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Hello!
If you ride a motorcycle, you know that well-chosen accessories can greatly enhance comfort, functionality, and safety on the road. On our BMW R1250GS, we’ve tested a variety of additions – from panniers and crash bars to electronic gadgets. In this article, we’ll share what we’ve installed, why we chose these specific accessories, and which ones we particularly recommend for long-distance journeys.
By the way, we encourage you to read our separate page about our machine! You’ll learn why we chose this motorcycle, its biggest strengths, and what captivated us during long journeys. If you’re considering getting your own GS or are simply curious about our experiences, take a look – you might find something that inspires you!
Protection accessories
When riding, especially in challenging conditions, protecting your motorcycle is crucial. That’s why we invested in a few accessories that not only safeguard the key components of our BMW R1250GS but also give us peace of mind on every journey.
Crash bars
- Brand and model: GIVI TN5128
- Link to product: 👉 Motor-Sklep, Click here
Crash bars are steel frames mounted on the sides of a motorcycle, designed to protect the engine and other critical components in case of a fall or collision. We opted for the GIVI TN5128 model, specifically made for the BMW R1250GS. Our positive experience with GIVI products on our previous Yamaha motivated us to choose this brand again.
Despite having no prior experience installing such accessories on this model, I decided to tackle the installation myself. After watching a tutorial on YouTube and equipping myself with a torque wrench, the process went smoothly.
Engine cover
- Brand and model: JMCRider Engine Cylinder Head Guards Protector
- Link to product: 👉 Aliexpress, Click here
For extra engine protection, especially for the cylinders, I chose JMCRider guards. These are mounted directly onto the cylinder heads and shield them from damage that crash bars might not prevent, such as hitting a rock or another obstacle.
You can find similar products from well-known German brands, but their prices are often astronomical. I opted for a more affordable alternative from Aliexpress – it has the same design but costs a fraction of the price. The guard has already survived one drop and continues to do its job, proving that it’s worth giving lesser-known manufacturers a chance.
Additional cover for handbars
- Brand and model: FSADV Store Hand guard
- Link to product: 👉 Aliexpress, Click here
Handguards are shields mounted on a motorcycle’s handlebars, designed to protect your hands from wind, rain, cold, and impacts from rocks or branches when riding off-road. The factory versions offer basic protection, but you can enhance them by adding extra shields, like the ones from Aliexpress, which significantly improve comfort and safety in challenging weather conditions.
Although the molding is slightly imperfect, the quality and durability are surprisingly good for the price.
Luggage and mountings
During long journeys, having a proper luggage system is essential. Well-chosen panniers, tank bags, and sturdy mounts not only make organization easier but also ensure the safety of your belongings.
Tankbag
- Brand and model: Rhinowalk MJX2002
- Link to product: 👉 Aliexpress, Click here
At first, we considered getting a tank bag from Mosko Moto – it looks great, has solid reviews, but… the price was a bit off-putting. In the end, we figured it’s worth giving a cheaper option a try and ordered a tank bag from Rhinowalk on Aliexpress. We didn’t overthink it – if it turned out to be poor quality, we’d just return it.
But surprise – the bag arrived and turned out to be really well made. Solid materials, good zippers, and a functional interior.
What fits inside? A 1.5L hydration bladder – perfect for longer rides, pockets for documents, total capacity of 9L – enough for everything you want to keep close at hand. Any downsides? It doesn’t use any quick-release mounting system. You need to attach the straps and buckles yourself – but luckily, that’s a one-time thing.
Once off the bike, it can be worn as a backpack – a super convenient option for breaks.
Central trunk
- Brand and model: GIVI Trekker Outback OBKN58B
- Link to product: 👉 Amazon, Click here
The Trekker Outback series is our choice for a top case. It’s a large, sturdy aluminum construction, perfect for more demanding use. Its capacity allows it to hold two Shoei modular helmets, which is a huge advantage for longer trips.
The decision to go with an aluminum top case was based on our past experiences – with the Yamaha, we used a plastic Givi case, which unfortunately turned out to be very weak and had a manufacturing defect. This model, however, is on a completely different level in terms of quality and durability. The only downside is its weight, which can be noticeable when the motorcycle is fully loaded.
To mount a Trekker Outback top case, a compatible central rack is essential. This component provides the stability needed to securely attach the case to the motorcycle. The rack must be compatible with both the chosen case model and the motorcycle’s frame, so it’s crucial to ensure everything fits perfectly before making a purchase.
Side trunks
- Brand and model: GIVI Trekker Outback OBKN 48+37L Black
- Link to product: 👉 Allegro, Click here
We chose the GIVI Trekker Outback side cases with capacities of 48L and 37L in the black version. These durable aluminum cases are perfect for long journeys, providing plenty of space for luggage.
Interestingly, GIVI and Kappa are products from the same manufacturer – the only difference is the branding. If you find Kappa cases on sale, don’t hesitate to go for them, as the quality and functionality are identical. The cases are well-designed, sturdy, and easy to install, making them a practical and convenient choice.
To install the GIVI Trekker Outback side cases, a dedicated side rack is also required. The rack provides stability and security while ensuring the cases fit properly with the motorcycle. Just like with the central rack, it’s important to confirm that the chosen model is compatible with your motorcycle to guarantee a secure and reliable setup.
Inner bags for trunks
- Brand and model: Kemimoto Motorcycle luggage bags
- Link to product: 👉 Aliexpress, Click here
Instead of opting for the more expensive original inner bags from Givi, we chose a solution from Kemimoto, available on Aliexpress. Once they arrived, we found they fit perfectly, and their quality fully met our expectations.
Inner bags for panniers are a highly practical solution that makes traveling much easier. They allow you to effortlessly remove all your luggage from the panniers without needing to detach them from the motorcycle. They’re also great for organization – keeping your items secure and preventing them from shifting during the ride, which helps maintain order.
An added advantage is the ability to take the bag with you to a hotel or during a stop, without the need to carry the entire pannier.
Reflectors for trunks
- Brand and model: Contour reflective tape
- Link to product: 👉 Allegro, Click here
Reflective tape on the panniers is primarily a matter of safety. We chose contour reflective tape and applied it to the corners of the top case and side cases. This greatly improves our visibility on the road, especially at night and in challenging weather conditions.
While this addition might not appeal to everyone visually, in our case, the tape isn’t too noticeable during the day, and its functionality far outweighs any aesthetic concerns. The enhanced visibility from a distance significantly boosts our sense of safety, especially when riding in poorly lit areas.
Comfort and ergonomics
Long trips can be demanding for both the rider and the passenger, which is why accessories that enhance comfort and ergonomics are essential. With a few simple yet well-thought-out additions, every journey becomes more enjoyable and less tiring.
Touring windshield
- Brand and model: Kemimoto BMW R1250GS Windshield, transparent
- Link to product: 👉 Aliexpress, Click here
The factory windshield on the BMW R1250GS turned out to be too short for me, causing unpleasant wind noise in my helmet while riding. After reviewing several options, most of which were quite expensive, I decided to order a touring windshield from a trusted seller, Kemimoto.
The windshield was available in a European warehouse, so delivery was quick and hassle-free. A transparent touring windshield at this price? It’s truly a great choice. The product does its job well, improving wind protection and enhancing comfort on longer rides.
Additionally, I recommend getting a windshield support bracket – the stock mounts might not handle the increased wind pressure at speeds of 120-130 km/h. It’s a small addition that provides greater stability and peace of mind while riding.
Wider footer
- Brand and model: Yiduo Store Kickstand Side Stand Extension
- Link to product: 👉 Aliexpress, Click here
A larger side stand foot is a small but incredibly practical addition, especially when the motorcycle is fully loaded. If you’re packed to the brim or encounter unstable, soft ground, the standard side stand might not provide enough support. For the price, it’s an excellent solution that offers peace of mind in any situation.
Gadgets
Motorcycle travel isn’t just about comfort and functionality—it’s also about the convenience of modern gadgets. The right mounts, chargers, and other small accessories can make life on the road significantly easier.
Phone holder
- Brand and model: Quad Lock
- Link to product: 👉 Quad Lock Store, Click here
A phone mount is an absolute must-have gadget for me on every trip. I chose the Quad Lock with wireless charging. While the inductive charging for my iPhone isn’t the fastest, the setup is reliable and, most importantly, doesn’t overheat.
The kit I configured consists of:
To attach the mount plate to the navigation bar provided by BMW, I recommend getting a navigation mount bracket from Aliexpress. It’s a more budget-friendly option that works just as well as the more expensive, dedicated components. If you value functionality and saving money, this is definitely a solution worth considering.
Phone charger
- Brand and model: Quad Lock
- Link to product: 👉 Quad Lock Store, Click here
The Quad Lock charger is a key component of my phone charging setup while riding. I connected it separately to power the Quad Lock wireless charging head mentioned earlier, leaving the default USB port by the screen as a backup—for example, to connect a Garmin Montana GPS.
I had one issue with this charger—it started draining the battery at one point and couldn’t maintain proper charging parameters. Thankfully, the warranty process was seamless, and the charger was replaced without any complications.
Do you have any questions? Write!
We’re all constantly learning, and I’ve realized that I don’t always need to buy original products. I value keeping money in my wallet, so I’m happy to save where I can without sacrificing quality. Of course, there are certain things I’ll never cut corners on—especially those that directly impact our safety while riding.
If you have any questions, comments, or maybe your own experiences and tips about accessories or motorcycles, feel free to share them. Leave a comment or reach out to us—we’d love to chat! 😊
