Ground clearance an issue with factory lowered GS

[GSgirl]

Hi - I've so far managed with my GS with the low seat but I so like the option of having the seat in the normal position for once, be able to comfortably reach the handle bars. Like a lot of girls, my inseam is enough but torso hight and strenght can still be a bit of a problem, at 5.5". So I've taken a test ride on the lowered GS and really like the ergonomics. My one query is this: it's 5 cm lower, does that also mean 5 cm less ground clearance? Obviously didn’t notice anything during my short ride, but it may be different in the Alps with inclined roads. If you have one of these and have any experience with this, please let me know if this is a worry. Thanks!!

 

[batman1]

Hi - I've so far managed with my GS with the low seat but I so like the option of having the seat in the normal position for once, be able to comfortably reach the handle bars. Like a lot of girls, my inseam is enough but torso hight and strenght can still be a bit of a problem, at 5.5". So I've taken a test ride on the lowered GS and really like the ergonomics. My one query is this: it's 5 cm lower, does that also mean 5 cm less ground clearance? Obviously didn’t notice anything during my short ride, but it may be different in the Alps with inclined roads. If you have one of these and have any experience with this, please let me know if this is a worry. Thanks!!

I have owned both bikes 'lowered' and 'standard' LC's and there really is very little difference in height, you will definitely have no issues at all in the Alps or anywhere else that you are likely to ride. Even when the two bikes are parked next to each other it is very difficult to see the height difference. My brother and I have one of each and ride out regularly and they look the same visually, it's only when you get your leg over the saddle that you feel the subtle difference.

 

[GSgirl]

Thanks batman1. Was hoping for just such a reply!

 

[oldchris]

I rode a factory lowered GS for 5 years and never had a problem. During that time I rode most of the alps passes, Morocco, the Artic Circle and all the countries in between. Recently traded it in for an RT which I am finding a bit tall and heavy, but getting used to it. If the lowed bike fits better then that's the one for you.

 

[Troppo]

A friend has a brand new lowered GS. It looks identical to my standard one...until you sit on it.

 

[batman1]

I don't think that there is as much as 5cm difference in height from the ground to the sump guard, I can measure it the next time my bro and I are out if you like. I know that the actual shocker is only 12mm (1/2'') shorter on the lowered bike, but when you add on the leverage length of the suspension arms this drops the bike a bit more.

I would say the difference between the sump guard and road is not more than 2.5mm. The frames are the same which means that the seat to the foot pegs distance is also the same for both bikes.

Go buy the low bike you will love it!

 

[GSgirl]

That would be cool if you could do that batman1! I'd be very interested to know.

I have every intention of getting one, wrestling at the moment with all options, what to get. What's worth the money (cruise control?) what's not worth it (led head lamp? ride mode pro?) things keep going on and coming off my list!

 

[Steptoe]

but it may be different in the Alps with inclined roads.

Plenty of other vehicles, cars and bikes with a lot less ground clearance ride/drive around the Alps without any problems, including tour buses.

Unless you intend riding over the Alps, off road.

 

[sven]

I considered the lowered version and I'd say there's about 2" difference in seat height. On the lowered version my feet are flat on the floor with knees slightly bent. On the standard version with low seat I'm almost on my tiptoes.

However, I was concerned about the ground clearance when leant over on twisty roads as I ground the mainstand and my boots all the time on my 2009 GS, so went for the standard bike.

Pity the low seat has no padding in it

 

[batman1]

GSgirl please feel free to pm me if you have lowered vs standard bike questions. I have covered 6500 on the standard bike and 5,000 on the lowered bike.

 

[mrtee43]

Have to agree with all that has been said about the low chassis option. Just come back from a 2700 mile tour of France , Germany, Switzerland and Italy doing the Grimsel, Furka, Pordoi and others as well as the Route Napolean.

Ground clearance was never a problem on any road at any time even loaded up with luggage and the riding was "spirited" at times

 

[batman1]

GSgirl, Me and my bro have just put the tape measure under our bikes, we measured from a flat garage floor up to the centreline of the sump guard between the two hex head screws. The bikes were on the same settings at x1 helmet only. The factory lowered bike is exactly 20mm lower than the standard bike at this point. Please take this as definitive.

We both think that you will have more fun on the slightly lowered bike as it will give you that little bit of extra reach when you have to put your foot down on uneven surfaces with a bit of loose gravel, and particularly when you have full luggage.

The frame is the same on both bikes therefore you will find that the seat height mountings vary in height by a similar amount (20mm-ish) give or take a few mm, however changing seats ie low seat vs standard and low mounting vs high mounting gives you a lot of variations to play with. If you find it too low with the low seat on the low setting lift it to the high setting, if you still want it higher you can then fit the standard seat to give you more options. You will end up with more options than you will need.

You should ride a low bike first, but if that is not an option, I suggest that you get the low bike with the low seat and you won't go far wrong, and although the low seat is firmer than the standard seat it is very comfortable, and in my opinion it is the more comfortable seat, well certainly for my backside.

I hope that this helps you in you dilemma!

 

[MartinS]

I have a factory lowered bike and in my opinion you'll have no problems at all. You can get the bike all the way over. You have to contend with less travel on the suspension obviously, but thats only an issue for serious offroading I'd imagine.

 

[stevie Allen]

Also have the factory lowered GS toilet with low seat, I am presently trying cymarc shim things instead of the rubber bung thingies on the seat adjuster, every little helps

 

[GSgirl]

Thanks for the response all! And especially batman1 for measuring the bikes!! I’m definitively going for a factory lowered one now without hesitation. And I so agree with you that the lowered bike gives me a few more options with the seating, that is exactly what I want so I don’t have to sit and lean forward all the time (although this has always saved me from getting a sore bum ). Confidence wise I don’t need to flatfoot this bike, I’ve now tiptoed for nine years on it, but I would like a better fit top side. The new GS seems to have better rider ergonomics.

 

[batman1]

Well done, you will love it!

 

[wknight]

I only ride factory lowered GS, covered some 35,000 miles much on extensive touring and ground clearance is not an issue. I also a instructor on a track so I definitely lean the bike and again never an issue. I think too much is made of the ground clearance and it's a shame because it makes the bikes too tall. If you seriously off road then it might be an issue.

I also wear the Daytona Ladystar boots which raise me an inch as well so I can usually easily get my foot down, enjoy!!!

 

[Elle]

...to comfortably reach the handle bars

Consider buying some bar risers, particularly the type that go back as well as up. I had these on my GS and they made a bigger difference than I expected. Rox do anti-vibration bars too but they are pricey

 

[mcinlb]

I currently have a 2013 GS and have twice had to lay it down through lack of leg length (stop giggling at the back) and yesterday I sat on a dealer lowered GS in the showroom.

May be my next purchase, not quite feet flat on the floor but not far off.