feeling as good, if not better, than the one who receives. 

What an absolutely wonderful holiday gift to give!

Keeping It Real- here's how to avoid counterfeit Harley merchandise

That's right, we're taking the side of the law this time (Bikers are Rebels, but we stand up for what's wrong when we need to). 

Last year counterfeiters raked in $460 Billion dollars- mostly online. And even though the majority of items are luxury- Rolex watches, Gucci purses, Nike Air Jordan- Harley is also a lifestyle that people want. Which means others will fraudulently forge the brand just to make a buck. 

Harley-Davidson logos and trademarks symbolize more than just the quality and heritage of their products. They stand for something important enough that people tattoo the logo on their skin. It’s something that can’t easily be expressed with words, but is felt in the soul. For many, “Harley-Davidson” isn’t a name or a brand. It’s a way of life.

Will buying one counterfeit album, movie, purse or t-shirt hurt you or those you love? Probably not. But multiply that one by 20 million sales and it adds up fast. That's a massive amount of money that should have gone to the artist, actor or business, but went to criminals instead. Not to mention, it reduces the amount of taxes collected, which reduces the amount of annual budgets- which can affect jobs. 

You may have seen or even purchased a counterfeit item in the past without knowing it. But when the article arrived you discovered the quality wasn't there- wrong size label (it says XL but really is XS), the graphic wasn't centered, and/or the item was already falling apart. And then when you return it to the company that sold it, they keep promising to return your money (but they don't).

With the biggest gift-giving time of year coming up (aka the Christmas Season), I thought it might be helpful to explain how to spot selling counterfeit Harley merchandise. After all, if you're spending the money to buy that someone special (or even yourself) a gift, it might as well be the real deal, right? 

1. Money Talks, Bullshit Walks: compare the price. If

   

   The Bar & Shield logo

   it sounds too good to be true, it's probably false. 
2. Feel it Up: check out the item for the correct use of labels. There should be labels & hang tags with the official logo and security stickers.
3. An Altered State: has the logo been altered?

   

   On dark backgrounds, it's
   framed in white

   Stretched, color change and word substitutions are all indicators of forged items and copyright infringement. 
4. Know before you Go: Harley-Davidson's logos & trademarks include the Bar & Shield, the B&S outline, Screamin' Eagle, H.O.G., and

   

   Screamin' Eagle logo

   MotorClothes to name just a few.
5. Wonder about the Website: if online, check out the seller's website. Do they say they're an authorized seller?

   

   The H-D MotorClothes label

   Do they have a physical address, contact info and return policy clearly spelled out? If no, then that's a very red light- you should stop.
6. Use Active Listening: find out what others are
   saying. Reviews on Google, Amazon, E bay and/or

   

   Licensed Vendors will use this label

   Facebook are pretty good indicators. And find out their rating with the Better Business Bureau.
7. How's Your Package?: if the packaging is naked (no logo), there's no contact info, or has misspellings, it's most likely a fake. 

If you're still not sure that the item is real or counterfeit, feel free to contact me at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson, or by email (Dawn@FXCapraraHarley-Davidson.com). 

Harley's Brand Protection team monitors against sellers of counterfeit H-D merchandise, and recently scored big wins on two of the largest selling companies of counterfeit t-shirts. 

The Harley-Davidson brand (and lifestyle) is powerful, full of meaning and emotion. So when the company developed logos & trademarks unique to Harley, it communicates something special about our brand for our customers, and it’s important to protect that message. If others misuse it for their own profit, we run the danger of diluting or weakening it.

How to Look Like a Bad-Ass Biker this Fall

Crisp days and longer nights. Cool enough to wear a hoodie and boots, but not so cool that you'll need a puffy coat. And nobody did it better than The Queen of Bikers: Gemma Teller (aka Katey Sagal in her Sons of Anarchy roll).

Katey, in real life married to Sons creator Kurt Sutter, is not actually involved with motorcycle gangs (that I know of anyways)- but she sure had one great wardrobe while on set. Tank tops layered with plaid and lace, jewelry, leather jackets and those boots gave the perfect image to match her character's attitude - which was fearless.

Why not embrace a full biker dress while wandering around with your gang this Fall. Don't be scared- just roll on the throttle and go with it.

Side Note- You don't have to go far or wait days for these fashions to arrive. We've got 'em at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson now. Not close to us? Find it online with Harley.

The Relaxed Fit Plaid Shirt: 

Bring a slightly oversized (but not sloppy) look with the Relaxed Fit Plaid Shirt (96019-18VW). Believe me when I say this layer is soft and lightweight. This long sleeve top goes perfectly over a skinny tank and distressed jeans. 

Caution- Soft Shoulder:

Crochet Lace Shoulder (96010-18VW) is the "it" tee for Fall. The washed cotton, lace yoke and button placket lend a familiar, worn feel to this top. A special touch- faded graphics encircle the hem.

The Lace-Up Tall Boot:

A fan favorite, the Belhaven (D87082) women's leather riding boot is a tall lace up with iconic H-D appeal and classic heritage styling. A top to bottom locking zipper lets the long laces do the talking.

A little-bit higher now:

The Ludwell (D83831) gives you that Harley lift, both in body and spirit. A chunky styled 4-inch heel supporting a 5.5-inch shaft with an ankle strap below the classic Bar & Shield. I think these boots were pulled right out of Gemma's closet.

Brighten things up:

When it comes to jewelry and Harley-Davidson, MOD rules the road. The Milestone Locket Collection are stainless steal lockets that house a beautiful assortment of charms and backplates that can be customized for every type of woman out there.

Essential for Layering:

Perfectly faded with raw-edges for a worn-in look, the Genuine Pullover Hoodie (99100-17VW) sports twill tape trim around the hood and lacing on the cuffs. The traditional Bar & Shield logo has that distressed look for a vintage vibe.

The quintessential Leather Jacket:

A jacket so epic, it's been 115 years in the making. This Women's 115th Anniversary Leather Jacket (98010-18VW) has hints of blue stitching and contrasting underlay that complement the design details and colors of the 115th Anniversary motorcycles. Of course this jacket is more than good looking- it's road ready.

Top it Off:

This classy women's flat top hat (99421-18VW)gets an update to mark the H-D 115th. It stylishly combos with mesh panels and rivets for contrasting texture. Bonus: shimmering metallic embroidery to catch the eye.

The Future is so Bright, You Gotta:

See the world from a new lens with Tori by Wylie X (HATOR01). Beauty- with bling in the right places, and brains- meets ANSI requirements.

T'was the night before Christmas - the Biker version

Here's another Christmas Poem I came across the other day and, even though it's the day after, I'm going to share this now rather than wait another year [life is short ya know!].

It's similar to the Christmas classic "A visit from St. Nicholas" (aka "T'was the night before Christmas"). Like the last poem, I don't know the author of it... What I do

know is I posted in on my Facebook page and they were kind enough to remind me about it in my "memories." 

I actually did a very small version of this myself - see the picture on the right - but this is the entire poem done up in "Biker" style. So here it is:

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the garages, not a motorcycle was rumbling,

except for Santa Claus's.

The leather was hung in the closet with care in hopes that nice weather soon would be there. Our bikes were all nestled snug under their covers with visions of blacktop and burning up rubber.

With Momma in her bandana and I in my skull cap, we had just settled down for a long winters nap. When out on the lawn, arose such a rumble - I sprang from the bed and I started to grumble.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear? A pack of motorcycles, with riders in gear! With one old rider so lively and quick I knew in a moment it must be a biker named Nick.

He was dressed in Red Leather, from his head to his foot and his clothes were all tarnished with bugs and road soot. A bundle of chrome he had flung on his back - down the chimney he came, carrying a big red sack.

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work. As he filled all the bike boots, then turned with a jerk, and laying a finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his bike, to his team gave a sign. They all cracked their throttles and got into a line. "Now Harley, now Honda, Now Triumph and Indian; on Kawi, on Suzuki, on Yamaha and Victory."

But I heard him exclaim as he roared out of sight:

"Keep the rubber side down and have a good ride!"

The Greatest Gift of All

A great time was had by all at the FX Caprara Car

Companies annual Christmas party. Unfortunately Captain

Morgan and I tied one on pretty good and I failed to take any pictures myself.... It happens!! That just means I relied on others - so that's what these pictures are. We can clean up pretty good!!

And then shortly after that Christmas day arrived at last. I am thankful for all the gifts I received - and it seems at least one person reads this blog!! That, along with a bottle of Irish Cream, new clothes, and the complete set of Ballykissangel were just some I received. 

I'd like to think I gave as good of gifts as I got.... I gave soft,

cuddly and warm pj pants to my daughter so she can relax during her time off from school (it's her freshman year in college this year). To my son I gave a replica of the bike Jax Teller rode in the last episode of Sons of Anarchy - this is something even his dad doesn't have - giving him the gift of having the upper hand. 

But of all that, the absolute best gift I received this year was

both kids being home for the holidays. Since they're both young adults and finding their own way in life, I don't know how much longer that will happen - so I'll take it while I can get it.

All the while looking forward to the new year - at FXCHD we have lots of good things coming up in 2016. Kate & I will be going to Phoenix for Harley-Davidson's winter meeting. Then on January 23rd we will be hosting our first ever Artistry in Iron Paint Party - something I'm really looking forward to! Also in 2016 look forward to H-D 101 which is for those who want to take the

first step into the world of motorcycling. And we have more in the works, so be sure to check in on our Website Events Page and/or our Facebook Events.

This is my last post for the year - I'm taking this week off to spend with my kids. So, until next year, all of us at FXCHD wish you the best and may you have all that you need in 2016!

Ho Ho Ho - and all that Merry stuff

Harley Christmas Tree Ornaments through the years

Last Friday at FXCHD the staff had our Secret Santa exchange. It’s always interesting when we get the whole crew together, even for just a couple of hours – we tend to take sarcasm, practical jokes and quick come-backs to a new level. (If you're quick witted, can laugh at your self, don't mind a work place environment that takes sexual innuendos to unprecedented heights - then we may want you to work here come Spring Time!)

Dan, our General Manager, playing Santa 

It all started about a month ago when we decided to do a Secret Santa gift exchange in the first place. Last year we did our gift exchange “White Elephant” style – where you can either grab a gift from under the tree or steal a gift from someone else. But for some reason no one stole any gifts so this year we decided to draw names. I was in charge and I can tell you it was tempting to make sure that a certain Cowboys fan got matched up with one of our mechanics….. but I was a good girl this year! So we decided on a $20 cap and I went around to everyone for them to draw names.

"Oh - YOU were my Secret Santa??!!"

Fast forward and the moment of truth. No worries that no one would forget (since I went around reminding everyone). All gifts were present (see what I did there?) – but for some recipients it wasn’t so easy to get them open. When you have co-workers with access to adhesives, duct & electrical tape, and vice grips, there’s a chance the gifts they’re giving are going to be wrapped to the hilt.  Of course alcoholic gifts were given and well received, along with lottery tickets, sharp things, and – what else? – tools.

The next day Santa even took time out of his busy schedule to visit the dealership. (We tried to get Biker Claus but he’s way too busy since there’s a lot of you on the Naughty List.) Santa likes to party and have a good time as well, so we had some fun – see the pictures.

This Saturday is the BIG company Christmas party. FXCHD is just one out of ten dealerships owned by F.X. Caprara Car Companies – soon to be eleven with the Honda car dealership opening in 2016. And each year Billy and Charlie give back to their employees by throwing us a whooper of a party – dinner, drinks and a room. It’s a chance for us to dress up, let our hair down and really live it up. And it's always interesting to see a bunch of Harley folks 'dress up' and hang out with a bunch of car salesmen (but they're all good guys - we do mingle well)!! So keep checking our Facebook page for pictures of the BIG party in the coming week!

Chad and Santa discussing the true meaning of __________ (you fill in the blank!)

Doin' the Holidays Harley Style

Our Northern New York Harley Owners Group (NNY H.O.G. for short) had their annual Christmas party this last Saturday - and it was a hoot like always!

In case you didn't know, the Harley Owners Group is the largest factory-sponsored riding club in the world with over a million members. It began shortly after Willie G. Davidson and a few others bought Harley-Davidson back from AMF. The management team organized a series of rides across the country as a way to get out on the road, reconnect with customers, and have fun. Shortly after that "H.O.G." was born.

Anyone can be a member of H.O.G. - as long as they have a Harley that is. Membership begins at the national level and all you need is your bike's VIN number to get started. With wide-ranging benefits that help you see the world, stay connected, get the inside scoop, and protect your ride, you'll never ride alone.

L to R: Dave, Theo, Kim & Joy, Aug. 2014

Once you're a National H.O.G. Member you're eligible to join a local chapter if you wish. You can find your local H.O.G. Chapter by visiting your Harley-Davidson dealership (or any dealership whose chapter you wish to join - we have a few members that live close to another dealership but they prefer ours - you can join/ride where ever you please!). And often there are even more perks at the local level. The time FXCHD had Kim Coates - Tig - and Theo Rossi - Juice - from the TV show Sons of Anarchy visit and sign autographs, our NNY H.O.G. Chapter helped out and so got a private meet & greet with the boys.

Chris & Me

H.O.G. is not a traditional motorcycle club - there is no bottom rocker claiming territory nor is there an initiation process in order to join. We are simply a good group of people who like to ride and have fun - which coincidentally is the H.O.G. motto. If you're new to riding and are looking for more people who share a taste for adventure, rebellion, attitude, and freedom, then I suggest 'test riding' your local H.O.G. Chapter.

So anyways, back to what's important - the party!! Chris was my date this year - she's a FXCHD customer who rides her own and over the years has become a good friend. We drove together to the Eis House restaurant for the party which was dinner and the great Card Game Gift Exchange game. Each person brings at least 1 gift, FXCHD donates 5 gifts, and the chapter buys lots of gifts as well - all under

the tree. Then we shuffle and pass out cards, using four decks. When one of the cards you're holding is called, you go up and get a gift from under the tree - don't unwrap it yet!! Since there are more cards than gifts, we run out of gifts - but that's where the fun

Jasmine helping Papa

begins!! Once we're out of gifts, then you can steal gifts from other party goers. There's usually 3 or 4 gifts that are real popular - but no one knows what's inside yet. When there are no cards left, then we open and see what we got. This year John was not above having his daughter deter would be 'gift stealers' - he had her sit on the gift he wanted to keep (but it didn't work!!). One year the most popular 'stolen' gift ended up being a toilet bowl plunger!! When it's all said and done, everyone ends up with at least one gift. But as it always is with our H.O.G. Chapter - it's not about what you got, it's about the fun you had while with good friends.

Getting a gift for a Biker (a.k.a. Motorcycle Enthusiast)? Here’s what you need to know:

It is a bit early – not even Thanksgiving week yet! – to start talking about holiday gift guides…. BUT with the holiday season about to kick off, I thought I’d get this out there so you can have a fighting chance!! Have that new son-in-law with a Harley® parked in the garage? Or perhaps you drew the name of that co-worker who has more pictures of his/her bike than pics of people in their cubicle…. Never fear – the first ever ‘Life Behind Bars’ holiday gift guide is here!!

First off, it really is the gift that counts with most bikers. So there’s no need to worry if they’ve already got those pair of gloves, or that set of motorcycle themed pint glasses. If we don’t already have it, we’ll use it. And if we already do own the exact same gift you just gave us, we’ll put yours to use once the other one wears out.

That being said – if you’re planning on buying parts for his/her bike, please find out the year, make and model of said bike! At F.X. Caprara Harley-Davidson® we really do want you – and the recipient – to be happy! Trust me when I say that they may be a little disappointed to find out that the gift you got them won’t fit. And we won’t know what kind of bike it is just because it has saddlebags on it – that could be a Switchback, Heritage, Street Glide, etc., etc. A picture can usually help tell us the make & model, but not the year. If we have seen the bike for service we can look it up, but if you’re shopping for Uncle Leo two states away, please know what bike Uncle Leo is riding.

You can get personal, just not too personal – meaning please think three times before sending out their gas tank for a custom paint. Surprise – for most bikers their bike is an extension of them, like an arm or a leg (yeah, it’s that important!). Sure they may have talked about having a picture of Elvira painted on their tank, but then changed their mind. I once freaked out my husband – I got a bigger tank for his Sportster®…. then I had to get a different seat because of how the two fit together…. I sent him a ‘coupon’ exclaiming how I was the best wife in the world to do this for him while he was off fighting for our country (he was deployed at the time). You can probably guess he wasn’t too happy with me until he got home and saw his bike… Luckily he liked it, but it was a close call!

Also, please do not buy a helmet for anyone unless they’re with you trying them on and say, “I want this one!” We’ve had customers find a bike in 5 minutes – and then take half the day picking out their new helmet. There are half helmets, 5/8’s helmets, ¾ helmets and full face helmets. Some with a shield, others without one. Some with a drop down sun shield. Size runs vary depending on the manufacturer – I fit a medium most of the time, but sometimes a large is better. Everybody’s head is a little different, and their sense of style – especially when it comes to a helmet – most decidedly so. If you want them to have a new helmet for safety reasons, please either get them to go shopping with you or get them a gift card.

So now you have an idea of what not to get a biker for Christmas…. Here’s some helpful ideas for what to get them:

1. Most Harley® Enthusiasts love getting t-shirts, coffee mugs, shot glasses and stickers with the dealership name on it. Especially if you live two states (or more) away, go to your local Harley dealer and get them ‘dealer branded’ stuff. Every dealership I stop at I always get a t-shirt & a shot glass.
2. GPS may be on a lot of bikes, but motorcycle maps (not made of paper) always come in handy. Have they been talking about riding up through Nova Scotia?? There you go!
3. Are they a reader?? Books like The Harley-Davidson® Motor Co. Archive Collection, Growing Up Harley-Davidson®: Memoirs of a Motorcycle Dynasty, and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance are a good bet. Do they enjoy movies?? Add to their DVD collection with Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man, The Wild One, The World’s Fastest Indian, or – of course – Easy Rider.
4. The open road is available at home or man cave: plenty of home décor can be had for the Harley® Enthusiast. From clocks to signs, from calendars to pint glasses to vintage advertising – allow them to show off their biker side even when they’re sitting on the couch.
5. One part that’s a universal fit (as long as their bike has a battery) is a SuperSmart Battery Tender. While their Harley® is sitting there it is drawing power from the battery and can drain it in as little as six weeks. In case you’re thinking they can just start the bike in order to charge the battery, I’m here to tell you it’s not. The bike has to be under power -meaning you can’t just start it & let it idle like you can with your car. A $40 battery tender now will save them a $120 bill for a new battery later.
6. Check around your area for any bike raffles going on and get them a ticket (see if they have to be present to win). For instance the Fort Drum (which is right in our back yard) chapter of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association is raffling off a Dyna® Street Bob® in June 2016, plus cash prizes, all for a mere $20 a ticket. Even if the Biker you're getting the ticket for already has a bike, they'll still appreciate another one! Motorcycles are kind of like potato chips, you can have more than one....
7. Set the mood with some music: a MP3 Player is a nice gift! Even if their bike has a radio, chances are they can still plug in a device and jam to their own tunes as they roll down the road.
8. Get them Riding Gear – gloves, head wrap, boots, and goggles. Just double check the shop’s return policy in case of fit issues. 
9. A picture says a lot of words, a film says 10 times more! Get ‘em a Personal Camera (think GoPro) so they can show you the ride they took through the California Redwoods rather than just tell you.
10. Still not sure?? Then my best suggestion is to get them a gift card. Bikers can always use extra funds – maybe they need $50 more towards a new leather jacket, or they want to pay down their service bill. It may not seem very personal, but it will definitely be appreciated.

Not into the guessing game? Have them fill out their Wish List on Harley’s website (you can do the same too, you know) which you'll be able to see. But no matter what you decide to give them, most bikers will not consider the gift itself, but the love expressed by the giver.