Just bought my first 650gs twin (2012) and need to know what kind of farkles etc to add. Looking for hard cases and some sort of a crash bar set up that comes up around the front ferrings to be able mount some piaa lights at some point. Thanks for the ideas!
Moved to the GS forum. Look around, lots of threads on farkles. Stay away from Piaa lights unless they are LED's, the GS's stator output isn't very high, so you should think about LED lights instead which consume much less power.
Congrats on the bike! What kind of riding will you be doing? Choice of farkles is heavily dependent on that. For on road riding, go with cargo and conspicuity: luggage and lights to see and be seen. For off road riding, it's all about protection: crash bars, hand guards, and skid plate as a minimum. As GB said, there are tons of choices. Grab a drink and start reading here.
SW Motech crash bars & skidplate. Wolfman racks & luggage. Tankbag. Add a seat & windscreen if needed. Add fuel and ride. Enjoy.
I do a lot of research before adding anything and haven't been disappointed yet. So far I have added: MOD Skid Plate, Side Stand Foot and Rear Rack SW Mo's Engine Guards Denali D2 Lights on a Kidala Mounting Plate Advdesigns Toolkit, Pump and Tire Patch Kit (maybe not a farkle but essential) Wolfman Large Expedition Duffle and Large Expedition Tank Bag (this was my one mistake, too large for comfortable off-road riding - the Tank Bag that is) - that being said, I love Wolfman gear and have it on several bikes AltRider Lexan Headlight Guard The only thing I didn't pick out was the windscreen since I bought my bike used and it is a wee bit short for me. I am pretty sure it is the medium sized Aeroflow. I am contemplating the Britania Mirage 2 when I finally replace it but since I have my eye on a Garmin Montana and mounting accessories first that will have to wait. I take it back, the other thing I didn't pick is the Vario Panniers but I am waiting for a hard crash to take those out so I can buy the Wolfman Rack and Expedition Dry Saddle Bags.
Thanks for the input! I took it for my first ride today and it was awesome. Dumped it in the drive way from not being used to the clutch and surprisingly it doesn't have a scratch on it. Im going to be doing mostly street riding in hopes of getting up to rallies someday. Id really like the upper crash bars and engine guard. Will look into the mototech and wolfman pack. Thanks!
If you are going to BMW or other rallies...ie long distances, you will probably want a better wind shield to cut down on wind fatigue and get some rain protection. There are a great many to select from...many threads to check out. I do long distance and like good protection. Aeroflow and Madstad seem to be the top of the line for wind. After a lot of thought I went with the Aeroflow system, i.e. the windshield, deflector, duct deflectors and leg guards because it gives better whole ride protection. The sum of all these is very good protection including the legs. I live in VT and these help keep warm and add a month of riding on either side of summer. I do take the leg guards and duct deflectors off when it is over 80...not so long here in VT. I especially like the Aeroflow wind screen. It comes in several height so you can get what is right for you. I like to look over the windscreen for good visibility and have the air flow just over my helmet so there is no helmet buffeting. Have fun choosing your farkles
Good luck with your search. Forums are great for research, but at the end of the day it is personal preference. I have TT Skid Plate, TT Crash bars (because they mount to the frame and not the engine) just my preference. Jesse 9 inch Safari bags, 20 mm bar risers for shoulder comfort. Still looking for a comfy seat! If you can get to a motorcycle show or rally you can see many vendors and their products up close and talk to other riders!
What you mentioned is pretty much the basic farkle load. I too, will second the recommendation of vtbob for a better windshield. I went with a Z Technic medium height shield (I have an F800GS) and so far I really like it. What type and brand of panniers to get is a very subjective thing. There is the price, of course, but also whether you want top opening or you are okay with side opening. I have both types on different bikes and there are advantages and disadvantages to either type. I would very highly recommend getting some type of auxiliary lighting for your new bike. Not only is it very handy to have on a dark night, But when you run them in the daytime they help you to be seen by other drivers. Finally, I would say that you may want to look into a tank bag of some sort. I have found them to be among the handiest things I have ever put on a bike. BTW where do you live in Central Cal? I live in AG, have a shop with a lift, and would be glad to help you if you need it with any installations of your new farkles.
I'm right across the 58... in Bakersfield. I was looking at maybe some LED PIAA lights but need to find the right engine guard. I like the one that wraps around the front like on the 1200. I know I can mount them right to the frame, but would like the extra protection from the guards. Thanks for the offer, I'll have to let you know if I get over there (which I hope to be able to do some day).
I think I want to go with soft saddle bags, simply for the weight factor. However I want something I can be reasonable secure with, such as the ability to lock it (yeah I know I can put on a small lock)... what are some good ones to look at?
Agree! Put about 400 miles on it in the week, but haven't gotten to ride in the last two. Trying to get to that 600 mile break in point so I can get it out of the way. Will definitely be getting a new seat though...ooch!