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A Merry Moto Christmas from Central Texas!

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A Merry Moto Christmas from Central Texas!

Given that Christmas is but a couple of weeks away, we visited our local motorcycle shops this past weekend to find a few last-minute items for him, her or, uh, you!. While helmets, as well as leather jackets, vests, chaps, gloves, sunglasses and boots, are always popular, they tend to be items that most riders prefer to select themselves. Nonetheless, we picked a jacket and a pair of boots we really liked, along with some other fun stuff that’s out there.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

It’s hard to beat HD when it comes to accessories. The selection is typically huge. Personally, although I don’t ride a Harley I own a pair of HD gloves, several scarves, one pair of goggles, and at least two pair of cargo pants, one of which is fleece lined and my favorite pair for riding in winter. I like HD accessories because their dealers tend to stock up on items, and although the inventory changes frequently basic items are always there.

Both slippers and slipper boots are fleece lined, warm and comfortable; they are perfect to wear while sitting around the Christmas tree opening presents.

Prefer something HD you can take anywhere? Try this HD wallet with chain. It will hold your credit cards and cash in true HD style. It even has a zippered pocket for change or a spare key.

DUCATI

You gotta’ love the Italians, offering – as they do – beauty, fashion and function.
For him or her, Ducati branded scarf and knit hat, both made of 70% acrylic and 30% wool, these accessories are luxurious, especially the 5′ scarf. Sold separately.

BMW

BMW seemingly brings out a completely new line of accessories every year, along with a full color catalog to show them off. Our pick here is the Pro Touring 2 boots, available in both men’s and women’s sizes. I’ve worn a pair of the original Pro Touring boots for over ten years; they’re my go-to boots. Made of waterproof 100% full grain soft cowhide leather, with a GORE-TEX® membrane, these boots (according to BMW) are permanently wind-and-waterproof, as well as highly breathable. Mine have never failed me, despite my melting part of one boot on a muffler years ago.

TRIUMPH

Triumph and Barbour, those two iconic British brands, have formed a partnership in 2015 that brings us a branded Triumph Barbour Jacket, available in a unique olive green color. According to Triumph, the jacket features a waxed cotton outer layer, along with high density polyester located internally at impact zones, and a fixed Tri-Tex waterproof, windproof, and breathable lining. In addition, Barbour adds Plus D30® armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back, night reflective piping, and adjustable waist, hems, and cuffs. A short connection zipper allows the jacket to attach to all Triumph pants. While we haven’t received our test jacket yet, if it’s anything like the Barbour garments I currently own it does its job and looks classic while doing it.

BUTLER MOTORCYCLE MAPS

Designed by, and for motorcyclists, Butler maps are weatherproof, and cover much of the western US, including portions of Texas. Butler Maps are available as individual maps or various collections, both online and at local motorcycle shops. (We found our Texas Hill Country map at the Austin Ducati dealer.) According to Butler Maps, “a Butler Map does more than just point out the best roads. We make it easy to plan your trip with a host of features built just for riders. Turn to the back of the map for detailed information on every G1 road we recommend. There are elevation profiles, climate guides, motorcycle shop lists and even QR codes to link you to valuable information like where to sleep, where to eat or what to see when you’re not on the bike.”

DEALERSHIP SALE RACKS

We included dealership sale racks because motorcycle riding gear is often seasonal, or replaced by newer versions. We found sale items worth checking into everywhere we went. This particular photo was taken at Woods Fun Center in Austin.

stuff...

On the rack…

COTA

Who doesn’t love a racetrack, especially when it’s one of the best racetracks on this – or any other – planet? It’s remains up in the air whether the Circuit of the Americas will host the 2016 Formula 1 USGP, but the 2016 MotoGP of the Americas is scheduled for April 8-10 2016 at COTA, and it is a go! Prices vary, beginning at $89 for a 3 day general admission pass. Parking, if you ride your motorcycle, is free. I’ve attended every MotoGP at COTA, and they remain among the most fun events hosted by the Circuit of the Americas. Most major motorcycle manufacturers have a presence there, several offering demo rides with little bikes for little kids, and bigger bikes for big kids of all ages.

Wherever this holiday season finds you, we at txGarage.com wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday season – along with great rides in 2016!

Alan Pease is our Central Texas correspondent. He covers state and local government, as well as racing events at the Circuit of the Americas. His articles have appeared in Autoweek, txGarage.com and Automotive News. Prior to joining our staff, Alan produced automotive and motorcycle press introductions for BMW, MINI, Aston Martin, Jaguar and GM. Alan lives in Austin; you can reach him at thelostcolumnist@gmail.com.

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