Farkle Bar for my Burgman 650 Executive

Summary: I designed a Farkle Bar for all the gadgets that needed to go onto my Burgman 650. The space between the handle bars seemed to be the right spot. See how I went about it.

Ta ta, I got my farkle bar!  Who knows who invented this term? The word is generally accepted to mean a combination of "function" and "sparkle", hence, farkle. Motorcycle enthusiasts may install accessories, called farkles (also spelled farkel), to customise their machine.

The New Control Centre :)

The Looks Before

When I thought about how I would install any farkles on my Burgman 650 Executive, I quickly discovered that I had not many options. While I like the RAM-Mount system, and the many options they have, I did not like the idea of cutting into the handlebar covers. In fact, I wanted to keep the Burgman as original as possible, hence, only allowing minor, low impact modifications to existing bike parts.

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: Handlebar (and front fairing / glove boxes, etc.)

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: Handlebar with cover

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: Handlebar with one cover removed

So, the idea was to get some sort of clamp that goes between the risers, with a bar on it that reaches just under the plastic. A bushing would stick though the plastic via a single hole to be drilled into the plastic cover. A horizontal bar with a centre hole and bolt would hold this bar to the farkle bar clamp. The horizontal bar — the actual farkle bar — has 4 holes for 1″ RAM-Mount Balls.

Machined Farkle Bar Parts

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: Farkle Bar Basic Parts

See below how the bits go together. The four bolts and washers for the clamp are not shown yet. The centre bolt needs a washer too. Yes, another day tomorrow to fit it to the Burgman, after I got some Loctite for the centre bolt and 1″ RAM-Mount balls.

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: Farkle Bar

Putting It Together

How exciting! I had to check, whether the fairly inaccurate measurements turned out. Inaccurate, because we could not reach all the places with the callipers.

Farkle Bar: Alignment Test

When I looked at the bushing and its height of 10 mm, I was worried at first. I drilled a 25 mm hole into the handlebar cover. Snug fit! Nice! 

Farkle Bar: Bushing protruding the handlebar cover

The Looks After

I put the handlebar covers back on… before I did, I drilled a hole into the rear (in relation to the bike) handlebar cover. I then cut a gap into the plastic towards the front edge. The idea here was that any cables will be funnelled through the grommet. The grommet can then be slid into the plastic, allowing for easy removal of the cover, without having to undo any cables.

Farkle Bar: Cover by both handlebar covers. GPS mounted via RAM-Mount parts.

While I have got 4 holes for RAM-Mount 1″ rubber balls a with 3/8″ thread, I only put 2 balls on. I have secured these with Loctite.
Both holes drilled into the covers can be closed with a 25 and 13 mm grommet; hence, easily restoring the looks fo these parts in case of a future sale.

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: Farkle Bar and left handlebar controls

Well, I am pleased with the outcome. There are spare places on the farkle bar, which can be used for SPOT II (I am waiting for the new RAM-Mount holder), a camera mount, and a trip itinerary roll holder. (Once all mounted I shall post another photo.)
This photo also shows the switch for the base temperature for the heated grips (left of the ignition key) and the cruise control switches (under the left hand switch block).

Fakle Bar Phase Two

Well… not really, but … I have added further farkles, RAM-Mount bits and gear to it.

I had a look at the RAM-Mount website and put a whichlist together later in December 2009. In late January I turned it into an order and got myself the followng parts:

RAM Mount Parts, from left to right, top to bottom, using references from table above: B, D, E, A, D, C

After I had installed the SPOT II holder, I noticed that — considering the angle I mounted it with — water would stay in the holder. Well, a 3 mm hole drilled into it took care of this problem. 

RAM Mount Part: SPOT II Holder with 3mm drainage hole

Fakle Bar: Almost at Full Capacity

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: Farkle Bar Control Centre — Almost Rider's View (left) Front-Screen View (right)

I wrote ";Almost Rider's View", because I can see the whole dashboard clearly. The only obstruction is the arm for the camera, which goes rigth through the speedometer. The most important indicators left and right of the centre are well visible.

I am happy with the outcome. It is a sturdy construction. Nothing vibrates, no matter what speed. One key point to note: the threaded "B" Balls are secured with LocTite.

Visitor's Comments

Entries are shown in the order of latest first.

Author Date / Time	Comment
MaxG from Brisbane wrote on Saturday, February 27, 2010 09:43	I have come up with the idea, the concept and the draft on what I need to cater for all the bits that had to go onto my Burgman 650 Executive at the time. A local custome machining company realised the my plans with minor modifications, more so to achieve efficiency in the machining process. The cost of 290AUD for this first prototype is prohibitive for most. I spoke with the company; they would produce more, if I could commit to 10 plus units… I was thinking / hoping to realise a unit for 200AUD. Once you compare the cost of individual RAM-Mounts, and the clutter associated, with individual mounts, and cables all over the shop, the difference in cost is not that dramatic.
MaxG from Brisbane wrote on Friday, February 19, 2010 09:39	No worries. What I have gathered so far, people shy away from the cost. It is not that your work is too expensive, it is about custom and specific versus mass production and generic, and the cost associated with both. I had some 5 enquiries, which went stale after I mentioned the cost.
Richard Falzon wrote on Thursday, February 18, 2010 12:47	Hi Max, thanks for the email. The setup looks great, well done! If you get any inquires about the bar clamps let me know, so we can work out an arragement that works for both of us. Regards Richard
Greg from Mount Juliet wrote on Wednesday, February 03, 2010 08:46	I like this setup. I am thinking about adding a GPS to my Burgam also. But where did you get the Fakle Bar made at?