FARKLES - a term
referring to gadgets a rider adds to his or her bike to
make it more functional; addressing some need.
I've been/am a gadget freak and some farkle is required
on almost any bike. Basically they fall into three
categories: Mapping, Intercom/communication, and
Stealth. I have a lot more content to add onto this
page and have deleted a fair amount that is now
outdated. Currently you will see some basic stuff.
GPS
I've used a series of Garmin GPS units over the years.
They are the best in my opinion. I like the Zumo series
and have a couple years on the Zumo 550 and recently
upgraded to the Zumo 660 - both versions are the BMW
branded ones as they have more memory than the standard
Zumo and have a much better warranty. The new BMW Zumo
660 has a very useful cradle with push buttons so one
does not have to use the touch screen. Basically, you
can't go wrong with either. A plus on the new 660 is
that Mapsource comes in both PC and Mac versions. The
Mac version adds some features not available on the PC,
but nothing so significant that you need to run out and
buy a Mac.
I prefer the Zumo 550. There is too much idiot stuff on
the 660 for my tastes such as the map turning into a
terrain map when zoomed out pst 5 miles. I really
dislike that, preferring to see a frigging map - the
damned terrain is visible if you move your head around
so who needs this feature?
Scala Q2 Bluetooth
I've drifted away from Autocom units as the exclusive
tool for getting sounds in my ears because bluetooth
stuff just gets better each year. At the moment I use a
Scala Q2 as an intercom and an interface with my GPS.
Battery life is good for a day's riding and the units
charge quickly in a motel. Voice quality and intercom
facility is acceptable. Using this device eliminates
having to be physically connected to the bike. VOX
operation needs improvement, but I'm told by the vendor
that upcoming units will have this improved. In the
interim, I'm satisfied.
Autocom
I like to have audio alerts about radar, traffic, and
GPS directions on bikes I use for long distance riding.
I also like to chat with truckers at night. An ability
to chat with a passenger is welcomed too. I evaluated a
lot of systems and the Autocom seemed to be the best on
the market at the time so I have built my system around
it. I currently use a Easi-Plus. It works as advertized however
if you want CB be prepared to do a lot of fiddling
to get it working properly.
Interface with GPS, Radar Detector, Intercom, iPod,
Cell Phone all work well.
BMW Comm System for R1200RT
I decided to try this as it is new in the BMW inventory
and I have the need for CB on long IBA type rides. The
installation and pictures are available on another page
in on this site. I think the Autocom is a slightly less
expensive and therefore slightly better way to go -
however I would give the nod to this product if one
absolutely has to have CB; you just can’t do that
easily with the Autocom.
Radar Detector
I use an older Escort 8500. I chose this over the very
popular Valentine 1 because the audio interface with
my Autocom was simple and the detection ability of
the 2 units is almost identical. I don't speed (very
much) as it is tiring and wasteful of fuel, but I
may travel a few mph over the limit on occassion so
my main intent was to be alerted to revenue
generating LEO activity around small towns. So far
it has worked as intended, and often in areas I
would not have suspected.
