semaj Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Hi; Have ordered an 06 yellow non-abs 1200GS, and need some recommendations on "stuff". I am specifically looking at the following right now; Crash Bars 1. Sw-mototech crash bars 2. Hepco's 3. Tourtech's Which are better? any reasons for choice? Twisted throttle have the SW-mtotechs on sale for 169.00 So its quite attrachive and quite a difference in price. 2. Lift handles? 3. Windscreens for 6-3" dude? 4. Aftermarket seats, I have quite a sensitive "bottom" after ruining my A.. over the years! Any and all suggestions on these and other "must haves will be highly appreciated. Link to comment
the_moviegoer Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Hey there, Having gone through this a few months ago (trying the bike "as is" first), I'll chip in: I recommend the Alaska sheepskin buttpads - they work for many people (including me - had a Russell on the RT) and are much cheaper than aftermarket seats. I tried the laminar lip, but it didn't work too well for me, though others really like them (and the Givi screens). I'm 6'1.5" and ended up getting an Aeroflow 1/2 fairing (extra tall) - very nice protection, akin to an RT but much lighter (expensive, though). I am curious about crash bars, too. My bike had the plastic protectors when I bought it used. So far I've mostly ridden on pavement. As far as handles go, I'd make sure you need one first. That is, if you're 6'3" you probably have the reach to do without a handle (just grab the luggage rack), and, once the center stand is level on the ground, put your whole weight on it - should pop right up. Link to comment
CMWingfield Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Regarding the engine guards I bought some Hepco Beckers that work nicely. I also installed a Tourtech headlight guard and an additional outlet for electrics up front. I installed a set of Jesse Odyssey bags and had a custom rack built for the rear as the plastic thing that comes stock is mostly a joke. I put on a Fenda Extenda for the front fender to keep some mud and stuff off the engine and pipes. I second the vote for the Aeroflow half faring. At 5'11" the standard height works nicely and I believe it gives nearly as much protection as the RT with standard windscreen. Hope this helps. Mike Link to comment
Ken H. Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 OK my .02 too... Can't speak to the crash bars, don't have 'em. I have the Wunderlich lift handle and wouldn't be without it. I'm just too much of a wimp to get any bike up on the center stand without a handle. (Yes I've read all the how to do it post.) I think trying to get a still air windscreen on a 12GS is a hopeless cause. A LT or RT it ain't. Rather concentrate on getting it so you are in smooth air. The laminar lip has helped some. Changing the angle downward with Tobinators helped me a bunch. (I'm 6' 2".) Seats are so personal it's hard to really effectively recommend them to someone else. That being said we love our heated Corbins. Other "must haves"? Oh you really don't want me to go there! Ride the bike for awhile as it came out of the box. What you need and don't really need will shake out. Enjoy! Link to comment
Jeff98362 Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 I went BMW on the crash bars and cylinder guards. AND they don't just look pretty like the brush guard on Soccer Mom's Range Rover. I have run both sides in to gravel burms at 20MPH. I have dropped it over, about 110 degrees, on to a big rock with the cylinder head as a fulcrum. I am MORE than pleased at the performance of the BMW protection! Recommended! Link to comment
Jim VonBaden Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 Take a look here for a complete look at many mods and added accessories to my 12GS! Jim Link to comment
semaj Posted November 15, 2005 Author Share Posted November 15, 2005 Thanks for all the great replies! I think I will get the hepco bars, tobinators to start with. and as has been suggested start out slowly. Its a long winter, god knows what I will 'have to do' since I won't be ridingfor the next 5 months! Link to comment
Joel Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 On a different tack, I endorse the Brake!LED taillight replacement module - much brigher than stock + modulation. A simple plug and play installation. Unless you've got wads of $ or no regard for your credit rating, stay away from places like THIS (Wunderlich distributor) and Touratech USA. They're like heroin or crack pushers. No affiliation, just a satisfied addict ... er, customer. Link to comment
Ken H. Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 Oh Jim, surely you know you can't hold a card to the King of Bling with that sorry little list! Starting from the front of the bike: Nippy Norman's LED front turn signals conversion with clear lenses X-pel headlight protector Touratech oil cooler guard Tobinators Flash2Pass garage door opener Kisan headlight modulator Stebel compact air horn GARMIN Quest on GARMIN M/C RAM mount Kenwood FRS on RAM mount MP3 input jack, cell phone input jack Auxiliary Elapse time/voltage/air temp display Autocom push-to-talk BigMak tank bag Foam grips Kaoka throttle lock Ztechnik carbon tank protector BMW cyl. protectors Touratech exhaust guards Touratech emblem protectors Gerbing heat clothing connectors (rider and pillion) Autocom Active-7 intercom with inputs for GPS, GMS, Cell phone, MP3 player Blue Sky aux fuse block with the TPS-15 CAN-BUS adaptor Corbin rider and passenger seats with variable Gerbing heat controls Touratech side panels Touratech swing arm caps Wunderlich lift handle BMW system cases BMW top case with both mounts Touratech under-rack tail bag Wunderlich rack removal cover Nippy Norman's LED rear turn signals with clear lenses Kisan tailBlazer brake light modulator Nippy Norman's LED tail light & brake light with clear lense Wunderlich license plate extender Still to come (if they ever come) - Mottorad Concepts Huggers Link to comment
smiller Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 What cost more, the bike or the accessories..? Link to comment
GelStra Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 surely you know you can't hold a card to the King of Bling with that sorry little list! Ken, since your checking account is getting an even bigger workout than mine since I bought ol' Gelstra, you really NEED the Wunderlich handle bar bag. That thing is the handiest little bugger! I know I don't have to bother telling YOU where to find it! Link to comment
Jim VonBaden Posted November 16, 2005 Share Posted November 16, 2005 Oh Jim, surely you know you can't hold a card to the King of Bling with that sorry little list! Starting from the front of the bike: ... Holy Crap Ken! I need a defibriliator after reading that list! Now, where are the pictures? Nice, and I bow down to the Kink of Farkles! Jim Link to comment
Ken H. Posted November 16, 2005 Share Posted November 16, 2005 What cost more, the bike or the accessories..? Well I know which is easier to sneak by SWMBO, if you know what I mean... Link to comment
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