Ok.... in my opinion
for 99% road touring you'll need...
- Front mudguard fender extender. To keep heavy road debrit off your engine case
- Rear Mudsling Guard to protect the rear shock
- MachineArt X-head Engine Guards. To protect the cylinder heads if topple over.
- Motographix fuel tank gel graphics. To protect paint from scratches.
- Lizardskins neoprene large chainstay protector. To keep stonechips off your centre stand cross bar.
- Rallye BMW frame protector. To keep boot scratches off frame paintwork.
- Radiator Guards. To stop stones cracking your radiators.
What you don't need.....
Don't bother with the following:-
a) Engine remap or expensive exhaust systems, you wont get anything significant from this except better fueling and noise.
b) Bigger skid plate and engine bars. Unless you ride over rocks.
c) Headlight guard. From factory the lens is strengthened and we don't hear of anybody smashing headlight lenses.
d) Jet washing your bike. The caustic acid foam wash will strip any wax or protective coating on your paintwork. The paint is waterbased and porous and will allow water through to rust metal underneath. Do wax it with car polish to protect it.
e) Ride your bike through winter salt. This is the fastest way to corrode all the metalwork and alloy bolts on your bike. Use ACF50 treatment at the very least.
f) Carrying side panniers everywhere. You might think it looks cool, but it doesn't.
Considerations.......
i) Buy physical security for your bike. Garage ground anchor, Pragmasis security chain and lock. Roadlok or disc lock for short stay parking. NEVER leave it unlocked anywhere. Thieves will have it away in less than 2 minutes. Yes, be paranoid about it.
ii) Hex Ez-can. A canbus integrated power controller for accessories like extra lights, cameras, air horn, more brake lights etc
iii) GS Alloy Wheels. Better than spokes, easier to clean, less maintenance, 90 degree valves, lighter, ideal for road use.
iv) Camera system front and rear. Capture your epic moments, and no dispute insurance claims.