BMW Motorcycles R1200GS | DOIN’ TIME

WRIST: Aaron Frank
MSRP (2013): $19,520
MILES: 8,780
MPG: 42
MODS:** AltRider luggage system, RotopaX fuel pack
UPDATE: 13

The magic power of farkling has transformed my standard BMW R1200GS into a credible copy of the up-spec R1200GS Adventure in all areas but one: fuel capacity. The 5.3-gallon tank delivers a usable range of around 220 miles, which is more than adequate for most riding but no match for the 330-mile range provided by the Adventure's voluminous, 7.9-gallon bladder should you be aiming for the Yukon or beyond.

Short of mounting the bigger R1200GS Adventure tank—technically possible but hardly cheap or easy—the best option for adding range is an auxiliary fuel container. RotopaX fuel packs (also available to carry water or any other liquid) are the BMW GS of portable containers, fit with sure-seal gaskets and rotationally molded from extra-thick, colorfast, leak-proof plastic that makes these strong enough to run over with a truck. Seriously. Available in 1- to 4-gallon sizes, the 1.75-gallon pack ( altrider.com ; $65) gives me a 75-mile safety margin.

RotopaX’s deluxe mount ($34.95) includes a base that can be bolted to nearly any rear rack or other flat surface. I chose instead to install AltRider’s luggage system ($370) that’s predrilled for the RotopaX mount, making the base redundant and letting the fuel pack ride more securely. Consisting of a separate rear rack and pillion rack, AltRider’s modular system is a cool, clean, and variable-configuration setup. The rear rack can either be mounted as an extender atop the factory rack, or it can be mounted in a “low” position where it replaces the factory rack and grab rails entirely. This latter position, when used in conjunction with the pillion rack that replaces the passenger seat with even more racking area, provides a very large, secure, and useful payload space for any adventure.

The luggage system is made in America from laser-cut 3/16-inch aluminum sheet and comes in anodized silver or black finishes. Fasteners are all flush-mount, the mounting is very simple, without requiring brackets or adaptor plates, and there are too many tie-down points to count. The pillion rack includes a pin that attaches using the factory seat latch, so you can remove it with the twist of the key to access underseat storage or reinstall the passenger pad.

More carrying capacity and additional fuel? It’s enough to make me want to plan one more long trip before winter returns.