End can and sat nav

Bought this one new in March 2015.  It was a TE variation with some extras.  From memory the TE came with spotlights, all the 5 driving modes (Dyno, Road, Rain, Enduro and Endure Pro) and possibly something else I've forgotten.  The extra already fitted was the quick-shifter.  

Dealer had it in the showroom and it was close enough for me to be happy with the spec I would have chosen.  Only meant a 1 week wait before I took delivery.  125 bhp water cooled job.  Added the optional end can and sat nav.

Didn't like or want the boxes so had the rear scaffolding taken off also.

V-Stream

One of the problems from the previous GSA (and being 6'1") was a bit of buffeting on the top of my head.  Thought I'd get in quick and get a taller screen early on and ended up with this variation courtesy of Nippy Normans.  It did a job but not quite good enough to deflect the breeze as I would have wanted.  It also looks a bit too big.  Ended up putting the original back on.

BMW Screen and Touratech Guards

I thought the tinted screen looked better than the clear one.  Also fitted some Touratech radiator guards fairly early on.

Added protection

Not sure I'll ever feel the benefits but looks OK and certainly cheaper to replace than a new headlight.  It's a quick release jobbie which is great for cleaning but not so good for security.

Nice if you like 'Touratech' logos

Think these items are a little more sturdy than the originals but don't think there is much in it.  I like them because they are a bit different to standard and have a bit of writing on them. They work OK for deflecting weather and encroaching hedge rows.  Think if I was doing anything more serious I might check out alternative options like Bark Busters. Touratech say their lack of metal frame mean you can bend them back in place although can't help thinking a metal frame will give added protection if you hit something at speed.

Time for some off road upgrades

Thought a bigger sump guard would be a good idea if I was going to try a bit more rough road adventuring.

Brilliant add on

It's a big thing but not out of place on a  big bike.  Definitely makes resting the bike on soft surfaces more secure and confidence inspiring. Not too expensive and easy to fit.

Good for taller riders

My ABT off road training made it clear being stooped over the front end wasn't the best.  Standing upright and being comfy means some bar risers.  The Touratech 25mm jobs means a simple bolt on without re-routing cables.  Think the 40mm would have ben best but 25mm OK.  The 40's need some re-routing of cables otherwise full lock is difficult - see articles on YouTube.

Off road tyres (sort of)

Michelin Anakee III came as standard but after some off road training decided to switch to the Contis. Not so mean or aggressive as the more knobby TKC-80 but trade off is more road orientated and in all fairness I do more road than off road.  You can feel the obvious difference from the Anakee.  The Anakee tracks better on the road but the Conti more secure on the rougher stuff.  Both are fine road tyres unless you plan on doing a track day which really isn't what this bike is about.  For me with my B Road run outs with occasional green lanes the Conti is the preferred option.  If I was mile munching on tarmac I'd take the Anakee or see what else was a viable alternative to it.

More for looks than practical application

The GSA isn't a sports bike that encourages you to crouch over the tank so chances of jacket scratches to tank are reduced.  I bought a tank pad anyway., First one was a Touratech job. Was OK but bit small and bit plain.  This awesome tank pad from Motografix wasn't expensive and they provide colour match options which worked well for my green and orange paid job.  3 piece item, quick and easy to buy, deliver and fix.  If you like this sort of thing then I'd recommend this.

Brackets, straps and bags

Wanted something a little more than standard bungee attachments so added some Touratech metal brackets as well as some bungee strap mods and bought a couple of Touratech/Ortleib dry bags.

Compulsory

Did my off road training and 3rd day on my own bike managed to drop it a few times.  The spots (on the GSA anyway) are mounted outside the security of the engine bars (why is this BMW ?).  Anyway makes an aftermarket opportunity for Givi I guess. When I fell off the spots came away from their mountings.  Funny enough didn't damage the screw threads.  Decided more protection required and these Givi options attach to the crash bars and go right round the light.  Yet to test them in anger but certain feel pretty solid.  Only down side with all the protections (great as they are) make a heavy bike even heavier !

More off road protections

The Touratech Hex head bolts round off a bit easy (or is it just me being heavy handed). Had to use some other bits I had lying around.  Why are Torx head bolts so hard to get ? BMW fit them everywhere as standard and they don't round off.

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Anyway, when I fell off doing training I scratched an engine casing (on the loan GS) and also seen clips on YouTube of engine casings getting damaged even with crash bars fitted so thought I'd invest in these.  Not sure how well they will stand up but Touratech stuff is pretty good and they seem solid enough.