This is Part 2 of my review of the 2016 BMW S1000XR. If you haven’t already, be sure to read Part 1.

Definition

Accessory. 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 customize their machine.1

BMW Accessories

BMW offers a number of S1000XR accessories here. In fact, many of them may already be installed on your bike, depending on the packages that you purchased. For example, my S1000XR came with the Premium package2 So, it had the Pro Shift Assistant, GPS preparation, heated grips, cruise control, a center stand, a luggage grid, and touring pannier mounts. My S1000XR also came with the optional BMW HP Chain Tensioner and the BMW hand protectors.

Since you rarely get back anything close to what you paid for your accessories when you sell your bike, I prefer farkles that add performance, comfort, or safety to the motorcycling experience. All the better if they can be quickly swapped and used on a replacement model bike like I did with my K12/K13 accessories.

My recommendations regarding other listed BMW accessories:

• Skip the HP footpegs in favor of Verholen gear shift and brake pedal extenders
• Skip the HP hand levers and HP forged wheels
• If, like me, you like the look of carbon fiber then you can purchase them much more cheaply online from suppliers like Bestem3
• I plan to eventually buy the BMW touring panniers. Given their high price, I recommend looking for 20% off holiday coupons from your favorite BMW dealer
• I already own a BMW tank bag from my K1300S that I will affix to my S1000XR too
• I plan to install aftermarket LED turn signal bulbs, which you can buy them very cheaply on eBay
• I can’t justify the cost of the HP Akrapovič sports silencer for its modest benefit over the BMW stock muffler
• Buy a taller, cheaper aftermarket windscreen rather than the BMW tinted windshield
• Use a smartphone with Android Auto rather than the BMW Motorrad Navigator
• Consider the BMW engine protection bar if you are prone to tip overs
• If you want HP front axle protectors, you can find much cheaper, comparable protectors on eBay
• Skip the BMW antitheft alarm. If you need an alarm, third party alarms are cheaper and more effective

BMW HP Chain Tensioner

The tensioner permits the rear axis to be moved forward or backward with a screw to ensure optimum chain tension. BMW states that the HP chain tensioner simplifies the installation of the rear-wheel though I suspect this will primarily benefit the dealer service department. Installation needs to be done by a BMW dealer.

Other Installed Farkles

ZTechnik Vstream Windscreen

A common complaint among BMW riders is wind shear. Coming from a K1300S with a factory windscreen, it is not an issue for me. However, my S1000XR came with an aftermarket ZTechnik Vstream windscreen and it definitely makes a difference. Other riders, like my buddy Jerry, have replaced the S1000XR’s stock windshield with an MRA Vario windscreen. Installation takes about 10 minutes.

Permanent Gerbing Temperature Controller

If you wear Gerbing microwire heated clothing during the Winter, then you need to connect it directly to your S1000XR battery using a purpose-specific cable. If you try to connect it to your S1000XR accessory jack instead, it will immediately trip the circuit even if you only connect a jacket. Most riders will also wish to connect their pants and gloves too.

On my K1300S, I used the portable controller. For my S1000SXR, I have wired a permanent Gerbing controller next to the accessory jack. This eliminates the need to adhere the portable controller somewhere on my bike and risk pulling it off.

Comfort

Like my K1300S, the stock S1000XR BMW seat is simply miserable over long distances. I upgraded my K1300S to the Sargent World Sport Performance Seat. I may either buy a Sargent seat or the BMW HP seat.

HVMP Bar End Weights

I bought the HVMP bar end weights for both my S1000XR and my K1300S. The S1000XR bar ends are about a half inch longer and 7 ounces heavier than stock. These reportedly reduce 80% of handlebar vibrations. HVMP claims adding their bar ends will “provide greater comfort and less fatigue for long rides.” You remove the BMW torque screw, swap out the factory for HVMP bar ends, then use the supplied HVMP hex screw to lock them in place. Installation time: less than 5 minutes for both.

Grip Buddies Smart Skin

In addition to the HVMP bar ends, in order to reduce Handlebar Vibration & Mirror Blurring, I installed Grip Buddies Smart Skin. You can see the before and after difference in the diameter of the grips in these photos. Installation tine: about 2 minutes.

TechSpec Snake Skin Tank Pads

The TechSpec Snake Skin Tank Pads provide extra grip around your S1000XR gasoline tank, particularly when cornering. After heating the black plastic surround below the gasoline tank with a hair dryer for several minutes, you stick them onto the surround. Installation time: less than 15 minutes, depending on outside temperature.

Verholen Gear Shift Extender

The Verholen Gear Shift Extender is perfect for people with big feet like me. It extends the BMW gear shift by approximately an inch. To install, tap the extender onto the BMW gear shift with a hammer. Then permanently adhere it by crimping it with vice grips. Installation time: less than 5 minutes.

Radiator Grill Protector

You can spend a lot for a radiator grill protector manufactured in Canada or Germany or you can buy a cheap one from China via eBay. Either way, your BMW S1000XR radiator grill will be better protected from gravel roads and errant pebbles than with the stock configuration. In my opinion, the black grill also looks better.

There is no excuse for a similar grill protector not being a stock part. A third party installation video is here. Installation time: about an hour.

Crampbuster

Yes, the S1000XR has cruise control but it’s not always enabled. The Crampbuster reduces wrist cramps, particularly in stop and go traffic. You need to remove the HVMP hex nut to slip on the Crampbuster rubber band if you use the BMW stock hand guards. Installation time: less than two minutes.

Battery Tender

Most dealers install an aftermarket battery tender before you purchase your S1000XR. This is  essential to keep your battery topped off during the Winter months.

Next: Part 3

Be sure to read Part 3, where I cover the installation of a Denali Split Dual-tone Horn, LED headlamps, and Skene visibility lighting.

Updated on March 14th, 2019