BMW R 1300 GS Accessories You ACTUALLY Need: Part 2
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
(Not Just the Ones That Look Cool)
You didn’t buy the BMW R 1300 GS to admire it under basement lighting.
You bought it to:
Ride far
Ride loaded
Ride where roads slowly stop making sense
And that means one thing:
👉 This is a touring motorcycle first, adventure bike second, showpiece last.
So let’s split this properly — because GS ownership has two clear priorities:
Protection (so the ride doesn’t end early)
Comfort & Practicality (so you don’t end early)
COMFORT & PRACTICALITY – THE STUFF THAT SAVES YOU
These accessories don’t stop crashes — they stop fatigue, pain, and regret.
🔟 Handlebar Risers – Fix the Riding Triangle
Different riders.Different heights.Same stock handlebar position.
That’s bad ergonomics.
Handlebar risers:
Improve upright posture
Reduce shoulder & wrist strain
Make standing riding natural
Improve long-distance comfort
This isn’t comfort bling — it’s body logic.
1️⃣1️⃣ Longer / Taller Windshield – Wind Fatigue Is Real
Wind blast doesn’t hurt immediately.It drains you slowly.
A longer windshield:
Reduces chest pressure
Cuts helmet buffeting
Makes 500–700 km days realistic
Less wind = more energy left to enjoy the ride.
1️⃣2️⃣ Broad Touring Footpegs – Your Legs Will Thank You
After 300–400 km, your legs will remind you:This is a touring motorcycle.
Narrow pegs:
Create pressure points
Increase fatigue
Broad touring footpegs:
Spread weight evenly
Improve standing control
Reduce leg fatigue
Not an off-road flex — a touring upgrade.
1️⃣3️⃣ Saddle Stays & Top Plate – Luggage Is Not Optional
This is a GS.You will carry luggage.
Proper saddle stays and a solid top plate:
Protect the subframe
Keep panniers stable
Prevent stress cracks
Maintain predictable handling
Bad luggage mounting ruins great motorcycles.
1️⃣4️⃣ Side Stand Extender (Bigfoot) – Small Part, Big Relief
Heavy bike.Soft ground.Uneven parking.
Without a Bigfoot:
The stand sinks
Lean angle increases
Lifting the bike becomes work
With it:
Parking becomes stress-free
Quietly one of the smartest upgrades.
1️⃣5️⃣ Auxiliary Light Mounts – Support Matters
Aux lights are only as good as their mounts.
Good mounts:
Prevent vibration
Maintain beam alignment
Protect panels & bars
Bad mounts turn good lights into decorations.
1️⃣6️⃣ Centre Stand – Touring Practicality, Not Luxury
On a bike built to travel:
Tyre repairs
Chain/shaft work
Cleaning
Stable parking
A centre stand turns inconvenience into routine.
On a GS, it’s common sense.
Final Word
The BMW R 1300 GS doesn’t need accessories to look good.It needs accessories to go farther, last longer, and worry less.
These upgrades won’t make it louder or faster.They make it:
More durable
More comfortable
More usable
And that’s what real GS ownership is about.
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