Farkles

[@Boxflyer11]

Hi Chris, thanks for the hospitality during the 2 days we rode together...all the folks from Canada were very friendly and made my trip enjoyable. My 4250mi trip around the Canadian Maritimes went without any problems and now am getting ready to depart for an 8 or 9 day ride in the Colorado Rockies. BTW, I also just got the Shoei Neotec like yours after your review. Thanks!

[@kiki231000]

We had great weather and great company. I hope to do it again soon!

[@bradiacm7828]

Nice video, you explain things very well. I tend to be a distance rider also, I think in terms of gas stops rather than miles. The BMW makes a great long distance platform, however, not the only one. Mine happens to be a Yamaha FJR, and it had 3 of them through the years. What you presented in your video holds true for all long distance bikes - make the bike conform around you, not conform yourself to the bike. Windshield for better wind protection and lower wind noise, well fitting seat, adjust your foot pegs and handlebars to it your needs, excellent lighting, and proper riding gear! The whole idea is to tailor the bike to be comfortable mile after mile, and if there is a problem, then make the change to fix it. Enjoy the ride! By the way, FARKLE : F - Functional A - Accessory R - Really K - Kool L - Likely E - Expensive Brodie

[@steveem7032]

I am in the market for a R1200RT and just found your channel. I had to subscribe. Great information in a clear manner. At 6'2" I was concerned about the knee pain when doing long distance and the lowering pegs are just what I need. Having done 4 Iron Butts I know how sore you can get. Thanks for the great channel.

[@kiki231000]

Glad to hear. I have noticed recently that lowered pegs can help me, even though i am only 6' tall. Its that extra bit of comfort that allows you a couple more miles.

[@oleran4569]

Thanks for the link/review of the lowered pegs!

[@MWS1960]

Thanks for the video. Just bought a used R1200RT and it cam with lower peg brackets and bar risers. I’m only 5’11” with a 30” inseam, but the difference is amazing in the knees. I’ve had three RT’s and the former two RT’s did not have the lowered pegs or bar riders. I was a little apprehensive and was ready to remove them, but glad I didn’t 👍

[@blndrckr]

Thanks Chris. I always like your vids. P.S. it's not a matter of if your bike tips over, its "when"..

[@shawngoulding5085]

I've spent time wrenching with Boxflyer. He did the cam alignment on my R1250RT. He's a great guy and very knowledgeable.

[@kiki231000]

VERY knowledgeable!

[@akroguy]

OK, you convinced me. Just ordered a set of lowered pegs. Coming from a GL1800 and an Electra Glide, the bent knee position was immediately awkward but I'm finding it actually improves my back posture in the saddle. I still could use a little relief there and I think these pegs will help. I'm also putting highway pegs on the (Ilium) engine guards. The bike had the engine and bag guards, Darla lights and bar backs on it when I bought it. Good thing....they're expensive! Fantastic machine though....I'm loving every mile.

[@aussieshaunindk]

,super video on options .As a short rider with knee problems I'm sorta stuck with a lower seat and lower pegs and shorter reach handlebars.

[@danp3677]

Outstanding video. Thanks for posting. With Christmas time approaching, I have to get my list ready for Santa!

[@clifficus]

Chris, thanks for the tips, never realised about the extra space under the top box, great idea, I have crash bars on front only, it’s like peace of mind, a great insurance, a tip for Fender Extenders, fit first, then remove, throw away sticky pads and screws, use the screw holes and fit permanently with 1/8 aluminium rivets, But purchase tiny washers to fit onto the rivets on the inside of the guard before final fitting, ( eliminates rivet pull through, Aircraft trick) you can also use black caulking between extender and guard then wipe off excess, used this method on my Hayabusa, and now on my 1200 RT/SE, as the extenders are famous for wobbling and damaging the guard, thanks for sharing, stay safe 👍😃

[@davefreeze722]

Another great video Chris! It's great to see and hear about these upgrades from an experienced rider who details the practicality not just the aesthetics. Don't make us wait too long for more!

[@kiki231000]

thanks for the kind words

[@AlshahriW]

Thanks, I really find your videos helpful .. And I like that you speak slowly and clear tone. I can understand every thing you say. "English is not my mother language".

[@StonewallRic]

Excellent Review.

[@maggotsinthecrosshairs7632]

I can verify the effectiveness of engine and side case bars. I got caught in an awkward position not moving, bike tipped, couldn't hold her, and the only thing that touched the ground were the bars. The bars have are coated with an extremely strong material and there were no noticeable scratches. Next on my list is a front fender extender.

[@inspectorchicken]

My personal experience is that bikes like the Triumph Trophy or the BMW RT are already pretty well equipped and ready to go for touring stock. Yes, there are some improvements that can be done, like extra protection or extra weather protection. But when you start to heavily modify the bike, most bikes get worse handling and esp. on BMWs, additional features make the bike look cheap. Might look for another model to start off from there.

[@kiki231000]

I understand your position. But having owned almost 50 different motorcycles over the past 40 years, (many of them touring bikes) I have never owned a stock bike that allows me to ride 15 hours in comfort. They have all required modifications-- at least the seat and shield. Comfort is a huge contributor to safety, as fatigue from discomfort can cause inattention, which in turn is deadly. This applies to any length of ride. The bike in this video is a serious high mileage machine (featured this month in the MOA magazine, coincidentally -- as the owner held the third highest recorded mileage across the USA in 2019). Every one of the add-ons is there first and foremost for function. Looks are subjective, but most serious riders could care less about how their bike looks. Its about how it works. And finally, regarding handling; I don't notice a difference in handling (and I have more than a few years experience on the track...). We did a test and video on different height and size shields and there was a difference in air flow, but nothing noticeable on handling. It stands to reason that a lot of extra weight will be noticeable, but that's true for any bike loaded for touring -- or more pertinently, a passenger on board. These mods would be less than 20 pounds more than whats on the bike out of the crate.

[@abottino100]

Chris, I really enjoy your videos, very informative. I am currently a V-Twin rider who has recently fallen for the BMW bikes. I am using videos like yours to help decide which direction I go when I make the change. It will either be one of the K 1600's or K 1200 have not decided which one.

[@kiki231000]

Do you mean the K12 or the R12? In the cryptic BMW code world, the K series are the completely liquid cooled in-line 4 and 6 cylinder engined touring and sport touring bikes, whereas the R series are the horizontally opposed twin engine bikes, that are only recently liquid cooled -- like the one in the video. So presently, there is the K1600GT/ GTL, and the R1200RT in production. If you are torn between these 2, you are not alone. BMW has chosen to market 2 distinctly different bikes that, on the surface, appear similar. If you are very tall i would steer you towards the K. Likewise if you find every stoplight is a drag race. Most of the V-twin fellows i ride with prefer the R12 simply because it has engine characteristics similar to what they are used to. Most of the Japanese sport-touring guys like the K, on the other hand. All that said, you should book yourself into a test ride coming to a dealer near you -- they will let you try both.

[@madogblue]

Thanks for the link on the pegs great tip

[@rpaolozzi]

Thanks Chris. I also have a 2016 RT; same colour. I find that my stock seat pushes me forward. This is not nice and actually hurts especially on longer rides. I've just ordered a Sargent seat. I find your gear evaluations to be accurate so I do trust your opinions.

[@SWARLCPL]

I installed washers under the front seat mount to bring the front of the seat level. No more sliding forward.

[@ooyginjardl4037]

15:20 “ there’s always something more that you can buy for your bike“. Try getting a boat. Nice vid, thanks.

[@kiki231000]

yup -- got one if those,, and it is MUCH worse

[@itacud2]

Hi chris,ive been watching your reviews and thoroughly enjoy them. I've been looking online for a plug to replace the antenna that I never use and can't find one that shares the same thread. Can you make a recommendation? Thanks, Joe

[@kiki231000]

Good Question -- unfortunately i don't know where to send you -- sorry!

[@tjzulu1]

Great review....love that hat!!! Go Wings!!!

[@stephencarrahar286]

Good contents, well presented. Yes nice to get unbiased reviews of "Farkles" instead of sponsored crap. Sound quality let you down at the end with the wind on the mic. Keep up the good work. Steve R1200rt lc owner

[@jecscuba]

Very good review just bought my first RT and did 700 miles on the first two days Felt it in the knees will try the lower peds and engine guard. Anywhere to get a deal??? For this

[@alanwelty9991]

Great Video. Thank you...

[@markanthony6128]

Great video and good advice

[@elliottk2518]

Very informative Chris... but seriously, accessory is a much better word to use than farkle.

[@williambeck6970]

Chris you sharing these videos is such a good thing .Thank you for that.What brand tire is on your RT and what did you prefer on your 1600 GT ?

[@kiki231000]

Since I used too sell Michelin Tires, i have a soft spot for them. I prefer the Pilot Road 3 and 4.

[@blndrckr]

I have the Pirelli Angel GT's. They've been very good. 'll try the Michelins next.

[@geeman1492]

Hi Chris , I own a 2014 RT . I’m looking for a detachable driver’s seat backrest for the stock seat . Does this setup even exist ?

[@kiki231000]

To the best of my knowledge, there is not a backrest available for the stock seat. However, there are aftermarket seats with backrests

[@Kojak-zh7qo]

Really good video man,iv got the 2017 r1200 gs exclusive but I’m considering the 2018 rt ,love the color of yours,thanks for sharing

[@grahamglencorse307]

Mark Kyle à@1

[@benb.4217]

Very useful , thank you !

[@dbrini824]

I’m sorry - where is the link to the lowering pegs?

[@garthtwitchell2017]

Chris, your Sargent seat appears to be model WS-644F-19-IH the standard seat with integrated heating and the black piping as opposed to the more grippy vinyl of the sports plus seat. Do I have that right? I was going to order the grippy vinyl of the sports plus which is a bit more expensive but I'm thinking that might not be the best idea. Being able to slide around a little easier might be more advantageous on longer rides.

[@kiki231000]

Garth Twitchell I chose mine without the grippy surface for that very reason. I also find it allows me to move around more in aggressive riding. I have also found that the grip surface wears quicker and causes my pants to wear quicker as well. That being said, for others it’s a major advantage. You stay planted in hard cornering and braking and this can reduce fatigue.

[@garthtwitchell2017]

Thanks Chris, appreciate the good information. I'm going to stay with standard seat then.

[@markneblett2777]

Chris, how tall are you, and what is your inseam? That info will help me assess how relevant some of your findings are to me (5'7", 30" inseam). Thanks, Mark

[@kiki231000]

I am 6'0" and 32/33 inseam

[@markneblett2777]

Thanks!

[@geoairday7235]

Nicely done

[@mannylasker8241]

Hi Chris: I was wondering about your Sargent seat. Does it sit you higher in its lower setting than the stock seat? I'm not a tall guy, so seat height is a concern. Also, regarding protection for the cylinder heads, I decided to go with the oem guards. They wouldn't give the protection that the bars would but look great on the bike and should protect from a tip over. In fact most people don't even notice that they are on. I can send you a pic of what they look like on, if you'd like. All the best. Appreciate the videos. From a fellow Maritimer and RT owner.

[@kiki231000]

The seat is the same height as stock, as far as I can tell, however it is slightly wider, which might make it more challenging for shorter riders

[@honkwok5489]

i have touratech guards, this may look big but this have good protection.

[@eddiesmith224]

Hi Chris, my wife is "vertically challenged,", and is looking at getting a new motorcycle. Does the lower seat option (30" inseam) on the RT1200R remove anything from the bike? Or is it just a plug, and play type of option? TIA

[@kiki231000]

the low seat plugs right in, no mods necessary

[@eddiesmith224]

@@kiki231000 thanks Chris

[@travelinben1966]

Fine if you’re going to keep the bike for a long time.

[@jennydiazvigneault5548]

How do you find the 1200 compared to the 1600?

[@kiki231000]

IN brief, the bike is lighter, more comfortable, handles better on twisty roads, and fits me better overall as i rarely have a passenger.

[@gsfinatic]

Maybe I've missed some of your videos. You mentioned your 1600 as in past, did you go back solely to the 1200?

[@kiki231000]

yes- the GT was sold last spring.

[@gsfinatic]

Is there a reason you went back to the 1200? Thanks.

[@kiki231000]

I am asked that frequently. My main reason was how easy the RT is to handle in twisty corners compared to the VERY long and heavy GT. IN addition to that, the RT manages wind and weather better, has a slightly more comfortable cockpit, and has a greater load capacity.

[@gsfinatic]

Thanks.

[@frankcastle5294]

Farkles? Thought you were a Canuck and not a goofy Brit?