About MaPLE
This page (content under the sliders) was written at our founding in 2010. The following is an update:
Mike retired from his hobby in 2018 and the business ceased operations. In 2019 Mike transferred the ownership of Farkles by MaPLE to Jim Hatch. Jim will reactivate some or all of the designs and will likely have new and improved products available. Mike will continue to provide engineering and web site support.
Our Goal
Provide custom motorcycle accessories to satisfy the demands of the Long Distance and Sport Touring communities.
Description
We are a custom motorcycle accessory design and fabrication shop.
Using CAD equipment, in-house sheet metal and TIG welding equipment, we can provide precision, high quality motorcycle accessories with a focus on long distance rider requirements and unique rider needs at a very reasonable cost.
Here at MaPLE we our interest in providing service to the long distance motorcycling community far exceeds our desire for income. Since this is essentially a hobby shop operation we have a very low overhead and are able to design and fabricate custom accessories at a lower cost than others.
Our product pricing is based on cost of goods sold (COGS) plus labor. COGS are retail with slight markup to cover our shipping and inventory expenses. Labor is billed at a rate far below comparable shops. Especially for a fully equipped welding/machine shop operated by an experienced welder/machinist/fabricator.
Our product line has a focus on auxiliary fuel cells but is only limited by your desires. On our product page you will find a complete listing of our past, present, and future products.
Our services include: design consultation, machine shop work, sheet metal fabrication, welding and cutting. On our services page you will find a complete description of our capabilities.
Why MaPLE?
One frequently needs a company name for various reasons and we have undertaken many ventures over the years. Being the consummate geeks, MaPLE is an acronym for Mike and Patty Langford Enterprises.
Mike (IBPete) Langford has been involved with motorcycling for over 50 years and has been an active member of the Iron Butt Association® since 2001 (IBA#341).
Mike is truly a "jack of all trades" having demonstrated expertise as a dishwasher, taco bender, machinist, tool & die maker, sheet metal fabricator, aviation electronics technician, E2b Hawkeye aircrewman, computer field service technician, telecommunications engineer, technical training specialist, and networking engineer. Now retired from Cisco Systems, MaPLE Farkles came about to promote Mike's retirement hobby of design and metalworking with a focus on his love of motorcycles.
What is a Farkle?
The etymology of "farkle" is unknown. Some think it's a combined form of Function and spARKLE. Others say it's an acronym of Fancy Accessory Really Kool & Likely Expensive. The latter pretty much matches my experiences with most "farkles".
Can be used as a noun or verb.
n. an aftermarket accessory or gadget installed on a motorcycle to make it more functional, unique or aesthetically pleasing.
v. to install a farkle onto your motorcycle.