Purposeful or just a bit of bling?

A relatively new term to me.  One urban dictionary definition came up with the following which seems close enough.  Not everything is just for bling but some times you just can't help yourself !

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farkle

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. 

An enthusiast may be in the process of "farkling". The completed motorcycle would be all "farkled up". Radar detectors, Global Positioning System receivers, heated grips, and satellite radios are some of those farkles. Other accessories could be aftermarket seats, side and/or top cases or bar risers, which make the motorcycle more suitable for long miles.

A bit of substantial scaffolding to protect digits and levers

Got some Barkbuster jobbies for the KTM.  Maybe a bit more robust with the big aluminium bar running through them.  Yet to try them in anger.  

Nice if you like 'Touratech' logos

Hand protection, often standard on an adventure bike, provides wind chill protection at speed, protection from protruding undergrowth and brambles and subject to type added protection in the event of a fall or drop.

BMW Screen and Touratech Guards

Rubble from the track could damage the radiator.  

Added protection

New LED lights can be expensive an inexpensive (by comparison with the headlight) guard can help reduce damage from stones thrown up on the track.  

Time for some off road upgrades

For the more hardcore (not me!) or inexperienced (me!) protecting against underside damage will certainly help any adventure continue rather than grind to a halt through lack of engine oil.

Brilliant add on

Great when you want to stop on a soft surface and rest the bike.

Good for taller riders

Taller riders will benefit from a more upright stance to avoid back ache when standing on the pegs.  Definitely makes a difference.  I'm 6'2" and standard bar height on a 2015 GSA was too low when standing.  Touratech 25mm jobs are a good compromise between sitting and standing.  I ended up fitting the 40mm ones which feel a bit tall for the road but OK and certainly better off road.

How to carry all the shizz ?

We all have our own ideas and preferences here, it's obvious.  I didn't like the big metal boxes nor go far enough to bother with them.  I don't like tank bags and don't like having a rucksack on my back.  This left something to strap on the back seat (lucky I don't carry pillions - have also removed rear foot pegs).

Ended up with a Kriega US20 dry bag in a Wisport Sparrow 20 ltr ruck sack.  Kriega - see their own website.  Wisport (and Maxpedition) courtesy of Military 1st via Amazon.  

The Wisport has loads of Molle/Pals webbing so you can strap loads of stuff to it.  Had to cut some of the straps off as didn't want all the straps or additional luggage/carrying ability they provide,  just the flex of the Molle and ruck sack straps (the Kriega bag doesn't carry very well off the bike).  

Used Kriega US5 strap kit to make new tie down straps under the seat and to strap bag to tie downs.  

The water bottle is courtesy of Ray Mears and the container from Maxpedition.  

I've used the Kriega as it's a 100% dry bag (plus I'd bought it already and didn't want it to go to waste) where as Wisport is more sort of water resistant.  If you just did fair weather runs you could do without the Kriega.

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Inside I have tools, puncture repair kit, first aid kit, tow straps, torch, knife and cable ties in 3 Maxpedition Chubby pouches. Maxpedition pouches are great for organising stuff and very robust.

Think it all fits OK on these big adventure bikes but might look a bit big on a sports bike (on my GSXRs and R1 just used a bum bag with AA card in it and hoped for the best !).