BMW R1200R / R1250R Touring Setup

A look at my 2015 R1200R touring setup. Most parts should work with or have versions available for the latest R1250R. I mentioned it in the video, but I'm 6'2" (34" inseam). No sponsored gear, all purchased by myself to make the bike how I want it.
Any questions? Leave them in the comments below.
Parts Links:
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
- Puig Touring Windscreen: www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/p...
- Puig Clip-On Windscreen Visor: www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/p...
- Sargent Performance Plus DTX Front Seat (Tall): www.sargentcycle.com/Plus-WS-...
- Shad SH36 Side Cases: www.shadusa.com/products/sh36...
- Shad Inner Soft Bags: www.shadusa.com/products/x0ib36
- Shad SH48 Top Case: www.shadusa.com/products/sh48...
- Evotech Tail Tidy: evotech-performance.com/colle...
- Nelson-Rigg Commuter Sport Tail Bag: www.nelsonrigg.com/motorcycle...
- MoskoMoto Gnat Handlebar Bag: moskomoto.com/products/gnat-h...
- Quadlock Belt Clip: www.quadlockcase.com/products...
- YIPIN HEXHA DC Converter to Dual USB: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
- BMW Repair Plug: shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/PartsDe...
- Givi PH5108 CYLINDER HEAD GUARD: giviusa.com/collections/r1200...
- Fosmon Anti Theft Bike Alarm: www.amazon.com/Fosmon-Waterpr...
- LeoVince Factory S Carbon Fiber Slip-on: www.leovince.com/en-us/produc...
Timestamps:
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
00:00 Intro
00:46 Comfort Mods
03:19 Luggage
09:05 Navigation and Charging
12:07 Safety Mods
15:30 Exhaust
16:49 BMW R for Touring
17:41 Bags Off
18:24 Coming Up

[@mrdin5332]

Got my attention; A very thoughtful and practical conversion from a road bike to a tourer. If... and only if you can be troubled, I would really like to see how those two USB sockets were installed. A very comprehensive video.

[@inthewind773]

Thank you! I knew from the day of purchase that I'd be modding it for long distances. I'm really pleased how it turned out. I've got the footage saved for the cockpit USB additions, just need to edit it. I'll post that sometime after my upcoming German alpine road tour video that's currently in the editor.

[@JohnG11000]

I have the 2007 model with BMW luggauge which is a similar set up i love it. These bikes are brilliant.

[@inthewind773]

Yes they are! Roadsters in the true sense of the word: ready for the long haul and great in the bends. Always wanted to try the previous generation with the telelever front end.

[@GIGABACHI]

Very comprehensive owner's review ! Thanks ! The R, the RS and the RT are on my very short list of options to replace my aging 2003 Suzuki SV1000N, as I find myself traveling ~240 U.S miles to visit a good friend and doing less urban riding than ever. The almost maintenance free and CLEAN driveshaft it's a VERY attractive point for me. I'm sick of cleaning, adjusting and lubing my chain and having to clean the sling off of it caked on my silver rear wheel.

[@inthewind773]

Glad to help, any of those 3 R bikes would make great tourers. I hear you on the chain maintenance, not the most enjoyable job, especially at the end of a long day in the saddle. Besides Moto Guzzi and BMW's own retro offerings, the BMW 1200R/1250R is the only modern naked bike with a shaft drive that I'm aware of.

[@erkans5495]

I’ll give it a try. Thank you for the help

[@Cdn_Bodizafah]

Great video - Superb tip on the Fosmon Alarm, going to pick one up for my Versys. Cheers!

[@inthewind773]

Thanks! It's a great little alarm, I'm amazed that the original batteries are still going strong after more than a year.

[@jancienski2089]

had my R1100R set up like that. Rode back and forth across Europe two-up for years.

[@inthewind773]

Sounds like you created some great memories. A boxer engine and some luggage will take you there.

[@moph7July06]

Absolutely love the 1200/1250R. Even after owing a 1200GS Ralley and 1250 GS, the 1250R is a blast to ride. I lived in FL for three years. While I lived there, I sold my 20 R1250R. Should’ve kept it. Now that I’m settled back in CO, I bought a 23 R1250R. It doesn’t have Dynamic-ESA, but I actually don’t miss it. In fact, of the 2023 models in the USA only 1 has it installed (just under 200). Weird BMW did that. I do love the LED lights and 5 position heat for grips and seat. Got the spoke wheels this time. They look great and are more forgiving than the standard wheels.

[@inthewind773]

Appreciate the comment! What surprised me is how much faster and lively it feels than its other boxer siblings. I suppose in the end it all boils down to power-to-weight. It's not the first time someone told me they sold one off only to regret it, those who know... know. The combination of comfort, versatility and fun in this package is really hard to beat. Buying the same bike again speaks volumes. I didn't realize spoked wheels were an option on the 1250Rs, very nice. From what I've gathered the lack of Dynamic ESA on the 23/24 R in the US is purely a regional parts/supply chain issue. The latest models in Europe still get it as an option. I suppose there's always the used market for those that want ESA. I will admit there is less of a perceptible difference between Road and Dynamic than there is on my '18 GSA. I'm genuinely curious what the R1300R will bring. It's going to be a rocket for sure, but will it make weight-cutting sacrifices like a smaller fuel tank and most importantly, will it look good?

[@RoysMotoVentures]

Nice video about making a naked bike into a smaller tourer. I have a big ass Harley Davidson Road Glide Limited. It's great for 2 up touring, i been looking at getting another bike for just me to tour on and looking at smaller options. This video opens up a lot more options for me. Thank you. 👍

[@inthewind773]

Glad I was able to inspire some ideas. The 1200R/1250R platform is powerful, easy to handle at low speeds and nimble in the curves, but it also has enough weight to feel firmly planted on long highway stretches. High-speed cruising stability is something I always look for in a touring bike and I'm sure it's something you've grown accustomed to with your Road Glide. Best of luck on picking your next ride!

[@ccpssm]

I have the same set up on my 2016, except I have the BMW panniers. Good rec on the seat. I still have the factory seat and it's a drag after 3 hours. Also I lowered my pegs to give me more room...love this bike it can be pretty cramped. (I'm 5'8" but have long legs). Thanks for the vid!

[@inthewind773]

Nice! It's an excellent and very underrated bike. Besides the padding being uncomfortable after a few hours, I thought the worst thing about the stock seat was the slight forward slope that uncomfortably pushed the crown jewels into the tank after a while. The Sargent has none of this, huge comfort upgrade. I'm OK with the leg position, even though I'm tall it hasn't bothered me even with the lower stock seat. Sometimes I'll sit on the pillion seat for a while to stretch the legs a bit if needed.

[@NelHirgo]

well done! In fact, I did the same with a 1250 from 2019. Two reasons for that, the first one being me belonging to the "not that tall" category with short legs. This is the only bike of this range to have a 760mm saddle height without changing anything to the chassis. The second reason is that it remains a roadster with all the fun that goes with it when you ride a lot in the mountains in Europe. The great thing is that it is confortable and stable as well and allows me to ride long roadtrips without fatigue in France, Italy, Austria, UK etc. Compared to your bike, from puig, I added a front fender extension and a rear wheel fender. I love this bike, should Inchange, I would buy the same one. (1300 should arrive soon now 😊)

[@inthewind773]

Thanks for your detailed comment! The great thing about this bike is that it fits both shorter riders and tall riders with just the change of a seat. The rear wheel fender in particular is a great idea, I'm considering adding one at some point as I do get quite a bit of wet wheel splash to the bottom of the top case in the rain due to the short fender eliminator kit. You said it... comfortable and stable for touring, but also a ton of fun when the road finally gets twisty. 👍

[@regislacomme5238]

nice vid thanks, nice motorcycle! please do produce these vids that you are mentioning! Thx and ride safe! greetings from South Africa, Still Bay

[@inthewind773]

Appreciate the kind words and for the additional motivation!

[@Banditmanuk]

Nice job. My wife and I have done similar with our Triumph Street Triple and Yamaha MT10. Have done many touring miles

[@inthewind773]

Thank you! It seems you two have it figured out.

[@Banditmanuk]

@inthewind773 Both had our bikes about 8 years, got them how we want them. We tour across Europe from our home in England. You definitely don't need a huge expensive touring machine to go touring

[@fleuger99]

I had a 2011 R1200R that I did touring with. I added a V-Stream windshield and BMW panniers. I did 47000 miles in 5 years before selling it and getting an RT. It was a great touring bike.

[@inthewind773]

Awesome! 47000 miles is a lot by many motorcycle standards, but just about nicely "broken-in" for a boxer.😀 Here's to 50k more with the RT 🍻

[@fleuger99]

@@inthewind773 That was back when I seemed to have more free time for two long bike trips a year, between 2K miles and 5K miles each. :)

[@mitchcornett587]

Thank you for the equipment ideas. I am looking at an R to add to my garage. Not for long distance touring since I already have a Yamaha for that purpose. Should I buy one it will primarily be used for in-state riding.

[@happytoo10]

Thanks for a great setup video, thinking of selling my v strom and buying one of these,would love to see your power outlet video.

[@inthewind773]

Glad it was helpful. Stay tuned for the USB power mod video, it's in the queue!

[@SuperWellington1815]

Went Uk to Greece two years ago and toured around the mountains and down to Athens and back. Set up like that but no screen-great trip Would still have it but it was stolen later that year in London Now have a GSA 😊

[@inthewind773]

Now that's a proper naked tour! Sorry to hear the bike was stolen, when I tour the UK I think I'll be forced to avoid the city, which is a pity. A GSA is a very nice substitute, I love mine too, and I think they each have their own strengths. 👍

[@SuperWellington1815]

@@inthewind773 if I had the cash I would have both 👌😊 Was told that there is a crime group targeting BMWs in London. BMW staff aren’t insured on staff bikes inside the M25 which is Greater London Rarely go in myself now on mine Safe travels 😊

[@erkans5495]

Hi, thank you for the video! Would you be able to make a video on how to install the tail tidy the one on your bike? Thank you for your time!

[@inthewind773]

Glad you got something from the video! I don't have any video footage for the tail tidy install as this mod was already on the bike when I purchased it. I did have to remove it temporarily when I installed the Shad 3p mounts and if I remember correctly it was a simple case of removing 2 screws with nuts under the rear seat that hold it in place. I didn't notice any additional wiring for the turn signal and license plate light, so I'm sure it's just a case of removing them from the stock tail. Should be a fairly simple install, you can do it! 👍

[@jlucmartino99]

Hi, I just bought a 2022 r1250r and looking to get the shad side cases. Can you fit in a full size helmet?

[@inthewind773]

A standard "large" will fit no problem. An ADV-style with a peak attached won't. I show a large helmet inside the SH36 in my "Tracer 700 modifications" video on my channel. Great cases, they've worked out well for me.

[@StephenCruthis-fl5wz]

can you tell me which Puig windscreen you bought, I have looked at some and they dont look like they fit the brackets on my small puig windscreen

[@inthewind773]

On the PUIG website they have 2 different versions of the "new generation touring", the pdf install manuals show you which is suited for your setup. Since my bike came naked originally with no sport windshield I got the 8110 with the support arms. I believe if your bike came with the small bug spoiler or already has brackets you want the 8165, at least that's my understanding. Hope that helps.

[@stephenscott6570]

The block title says Naked Touring????

[@jeffkeni]

It's a naked bike platform with touring amenities added on. Naked touring 🙂

[@robrum155]

Why not a 1200 rs

[@inthewind773]

Being able to take the screen off completely is a major advantage in south Florida. I also favor the seating position and handling of the R. You're right though, an RS would be a good option for many.