I was looking for a better way to pack the R1200GSA more efficiently while shedding a little weight in the process. Bikes like the GS have removable pillion seats intended to free up space for gear on solo rides. However, even when the pillion seat is removed, there’s a lot of excess metal and plastic framework taking up space and adding weight.

Black Dog Cycle Works (BDCW) is famous for their “take no prisoners” ADV bike armor designs, especially amongst riders known to terrorize the backcountry. But they also make other products following that same ultra-tough philosophy. One of their latest is the Helo Pad (as in “helicopter landing pad”) for the BMW R1200GS family. The name is derivative of the size of the rack—it’s HUGE! It replaces the rear rack as well as the pillion seat, filling the entire space with a single, neat ’n’ clean, “helicopter landing pad size” mounting platform.

Removing the pillion seat, rails and other frame parts provides a little more room while shaving off weight, too. The Helo Pad then provides a single large flat surface, loaded with tie-down points as well as grab handles. It took about 30 minutes to make the conversion, but only about 15 to put it all back. Because I rarely ride with a pillion, it’s more convenient to leave the bike set up this way.

The Helo Pad is all business. Compatible with all known hard or soft pannier systems, it’s tough, lighter than the parts it replaces, and provides a whole lot more packing options. For example, when you need to haul extra water or fuel, the Helo Pad is predrilled for the RotopaX mount. Even better, there are 14 possible locations—either lengthwise or across the bike—for the various container sizes (1, 1.75 and 2 gallons).

For extremists, the Helo Pad also comes predrilled for the WARN XT17 winch carrying plate. The plate can be installed in two different positions—towards the front or the rear of the bike. Rear racks (both stock and aftermarket) are tiny by comparison. And many don’t have adequate tie down points or the slots are too narrow to easily accept the industry-standard ROK Straps. Not so with the Helo Pad.

The Helo Pad is made from a solid piece of 1/4-inch aluminum, super tough with a Type 2 anodized durable black finish. And, as you might expect from BDCW, it does double duty as armor. When might that be of value? Over the last year I’ve witnessed two flipped bikes whose rear ends were saved from far more extensive damage by BDCW rear racks. That’s not the kind of thing you typically think about, but it’s definitely a bonus.

If you’re looking to squeeze the absolute maximum out of your gear packing efficiency, BDCW’s Helo Pad is a product you’ll want to consider. MSRP: $315 BlackDogCW.com

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