I figure most of the readers of this blog are motorcycle riders. You read because you’re interested in bikes, accessories, rides and trips. But this installment isn’t for you; it’s for your friends and family.

If you ride and you’re reading this, call in your sweetheart, a family member or the unlucky person that drew your name in this year’s gift exchange and have them read this as well. Better yet, print this off and leave it lying around in strategic places around your house. You’ll be glad you did.

So this blog goes out to all people who know a biker and want to buy him or her a Christmas present.

Here’s the best advice I can give: BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL.

It’s not that bikers don’t deserve presents or that they don’t appreciate the sentiment. It’s just that motorcycles accessories and bike gear are so personal. Most bikers know exactly what accessories they want for their bike and unless you know that exact thing (brand, model, etc), they may be disappointed with your gift.

Proceed with caution. If your rider has ever shown you a catalogue or pointed out something on the Internet and mumbled something about how this would be perfect for their ride, then you’re good. But if you have any doubts, you might want pick another gift.

Also, avoid buying items for the biker to wear, again, unless you’re absolutely sure. The problem here is that jackets, chaps, boots and gloves need to fit exactly. It blows when you’re riding down a highway with boots that are uncomfortable, a jacket that’s a bit too tight (or loose) or gloves that don’t fit. It’s best to let your biker try on these items for fit, looks and comfort. If it feels right, only they know for sure.

In fairness, I can’t tell you what avoid as a gift without giving you some idea of what to buy. Here are a few suggestions:

1.) A gift card or certificate from your rider’s favorite dealership or accessories store. Let him or her choose their gift.

2.) A motorcycle ornament for the tree. I received a great one from my brother-in-law Kevin a few years ago. Kevin works at the Harley plant down in Kansas City and was given a V-twin ornament at the company Christmas party. It’s pretty cool. You plug it into one of the small light sockets on your string of lights and the pistons go up and down the motor glows red. It makes a humming noise like a real motor. All it really needs is a set of aftermarket ornament pipes to make it louder.

3.) Motorcycle art. There are a lot of great prints, posters and framed photographs out there. Or, take some of your rider’s own photographs, have them blown up and framed.

4.) Books and maps. Many riders spent the cold months of winter with the furnace cranked up and hunkered down with an atlas dreaming of faraway places that have twisty, curvy roads. An atlas that’s easy read and up to day is a great gift. Harley makes a great one called “The Ride Atlas of North America.” It costs about 35 bucks.

5.) Movies. For quite a few riders, the next best thing to riding is watching a movie about riding. You might want check out a documentary called “The Long Way Around” featuring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. If your biker is a rebel, then check out “Easy Riders” or “Electra Glide in Blue.”

Hope these suggestions help. But remember no matter what you buy your biker this Christmas, make it a merry one.

P.S. Thanks for the responses to my "What would you do to your bike?" entry. Read the responses and, if you want to share your wishlist, I promise I'll still post it. Take care.