Height Issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter syngeon
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syngeon

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Hi,
Well, just had my Transalp nicked. So, I'm now thinking about switching sides to the Beamers.
My question is about height. I'm very tall (6 7), and the transalp seemed ideal. I've never ridden a GS, how are they for tall lads like myself? Are they much different to the Transalp?
Thought I'd try here, saves me getting the effing bus to the BMW dealership.
 
Syngeon,

Sounds like you were made for the 1200ADV mate, when you get the chance to try one make sure that the seat is in the high position.

At 6' 7" you will fit it just fine and you will not feel as if you are riding a kids bike.
 
Hello. Depends on how much you want to spend but the 1150 and 1200 Adventure's are probably about as tall a bike as you'll get. If you fit a corbin seat which is wider that will take up even more of you're leg length:)
You can also get footpeg lowering kits for all of the GS range:thumb2
 
It's the first time I've ever seen this as a worry for GS ownership, normally the other way round. :nenau

Get and Adventure and put a footpeg lowering kit on it, there are bar risers and taller screens too if you need them. The GS world is full of you lanky types ;)
 
Not too tall

My mates son is 6ft 10ins and he rides a 1200GS. He and his wife tour Europe with no problems.

Except getting his leg over the Top Box
 
Great, thanks very much for the advice, really useful. To be honest, I'm thinking about the 650. I don't want a bike that's too heavy (I'm wanting to ride it to South Africa, and anticipate lots of offroading). Also, I'd rather pay for the carnet de passage in one go, and there's a big difference between 2grand and 5500ish. What do you think? Is there much difference between the 650 and the 1150/1200s?
 
I'm just shy of 6ft & rode about 70,000 miles on 650GS's. It wasnt very comfortable for me personally. I just found it too cramped up & suffered a lot from neck pains. (I guess an addon screen would of fixed that but it was a company bike). Ours were standard F650GS's but we added the Dakar version seat to increase the height. Still not perfect but better. At your height though I think you will be able to get your knee down on the straights. Oh I just thought I would add that a footpeg lowering kit would probably not be good on a 650 either, I kept catching mine on corners as standard (that & the centre stand peg)

:D
 
If it's the 650 single that you're looking at I think that you'll need a Dakar at your height. Even then you may feel cramped for distance road work.

Why not just get another Transalp:nenau
 
buy an 1100,get a good one for roughly the same price,I am slightly shorter than you but have legs like aflamingo,650 is torture and you will die of boredom on the tarmac cheers
 
Just right!

The GSA must be the right bike for you; I am a midget of 6'1" and it looked a bit daunting although I was tempted but settled for the less imposing and lower standard GS.
 
I'm 6' 7" as well and have had my GSA for 4 weeks now. The screen isn't quite tall enough (doesn't bother me too much at the moment) and the seat is a bit uncomfortable after 100 miles or so, but apart from that it is the perfect size for me.

Best go and just try one.

Lanky
 
".....What do you think? Is there much difference between the 650 and the 1150/1200s?......." There are very few similarities -and they represent a completely different approach ( from different factories) to the 'same' problem - which we assume is off-road motorcycling. The 650 is a lovely little bike but if you are over 6' I would suggest that it will be too cramped. Of all the GS's I would think that the 800 is the best IF you really do want to spend time off road ( but don't think that it is a lightweight version of the 1200's - it is still over 200 kg with a full tank.) If you want a multipurpose bike (and I suggest that most of us don't really know what we want until we find out what our current bike is capable of) then the 1200's are a better bet. The GSA is a really imposing machine but perhaps a little over the top for shopping trips.
 
I think I would be looking at the 800 for your trip. It has a 21 inch front wheel and is quite tall as standard. TT will no doubt be along with lower footrests, bar risers etc to make it fit. Not sure about whether the seat is adjustable.

You don't say whether you're intending riding alone. The 800 would also be alot easier to pick up in the unlikely event...
 


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