"No, I don't thank you for the fish at all" (notindetroit)
11/30/2015 at 10:13 • Filed to: gift guide, secret senna, ultimate motorcycle gift guide
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"No, I don't thank you for the fish at all" (notindetroit)
11/30/2015 at 10:13 • Filed to: gift guide, secret senna, ultimate motorcycle gift guide | 0
| 7 |
There’s been some talk about !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , particularly women. One solution is to start ‘em as young as possible, and here’s a gift guide that will help send them on their way. Or maybe there’s a person on your gift list into riding who isn’t so young anymore - I’ve got that covered too!
The Ultimate Rider Starter Kit For the Truly Young
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There’s not a lot currently going for motorcycle-themed children’s backpacks, so this is pretty much the closest I can find. Trying to shop for a girl instead? Just ignore the “for boys” descriptor and give it to her anyway. Aren’t we supposed to be living in a gender-free toy era anyway? As for Blaze and the Monster Machines , it’s pretty much something akin to Dora but with math and cars, or similar to the plethora of math-centric programming on Disney Channel. I suppose it’s decent enough, having seen it myself.
It’s not something I’m really proud of.
Reading Materials
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The Mouse and the Motorcycle is one of the most classic and iconic of automotive-centric children’s literature out there. This collection includes three paperback books for your children to enjoy and then pass down to their own future generations. Not only a great way to introduce your very young son or daughter to the exciting world of motorcycles but the exciting world of reading as well, and have them step up from simple one-sentence-per-page picture books to more complex narrative construction.
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Another great way to introduce a young child to both the exciting worlds of motorcycle riding and reading. Step Into Reading: Motorcycles! provides fact-based encyclopedic reading for little kids who would prefer to know the technical aspects of what motorcycle riding is like. This books covers different types of motorcycle riding and competition use including motocross (a sport children can get into as well!) and track racing, and covers the various jobs and other utility uses motorcycles serve in the local community and the world over. Again, appropriate for children just learning to read on their own and tackling more complex narrative construction, accompanied by helpful photographs.
Toys
Sharper Image RC Motorcycle: $24.99 through ToysRUs.com
A pretty basic R/C toy motorcycle to get your child’s imagination going.
Lego City-Theme Racing Bike Transporter: $19.99 through Shop.Lego.com
A fun, decently-priced Lego kit that comes with two motorcycles and an awards podium. What more could you ask for?
Maisto 1:12 Yamaha YZ450F Screw-Together Die-Cast Model Kit: $9.99 through ToysRUs.com
A simple all-metal “screw-together” model kit that kids young and old alike can assemble. You can read a review of a similar Maisto product at Live and Let Die-Cast to get an idea of what you’re in for, but is a great value appropriate for young children with at least some supervision as well as older children (including those who should’ve moved out long, long ago) and makes for a great display model.
Gear: Girls’ and Boys’ Faux Leather Jackets by Various: $16.99-$34.99 through BurlingtonCoatFactory.com
Not exactly appropriate for actual riding, but at least they can glide through the elementary school hallways in style.
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BONUS #1: Razor SX500 Dirt Rocket Electric Bike: $449.99 through ToysRUs.com + Fox Racing Youth Helmet: $119.95 through Shop.Foxhead.com (see disclaimer)
Of course the best way of all to get your child into motorcycle riding is to get him or her an actual motorcycle. The Razor SX500 straddles the line between glorified toy and true motorcycle with a halfway serious suspension setup and true “knobby” tires. Throw in a helmet while you’re at it, because it’s real enough to justify it. Note: helmet from Fox Racing included as representative only. It’s !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! you and your child visit a shop in-person in order to have a helmet properly fitted.
BONUS #2: 2016 Yamaha PW50 Dirt Bike: $1,440 MSRP + Complete Head-to-Toe Racing Gear: $484.66 from Ship.Foxhead.com (see disclaimer)
If the Razor SX500 still isn’t enough of a “real bike” for your tastes, you can get your child an actual, real dirt bike made by an actual motorcycle manufacturer and powered by an actual internal combustion engine. Don’t forget to get your child properly-fitting gear, by the way. Yes, it’s expensive. It also should go without saying that it’s a bargain compared to your child’s safety. Again, prices for gear are just representational and you and your child should visit an actual shop to get everything properly fitted.
The Ultimate Rider Starter Kit For the Young at Heart
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A great “adventure” saddle bag isn’t just something you can hang off your bike - it’s a legitimate piece of luggage or carry bag you can haul around with you away from your bike. Great for hitting the road less traveled, your favorite hiking trail, a picnic with the person who gifted it to you in the first place (hint, hint) or even for work or school.
Reading Materials
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!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , good enough for me. I’ll let Sean take over for the sake of having to fill up a bunch of blank space with words because of Kinja’s weird picture formatting:
Go look at the dates of the magazines on your coffee table or in your bathroom. If you tend to leave older issues around to peruse while you’re relaxing or taking care of business, this book will breathe some life into a space that desperately needs it.
The Bathroom Book Of Motorcycle Trivia has 365 entries that will inform, or at least entertain, you and anyone else lucky enough to find themselves in your throne room. Especially if you don’t know who Mike Hailwood is.
For the record, I don’t know who Mike Hailwood is.
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Yeah, it’s kind of a cliche choice by now, but for a reason: it still remains one of the most Jalop must-reads for anybody with any mechanical interest, two-wheel or four-wheel. The 25th Anniversary Edition includes additions and changes that make it more helpful to understand for the motorcycle neophyte, as well as behind-the-scenes letters and documents that went into the formulation and writing of the book. If you truly want to understand what the deal is with motorcycle riding, why people do it and why they think it’s worth the extra danger of venturing out into the world without a safety cage, this now American modern classic provides much insightful answers to all of the above.
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Because no serious motorcycle enthusiasts’ list would be complete without a comprehensive “coffee table” picture book with glorious, glorious racing motorcycle porn.
Desk Models and Other Displays
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More complex and more interesting than the Maisto offering, Tamiya’s see-through Yamaha YZR-M1 offers a detailed look at all the intricate parts that make a motorcycle function. If that’s not exactly to your liking, Tamiya offers an !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Of course, with added intricacy comes added complexity (and supplies needed): since this kit involves photo-etched parts please !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .
Lego Technic Street Motorcycle: $39.99 through Shop.Lego.com
If a plastic transparent model is a bit too complex or pricey, this Lego Technic set still offers plenty of challenge, accuracy and functionality for a cheaper price. Best of all the only tools you need to bring to the table are your own two hands.
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Even if you can’t ride, you can at least have the appearance with a stylish yet practical motorcycle jacket. When it comes to styles and pricing, the only limit is your willingness to show how much you love your gift recipient with your wallet; you can even spend well over a grand if that’s what excites you.
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BONUS: 2016 Honda Ruckus: $2,649 MSRP + HJC Helmet: $129.99 MSRP
The 49cc Honda Ruckus is perhaps the closest thing Honda still has in their lineup to their famous minibike line. With halfway rugged looks and much more in dependability, the Ruckus is a great choice for basic urban or suburban transportation and fun without the need for shifting or a full motorcycle license. Don’t forget your helmet! And again, you’ll have to be properly fitted for one at the store.
bob and john
> No, I don't thank you for the fish at all
11/30/2015 at 10:15 |
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“The 49cc Honda Ruckus is perhaps the closest thing Honda still has in their lineup to their famous minibike line”
Have you been living under a rock NID?
have you heard of the Honda grom?
450X_FTW
> bob and john
11/30/2015 at 10:29 |
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Grom requires a license plate though and cycle endorsement due to the engine size
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450X_FTW
> No, I don't thank you for the fish at all
11/30/2015 at 10:29 |
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Buy them Dust to Glory. It’ll get anyone hooked on desert racing
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bob and john
> 450X_FTW
11/30/2015 at 10:29 |
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So do mini bikes (up here in canada at least)
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450X_FTW
> bob and john
11/30/2015 at 10:30 |
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Ah ok, I know in Michigan it’s just a 3 year sticker for mopeds, or anything under 50cc
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bob and john
> No, I don't thank you for the fish at all
11/30/2015 at 10:33 |
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Also, this is a very good.intro to riding as well:
BringBackTheCommodore
> No, I don't thank you for the fish at all
11/30/2015 at 10:39 |
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That is an outstanding list! However, if I may, I’m going to add this one, because it’s an account of Neil Peart’s motorcycle-mounted journey as he healed from the blows struck to his heart with the loss of his daughter, and then his wife:
http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Rider-Tr…
I’ve got a copy, it’s an excellent read, and really gets down to why some of us are so deeply in love with riding.