Small independent shops are the heart and soul of our moto industry. Blood, sweat, and gears isn’t just a senseless T-shirt slogan to them, it’s the creed they live by. Collectively they carry on the tradition of good old-fashioned American craftsmanship, so it’s more important than ever to support those that carry the torch, especially during the holiday season. That said, here are 12 cool gift ideas from the independents out there who are busting tail to keep the American dream alive.
Every machinist needs a good ball-peen, and the Nash Hammer would be a welcome addition to any toolbox. The hammer heads are cast and have “NMC” on one side, “USA” on the other. They’re available in stainless steel or aluminum bronze with a hickory handle. A Nash Fuel Sling would make for a great stocking stuffer too.
A visit to the Butcher’s Den is always an enlightening experience because it always lightens our wallet by a few dollars! Joking aside, Rusty Butcher makes some great leather wallets in-house. The Murdered Out Collector Set comes with a black-as-night wallet, key chain, wallet chain, and your very own butcher knife charm. And take Rusty Butcher’s words to heart over the holidays—“Work Less, Ride More!”
Going to the 2019 El Diablo Run? Biltwell’s Exfil-48 Backpack would be the perfect companion. The Exfil-48 has dedicated tool sleeves, enough storage for a five-day run south of the border, and can be secured to a sissy bar or worn as a backpack. It’s got a couple of extra exterior straps for your bedroll too. Gotta love a backpack designed to carry tools and other bits to keep you rollin’. While you’re at it, grab a set of Biltwell’s legendary Kung Fu Grips.
Indian Larry’s legacy lives on thanks to Bobby Seeger and the Brooklyn squad. And while they’ll happily knock out a twisted downtube frame for you if you want, these brass “Question Everything” pushrod collars are a bit more modestly priced for the everyman. Sport a bit of the Indian Larry spirit on your V-twin. It’s the perfect time of the year for one of its sweet knit beanies too.
Mention Klock Werks and people automatically think Flare Windshield. And deservedly so; the Flare’s a great accessory. But Klock Werks also makes a device mount I’m fond of. It mounts to handlebars easily, the stainless steel adaptor you attach to your phone is wafer thin, and the magnetic pull securely holds your phone in place, even when the road gets rough. Harley, Indian, Honda… Heck, Klock Werks even makes a device mount for the Slingshot!
From dirt tracks to dirty streets, the Speed Merchant lives up to its name. (Did you see what the these guys did to the 2018 Fat Bob?) It also make cool merch, like this Speed Merchant Bronze Belt Buckle. Even if people don’t know who Speed Merchant is, they’ll be staring at your crotch trying to figure what S&M refers to. Grab a SM trucker hat, go shirtless, and you’ll be the life of the party at the company Christmas bash!
A Snap-Fab wooden mallet is a prized possession, because Joe Mielke makes them by hand, one at a time. Mallet heads are made from laminated birch while the handles are from poplar. They’re sold individually or in sets, and despite how striking the wood might be, these things are built to pound metal into submission. A perfect addition for the fabricator in your life. When it comes to wooden mallets, Mielke’s the man.
Suicide Machine Co.’s logo is definitely dope, and its race leathers are the raddest. Aaron and Shaun Guardado live the fast and loud lifestyle their SMCO brand advertises. They build rad bikes, then take them out and flog the s—t out of them. Just about any hard charger would be stoked to get one of the Deathproof Pullover Hoodies for Christmas. Count me among them.
Led Sled makes some of the sickest Sportster parts on the planet, and, by all means, if you’ve got the Benjamins in your bank account, grab a set of Led Invaders. But if you’d like to show your support for Pat Patterson and crew in a more affordable way, the work coat with the Led Sled Knuckle logo on the back is a sharp-looking shop jacket that makes a great gift, at only $60.
I’ve been rocking one of these for the last year and it saved my bacon when I was riding over Beartooth Highway on my way to Sturgis. Even during the summer it gets chilly on Beartooth up at 12,000 feet, especially when your jacket is perforated. Luckily, I had an RSD Stoddard Shirt in my saddlebag to combat the chill. Even though it’s branded as a shirt, this plaid flannel is Kevlar-lined and has a pocket for elbow, shoulder, and back armor. ’Tis the flannel season, fa-la-la-la-la.
Every biker needs a good knife. San Diego Customs has teamed with Hogue Knives for its Bar Knife Version 2. It’s got a 4.5-inch fixed blade and a grippy polymer handle. The knife comes with a nylon sheath and a couple of Velcro straps so it can easily be mounted to 1.25-inch risers or T-bars for quick accessibility. It’s a sharp-looking piece (pun intended!) with an aggressive Tanto point. San Diego Customs’ latest Handle Bar Knife is a lock to make that special roughneck in your life smile.
This year, See See Motorcycles will be putting on its 10th The One Motorcycle Show in Portland, Oregon. Fortunately, See See’s Thor Drake had an inkling that he was on to something special from the onset and made sure to capture the cast of characters and customs from the early shows with professional photos. Those pictures were turned into great coffee-table books, a wonderful present for the custom bike connoisseur in your life. Add a Thumper Oil Can & Coffee to your order, brew up a stiff cup of Stumptown, sit back with your new book, and enjoy the holidays.
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