F650GS lowering options :)

[Beth]

phooey (the other half) has finally brought me round to the idea of a GS of my own. Problem is I'm very, very petite (4'11&3/4").

Have tried the new F650GS, lowered chassis and lowered seat, felt great (once the forks had been dropped a bit, suspension wound off etc)

I consider this to be my first real year of riding. I'd rather 'find my feet' on a 'used' GS than a brand spanking new one. Am I limited to finding a 'factory lowered' one or can you get a decent lowering kit for the standard model.

Thanks in advance for advice, hope to meet a few of you on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Pish up this summer xx

 

[Tug]

These are what your looking for,

http://www.koubalink.com/bmwdakar.html

plus as above, slide the yokes down the stanchion by an equal amount.

The BMW lowering kit is simply shorter stanchion and a short rear shock 'frame is the same' I would expect the price of BMW parts to be about £500+ Kouba links are around £90.00.

UK Supplier, http://www.xrstuff.co.uk/index.htm

Click Products then Chassis then Lowering links the BMW links are at the bottom of the page.

I have a 28 inside leg and have a 1"" lower one fitted to my 02 F650GS and with a standard seat all is well, you could always fit a lowered seat to bring height down even more.

The standard side stand works ok but the main stand requires a fair bit of backwards lift and pull to work.

Tony

 

[Johnny Boy]

+1 for Koubalinks

We fitted them to my wife's F650GS . Easy to fit , then dropped the forks down a touch to match and all was good. As the post above, getting the bike on the centre stand can be a bit of a challenge but apart from that it was a really cost effective & easy to reverse mod.

John

 

[Beth]

Just had a quick look at those links, really helpful, thank you

Just phoned phoo, we'll have a serious look this evening (he'll know a lot more about it all than I do)

 

[Melanie Cheeks]

Welcome aboard!

I'm 5 foot 2, and on my second lowered 650. The first one was done with Kuba links, which as people have said makes it tricky to put on centre stand. I then switched to just a low Wunderlich seat, which was a wee bit tippy-toe stuff. My new bike is factory lowered, and I feel really comfortable on it with feet down.

So, lots of options and combinations to consider - have fun!

 

[VAL. H.]

phooey (the other half) has finally brought me round to the idea of a GS of my own. Problem is I'm very, very petite (4'11&3/4").

Have tried the new F650GS, lowered chassis and lowered seat, felt great (once the forks had been dropped a bit, suspension wound off etc)

I consider this to be my first real year of riding. I'd rather 'find my feet' on a 'used' GS than a brand spanking new one. Am I limited to finding a 'factory lowered' one or can you get a decent lowering kit for the standard model.

Thanks in advance for advice, hope to meet a few of you on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Pish up this summer xx

Hi Beth,

Welcome aboard. As has already been said, the Kouba links make it easy to lower a standard 650GS (these do not fit the newer model 650 twin) However don't be tempted to fit the 2" kit to the standard bike. It won't corner properly if you do.

When adjusting the front forks, you'll need to drop the front by 25-30mm to keep the steering. This can have an effect on mudguard clearance from the radiator. It is possible to do an internal lowering mod (also inexpensive) to prevent them hitting anything they shouldn't.

There are two seats made for the 650gs Standard/Low (fitted to 650gs) and Hi (fitted to the Dakar) it is possible to get Touratech or Wunderlich low seats, but these are very expensive (£250-£300) and don't really do much.

One of the secrets to riding these bikes for the smaller person is to invest in a pair of enduro style motorcycle boots (not motocross boots as they tend to be too stiff) as the thicker sole will make it easier to reach the ground. Which in turn gives you more confidence when riding.


Good luck, see you at the 3 Peaks

Val.

 

[Hustler]

Hi Beth,

............ One of the secrets to riding these bikes for the smaller person is to invest in a pair of enduro style motorcycle boots (not motocross boots as they tend to be too stiff) as the thicker sole will make it easier to reach the ground. Which in turn gives you more confidence when riding....Val.

Welcome Beth,
Just wanted to add that I do use motocross boots and find them totally fine so what suits one person doesn't neccessarily suit another.
Enjoy.

 

[Beth]

Thanks for such a helpful, friendly response on here! Tbh I've had a closer look at this now (only had a min earlier today)!

Had noticed the 2" Koubalinks aren't really an option for the standard bike (shame 'cos I'd prolly need the maximum)!

On the new twin the step length goes from 1820mm (standard), to 1780mm with the lowered seat, to 1710mm then with the lowered chassis. That appears to be an overall difference of 11cm (about 4 and a half inches), I needed every bit of it plus the forks dropping to get toes down

It may be that the factory lowered bike is the only choice, they appear to be getting quite a bit of difference out of the lowered chassis. Does anyone know, could we get the same difference out of the chassis on the standard bike with the options posted?

Thanks for the suggestions on the boots, I ride the little ducati tippy toes, so have the Lady Star Daytona boots already

Not being flippant, genuinely appreciate everyone's advice, the GS is definitely the right next step, so there'll be a way round things if we're determined, as I said, thanks everyone xx

 

[VAL. H.]

Thanks for such a helpful, friendly response on here! Tbh I've had a closer look at this now (only had a min earlier today)!

Had noticed the 2" Koubalinks aren't really an option for the standard bike (shame 'cos I'd prolly need the maximum)!

On the new twin the step length goes from 1820mm (standard), to 1780mm with the lowered seat, to 1710mm then with the lowered chassis. That appears to be an overall difference of 11cm (about 4 and a half inches), I needed every bit of it plus the forks dropping to get toes down

It may be that the factory lowered bike is the only choice, they appear to be getting quite a bit of difference out of the lowered chassis. Does anyone know, could we get the same difference out of the chassis on the standard bike with the options posted?

Thanks for the suggestions on the boots, I ride the little ducati tippy toes, so have the Lady Star Daytona boots already

Not being flippant, genuinely appreciate everyone's advice, the GS is definitely the right next step, so there'll be a way round things if we're determined, as I said, thanks everyone xx

The Ducati Monster is significantly higher than a lowered 650 single. Also the 1" lowering link will be easily enough for you if you have anything over a 28" inside leg possibly less. With a 29" inside leg the rider can ride a standard 650 with just the forks lowered a little.

We should perhaps discover exactly which of the 650's your thinking of getting.

The 650 Single 'made between 2000 & 2007' which all of the above information is aimed at or...

The 650 Twin 'made from 2008'

The single can be lowered to fit you easily and cheaply, as described above.

However the 650 Twin will only fit you if you buy a factory lowered model, as it can only be lowered the expensive way, by fitting a shortened rear shock and the shorter forks.

There is a plus side to this though. In the second hand market the lowered bikes tend to be worth a little less money. Simply because the demand for the low bikes is lower. The difficult part is finding one.

Hope this clears things up for you.

Val.

 

[oblertone]

I was ...

... because the demand for the low bikes is lower. The difficult part is finding one.

... in complete agreement right up until this statement; which doesn't appear to make sense

Just to emphasise that Kouba don't make a lowering link for the F650GS Twin; I know because we asked

Jaq (on here) now has a lowered F650GS Twin, with a low seat, to replace her lowered F650GS Single with a low seat; the seat height on both bikes is the same. PM her for more details

 

[VAL. H.]

... in complete agreement right up until this statement; which doesn't appear to make sense

I noticed this last autum when we were looking at the twins. It's simply because there are less people looking for the lowered bikes equaling a lower demand and therefore price.

Val.

 

[Spear Ruler]

Hi Beth Welcome
I am 5' 2" and ride a F650 GS single. It has lowered suspension front and lower seat, nothing on back. It is my first bike and I passed my test a couple of months ago on it. I am a little tippy toed well ball of foot rather than full foot but am quite used to it but do drop it when don't realise that there is a camber and on a hill at a garage or the occasional junction. I have got better at anticipating these as I have gained riding experience. That said I sat on the new 650GS twin at Bike show which was factory lowered - feet full on floor but did feel a bit unusual after my own. Will get the opportunity to try one next month and will have to make a decision next year when changing my bike.

Best of luck with your search and safe riding
Geraldine

 

[Beth]

We should perhaps discover exactly which of the 650's your thinking of getting.

The 650 Single 'made between 2000 & 2007' which all of the above information is aimed at or...

The 650 Twin 'made from 2008'

The single can be lowered to fit you easily and cheaply, as described above.

That's encouraging and very, very, helpful, thank you. Of course I want the twin........but we're being sensible! The power etc is irrelevant at this stage (I ride the ducati for now for that kind of fun). Machine handling to a decent standard is more what I'm interested in and I'd really prefer to get a very good 'grip' of the GS on an older bike initially. We do a lot of touring and the ducati isn't really the right bike for that in the longer term (not even this year really).

So, the older standard single, can we 'safely' get the chassis as low as bmw have managed on the factory lowered twin?

Jaq (on here) now has a lowered F650GS Twin, with a low seat, to replace her lowered F650GS Single with a low seat; the seat height on both bikes is the same. PM her for more details

Spot on, really decent of you to post that. I need to know the specific differences/similarities between the models. Interesting your thinking on the supply versus demand too, thank you xx

 

[Beth]

Hi Beth Welcome
I am 5' 2" and ride a F650 GS single. It has lowered suspension front and lower seat, nothing on back. I am a little tippy toed well ball of foot rather than full foot ....... That said I sat on the new 650GS twin at Bike show which was factory lowered - feet full on floor
Geraldine

Now we're getting to it xx

Brill post, thank you. Yep, you have over two inches on me. I'm used to riding 'ballerina toes' (we had to find the right ducati monster for me, the models vary considerably)! You are saying the new factory lowered twin is definitely lower, I just reached a toe on that! If that's the case, it wouldn't be worthwhile 'doing a deal' on a more common older single, may not even get a toe down once we try and lower it. Whereabouts are you, what I really need is to sit on a few

 

[oblertone]

I know it's a way off ...

... but Jaq's bike will be at Llangollen and the Hograost and she's got quite used to ladies trying it for size

 

[Jaq]

Beth....welcome....as Paul (oblertone) says, if you're at either Llangollythingy or the Hograost, you're more than welcome to try mine out.....if that's not too long to wait that is!!!!....

 

[Spear Ruler]

Now we're getting to it xx

Brill post, thank you. Yep, you have over two inches on me. I'm used to riding 'ballerina toes' (we had to find the right ducati monster for me, the models vary considerably)! You are saying the new factory lowered twin is definitely lower, I just reached a toe on that! If that's the case, it wouldn't be worthwhile 'doing a deal' on a more common older single, may not even get a toe down once we try and lower it. Whereabouts are you, what I really need is to sit on a few

Be delighted to let you try out my bike but unfortunately unless you are considering some of the Irish weekend events it could be a bit difficult. The only trip I have planned off the island this year is to Scotland in May. Best of luck

Geraldine

 

[Beth]

Beth....welcome....as Paul (oblertone) says, if you're at either Llangollythingy or the Hograost, you're more than welcome to try mine out.....if that's not too long to wait that is!!!!....

Was a bit shy to just pm you out of the blue, but that's a genuinely kind offer, thank you. We'll hopefully be riding GS's for a long time, a little wait to get the right one shouldn't be any real hardship xx

Be delighted to let you try out my bike but unfortunately unless you are considering some of the Irish weekend events it could be a bit difficult. The only trip I have planned off the island this year is to Scotland in May. Best of luck

Geraldine

That really did make me smile, we're a family of irish farmers!

We won't be over this spring........ only 'cos they're all over to us instead for the Grand National

Might bump into you in Scotland in May, if the weather's fine, we'll be riding up there regularly weekends xx

 

[Funners]

Hi Ya Beth, nice to see you over here...

 

[moody]

Hi beth - I hope you are keeping the 696 as well!

You are welcome to try my 650 - it as a lowered seat, but not lowered (but I am in Southampton so I guess it is too far)

Anne ( AKA Singletrack UKMOC)