Modern motorcycles come with a range of customization options already built in. For example, in addition to adjusting the position of the mirrors and the angle of your handlebars, on nearly any modern touring bike you can make other very useful changes, such as adjusting the seat height and position, or the pre-load on your suspension.
The fact is, that most riders DON'T change these things (especially once they are set), but they DO make other changes to their new bikes, soon after buying them. Mostly this is achieved by adding new parts or accessories. The word "FARKLE" was invented for this and means "Fancy Accessory, Really Kool, Likely Expensive". And that tends to be true for any part actually worth having and is a corruption of "Functional" and "Sparkle" invented at a rally in 1997 by Peter Wells.
So where to start?
- The first place is to take the bike for a ride and reach the mileage (or kilometer-age) required for the first service. Why? Because the mechanic will do two key things for you - (1) replace all the fluids, thus removing the excess metal filings from gearbox, cylinders and final drive and (2), go over the bike and tighten all the fittings, plus checking for adjustment and alignment. I have now twice found that the yolk bolts on my handlebar were loose after the first ride - it pays to check. I also bought a simple cover for my bike both to keep the dust off, and to keep prying eyes away.
- Second, set up the ride position. I am exactly 6 feet tall in the old money, and that is about two inches (five centimeters) taller than average, so I tend to lean further forward on the standard setup. I therefore add 40 mm "risers" under the handlebars. These give me a more upright riding position, AND they allow me to ride while standing on the pegs. In actual fact on my current bike, 25 mm would have been enough. My second change was to raise the front of the seat slightly (where there are three options on my bike) and may also try a Beadrider or sheep skin cover. I also changed the brake lever and gear stick lever position to suit my ride - flipping the secondary brake pedal over, and adjusting the gear lever for my boot size.
- Third, as I ride long distances, I installed a pair of highway pegs. For those who don't understand this term, they are like the boot mounts that are far forward on a Harley. I have tried many types and settled with the premium Ilium pegs that fold backwards or up. I love these.
- Fourth, as I have dropped my bike a number of times on the side of the road, when I have stopped for a short break, due to un-even surfaces or sand, I bolted on a wider foot piece to my side stand. There are many options for Touratech, Camel-toe and ADV for example.
- Fifth, I have added a rack, and currently fitted an "hydration system" (water drinking bag) to the rack, but in time will receive my new panniers and attach these. Panniers are one of the most popular accessories, if the bike does not already come with some fitted.
- Lastly, at the handlebar, I have added a powered mount for my mobile phone and a second GPS. To listen to all of this, I have installed a Bluetooth headset to my helmet. Mine is a SENA 20S but there are many options out there. For me, this is essential as I can now hear both my GPS and mobile phone.
So there is a start. My bike is now ride-able for a good long weekend. But where will we go next? As I am a LDR (Long distance Rider) the next options will include a tool kit, LED lights and a long-range auxiliary tank.
And for those who don't have them already, (as they are already provided on my particular bike), I would strongly recommend a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring systems), tires to suit your style of riding and cruise control!
