December 07
POWER SPORTS CONNECTION
By Matt Blansett /December 2007
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It’s that time of year again, long nights, short days, cold winds, and the occasional sleet storm followed by fifteen inches of snow. On a brighter note, the holidays are almost upon us, a good time to relax and enjoy our family and friends, warm fireplaces and Christmas lights. Except for some, myself included, who haven’t finished shopping.
So, with that in mind, I would like to give some holiday hints to use while shopping for the power sports enthusiast on your list. The first item on a lot of lists, especially for the little ones, will be an atv or motorcycle. The atv age limits are an ongoing cause of confusion for many buyers, so here’s the Cliff Notes version: 50cc to 70cc four-wheelers are okay for age six and up. Above 70cc to 90cc is for age twelve and over. Anything over 90cc is only for those sixteen and up. That’s it, end of discussion, I don’t care what your cousin in
Have a little one with dreams of dirt, but under age six? Don’t worry, the little. motorcycles are legal at any age. Just be honest about your child’s riding ability when choosing a bike. For example, a two-stroke race bike probably isn’t the best choice for a first time rider. A four-stroke dirt-bike, or an injected two-stroke is usually a safe bet for a first timer. As a foot note here, for those of you who think being on four wheels as opposed to two will keep your child safe, think again. A motorcycle has half the weight, and is half as likely to be on top of the rider in a tip over.
One of the great things about choosing an atv or a motorcycle as a gift, is that it sprouts lots of ideas for grandma and grandpa, or the aunt and uncle who are always asking what your child wants for Christmas. The helmet, goggles, gloves, and boots that make up proper riding gear are great gifts that allow the whole family to feel a part of the much larger gift. Presents like these will help the child enjoy his or her bike or atv for a long time to come, and hopefully keep injuries at bay.
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Be mindful of what you are buying
. Many of the small four-wheelers and motorcycles for sale during the holidays are sold out of the back of a truck. These machines are the worst possible investment, because eventually, as all machines do, they will need maintenance. Whether it’s just an oil filter, or a snapped axle, where do you think that truck will be after the holidays? Make sure you buy from a dealer who knows their product, and has a legitimate parts and service department available to help you in the future. A few dollars saved on a cut-rate machine is money wasted when it’s broken and cannot be repaired. Like our father’s always said: “If it sounds too good to be true…”
Another great holiday gift idea is a scooter. With fuel prices at outrageous levels, saving money on transportation has become paramount. Nothing kills the gas crunch like a scooter that gets eighty to one-hundred miles per gallon. Perfect for commuters in town, or that college student currently driving a car around campus. The under 50cc scooters are easy on the fuel, a breeze to park, and a blast to drive.
Again, these gifts create lots of opportunities for side item gifts. Cable locks, windshields, and covers are all great accessories for scooter pilots. Don’t forget to include some safety items on this list too, as some city ordinances require a helmet for the sub-50cc scooters, even though they don’t require license plates.
Don’t dismiss the warranty out of hand
. Most repairs are affordable, and most parts are readily available, but a warranty will be the absolute best per dollar insurance you can buy. The peace of mind, knowing your machine is protected, will help with the stress of the holidays, and in the event something does go wrong, it’s a comfort to know it will be taken care of without any additional expense.
Snow plows and warm weather riding gear
are great gift ideas for those driving bigger atvs. And nothing says Merry Christmas, like a new shiny helmet. Hats or shirts displaying their choice of motorcycle brand, are also popular items, and easy to find. Videos have become a great stocking stuffer, and cover the entire spectrum of motorcycle and atv riding, from tips on becoming a better rider, to the most extreme stunts ever performed.
Whatever gifts you give, keep one thing in mind. It’s the thought that counts, and for those of us who ride, a gift that helps us enjoy our hobby shows that the giver cares. Even if it’s nothing big, I’d rather have anything from the motorcycle shop than another pair of socks. |
Parts Manager at
Twenty years riding experience and over ten years in the powersports industry.
