How can I modify my 650GS to max height?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mcbikerider
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mcbikerider

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Hello,

I have a 650GS, standard seat (ie. 820mm height). After trying out the 800GS I really don't see the need to change bikes with one exception: I feel the height of the 800 is far better suited to me than the 650 GS. I am 187cm (6 feet 3) and riding the 650 for more than 2 hours makes my legs numb. Therefore I am looking into how I can increase the height of my 650.

I have looked at changing the seat to something like the TT "high" seat giving me another 2cm. However, the 800 is 6cm higher than the 650, so I don't think this is sufficient. I would like at least another 4 cm.

Any ideas on how to achieve this?

Thanks!
 
other than the seat I have a TT high touring seat, theres the airhawk 2. and or a fleece cover to add height....... Theres the possibility of rear shock adaption and bar risers, Harris suspension quoted to fit an extedded Ohlin (30 odd mm). But I declined that as was not sure of the handling effects after:nenau

I'm happy with height of my bike now.. But going for a standard height Ohlin, with upgrade for my weight....

I think Ohlin are just over the Border for you!

:aidan
 
The difference in height is due to different suspension. The bar/seat/peg dimensions on the two bikes are identical so you would get the same cramping on the F800GS.

The basic solution is to raise the seat either by modifying it, buying a high touring BMW/Touratech version, or by adding an AirHawk saddle. Also try moving around more on the seat.

The latter has the advantage of being able to move it from bike to bike, or deflate it if you want lower seat for offroading.

But obviously a higher seating position will make the standard screen even more useless.

Tim
 
Tim Cullis said:
The difference in height is due to different suspension. The bar/seat/peg dimensions on the two bikes are identical so you would get the same cramping on the F800GS.

Tim
Click to expand...

I didn't know that they were identical, the 800 felt so much more comfortable to ride. But if this is the case I'll go for the TT high touring seat and see how this works out.

And yes, I don't want to start messing around with suspensions etc. :)
 
You could also look at the BMW "Rallye" seat, if you could find a used one.

The other thing you can do is lower the foot pegs, with for example Fastway Foot pegs which can be installed in a low position.
 
Good suggestion. However, as it seems I'll change my 650 for a 800 today (!). I did get a good offer on my 650 and a good price on the 800.

I feel both a little bit sad (for getting rid of my 650) and happy (for the 800). After testing both I really like the 650 just as much (or even more?) than the 800, the only reason for changing bikes is the height. The 800 felt much more comfortable on long trips and I am really looking forward to take her out on gravel roads :)
 
:augie
mcbikerider said:
Good suggestion. However, as it seems I'll change my 650 for a 800 today (!). I did get a good offer on my 650 and a good price on the 800.

I feel both a little bit sad (for getting rid of my 650) and happy (for the 800). After testing both I really like the 650 just as much (or even more?) than the 800, the only reason for changing bikes is the height. The 800 felt much more comfortable on long trips and I am really looking forward to take her out on gravel roads :)
Click to expand...


Turncoat.
 
mcbikerider said:
Hello,

I have a 650GS, standard seat (ie. 820mm height). After trying out the 800GS I really don't see the need to change bikes with one exception: I feel the height of the 800 is far better suited to me than the 650 GS. I am 187cm (6 feet 3) and riding the 650 for more than 2 hours makes my legs numb. Therefore I am looking into how I can increase the height of my 650.

I have looked at changing the seat to something like the TT "high" seat giving me another 2cm. However, the 800 is 6cm higher than the 650, so I don't think this is sufficient. I would like at least another 4 cm.

Any ideas on how to achieve this?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Tim Cullis said:
The difference in height is due to different suspension. The bar/seat/peg dimensions on the two bikes are identical so you would get the same cramping on the F800GS.


Tim
Click to expand...

mcbikerider said:
Good suggestion. However, as it seems I'll change my 650 for a 800 today (!). I did get a good offer on my 650 and a good price on the 800.

I feel both a little bit sad (for getting rid of my 650) and happy (for the 800). After testing both I really like the 650 just as much (or even more?) than the 800, the only reason for changing bikes is the height. The 800 felt much more comfortable on long trips and I am really looking forward to take her out on gravel roads :)
Click to expand...


No I dont get it :nenau given the original question posted :confused:

followed by Tims Reply (the clue here is the word IDENTICAL)

I dont see how the cramping is resolved by changing the same for the same:nenau

can somebody please explain it as, well its been a long day :blast I need a drink :jager :jager :roll
 
F650GS (Puma) said:
I dont see how the cramping is resolved by changing the same for the same:nenau

can somebody please explain it as, well its been a long day :blast I need a drink :jager :jager :roll
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

The 800 has longer forks, and a bigger wheel, so presumably the front is a bit higher. Even if the rest is identical, the rider could be at a different angle, and just feel more comfortable. I'm not sure if the bars are different, but that could also make a difference. Either way the 800 is the better bike......wait for it! Here it comes.
 
Tim Cullis said:
The difference in height is due to different suspension. The bar/seat/peg dimensions on the two bikes are identical

Tim
Click to expand...

v8legend said:
The 800 has longer forks, and a bigger wheel, so presumably the front is a bit higher. Even if the rest is identical, the rider could be at a different angle, and just feel more comfortable. I'm not sure if the bars are different, but that could also make a difference. Either way the 800 is the better bike......wait for it! Here it comes.
Click to expand...

No you didnt answer it as regards bar,seat,peg identical :nenau... in relation to cramping:nenau


why is it better ?
 
F650GS (Puma) said:
:thumb2:nenau

but why is the 800 overall better? :D
Click to expand...

Yep, I knew it was coming.

To be honest, I've never ridden the 650 twin (had a single) but my comment was just a wind-up (and it worked). However, I do think BMW made a mistake with the lower power version. They should have followed the estalished format like the old 650GS versus Dakar, and 1200GS versus GSA, infact you could argue that the more road biased 650 should have the most power. And yes, before anyone chimes in, we are gettng off topic.
 
v8legend said:
Yep, I knew it was coming.

To be honest, I've never ridden the 650 twin (had a single) but my comment was just a wind-up (and it worked). However, I do think BMW made a mistake with the lower power version. They should have followed the estalished format like the old 650GS versus Dakar, and 1200GS versus GSA, infact you could argue that the more road biased 650 should have the most power. And yes, before anyone chimes in, we are gettng off topic.
Click to expand...

well to be honest your wind up did not work! it failed at the first post :D , I only asked why to see if you had any thing interesting to say rather than the old tosh I have heard before......... :blast

while were off topic , (I think the threads dead anyway!) :blast

are you still looking for that touring screen?
 
Well, I changed my 650 into a 800 yesterday. The comments regarding the height (or height difference between seat and pegs) could be right, but somehow the 800GS feels better suited to me. It could be my mind is playing jokes on me. Anyway, I will invest in some aftermarket pegs that are a bit lower.

Why did I change? Well, one argument was the height. However, I will also do more gravel and although the 650 was good for this, I assume the 800 is even better. Also, I couldn't say no to the deal as it was very good for me. Selling price was excellent and the purchase price no less (I sold to one, bought from another). Buying the 800 also gave me a complete set of BMW panniers.

First impressions:

The 800 I bought feels very different from the 800 GS i tried a couple a weeks ago. The other one was a bit on the "nerveous" side compared to a 650, but it didn't require much efforts to handle her (handling was as easy as the 650). This one is also "nervous" compared to the 650 but much more "heavy bike like" meaning that I need to put more effort into handling, turning etc.

I don't know why this is so? I really like my new bike, but she feels much bigger and heavier both compared to my old 650GS but also compared to the 800 I tried. Strange :confused: I assume this is the way it should be, but could there be other explanations? I think both had stock tires, both have done approx. 2000 miles etc.
 
Yes, will do. The nice thing about the 650 was the tyre pressure indicator on the computer. Don't have that now. After reading your post I did check and I am able to squeeze the tyres a bit so I am pretty sure that's the problem.

Thanks!
 
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