Accessories for BMW R1200RT

Accessories for the BMW R 1200 RT

Long road journeys are a natural fit for the BMW R 1200 RT, a touring motorcycle suited to solo trips and riding with a pillion. Preparing it for that role means thinking about wind protection, luggage and comfort over several hours. The most useful additions depend on whether your riding centres on weekend breaks, extended holidays or everyday journeys between trips.

What riders usually fit to the BMW R 1200 RT

• Screens: Wind protection matters on the motorway stretches that link touring destinations. A screen helps reduce exposure to the airflow; on the RT, its coverage and the position of its upper edge relative to your sightline are particularly relevant to long hours in the saddle.
• Protectors and crash bars: These help limit damage to the areas they cover if the bike falls. They are a practical consideration for touring that involves parking manoeuvres with luggage or frequent stops in unfamiliar places.
• Panniers: Carrying clothes and other essentials becomes more important once a ride turns into a few nights away. For two-up touring on the RT, planning shared luggage space helps keep both riders' belongings organised without crowding the passenger.
• Suspension: Suspension components can help tailor the bike's response to touring use. They deserve attention if you regularly switch between solo riding and carrying a pillion with luggage, particularly on trips mixing motorways with winding roads.
• Levers: These provide your direct contact with the brake and clutch. Comfortable operation is especially relevant when an RT journey takes in town traffic or mountain roads, where you work the controls more frequently than during steady motorway riding.

Before a longer trip, organise luggage around your stops as well as your destination. Keeping frequently needed items accessible saves unpacking more than necessary along the way.