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The most farkle important things

12K views 31 replies 30 participants last post by  kcin67 
#1 ·
I went with the 650 adventure right off the bat to get the big things out of the way- namely the luggage.
With these cold spring mornings here in the mountains of nc, i had to get a set of hand guards, decided to go frugal and get the oems off eBay @ 60.00, maybe ill have some bucks left to get a sw motech center stand
Then. . .(in order of personal preference)
Sw motech skid plate
Fuse box, power outlets, battery tender
Oem alum top box ($100 cheaper than trax, same manufacturer/box, go figure)
Driving lights
Heated grips (might just get Oxford wraps @ $50)
How bout you? What order did you farkle your strom?
 
#2 ·
Expedition model: lower cowling, hand guards, cases and top box, touring screen, crash bars.

Added: DIY tool-tube, Oxford heated grips, Suzuki 12v socket.

Next: SW center-stand, some sort of skid plate (preferably enduro guardian). ... Who knows what else.


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#11 ·
Added: DIY tool-tube

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Got any pics of how or where you mounted your tool tube?

As for me,I went givi top box and crash bars, enduro guardian skid with hwy pegs. Added a 12v plug using the battery tender wires/plug. Rox adjustable risers.

Last but not least, a sweet Stormtrooper helmet decal!

Still want to get a tank bag that doesn't cost $100 or more! And probably a better screen like madstad & bracket. Barkbusters and heated grips,etc etc. on and on lol
 
#3 · (Edited)
I just picked my G-strom up on Friday and got the oem lower cowling and centerstand worked into the deal. I have ordered a RR Forkbrace, fender extenda, Barkbuster VPS handguards (white of course :p), Shad SH-45 topcase, and a Suzuki's V-Strom magnetic tankbag. I should have a lot of empty boxes next week. :thumbup:
 
#4 ·
I, too, bought an Adventure model, so - no luggage needed. I also bought the OEM top case and hand guards at the time of bike purchase. The only thing I have bought so far is a front fenda extenda (to keep my new bike from getting all nasty too quickly), and a SW Motech center stand to ease maintenance.
My next purchase will probably be a Cal-Sci windshield, as the OEM screen is not very good (every day I ride, it seems like it is very gusty out, even if it is dead calm).
I will probably get some sort of belly protection at some point, but communication devices will probably be my next purchase (I ride with a passenger often).
 
#6 ·
One comment on the SW-Motech Skid Plate... I think I have a Suzuki center stand, not sure, but the SW-motech skid plate is VERY long, i had to cut 2 inches off of it, maybe a bit more in order to let the stand move without having to bend the plate out of the way.
 
#7 ·
Aack!

Why didn't I think of ordering the stock topcase when I bought the bike?! I got 15% off the OEM heated grips, power socket and manual. I can't believe I overlooked that since I didn't get an adventure model. Also wish I had cruised around on here prior to ordering the stock heated grips. Man I could have had grips AND luggage. Such is life.
 
#9 ·
I just bought all the farkles last week but the numero uno purchase is a decent screen setup.

Heres what I bought listed in preference of importance IMHO....

Madstad bracket and a decent screen. I bought the 22" Madstad but the Givi AF is getting good reviews too.
RR forkbrace.
Handguards ($27 Pro Rally replicas from EBay)
Go Cruise cruise control. Excellent little gadget and damn cheap too at twenty bucks.
12v socket for GPS
Givi crash bars
Enduro guardian sumpguard (these 2 are only listed lower because I want to break the bike in before I take it offroad)

I don't want or need panniers as I need to be able to split lanes.
 
#10 ·
Here's the farkles I've purchased for my 2012 Adventure (in order of purchase):

1. Omni Cruise (OK, but its days are numbered)
2. SW-Motech center stand
3. Enduro Guardian skid plate and highway pegs
4. Wolfman tail bag (will be replaced with a Caribou 34L top case)
5. Madstad brackets and 18" sport shield (dark gray)
5. Adventure Tech fork brace, mirror extenders and side stand foot

On order:
1. Adventure Tech aux shelf
2. Datel volt meter
3. Eastern Beaver headlight relay setup and both heated handgrip and aux plug adapters.

By far, the best farkle I've purchased is the center stand...
 
#12 ·
I bought a '12 ADV model in September with the goal of eventually riding it from TX to Prudhoe Bay in 2014. Oh man, have I had fun farkling this thing! My mods have been done in approximately the following order:

SW-Motech skid plate
SW-Motech center stand
Eastern Beaver Dual Headlight Relay Kit
Eastern Beaver ABS cutoff switch and harness
2 12V power supply outlets with EB wiring harnesses
Givi T480 tank bag
Caribou luggage rack with quick detach hardware for
A Pelican 1550 top case
Oxford heated grips
Rok strap anchors mounted to top case
Captfun's pannier lashing straps with carry handles
Go Cruise throttle lock
30mm bar risers
Russell 2-up Day Long Saddle, custom made
Enduro Guardian stainless radiator guard
Adventure Tech fork brace
Barkbusters with Storm guards

I think the most useful farkles to me so far are the center stand, fork brace, and the Russell seat.


Still wishing for:

Givi AF3101 shield
Headlight guard
Sidestand pad
Tool tube
 
#13 ·
Mirror extenders
Lowered pegs
Skid plate and header guard(on order)
Fork brace
GPS
Bar risers
Alaska leathers sheepskin seat cover (on order)
Aux lights (researching)
Top box (Suzuki branded Trax box)

That's about it for now.
 
#14 ·
My farkle priority is:

- Bags (I like to carry stuff and store stuff when I leave the bike)
- GPS (it's just a cheap Garmin eTrek, but it adds hours to a ride by being able to see where you are/going on the fly)
- Heated jacket (not really a bike thing, but...)
- Skid plate and crash bars
- Acc 12V port
 
#15 ·
ht centerstand
touratech rock guard
rr fork brace
barbacks and atv handlebars(from my '060
suzuki tall seat
bill mayers saddle(mistake)
givi v bags/racks(always liked the givi stuff)
symtech heated grips/suzuki hand guards
gripster tank thingys
sw motech pegs and rr lowers(off the '06)
parabellum screen
46t rear sprocket
cherdan foreward footpeg thingy
galfer ss front brake lines
is there an ETF for aftermarket mc accessories?
 
#16 ·
Most additions are based on the way a person rides and personal preferences. I think every Strom should have a fork brace as a safety item to stabilize handling and headlight relays that head off contact and connector failure over the long haul as well as provide more light.

I would also advise Wee and Vee riders to try lowering the front or raising the rear a bit. It's free to lower the front, relatively easy and totally reversible. 10-15mm seems to be the sweet spot. ABS Wees with fork braces are limited to about 7mm with the Superbrace and 10mm with other braces that don't extend above the tops of the fork legs. Changing the angle of attack into the wind lowers the aerodynamic lift caused by the fairing shape and keeps the front wheel more planted. The slow steering gets a bit more responsive too.

Glees already have the rear raised a little compared to Wees and a fairing design that doesn't lift the front end.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Most additions are based on the way a person rides and personal preferences. I think every Strom should have a fork brace as a safety item to stabilize handling and headlight relays that head off contact and connector failure over the long haul as well as provide more light.

I would also advise Wee and Vee riders to try lowering the front or raising the rear a bit. It's free to lower the front, relatively easy and totally reversible. 10-15mm seems to be the sweet spot. ABS Wees with fork braces are limited to about 7mm with the Superbrace and 10mm with other braces that don't extend above the tops of the fork legs. Changing the angle of attack into the wind lowers the aerodynamic lift caused by the fairing shape and keeps the front wheel more planted. The slow steering gets a bit more responsive too.

Glees already have the rear raised a little compared to Wees and a fairing design that doesn't lift the front end.
I see a lot of people talking about fork braces. can you go in detail a bit more about how this will benefit me and how it makes it safer? Why stroms not sold with them if it as important of an addition as you say?

also, how can I lower the front slightly?

can I do these things myself?
 
#17 ·
FWIW, the oem toolbox didn't hold a lot. I bought a bestem topcase and hooked up the led brake light in there. A little lower height and holds more.

Also, pretty much any Richland Rick product works great.

Alexi
 
#19 ·
Most important for me were:

1. Fork Brace

2. Center Stand

3. Mirror Extenders

I don't think these should be considered as optional farkles anymore, but rather factory OEM products that come with each bike... especially the Fork Brace.
 
#20 ·
On there now, in order of addition -
-Suzuki luggage rack and side bags (took the manufacturer deal with purchase of '11 wee)
-Suzuki hand guards
-madstad adjustable windshield brackets
-radiator guard
-Throttle lock
-ATV seat cushion ($17 fix for sore taint)
-MSR emergency fuel can and mount
-Bestem top box
-some high viz twisted throttle stickers


Want list -
-crash bars
-skid plate
-touring windshield

With farkles for me it's honestly when i can get away with dropping some money on the bike without the wife getting all fussy.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Safety first:
- Upgrade your suspension (at least get springs/oil according to your own weight).
- Fork brace.
- Buncha' reflective tape everywhere if you're planning on riding a lot at night.
- Good tires.
- Good brake lines and brake pads.


If the bike is a DL1000:
- Sync your throttle bodies.
- Get iridium spark plugs.
- Adjust your TBS.
- Reflash your ECM or get an already reflashed one to fix lean fueling issues.
- Fix your clutch basket or get an upgraded one from Realshelby or SVman.


Riding comfort:
- Get a Madstad windshield bracket.
- Get a better windshield if buffeting persists.
- Extended low profile mirrors.
- Seat pad or upgraded seat.
- Install DR650 pegs/shifter.
- Heated grips.
- Bar muffs if you're riding under very low temperatures.


Bike protection:
- Crash bars.
- Skid plate.
- Hand guards
- Bar-end sliders


Cargo.
- Anything from cheap adapted pistol cases and/or tool boxes to high end specialized Givi touring cases (side and top). It all depends how much you're willing to spend. You may want to add additional stop lights and turn signals to your cases to increase visibility.
- A good quality tank bag.


Once everything above is done:
- GPS mount.
- 12v outlets.
- Adventure flood lights.
- Badass stickers.
- Headlight grill.
- Flux capacitor.
 
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#25 ·
Center Stand

Had to get the center stand first up. My last bike had one, and for maintenance to loading, just seems to make everything easier.

Then had to wire in some outlets (powerlet variety) and highway pegs via Yann's skidplate and pegs set up.

All ready for a trip at that point.
 
#26 ·
Farkles or why I'm not rich anymore

I got the fever after buying the DL650AL2 last May. Here's my list:

Fork Brace
Power Hub
Oxford Heated Grips
Cheapo Shark GPS I found on the forum - it's OK, actually talks to the Scala G9
Barkbuster Storm Handguards
Givi Trekker 46 Liter Tail box
SV Racing Frame and Swing Arm Sliders
Aprillia Mirrors
Rim Tape
Fenda Extenda

Now I'm thinking about Hyper-Lites and a Windscreen
 
#27 · (Edited)
V-Strom Farkels

1. MadStad windscreen bracket w/ Vario 18" windscreen and adjustable laminar lip.
2. Garmin Zumo 660.
3. 12v Accessory Outlet (Cowl mounted).
4. Eastern Beaver PC-8.
5. Eastern Beaver dual Headlight relay kit w/ cutout switch.
6. Eastern Beaver remote Horn relay kit.
7. Stebel Ear Cannon Horn (130dB).
8. SW-Motech Crash bars.
9. SW-Motech Mirror extenders w/ KTM adjustable military mirrors.
10. SW-Motech Skid Plate.
11. SW-Motech Center Stand.
12. AltRider Side Stand Foot.
13. Rick Mayer Custom Saddle.
14. Touratech Zega Pro 45L Panniers.
15. C-Tek Charger conditioner.
16. Cruise tools Metric Roll up.
17. Digital pressure gauge.
18. Cycle Pump Air Compressor.
19. Stop and Go Pocket Tire Kit.
20. Genmar Handlebar Risers Up and Back.
21. Suzuki Heated Grips.
22. SW-Motech Highway pegs.
23. Bags Connection electrified tank bag with dual accessory outlets.
24. Denali D1 LED Lighting.
25. SW-MOTECH On-Road/Off-Road Footpegs.
26. AdMore Lighting LED Light Bar (Mini).
27. Electrical Connection LED Motorcycle Battery Voltage Monitor.


So far everything I put on her has been great with the following exceptions:
The SW-Motech mirror extenders (anodized aluminum) faded to bronze pretty quickly they must have NOT used a UV stable dye, the Suzuki heated grips are WAY over priced, and low quality (made by Show Chrome?).

When I bought the panniers the matching top box was not available yet, by the time it was, I had really grew fond of the huge flat area created by the tops of the panniers and the seat, and decided I liked it better that way. I have a Bags Connection 60L dry bag that I got while riding in Europe that I use if I need extra dry space, or I just lash a few camp chairs across the deck and hit the road.

 
#28 ·
Please refer to my signature for installed farkles. When I bought the bike it already had the heated grips and Kaoko throttle lock. I would suggest the fork brace and MadStad as the best first farkles. After that, suspension tweaks if you weigh outside of the ~170lbs that the bike is sprung for stock.
 
#29 ·
Two sets of luggage, both Givi. My daily commuter set is the E35 Traffic II top box with the E21N side cases; I like the look of this setup as the size blends well with the Vee's overall dimensions. The grand touring setup is comprised of the E55 Maxia top case coupled with the E45 side cases; this setup gives me more overall capacity than I have on my Goldwing. Fork brace was a must; HUGE difference made here. The centerstand makes chain maintenance a breeze. Pretty utilitarian but I like it. :yesnod:
 
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