BMW started the big-bore adventure bike category 3½ decades ago and they’ve continued to redefine it ever since. It appears there are no limits to the BMW R1200GS’ sales success, despite an onslaught of new model introductions designed to go head-to-head with it. With a balanced blend of power, refinement, performance and technology, it’s a hard package to beat.

With the BMW R1200GS, you get all the niceties like semi-active suspension, cruise-control, adjustable ride modes, heated grips and a plethora of sensors and monitors keeping tabs on things. It loves putting down the miles and is equally content riding in the twisties or touring cross-country on an iron butt challenge. In the hands of an experienced rider, it’s also a capable off-road bike. Yet if you are planning on going off the beaten track for an extended period of time, the R1200GS can benefit from a few aftermarket upgrades.

Equipping the BMW R1200GS with a quality luggage system, off-road tires and trail protection is key for anyone considering a significant amount of off-road travel. Although, it’s important to be selective about the components you choose. You want aftermarket accessories that are a match for the fine-tuned performance of the R1200GS.

Planning on spending time in the dirt? It’s important to select aftermarket components that are rugged enough to take the abuse.

We were recently invited by the World of Adventure (WOA) organization to try out one of their custom adventure bike builds. The WOA is a “marketplace” where new adventure riders can quickly learn about everything they need to equip themselves and their bikes for adventure. This recent WOA build is a 2015 BMW R1200GS fully-outfitted with select aftermarket products from top manufacturers committed to the adventure riding lifestyle.

The build started out as a 2015 BMW R1200GS in Frozen Dark Blue Metallic paint, fully-loaded with options included in BMW’s Performance Package. Added to this are select upgrades designed to improve the bike’s overall versatility. Some upgrades enhance off-road performance, while others increase all-day comfort of the machine. Safety is also improved with the addition of ultra-bright auxiliary lights for nighttime riding.

BMW’s Enduro Pro traction control mode is tuned specifically for use with knobby-style dual sport tires. It will let you get loose in the dirt and intervenes at the last second if you get a little carried away.

A good luggage system is a must and this R1200GS has the capacity to carry efficiently-packed camping gear, clothing, tools, spares and emergency equipment for extended trips in the back country. The GS also gets an assortment of guards and protectors to help defend against rocks, ruts, debris and falls out on the trail.

The end result is a BMW R1200GS that is equipped to handle long-distance overland adventures, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the GS’ innate agility or legendary smoothness on asphalt. Below is an up close look at the aftermarket components that make up this adventure build:

Wolfman Rainier Tank Bag

Wolfman Luggage is famous for their durable off-road soft bags and the Rainier Tank Bag seems like it was designed specifically for the gently sloping tank of the BMW R1200GS. The bag offers ample storage (17 liters) but sits up on top of the tank where it stays out of the way of body movements during aggressive off-road riding. It also offers great versatility with three detachable pockets, a map holder and an expandable top. A harness system keeps it securely in place while snap release buckles make for quick and easy fuel fill ups at the pump.

Touratech GD Hand Guards with Spoilers

Touratech’s GD Hand Guards are made of high-strength plastic that offers just enough flex to handle typical tip overs and falls, without getting bent out of shape like metal reinforced guards. They are plenty strong to protect hands from flying debris and stray branches. Plus with the optional spoilers attached, you get additional wind and weather protection to keep hands warm and dry.

Touratech DriRide Seat

A comfortable seat can make all the difference in how much you enjoy long-distance journeys. The DriRide seat technology from Touratech was originally designed for the Dakar Rally racers that must endure incredibly long days in the saddle during liaison routes. The technology wicks away moisture from your body to reduce the chance of getting painful chafing and soreness. The seat’s shape is also optimized for dual sport riding with a narrow front to make it easier to reach the ground. A wide flat rear section offers a noticeable improvement in comfort on the highway over the stock seat.

Clearwater Erica LED Auxiliary Lights

Clearwater LED auxiliary lights are some of the brightest in the business. Rated at 12,000 lumen, they are many times brighter than the factory BMW fog lamps. Drawing only 60 watts of electricity per light, there’s also plenty of juice left over to power your electronics and heated gear. Each auxiliary light weighs just one pound and is housed in a CNC machined hard anodized aluminum casing that is built to withstand the abuses of off-road travel.

Touratech Upper Crash bars, Lower Crash Bars and Cylinder Head Guards

The upper and lower crash bars from Touratech are made of 25mm-diameter, 2mm-thick stainless steel tubing that is both strong and lightweight. The tubes provide protection for the upper fairing, radiator and the exposed Boxer engine cylinder heads. A cross-brace design helps effectively transfer force away from the frame and engine to help you avoid costly damage. The R1200GS is also equipped with Touratech’s Aluminum Cylinder Head Guards that work with the crash bars to give extra protection against cracked valve covers that can leave you with a leaky cylinder head.

Touratech Expedition Skid Plate

Touratech’s 4mm aluminum skidplate is designed with a corrugated channel shape underneath that provides maximum strength and protection from impacts while minimizing weight. Unique nylon rails help absorb impacts while providing a slippery surface to slide over trail obstacles. A contoured shape keeps a low profile as well, to ensure ground clearance is maximized.

Doubletake Dual Sport Mirrors

Drop your BMW R1200GS a few times off-road and you’ll most likely be needing a new set of mirrors. Doubletake dual sport mirrors cost significantly less than OEMs and they fold inward when they receive an impact, making them virtually unbreakable. You can also collapse them down when the trails get really gnarly so they won’t hit you in the face when the bike starts bucking.

Touratech Zega Pro Panniers

Touratech’s Zega Pro panniers are their top-of-the-line hard luggage system that offers secure, waterproof storage for your equipment. Made of 1.5mm-thick anodized aluminum, they are highly-resistant to dents, streaks and scratches. Their iconic rounded-edge design make these boxes extremely strong without adding extra weight. Drop off your boxes off at camp and the stainless steel racks are resilient enough to double as an extra set of rear crash bars when riding with the panniers removed.

Touratech Works Footpegs and Adjustable/Folding Brake Pedal

Compared to the stock pegs, Touratech’s Works Footpegs offer a wider platform for stand-up riding and serrated edges that offer better grip in wet or muddy conditions. Their open design is self cleaning and a low profile retains ground clearance over rocks and ruts. The addition of the adjustable/folding rear brake pedal is a nice touch for customizing your ergonomics. You can adjust the pedal’s height and length to match your foot size and riding style. The folding tip is extra assurance you won’t get stranded on the trail with a broken brake pedal if you ride through rocky terrain.

Mitas E-07 Dual Sport Tires

Adding a set of 50/50 dual sport tires with good off-road grip and longevity was key to making this BMW R1200GS a more versatile machine. The street-biased stock tires just aren’t up to par for any serious off-road use. But with 125 horsepower on tap, you can burn up rear knobbies pretty quickly on the GS. The modified chevron tread pattern design of the Mitas E-07s features a continuous strip of rubber down the middle that helps minimize tread wear and whirring noise on the highway. The Dakar version of the E-07 also offers a thicker sidewall that reduces the chances of a puncture on the trail.

Aftermarket Parts List

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.