farkle

How To: Android Auto 5.5 for Navigation & Entertainment on a BMW S1000XR

Mike ConnellyMotorcycles

The BMW S1000XR includes a factory navigation quick-disconnect coupler that accepts a third-party smartphone mount, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPS unit. This article covers installing that mount on an S1000XR and running Android Auto 5.5 on a Motorola G6, including navigation, music, and voice control. With Android Auto 5.5, Waze became available alongside Google Maps as a supported navigation option, giving riders a meaningful choice between the two platforms. Continue reading How To: Android Auto 5.5 for Navigation & Entertainment on a BMW S1000XR

How To: BMW S1000XR LED Lighting Upgrades

Mike ConnellyMotorcycles

I replaced the stock incandescent headlights on my 2016 BMW S1000XR with brighter, longer-lasting LED bulbs. This how-to covers the full swap: headlights, parking lights, and turn signals, with step-by-step instructions and photos. The trickiest part of the job is managing the LAMP FAIL warning that most aftermarket LED bulbs trigger, and the article explains how to avoid it. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR LED Lighting Upgrades

How To: BMW S1000XR Farkles

Mike ConnellyMotorcycles

“Farkle” blends “function” and “sparkle”, a term motorcycle riders use for aftermarket accessories that add performance, comfort, or safety. Here, I cover a curated set of farkles for the S1000XR, with installation notes for each. My guiding rule is to prioritize upgrades that carry over to a replacement bike, which shapes some counterintuitive recommendations against stock BMW options. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR Farkles

2016 BMW S1000XR Review: A New Journey Ahead

Mike ConnellyMotorcycles

The BMW K1300S sits taller than most sports bikes, yet its stock geometry places the handlebars too low and the foot pegs too high for the tall riders it attracts. This article covers specific aftermarket fixes: Helibar risers, Knight Design lowered foot pegs, a Verholen gear shift extender, and a custom brake lever solution. The brake lever modification, improvised after a Verholen unit fell off on the interstate, is where the real-world problem-solving gets interesting. Continue reading 2016 BMW S1000XR Review: A New Journey Ahead