BMW R1200RTLC Upgrades - Accessories for Long Distance Riding

[@briand4000]

Some really cool ideas! My '17 RT is just a fantastic bike although long distance riding isn't my forte'. It's a superb commuting machine and I can ride almost all year with the heated grips and Sargent seat. Just went through some minor hell changing out the burned out headlight bulb (put in an LED...MUCH better). Access there is horrible, just FYI, have to remove some side fairing parts.

[@jimsoque4380]

Thanks Braind! I changed out my front driving light to an LED and then I changed out the left and right high beams to penetrating yellow LED last summer, and in both of those cases I had to get on my knees and reach in with my arm! I’ve upgraded to a Russel Day Long Saddle for my daughter’n me. About to list that Corbin Double Heated Seat For Sale, BMW 12RT ‘14-18, and LD riders will get first preference! Any one interested? Jim

[@r12rtpilot]

Enjoyed your video. It reminded me of all the accessories, time, and money I spent on turning my R12GSA into an incredible long distance riding machine. I just sold it yesterday and bought a new to me R1250RT. I’m keeping a minimalist point of view for this bike; I found that most of the accessories I bought had limited use for the majority of my rides. Liked and subscribed!

[@dwitless]

Thank you truly for this video. I have a 2015 rt and have been trying to figure out how I want to set it up for a long hauler and your set up is pretty much spot on with my thoughts. I have been working on ideas for mounts and a few other accessories. After watching what you have done I now have a solid idea of what I want and need. Thank you one again.

[@jimsoque4380]

Hi David, I’m really glad that I could help out with you set up of your 2015 RTLC. If you need any help in selecting the items, and the link was not provided, please get in touch with me and I’ll see what I can do, hope to see you out there someday on the road, stay safe, Jim

[@dwitless]

@@jimsoque4380 It's possible we may see each other in the future. I live in Mobile Alabama but I am retiring in December. So next year I plan on doing a couple of long trips. Deciding on destination is the difficult part because there are so many beautiful places.

[@jimsoque4380]

@@dwitless that’s excellent news David. email me: [e-mail] Or: www.island-retina.com Long Island, Holbrook, New York “We’ll leave the light on”

[@TerraMagnus]

Running out of fuel on an R1200RT… that takes some effort! ;)

[@jimsoque4380]

TM! Yup, it’s happened only to me once on a 500 mile trials run to test the range of my tank! 337 miles after I top drilled bleeder air hole! Hope to see you out there some day🏍️ Jim

[@rolyf100]

Would you tell us more about your choice of spare fuel containers. Seems like a good idea.

[@jimsoque4380]

Hi Roly and group! Thanks for the note! I did some checking and my specifications were incorrect. The Primus Spare Fuel Bottle is 1.5 Liters, not 1 liter. I carry two of these, and if I went so far to go Bingo on fuel, I could have 3 Liters, or 0.8 Gals, or approx 37-38 miles to get myself out of trouble and find a fuel stop. I found one link and this outfit is from the UK and they advertise on eBay. www.ebay.com/itm/253170033251?epid=15015780283&hash=item3af21c2263:g:ZR4AAOSwC6haop6D Of note, in my tool bag/emergency supplies, I also carry a 3/4 inch dia, 5 foot long clear vinyl hose [HomeDepot] to use as a 'gasoline siphon' if I were to encounter any MC rider that needed fuel on the side of the highway, something we should all be prepared to do for our brethren. Thanks for the inquiry Roly and hope to see you out there some day.

[@weekendstogies4980]

Nice setup

[@usposandman]

Great video Jim, thanks! Where did you buy the rider floorboards? I can't seem to find them anywhere.

[@jimsoque4380]

USP! I swear I answered you and many apologies, here is a set on eBay, www.ebay.com/itm/145153064886?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=WPEBgYcMQHG&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=q_cJHHKOR3G&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=SMS

[@fredzuccarelli]

Nice ride Jim!!!! You gave me some great ideas for my incoming '22 r1250rt......but.....you spent ALOT of money on this beauty and you're riding with cycling gloves?!?! LOL. I'm sure there's a story to that. Ride safe!!!!

[@jimsoque4380]

Thanks Fred! That day was on the warm side, sunny and beautiful during my walk around for all of you and, unless it’s below 50, I like cycling gloves bc I can still handle my electronics, GPS, Waze and music. Do another search and you will find my IBA 2000 Ride 2021, to Iowa City and back, when I used my cycling gloves under handlebar hoods for 49 hours! There’s also a nice plug for Moto Jug on that one and Ive added a Quad Lock now. Hope to see you out there Fred, or perhaps when I make the run for my I80 E2E later this summer! 🤙

[@r12rtpilot]

Have you ever run out of fuel without using your fuel cans? I've all over the country, and with a bit of planning I don't see it happening, ever. I found the weight of carrying extra fuel pretty much negated the actual need for fuel ...Of course if you are traveling in North Africa, forget my comments...LOL

[@jimsoque4380]

Hi RRE, yes I did once in Ohio in the dark. I was relieved at my advanced planning methods! And once I helped out a motorist on the side of the road and he was very grateful!

[@ernestolaterza9032]

Ciao. I would like to know which model of rockbros bag is that you show. Thanks a lot

[@jimsoque4380]

Hi Ernesto: here is that link from eBay. Mine is over 2 years old now and the fuel cans stay nice and dry and upright. I have modified one Velcro strap on the bag to attach to my R crash bar, and it now sits snugly on the R passenger hwy footrest. Good Luck and safe riding! www.ebay.com/itm/173820879690?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=WDXfYF15Sra&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=q_cJHHKOR3G&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=SMS

[@ernestolaterza9032]

@@jimsoque4380 Thanks a lot. Probabily I will contact you in the future in preparing my byke for my journey. Thans again

[@jimsoque4380]

@@ernestolaterza9032 Long Island, NY, Rte 495 East, Exit 61, South 1 mile, always available Ernesto!

[@johnmalenchek6597]

How much did all these doodads cost? Most unnecessary. Did enough long distance rides on K1600 to know

[@jimsoque4380]

Hey John, y’know doesn’t hurt so much if you do it a little at a time. The seat was 2nd hand, about 400, WS 110, Sierra shelf about 130, www.shopbmwmotorcycle.com/ Thanks for looking, and a half great rides with your K1600! Gobble gobble gobble 🦃🦃🦃

[@Laventille-trini]

Hey, where can I purchase floor boards for my 2014 R 1200 RT? I would appreciate your imput, thanks .

[@jimsoque4380]

Hey Eric! Thanks for the note and glad I could teach you something! I just did a quick search on Google and eBay has these in Monroe NJ for your 2014 R12RT! These are universal unlike my ilium works: Check them out . www.ebay.com/itm/293794892079

[@jimsoque4380]

Here I am again Eric, outfitting the world! This pair of floor boards looks very much like an Ilium but doesn’t say, they are in Post Falls, ID. If $ is not an option, I’d go long! Please let us know how you make out! www.ebay.com/itm/144370018829 See you on the road some day!

[@jimsoque4380]

Eric: what did you end up getting? I just saw these: www.ebay.com/itm/145153064886?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=WPEBgYcMQHG&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=q_cJHHKOR3G&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=SMS

[@jimmccrain8423]

What model Tank Bag is that?

[@jimsoque4380]

Hi Jim: Thanks for the inquiry, it’s a City Bag from SW Motech, in Everett, RI. Here’s that link: twistedthrottle.com/shop/luggage/tank-bags-accessories/tank-bags/sw-motech-evo-city-tank-bag-w-tank-ring/ It comes with the all important “Tank Ring”, so make sure they know your model and year of bike! Take care and see you out there some day ! Jim S

[@32bituser]

LINKS, dammit...

[@barrettbarrett640]

Are you smoking cigarette?

[@jimsoque4380]

Hey Barrett: Not in the least!

[@georgeconnelly7958]

This is a parody! Nobody would do all that nonsense.

[@jimsoque4380]

I respect any MC rider George, even if you ride just around town!

[@thanabalanperumal9107]

Unnecessary accessories 😂

[@weekendstogies4980]

This bike is setup for iron but rides, the accessories make life easier on the road

[@jimsoque4380]

Aloha Sandman: thanks for the comment and glad You enjoyed. Just a quick search on eBay for the 12RTLC 14+ shows these: www.ebay.com/itm/133683056650 Hope you get them soon; they will absolutely make your ride complete!

[@advasquezsr]

what are those things on the outside of your mirrors?

[@jimsoque4380]

Hey David, Good question! They are a rear facing mirror turn indicators wired to the front turn indicators . When I’m in traffic And want to signal to change lanes, often the car slightly behind you cannot see your intentions because they may be in front of your rear facing turn signal. Having one on the mirror ends let’s them see you intend to change lanes. It’s just one of these with double stick tape as a mount. www.ebay.com/itm/386096389861?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=7vmfcwhlqhy&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=q_cJHHKOR3G&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Inexpensive and will probably save your life one day! Thanks for asking!

[@patrickmcmurtry5398]

@@jimsoque4380Awesome idea, thank you! BTW, I happen to like the extra accessories you’ve added to your bike, and thanks for sharing! Much appreciated.