What is a Farkle?

  A farkle is a term for add ons that a rider puts on their bike to enhance it's functionality. This shouldn't be confused with the constant chroming of motorcycle parts which Harley owners are famous for. There's nothing wrong with chroming out your bike but since my main goal is to get it set up for long distance riding, chrome is not something that will get me there faster or safer.

  Today was spent going on an early morning ride to test out several new editions to my Ultra Classic. I've added a Zumo 660LM GPS and a SPH10-FM Sena helmet headset to my initial farkle list which for me are two of the most important additions I could make for my riding experience. The GPS will allow me to plot custom routes for rallies and the headset can talk directly to Fox's headset, receive incoming calls, receive streamed music, and pick up FM stations.

  The 660LM is specially made for motorcycles and really does a good job of supporting the rider with a large touch screen, great street graphics and easy to navigate menus. I was able to use the Bluetooth feature to quickly hook up my headset and my mobile phone to the GPS unit. I had the local Harley Davidson dealer hard-wire the unit to my bike and after about 90 minutes of work it was ready to go. 

  I had already tested the Sena headset on bike to bike communications with the Fox last week and the distance is as advertised about 700-750 meters. When she's riding behind me it's a nice option to be able to talk quietly into the microphones and neither one of us has to be hooked up to any outlets since the whole unit is wireless. When she's on Panthera we could talk to each other crystal clear minus any wind effects. On the highway you have the background noise of the wind but in town riding is just like speaking via phone. To contact the other person you simply tap the "jog" wheel on the side of your helmet and wait to hear the connection beep and then you both can start talking hands free. You can also set it up so all you have to do is blow into the microphone to start the conversation to make it 100% hands free all of the time. After 20 min if no one speaks the system will go into standby mode automatically. You can always tap the jog button (either rider) to turn the intercom on or off.

  We had to order 2 units, one for each helmet since they are sold in single units. You can get the various Sena products for either half helmets or full faced helmets depending on your riding style. At some point I will probably pick up a unit for a full faced helmet as cross country riding on the interstate in all sorts of weather is better done with full face protection.

Retirement Planning

  Well the final stages of divorcing myself from the United Nations and enjoying a life on the open road with my Fox are nearly done. I sold my trusty 2008 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail and used the proceeds to upgrade to a 2013 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited Classic. I wonder if Harley charges new buyers for each letter in the title of their bikes because this bike wasn't cheap and the name is a mouthful. Why not name it something simpler like RetroHog. After the fifth or sixth word in a bike's name I just want to say I bought a Harley and leave it at that when asked.

  For the uninitiated I don't actually ride with a Fox but with my beautiful wife who has always carried the nickname ElectrkFox from various online screen names so over the years we've shortened it for my convenience to just "Fox". She sports red hair and is pretty to look at so the name sticks with her just fine.

  This blog will mainly focus on my riding goals, contests, and trips throughout North America and hopefully overseas if the opportunity presents itself. My main goal right now is to get my bike set up for long distance riding, obtain my first certification for the Iron Butt Association, and compete and win the ABCs of Touring. More on all of these goals in future posts.