So you've plopped down a wad of cash and/or arranged for financing for your latest motorcycle of choice and your out on the road getting used to the handling, braking, acceleration, lean angle, etc and you start to think, "If I just had a XYZ this thing would be perfect"; and so it begins.
The ever so subtle beginnings of selecting, finding, procuring, mounting and enjoying the little add-ons that make your bike your's, Farkles!
Some folks hiss at the mention of the word, others like me embrace the experience of Farkling their Motorcycle.
A Farkle can be anything from a decal to a full blown intercom system with all the bells and whistles. That's the beauty of it, you decide what and how to Farkle your Motorcycle.
Some folks purchase the base model bike of their choice and just go nuts or add nothing at all, while others purchase options pre-installed by the dealer and keep it like that or add even more unneeded necessities in order to tweak it out to their individual taste.
I find myself in the later of the two camps.
Farkles fall into several categories such as ergonomics, performance, entertainment, safety, aesthetics and the list goes on.
Both of my bikes are setup for Long Distance riding and Performance. This means both have enhanced suspension and handling mods as well as communications and navigational mods.
They both have ergonomic mods as well such as Custom Seats and a variety of foot and leg positions.
I use several pieces of electronic gear to entertain myself as well as to communicate with others along the road.
Some folks hiss at the mention of the word, others like me embrace the experience of Farkling their Motorcycle.
A Farkle can be anything from a decal to a full blown intercom system with all the bells and whistles. That's the beauty of it, you decide what and how to Farkle your Motorcycle.
Some folks purchase the base model bike of their choice and just go nuts or add nothing at all, while others purchase options pre-installed by the dealer and keep it like that or add even more unneeded necessities in order to tweak it out to their individual taste.
I find myself in the later of the two camps.
Farkles fall into several categories such as ergonomics, performance, entertainment, safety, aesthetics and the list goes on.
Both of my bikes are setup for Long Distance riding and Performance. This means both have enhanced suspension and handling mods as well as communications and navigational mods.
They both have ergonomic mods as well such as Custom Seats and a variety of foot and leg positions.
I use several pieces of electronic gear to entertain myself as well as to communicate with others along the road.
I use CB and FRS Radios for communication with other bikers, 18 wheelers and LEO's (Law Enforcement Officers) and my Blackberry can be integrated into the system as well.
I've the use of AM, FM, CD, Cassette Tape, XM Satellite Radio, GPS (Global Positioning System), Weather Radio, Weather Radar and a Radar Detector for entertainment and situational awareness.
All of it's integrated through an intercom system and delivered to a pair of high quality headphones in my helmet.
I've the use of AM, FM, CD, Cassette Tape, XM Satellite Radio, GPS (Global Positioning System), Weather Radio, Weather Radar and a Radar Detector for entertainment and situational awareness.
All of it's integrated through an intercom system and delivered to a pair of high quality headphones in my helmet.
Extra lighting has been added for daytime conspicuity and night time riding safety.
Admittedly, this on the surface looks like a lot to manage while riding and it can be too much under certain circumstances. When this happens I just leave it all alone and focus on riding the bike. The Farkles are there to improve my riding experience not detract from it.
Admittedly, this on the surface looks like a lot to manage while riding and it can be too much under certain circumstances. When this happens I just leave it all alone and focus on riding the bike. The Farkles are there to improve my riding experience not detract from it.
I also have the ability to add a video recorder as needed if I choose to shoot video of a ride.
All of these add-ons or Farkles are unneeded necessities to me, not needed for the daily commute but absolutely needed during Long Distance riding.
The additional Situational Awareness afforded me by this array of electronics fitted to my motorcycles provides the additional safety net I want when riding.
I'll ride through rain all day or night without a care as long as there is no lightning to contend with. However living in central Florida, the acknowledged lightning capitol of the world and commuting every day, rain or shine, having Weather Radar on the bike is a blessing.
You can detect Lightning using an AM radio as well by just listening for the static crackle of the lightning in the audio however this gives you no indication of the proximity of the lightning to your position.
All of these add-ons or Farkles are unneeded necessities to me, not needed for the daily commute but absolutely needed during Long Distance riding.
The additional Situational Awareness afforded me by this array of electronics fitted to my motorcycles provides the additional safety net I want when riding.
I'll ride through rain all day or night without a care as long as there is no lightning to contend with. However living in central Florida, the acknowledged lightning capitol of the world and commuting every day, rain or shine, having Weather Radar on the bike is a blessing.
You can detect Lightning using an AM radio as well by just listening for the static crackle of the lightning in the audio however this gives you no indication of the proximity of the lightning to your position.
Here's a view of the cockpit as it where, taken during my Ride-About 2005 trip.
Note: the setup has changed a little since this photo was taken.
As one reviewer noted, this cockpit looks like "Darth Vader's Bathroom".
Here is a shot of the GPS with Radar superimposed over my track.
Note the Storm Cells and projected path with timing bars, this is invaluable information when your out on the road and making the decision between stopping and put on the rain gear or stopping and waiting it out.
Now before ye judge me to hastily; I have by no means reached the limits of Farklization attained by others. I'm somewhere in the 70% Farkle Range I guess.
This photo shows yet another Farkle, this time it's a passive one. Diamond Grade Reflective Tape on the back of the LT.
This is the same Highly Reflective Tape used on School Busses, Yield Signs, etc.
In this case the tape is Black but reflects High Visibility White when illuminated by headlights.
This in combination with extremely bright LED tail and brake lights really light up the back end of the bike.
Well I've rationalized all I can in one sitting, think I'll go for a ride.
