Farkles are crap that you add to an otherwise capable motorcycle to make it “better”. A good definition is found at the Adventure Rider website.
With a limited working knowledge of this type of riding and this type of motorcycle, trying to decide which items I can get to make things “better” has been difficult. Using the various internet forums can be as confusing, since everyone has their own opinion, and for every positive thing you hear about an item you hear as many, if not more, negative things. It finally just boils down to just picking something and hoping that it works.
Fastway Evolution F3 footpegs
One thing that I noticed right off with the GS is that the seat-to-footpeg height is a little close for me. I have bad knees, and the bend was bordering on being painful. Raising the seat really isn’t an option as I can barely reach the ground now, so the pegs have to be lowered. After doing as much research as I can without actually being able to talk to someone about it, I decided on the Fastway Evolution F3 footpegs. They have a really wide base that feels REALLY stable when standing on the pegs, and the lower position takes some of the pressure off of my knees.
Rox Risers
I paired the lower footpegs with a set of RoxSpeedFx 2″ rise pivoting handlebar risers. This makes for a more upright and back seating position for me on the GS, as well as allowing me to stand up straighter when riding while standing on the footpegs.
AltRider Crash Bars
Protecting the heads on the boxer engine is important when off-roading the GS, so I needed some crash bars. I chose the AltRider crash bars. They were recommended by the RawHyde guys, and the guys at the IMS show in Chicago were really cool to talk to. I also picked up their skid plate.