2011 Factory Low Suspension R1200GS, any negatives to this setup?

[MikeS]

Friend is considering an 2011 R1200GS and has found one he likes but it is a factory low suspension model.

At 5'8" he doesn't really need it to be the low suspension model but he could make it work with a standard or high seat.

So the question is, does the low suspension setup compromise the bike in some way, I assume there must be less suspension travel and therefore it would be less able to deal with rough ground than the standard bike.

Does any know what BMW actually do to the bike to achieve the lower suspension setup and what the compromises are?

Thanks

 

[Shep]

Shorter front and rear shocks, along with shorter centre and side stands I think.

 

[Ted]

We have 2 GS 1200 one, mine standard and Sues is the lowered version. No negatives at all except not having the electricary type suspension available, some may think that a plus . Both bikes carry similar loads, same pannier set up etc when we go touring although Sue is a couple of stone lighter to start with Have been down a few forest tracks and the like over the years and she always keeps up, think she lets me stay in front so she can keep an eye on me..
No issues with lack of travel or comfort. I ride both bikes and no real difference in how they perform or handle in everyday use, if anything I would say the lowered bike has a nicer more supple ride than my electric adjustable version. As to what's done think its shorter shocks, springs plus lower seat and shorter main and side stand otherwise everything else is as standard GS. You can get all the extras and factory fitted stuff exept as i said electric adjustable suspension, you can get it on the new GSLC I understand. Must say the standard lowered seat was thrown in favour of a Sargent lowered one as it has an lack of any padding.

 

[MikeS]

We have 2 GS 1200 one, mine standard and Sues is the lowered version. No negatives at all except not having the electricary type suspension available, some may think that a plus . Both bikes carry similar loads, same pannier set up etc when we go touring although Sue is a couple of stone lighter to start with Have been down a few forest tracks and the like over the years and she always keeps up, think she lets me stay in front so she can keep an eye on me..
No issues with lack of travel or comfort. I ride both bikes and no real difference in how they perform or handle in everyday use, if anything I would say the lowered bike has a nicer more supple ride than my electric adjustable version. As to what's done think its shorter shocks, springs plus lower seat and shorter main and side stand otherwise everything else is as standard GS. You can get all the extras and factory fitted stuff exept as i said electric adjustable suspension, you can get it on the new GSLC I understand. Must say the standard lowered seat was thrown in favour of a Sargent lowered one as it has an lack of any padding.

A response from someone who has both, perfect, thanks.

 

[Wilsdorf]

I'd say our lowered TC GS feels sportier than my ESA equipped TC

 

[Bendy toy]

Why cant we have fast acting ride height so we all get the best of both worlds? It would be more useful than ESA and surely no more costly.