How low can you go?

[ListerofSMEG]

Hi
long time lurker but not a poster as I have yet to dip my toes into GS territory.

Ocean currently have a GS 30yr special with low suspension for sale.

I understand the 790mm seat height is with the low seat option taken into consideration

Is it possible to lower the GS anymore than 790mm?

I'm only 5'5 with a 28" leg so I might be pushing it.

I've read about Sergent seats, but I'm thinking about preload adjustment or lower shocks etc

Regards

 

[sharkojoints]

It's worth having a google around 'R1200GS low suspension'. This thread is quite interesting:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=766004

With deep enough pockets most things are possible. Lower the shocks any more though and you'll find the centre stand is too long to work - fixable with enough £££...

I suspect the low seat / low sus model would fit you fine. I'm 30" I/L, and manage fine with the standard seat on low setting and normal suspension = a seat height of 850mm. I can comfortably get the balls of my feet on the ground, and you get used to that very quickly.

 

[EggChaser]

I had a lowered '08 (29"inside leg)

Although I started with the Low seat, eventually I used the low suspension with a standard seat (slightly modified with a gel insert etc). I used to use this seat on the high setting unless I was fully laden with heavy luggage. The high setting actually put the height slightly higher than the low setting on a non-lowered bike. I did have Daytona MTX boots that have slightly lifted heels. When I used to put the low seat back on for servicing (as then if they lent me a standard GS I always had the low seat available) I used to find the bike felt too short.

As such you will probably find the low seat low suspension is OK with some care needed pulling up to a stop initially (especially look out for the road surface being lower on whichever side you plant your foot first.) and then as you get used to the bike, it won't be an issue.

That said might be useful for us to know what bike you have been riding to help understand how big any difference might be.

 

[ListerofSMEG]

I've been riding a Kawasaki ER6f - it's about 210Kg so the weight isn't that far apart but the distribution of it will be

I've had the kawa lowered from stock 800mm to 790mm as the pegs force your legs out so wide (poor positioning imho) it can be a struggle to plant feet comfortably.

As I'm such a short arse, stopping without dropping is my main concern. i'm sure it will be fine when I'm on the move.

 

[rodders]

Hi
long time lurker but not a poster as I have yet to dip my toes into GS territory.

Ocean currently have a GS 30yr special with low suspension for sale.

I understand the 790mm seat height is with the low seat option taken into consideration

Is it possible to lower the GS anymore than 790mm?

I'm only 5'5 with a 28" leg so I might be pushing it.

I've read about Sergent seats, but I'm thinking about preload adjustment or lower shocks etc

Regards

The easiest thing is to sit on it and see.

 

[dieselpower]

Wilber Suspension do a -65mm kit although I would guess that's from stock height, so as your bike is lowered already, you will loose another 30mm.

Alternatively, try DRS in Hull. They got 3-4 inches out the height of my other half's CBR and should be able to come up with a solution for you. Highly recommended!

http://www.drshull.co.uk/

 

[fantic156]

29 inside leg and manage with the standard seat on low setting, mate of mine is not far off your height again with a 29 inside leg, standard seat low setting. We have both tried the lowered seat but went back to standard on the low setting. Be a bit careful with aftermarket lower seats can't remember which one but one of the seats is wider which made the problem worse. Have had a lowered GS as a loan bike, quite different riding dynamic and did feel small, could get both feet properly down though, but do you ever need more than 1 foot down on the road? Try the lowered on a test ride to get a bit of confidence and then try the standard set up with a lowered seat would be my advice. Go and try it, you know you want to!

 

[ListerofSMEG]

Thanks for the advice.

I guess I'll just have to go for a test ride & see.

 

[Dave78]

I've only got 28inch legs (long body, short legs) and I ride a GSA with a GS Low Seat. No idea what seat height that gives me, but it's not too much of a problem..

 

[juddadredd]

Hi, I'm a NEW 2006 GSA Driver and I'm only 5 6" with about a 29 inch inside leg and 11 stone, and I can ride my bike with NO PROBLEMS I'm tippy toed but used to it when I ride single (not with misses with full luggage) I use a low seat, but otherwise the BMW standard seats great...

Try before you buy don't be put off by the machines size, and get a side Stand HOOF that reduces the lean of the bike so that when you fill or stop the bike up it's not a chore to get it upright...

 

[Roymondo]

Short legs not a problem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ablToTvHeAU