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 I have a lot more content to add onto this page and have deleted a fair amount that is now outdated.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 preferred 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 past 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?

That said, I recently decided to buy a Zumo 665 - which still has the funny terrain map feature I dislike - however I just didn't see a GPS unit that had the functionality I decided I needed other than the 665. Specifically, these are a fast processor, XM Radio capability, Cell Phone interface, Weather Mapping, and Traffic Advisory functions. The Zumo 665 provides all of this with a good Bluetooth interface. So, that is what I now use exclusively and recommend it.

Scala Q4 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, on one of my bikes, I use a Scala Q4 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.

StarCom 1

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 built my system around it. Autocom went out of business - at least there wasn't a U.S. distributor for a long while and I learned it was acquired by the company that makes the StarCom series of intercoms - a former competitor of Autocom. Though the Bluetooth units are acceptable, I wanted better audio (louder) output as I wear a full face helmet and earplugs. I also wanted FRS/GMRS bike to bike and the ability to use CB on occasion. Sine Autocom was no longer an option I decided to try the StarCom 1. It works as well as the Autocom - perhaps a bit more fiddly - but it meets my need.

Interface with GPS, Radar Detector, Intercom, iPod, Cell Phone all work well, but acquiring the specified cables for each peripheral item does run the cost up.


Radar Detector

I use an Passport 9500ix. I chose this over the very popular Valentine 1 because the audio interface with my StarCom 1 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 occasion 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. Purchasers of this unit get downloads periodically of radar based intersection cameras and speed traps. Since the unit is GPS enabled it provides ample warning. Filtering is excellent. Suggested and recommended.

I recently acquired an Adaptiv radar detector marketed and sold to motorcyclists. It is rain resistant and has some interesting features however it is large and the power cable is a bit overbuilt - so it awaits installation. Updated 8/30/2010 as follows: I don't like the Adaptiv radar detector for a couple of reasons. 1. the detection range is questionable. I tried it today and almost got stung by a LEO in an area I know them to hang out in, and I know my Passport 9500ix would have detected them well in advance in this spot. Not a good comparison. 2. You cannot mute X Band in Highway mode, but you can in City mode and there is no auto mute, so you have to manually go from Highway to City No X if you want any semblance of quiet as you roll through a small town - UGH! 3. The mounting hardware is quite novel but the power cord is excessively bulky. I don't recommend this unit for my application anyway YMMV.