Dirt bike riders are a special breed. They love the thrill of off-road adventures, the adrenaline rush gained from conquering challenging terrains, and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a close-knit community. But that unique outlook also makes it a little tricky to buy gifts that are guaranteed to please.
Indeed, if you have a dirt bike enthusiast in your life (hey, who doesn’t?), then finding the perfect gift can be more challenging than The Five Miles of Hell dirt bike trail in Utah. Fear not; we’ve compiled a list of 11 great gift ideas that any dirt bike rider would be thrilled to receive. Let’s rev up and dive in…
Graphics Kits
A graphics kit is an excellent way to help your dirt bike rider stand out on the track. These kits contain custom decals and stickers that can be applied to the bike’s bodywork, transforming its appearance and making it uniquely theirs. With countless designs, colours, and styles available, there’s sure to be a graphics kit that matches their personality and riding style.
Riders can find decal kits for Yamahas, Kawasaki, KTM and more online via a number of well known retailers including Factory Effex, N-Style, MotoSport, Blackbird Racing and Senge Graphics.
Riding Gear
Safety should always come first when it comes to dirt biking, so why not give the gift of freedom and security with a new set of high-quality riding gear? Such a set, including a helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, and body armour, will not only protect your loved one but also make them look and feel like a pro on the track.
New Handguards
Handguards are considered must-have dirt bike accessories by trail riders because they offer protection from trees, bushes, and other obstacles. Upgrading the handguards isn’t just about protecting riders’ hands and their bikes’ levers, though. There are many different styles available, and the right type of handguard can make the bike look even cooler.
Popular options include wraparounds and independently mounted handguards. As a general rule, trail riders opt for the extra coverage offered by wraparound handguards, while motocross riders prefer independently mounted and open-ended options with more flex.
Some of the best handguards for dirt bikers include Cycra Probend CRM Handguards, Acerbis Uniko Handguards, and Tusk D-Flex Handguards. These handguards offer excellent protection, durability, and customisation options, making them popular choices among dirt bike enthusiasts (and as gifts!).
Tool Kit
A compact, portable tool kit is a must-have for any dirt bike rider. It should include essential tools such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and a tire pressure gauge. This thoughtful gift will help them perform routine maintenance and quick repairs while out on the trail.
Specialised Tires
There’s no need to stick with the same tires that came with a dirt bike. Riders can switch over to specialised types designed to suit their needs both practically and stylistically. Of course, choosing the right tires isn’t just about looking cool. Riders will also need to take their specific applications into account. Motocross racers won’t want to buy tires designed for trail riding, and vice versa, so think about how the bike will be used in addition to how the tires will look.
Different dirt bike terrains require specialised tires for optimal performance. Some of the best specialised tires include:
- Motocross/Supercross: Dunlop Geomax MX33 and Pirelli Scorpion MX32 are popular choices, offering excellent grip and durability on typical motocross tracks.
- Off-road/Enduro: Michelin StarCross 5 Medium and Metzeler 6 Days Extreme cater to off-road riders, providing great traction and puncture resistance in varied conditions.
- Sand/Mud: Paddle tires like Sedona Dunatik and CST Sandblast are designed specifically for sandy or muddy environments, featuring large paddles to maintain traction.
- Hard Terrain: Maxxis Maxxcross Desert IT and Bridgestone Battlecross X30 excel on hard-packed surfaces, offering better grip and improved wear life.
- Dual-Sport/Adventure: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR and Continental TKC80 are suitable for both on and off-road riding, providing a balanced performance across different terrains.
Action Camera
Capture all the action and excitement of dirt biking with a durable, waterproof action camera. GoPro is a popular choice, but there are plenty of other options available, including the excellent DJI Osmo Action, which features 4K HDR video, dual screens, and excellent stabilisation. Your dirt bike rider will love reliving their thrilling rides and sharing their adventures with friends and family.
Stylish Seat Covers
While few dirt bike riders prioritise comfort above all else, a high-quality seat that’s in good condition can affect performance. Using a seat cover can improve comfort and make a dirt bike look more stylish, as there are many different colours, shapes, and designs available. As with tires, riders should balance their desire to look cool against practical concerns like riding style and specific needs.
When looking for a comfortable dirt bike seat cover, consider factors such as durable and grippy material for enhanced control, padding for added comfort on long rides, a good fit tailored to your specific bike model, and moisture resistance to prevent slipping and withstand various weather conditions.
Hydration Pack
Staying hydrated is crucial during long rides, especially on hot days. A hydration pack is a convenient and hands-free way for dirt bike riders to carry water with them while they ride. Look for packs that are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to clean.
The USWE Raw Series packs comes highly recommended and is the hydration pack of choice for riders Billy Bolt, Manny Lettenbichler, Mario Roman,
Read: 5 IDEAL ways to include more water in your diet this summer
Bike Stand
A sturdy bike stand makes maintenance tasks and post-ride cleaning much easier. Choose a stand that is easy to transport and compatible with the specific model of your dirt bike rider’s bike. On top of that, you’ll want one that can be kept outside without being prone to weather damage – you don’t want your dirt bike mucking up your walls or sofa, after all!
Subscription To A Dirt Bike Magazine
Keep your dirt bike enthusiast up-to-date on the latest industry news, gear reviews, and riding tips with a subscription to a reputable dirt bike magazine. Some of the most popular in the UK include:
- Dirt Bike Rider: A leading magazine for motocross, off-road, and enduro enthusiasts in the UK. It features race reports, interviews, product reviews, and more.
- Racer X Illustrated (international): Though it primarily focuses on US dirt biking, Racer X Illustrated has a large readership in the UK as well. The magazine covers motocross and supercross events, news, and related content.
- Trail Bike Magazine: This UK magazine focuses on trail riding, adventure biking, and off-road events. It includes tips for trail riding, gear reviews, and coverages of major events.
- Enduro Magazine: Enduro Magazine is a UK-based publication that is dedicated to enduro racing and off-road motorcycling. It features articles on events, technical content, and interviews.
- Motocross Action Magazine (international): Another US-based publication with a strong following in the UK, Motocross Action Magazine covers all aspects of motocross and supercross, from events and news to gear reviews and industry updates.
Experience Day Or Riding School
Give the gift of an unforgettable experience by enrolling your dirt bike rider in a professional riding school or arranging a day at a motocross track. They’ll learn valuable skills, gain confidence, and have a blast pushing their limits under expert guidance.
Some popular options include:
- KTM Off-Road Riding Experience: Held at various locations across the UK, KTM’s riding experiences cater to both motocross and enduro riders. They offer different levels of courses depending on the riders’ experience and skills.
- Dave Thorpe Honda Off-Road Centre: Located in South Wales, this off-road centre offers motocross and enduro riding experiences, as well as training for youth and adults. They provide various skill level courses and professional coaching.
- Yamaha Off-Road Experience: Based in Mid Wales, the Yamaha Off-Road Experience offers off-road riding for all levels of ability, including enduro, trail riding, and motocross on Yamaha bikes.
- Inch Perfect Trials: Situated in the Lancashire countryside, Inch Perfect Trials provides off-road training and experience days for riders new to the sport of trials biking. Their courses cater to various skill levels and abilities.
- Mick Extance Experience: This off-road motorcycle experience is led by former Dakar Rally rider Mick Extance. Based in Wales, they offer enduro and off-road riding days
- suitable for riders of varying abilities.
The Bottom Line
Finding the perfect gift for a dirt bike rider doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these 9 great gift ideas, you’re sure to make their day and fuel their passion for off-road adventures. Happy gifting!