Gallery: 10 Road-Ready Gifts for the Motorhead on Your List
01Automatic
Put down the plaid socks and step away from the discount cutlery. The gearhead in your life needs something specifically made to enhance their happy place, that slice of heaven where the rubber meets the road. Whether they're a car guy or a biker babe, motor vehicle enthusiasts have an equal appreciation for emotional gifts as practical ones — especially if you get them some gadget that's going to keep them from getting busted by the fuzz on the way to Grandma's. __Above:__ Eyes on the Road ---------------- Think of [Automatic](http://www.automatic.com/) as a FitBit for your car. Plug the $100 dongle into the diagnostic port underneath your dash (no tools required), and it links up with your iOS or Android smartphone over Bluetooth. It uses the new Low Energy feature of Bluetooth, so it won't drain your battery. The app keeps track of your driving habits and offer tips to boost your fuel economy and reduce your carbon footprint. What does that check engine light mean? Automatic will tell you, in plain English. Forget where you parked your car in the giant lot? Automatic finds it. And if the unthinkable happens, Automatic knows, thanks to its built-in accelerometer. The device can call for help and keep your loved ones in the loop. *Photo: Josh Valcarcel/WIRED*
02Porsche By Design, Seducing Speed
Speed Reading ------------- The Porsche 911 turns 50 this year, and there's no better tribute to the iconic sports car than [*Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed*](http://ncartmuseum.org/exhibition/porsche-by-design-seducing-speed). Based on the North Carolina Museum of Art's first design exhibition, the book is a beautiful companion to the show, with phenomenal photography illustrating the origin story of the automaker, and how Ferdinand Porsche revolutionized the four-wheeled world both on the road and on the track. $50. *Image: Josh Valcarcel/WIRED*
03escort-live
Radar Love ---------- The radar detector has finally evolved for the 21st century with [Escort Live](http://www.escortradar.com/escort-live/). Whether you have an older Escort detector or you're looking to upgrade, the Escort Live SmartCord connects with your iPhone or Android device over Bluetooth to provide detailed radar and laser detection, all displayed on your phone. Integrated maps show traffic data and help you keep tabs on the most recent bogey sightings. If you spot an officer staked out on the side of the road, you can alert other Escort Live users in the area to keep their speed down. $100 not including the radar detector. *Image: Escort, Inc.*
04skip-barber
Traffic School -------------- It doesn't matter if the driver's piloting a Maserati or a Miata -- if the tool behind the wheel isn't in complete control, nobody's gonna win. [Skip Barber](http://skipbarber.com/) has everything from half-day driving schools to three-day racing programs to hone your hooning skills, priced at $1,000 and up. One day at Laguna Seca behind the wheel of pricey performance machines will get those adrenal glands pumping. But if your loved one really feels the need for speed, go all-out and get them the open-wheeled racer package. They'll get channel their inner Schumacher — and earn a competition license. *Image: Skip Barber Racing School LLC*
05mechanix
For the Hands-On Type --------------------- Good gloves are a must when wrenching on a car or bike. But while the most WIRED home mechanics are ditching the paper manuals in favor of an iPad and a PDF, it's impossible to scroll through the instructions on rebuilding carbs with gloves on. Enter the [Mechanix Original Touch](http://www.mechanix.com/automotive/the-original-touch-) gloves ($25) with their capacitive screen-friendly fingertips. Pinch, zoom, and swipe, all while staying protected. Just make sure to wipe off the grease and grime before flipping the next (virtual) page. *Image: Mechanix Wear, Inc.*
06griffin-super-charger
Super Charger ------------- With all those great smartphone apps made for driving, one can never have too many USB power sources at the ready. The [PowerJolt from Griffin](http://store.griffintechnology.com/smartphone/powerjolt-dual-universal-micro) ($20) turns that useless cigarette lighter into a pair of USB ports. It ensures that power-sucking GPS app doesn't kill your phone before you locate the nearest sushi joint. A flush fitting design makes it look like it was installed at the factory. *Image: Griffin Technology*
07Gearwrench-Gimbal-Ratchet
The Handiest Tool ----------------- Trying to snake a massive wrench into a tight space is the bane of every DIYer in the world. That's where the [GearWrench's Gimbal Palm Ratchet](http://www.gearwrench.com/) comes in. With a 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism and a swiveling head, hard-to-reach bolts can be loosened or tightened by simply palming the $26 Gimbal into place. Available in both ¼-inch and ⅜-inch sizes, it will fit all standard sockets. Busted knuckles are officially a thing of the past. *Image: Apex Tool Group*
08alpinestars
Shell-Raiser ------------ Combining the durability and functionality of a motorcycle jacket with the comfort and convenience of the best wet-weather gear, the [Alpinestars Lance 3L Waterproof Jacket](http://www.alpinestars.com/lance-3l-waterproof-jacket/#.UoaeiGTk_EM) ($400) is the perfect companion for blasting around the city without catching a chill. Designed for two-wheelers, the water-resistant outer shell is joined with a waterproof, breathable inner shell, and a mesh lining to keep your warm, while CE-certified shoulder and elbow protectors keep your bendy bits safe. Velcro, venting, waist and back shock cords tailor it to your body, while a massive hood keeps your helmet hair in check. *Image: Alpinestars*
09Kanetsu-Airvantage
Hot Lap ------- Keeping warm on a long motorcycle ride is a challenge. Heated vests do the job, but they're often tight and constricting, limiting comfort in the pursuit of heat. The [Kanetsu Airvantage Electric Vest](http://www.aerostich.com/clothing/heated-gear/kanetsu-electrics/aerostich-kanetsu-airvantage-electric-vest.html) from Aerostich solves that problem with an air bladder that allows you to inflate the vest by simply blowing into the tube. You'll always get a perfect fit. Plus, oxygen is a great insulator, so it's more efficient than standard electric vests. And when you get done with that massive lunch on the road, you can accommodate your distended belly by letting out some unneeded air. $247 *Image: Aero Design & Mfg. Co*
10ram
Hold the Phone -------------- Aimlessly blasting down the highway on a motorcycle may be cathartic, but when you need to get somewhere fast, you need directions. On a bike, that means either a dedicated GPS device or a navigation app on your smartphone. No matter what you use, the $24 [Ram X-Grip Cradle](http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045072079076045085078055066085/Default.aspx) can handle it, with four arms that articulate to fit nearly any device, from an older iPhone to the newest Galaxy Note 3 – with or without a case. It's rustproof, made of high quality rubber and stainless steel, articulates to any viewing angle with a ball-end, and can handle extra-legal speeds with ease. *Image: RAM Mounts*
