GS - Width & Side Passageway Clearance

[gruver]

I have a query that I am hoping you may be able to help me with.

I have an R850R and I’m hoping to buy a R1200GS (2007/2008) in the next year or so. I’m about to convert my garage and build an extension to the side of my house. As I’m going to lose the garage, my bikes are going to have to go into a shed that I will build in the back garden. This will mean taking the bikes through a narrow side passageway.

In order for the extension to be viable I need to reduce the width of the existing side passageway as much as possible. However, I still need to get the bikes through the passageway so it has to be wide enough to accommodate a few small bikes, an R850R and a R1200GS. According to the spec sheets for the BMW’s the respective widths (including mirrors) are 940mm and 915mm.

My architect (and wife!) is currently proposing a side passageway that (at its narrowest) will measure approximately 1000mm so I will have very little clearance for the BMW’s. I was wondering if any members have had similar experience? Is 1000mm enough for a GS? This is a real case of measure twice and cut once and I just want to make sure I get it right.

 

[Andy_E]

I've not measured mine to check BM's measurements but I'd have thought it would be uncomfortably tight and you'd probably only be able to paddle/ride the bike through the passageway and not have scope to push it if required.

 

[MattW]

As with Andy, my gut feeling is that 1000mm is tight - you'll need more than that to stand next to the bike and push it.

Also, not sure if you'll have to take a turn out of the passage, but if you do, you'll find it even tighter...

If you go for it, get used to scuffed bar ends

 

[wildbeeste]

Many moons ago I used to park a suzuki GT500 behind a portakabin every day. The gap to get behind the kabin was very tight. I used to slowly drive the bike down there - paddling - well actually pushing off both the walls with my feet and elbows and even my shoulders as I wobbled down there.
It was not a pleasant experience although I got used to it. I do not think I ever drove down without actually touching the wall with either the bike or my body.
Walking it was even less pleasant as the engine and exhaust were hot and once in the gap you could not turn around very easily.
One of my colleagues used to put his push bike in the same place. He slipped over and trod on the wheel and got his foot stuck in the spokes. He had to take his boot off to extract his foot. It was raining (hard) at the time

 

[gruver]

Thanks for advice and comments. Thankfully there are no corners and I'll easily be able to turn at either end of the passage way. I'd planned on very slowly paddling/riding through. If 1,000mm is a bit tight I may be able to stretch it to 1,020mm which would give a further 10cm (3 inches) clearence each side. It would still be tight but might be more manageable. I reckon the widest part is the mirrors followed by the brake/clutch calipers followed (very marginally) by the handlebars. I'll happily live with the scuffed bar ends!

 

[talonfs]

Hate to point out that 1020 will only give an extra 10mm each side (just under half and inch) which would still make it tight

 

[gruver]

Well spotted. I meant 1,200mm!

I understand that the 2004/2005 model is 915mm wide (incl. mirrors). The 2008 model is slightly wider at 940mm.

At 1,200mm, assuming a bike width of 940mm, I'll have 13cm clearance either side. I reckon that is enough as it is about the width of your hand.

 

[WindyChuffer]

I'd say 1200mm was enough, given that its a straight passage. I see no reason why you couldn't drive it in, whilst paddling with your feet.

In time I'm sure you'll ride it in with feet on pegs.

Buy some 6 x 4 sheets of any board from a timber merchant - very cheap, and make a mock up wall supported by some simple & cheap stud work. Get a 1200GS on a test drive. Try it. Much cheaper than getting your extension measurements wrong... You'd only need 6 boards to simulate an 18ft long passageway (3 on each side).

 

[(RIP) Proff]

I'd say 1200mm was enough, given that its a straight passage. I see no reason why you couldn't drive it in, whilst paddling with your feet.

In time I'm sure you'll ride it in with feet on pegs.

Buy some 6 x 4 sheets of any board from a timber merchant - very cheap, and make a mock up wall supported by some simple & cheap stud work. Get a 1200GS on a test drive. Try it. Much cheaper than getting your extension measurements wrong... You'd only need 6 boards to simulate an 18ft long passageway (3 on each side).

1200mm
Half the mad buggers on here would wheelie through a gap that wide

 

[WindyChuffer]

1200mm
Half the mad buggers on here would wheelie through a gap that wide

Agree.

In which case, it should be set up at the next Hog Roast, and the challenge set !

Prize for the best controlled wheelie.

 

[Red Rock]

I have a gap of just under 1000mm to get through my side gate, which on paper is ok, but to be honest it's a bit of a pain. - If you don't line up spot on it means realigning and wiggling the bars to get through, and then then the odd scrape on the mirrors - that;s just to get the widest part (mirrors) past the gate-post. I think youd regret it having to fanny about over a longer distance every time you wanted to get in/out. Tell the wife she can't have a dishwasher and give yourself another 6" to be clear.

 

[gruver]

Many thanks Red Rock. Exactly the worthwhile sort of anectodtal experience I was looking for. If you can make do with 1,000mm I reckon 1,200mm, although not ideal, will at least work!

Anyway with any luck I'll get something sorted. In the long-run the hassle and a few replacement mirrors and bar ends will be cheaper than years of misery from the wife ;-)

 

[North]

What looks good of paper, does not work out in real life.

I had to take a dirt bike along a narrow walkway to the backyard and it was just a big pain. You want to go with wider rather than narrow.

But you have to keep your wife happy too.

 

[PhilBolton]

I built a wall out from my garage, between the back garden and the drive, and put gateways in to allow bike passage.
The pics show the narrow one, at 1170mm, and the bike fits through comfortably, although I did scuff a side case once, but that was down to not approaching the gap square-on and trying to pass through in a big long arcing turn.
So, at 1200mm I think you should be OK, though you may want to take the boxes off first.
Also I would say that the ground should be firm and smooth, so as not to kick the front wheel sideways.

Phil

 

[nick.ct]

Building a garage at the moment and have allowed 1200mm between it and the garden wall. Means you can walk a bike down the gap as well. Might have been possible to save a few mm but why?

Nick