Since I've been riding my 2017 BMW R1200GSA, one question keeps coming up: is it really necessary to add auxiliary lights?
Like many GS owners, I'm hesitant. On the one hand, I want to be more visible during the day and see better at night (or on dirt roads). On the other, there's the cost, the complexity of installation, and the risk of "overloading" an already well-equipped motorcycle.
I haven't installed anything yet. But after reading, comparing, and discussing a lot, I have a pretty clear idea. Here's my analysis, without mincing words.
The pros… and cons
Why it's worthwhile:
- During the day, well-designed auxiliary lights (especially in DRL mode) make the motorcycle significantly more visible. On secondary roads or in town, it really makes a difference.
- At night or off-road, the R1200GSA's original headlight quickly shows its limitations. Powerful auxiliary lights widen the field of vision and add depth.
- With a good CANbus controller, you maintain clean and intelligent operation (variable intensity, synchronization with low/high beams, etc.).
Why you might hesitate:
- The price. A premium kit plus installation easily exceeds €1,200–€1,600.
- Installation isn't straightforward on a CANbus motorcycle. Without the correct controller, you risk errors or a makeshift wiring job.
- In France, you have to stay within the regulations: approved lights, correct orientation, and above all, no strobe mode (prohibited).
- Aesthetically, it changes the front of the motorcycle. Some like it, others less so.
Personally, I lean towards "yes," provided you choose a truly good kit and have it installed properly.
Denali D7 Pro or Lone Rider MTL-9?
These are currently the two most frequently mentioned premium options for GS motorcycles. Here's what I've learned:
Denali D7 Pro
- Approximately 23,800 lumens per pair
- Dual-beam design (independent spot and flood beams)
- X-Lens system: easily change the color of the center beam (white, amber, selective yellow)
- Deep integration with the Denali CANsmart system
- Specific kits for the R1200/R1250 GS and GSA, truly plug & play
Lone Rider MTL-9
- Approximately 23,200 lumens per pair
- Longer advertised range (up to 700 m)
- Adjustable white/amber DRL ring
- Often simpler wiring (sometimes a single circuit is sufficient)
- Very good performance in real-world conditions
Both are excellent. The Lone Rider lights impress with their range and simplicity. The Denali lights win out in modularity, BMW integration, and the "complete system" aspect.
Why I chose the Denali D7 Pro
Several very concrete reasons:
- Installation at my BMW dealership. This is the deciding factor. Denali kits (especially the bundles with CANsmart and specific brackets) are well-known and regularly installed by BMW dealerships and specialized workshops. I much prefer entrusting this to people who know the R1200GSA perfectly rather than looking for a workshop less familiar with the brand.
- Integration and Upgradability: With CANsmart, I have the flexibility to add a horn or brake light later without having to start from scratch.
- Flexibility of Use: Being able to quickly adapt the beam pattern to the weather or road conditions (amber in foggy conditions, for example) is a real plus in my opinion.
- Reputation and Support: Denali has been a reliable brand in the adventure riding world for years. Parts and support are readily available.
The Lone Rider lights remain an excellent alternative, especially if you prioritize simple wiring or maximum range. But in my case, the ease of installation at BMW and the overall integration tip the scales.
But are they really necessary?
That's the question I'm still asking myself.
The R1200GSA already comes with decent standard lighting. Auxiliary lights are a real plus… especially if you ride regularly at night. However, I rarely ride after dark. So, do the increased daytime safety (better visibility) and occasional nighttime comfort really justify the investment and modification of the motorcycle?
I haven't made a final decision yet. For now, I'm leaning towards yes, but with this caveat in mind. Perhaps requesting a detailed quote will help me see things more clearly.
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