What optional xtras are essential?

[Mornay Maree]

#1926

Do you think there are any essential optional extras i should consider before ordering a GS1200. It will be mostly used for road use so i guess that count outs the spoked wheels. I notice that a chrome exhaust is an option but the brochure picture shows what appears to be chrome exhaust, is this the case?Thanks again.

[Murray]

#7067

Mostly road  😕 Each to his.her own then  😀 Heated grips, ABS and hand protectors are the must haves IMHO, then think about the on-board computer and alarm system before worrying too much about the other trick stuff you can get as options.Photos when you pick it up  😀

[Mornay Maree]

#7068

4 month wait if i spec my own, and looking on the options list i cant see the computer listed 😥I will give them a call.

[Jim Young]

#7069

As NZGSER said ABS, heated grips and hand protectors are a must but I believe that BMW are bringing them in standard anyway.The computer I don't know about as I think they are standard on the 1200 GS also, it's only the new 800 series that you can option for the computer as an extra and that gives you a fuel gauge and distance till empty option.The exhaust is chrome but the pipes are stainless and unless you put a lot of effort into polishing them with autosolv they quickly go a crappy dark brown colour so maybe you can get chrome pipes for them.A ventura headlight guard is a must also but the list can go on and on.Go to the Touratech website or Nippy Normans if you really want to spend some money on accessories  😀One point I will make is to be carefull of the side stand on the new models as it allows the bike to go over to an alarming level especially on cambered roads and because it slopes back a lot it is extremely easy to knock it off the side stand.I added a piece of hardwood with an aluminium plate to the bottom of the stand which helps a lot to add some height, but I still always park it in gear as it is so easy to roll off.The older models with the hooped center stand are not too bad but these ones are hard to put on the center stand compared to the new ones.I will try and add a pick of the side stand with extra height added

[Jim Young]

#7070

06 1200GS sidestand with added height.

[2bjr]

#7071

Ye, go for it 😀 Then what about some offroad foot pegs. Then on the 1200 also something to protect the brake fluid pots 😮

[Mornay Maree]

#7072

As NZGSER said ABS, heated grips and hand protectors are a must but I believe that BMW are bringing them in standard anyway.The computer I don't know about as I think they are standard on the 1200 GS also, it's only the new 800 series that you can option for the computer as an extra and that gives you a fuel gauge and distance till empty option.The exhaust is chrome but the pipes are stainless and unless you put a lot of effort into polishing them with autosolv they quickly go a crappy dark brown colour so maybe you can get chrome pipes for them.A ventura headlight guard is a must also but the list can go on and on.Go to the Touratech website or Nippy Normans if you really want to spend some money on accessories  😀One point I will make is to be carefull of the side stand on the new models as it allows the bike to go over to an alarming level especially on cambered roads and because it slopes back a lot it is extremely easy to knock it off the side stand.I added a piece of hardwood with an aluminium plate to the bottom of the stand which helps a lot to add some height, but I still always park it in gear as it is so easy to roll off.The older models with the hooped center stand are not too bad but these ones are hard to put on the center stand compared to the new ones.I will try and add a pick of the side stand with extra height added

Thanks thats been really useful. The BM website lists very few options so i guess what you have said is the case. BMW Experience have 2 in stock one in black and the other in red, i was hoping to get a grey one but 4 months is an age to wait. The red one comes with the chrome exhaust. Hmmmmm.There do not appear to be any discounts but i have not haggled yet.Thanks for all your advice guys.

[Arne Rohde]

#7073

I would also consider the cylinder head/valve cover protectors or crash bars to be highly desirable. Those beasts are top-heavy, and you'll find quite a few of them bear the scars from being laid down more or less gently on their sides. Better to get scars on the protectors than on the valve covers. The plastic protectors will stand up to a drop at standstill or very low speed. There are also aluminium ones available, and crash bars of various types.You might also want to add the full toolkit, which is not included on later models.Apart from valve cover protectors, the accessories I've added are: tank bag, top case, lifting handle (it's an early model), big foot on sidestand, Laminar Lip screen extender to reduce buffeting noise, oil cooler mesh protector, headlight protector, front accessory socket, GSA 'winglets', and probably a few I've forgotten. I've also reversed the filler cap and removed the rubber extension tube inside the filler. It came with ABS, heated grips, hand protectors, and alarm preinstalled.

[2bjr]

#7074

So at the end, you can put anything on the bike that are made aftermarket.All bike shops cells something to put on.It is again what you want or need. 😀

[Jim Young]

#7075

One item I forgot to mention but which I consider a “must” is a front mudguard extender, available from Nippy Normans or Touratech.The original front mudguard allows stones and tar to be flung up onto the cross exhaust pipe where it carborises and makes a real mess which is very difficult to remove, apart from the stone chips in the exhaust.I also have bar risers fitted with I find makes for a better ride.Unless you are getting a top box etc you may want to consider a tailrack bag and also there is a bag that fits in between the rear rack which is quite handy and so the list goes on !!!!!!!!!If you do buy anything from overseas try and consolidate items into one package which will cut down on freight.I know Nippy Norman will do this for you as well as not charge VAT

[2bjr]

#7076

What about a bash plate on the main stand?

[Mornay Maree]

#7077

Bugger.This is all adding up!! 😕Those of you that may have bought from new, did you get many options thrown in. If i am paying nearly full asking price surely they must be able to chuck in a chrome exhaust or such like?Thanks all the same.

[Jim Young]

#7078

All the options that I have are aftermarket, bought over a period of time.Unfortunately for the purchaser, as these bikes are going out the door pretty quick it hardly gives much negotiating or bargaining power but I am sure you will get a deal that both parties are happy with.  🙂

[Dave Ross]

#7079

Bugger.This is all adding up!! 😕Those of you that may have bought from new, did you get many options thrown in. If i am paying nearly full asking price surely they must be able to chuck in a chrome exhaust or such like?Thanks all the same.

Well, you can always ask. When I bought my GS it was last years model and the 1200GS was knocking on the door. I paid full list price, but got a great trade-in and a deal on some accessories. Of course the dealer had no idea that a 1200GS was about to come out :-).

[2bjr]

#7080

Hi. 😡Do not know how it works here. But in south Africa BMW was not allowed to deal on the price of the bike.So, if you wanted deals on aftermarket you had to go to a bike shop that cells that. 😡

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