I really want one but I'm 5'7

[NLC]

Hello all - Well turning 40 and would like to do something special next year. I currently live in London and drive my Vespa GTS250 (no laughs please) and look with envey the guys who commute on the GS everyday. My only concern I'm 5'7 and it would be stretch to get on a GS without feeling uncomfortable. Some have mentioned a lowering kit are these worthwhile and expensive? Easy to install? How easy to drive is it in urban traffic (London). Is the 800 or 1200 the one to go for? Some advice would be great! I would like to do some country drives and some touring. Further is it better to go for a used one or plunk the money down and get a new one? Many thanks, Cookie

 

[simonworkwear]

Hi, i am 5ft 10 and manage on my new GSA fine. Just takes a bit of getting used to.

At the lights i am on tip toes a bit, but on te move you would never know.

Love the bike, its the best one i have ever bought and thats saying something as i have had so many bikes it untrue.

Simon

 

[dakarDude]

Kahedo / Touratech lowered seat and Bob's your teapot

Dont forget the GSA is slightly higher than the GS.

 

[crampie]

Hi cookie71

Spotted your post and thought, as GM of Ocean Plymouth I'd drop you a line. We have all models of the R1200GS available to try here (just in case you fancy a weekend away in Devon!) including the standard R1200GS, the factory lowered R1200GS and the R1200GSA. We can even mess around changing seats to ensure we find one that fits perfectly. One of my staff is 5'5" and rides a factory lowered GS, no problems at all.
We'd also take your Vespa in as part exchange, we had a 300 model in recently, so no worries there.
Whatever you decide to do and wherever you decide to buy it from, welcome to wonderful world that is BMW and enjoy!

PS, there is a price rise on 1st September 2010 and VAT rise in Jan 2011 so it might be worth considering a purchase sooner rather than later!

kind regards

Peter

 

[Buz]

I'm 5'7" as well, a month ago i had a 2010 1200GS as a loan bike while my 650 was being serviced. I sat on it with the normal seat and could reach the ground ok but for confidence got Cotswold BMW to put the lower seat on. TBH it felt easier to manoevre etc than the 650. If I had the money i'd go for one but the Landrover needs updating 1st
I think its the 'inside leg measurement' that is the thing, mine is 29"
As Crampie says the best thing to do is go to a dealer for the day and try every permutation you can, one will fit

 

[Blind Lemon Ade]

You want an F650GS twin, that's what you want, with the lowered seat, but standard suspension. My 28" legs can manage it, and the bike copes well with 2-up trips with full luggage...

 

[Janie]

i have a 12100gs and i'm 5.4.. i have a touratech low seat, risers, and i have wilbers short shocks...which lowers the bike by 5cm...and i love my bike to bits.........she is a pleasure to ride and i have no hassle with the weight of the bike......i would say go for it

 

[patzx12]

Get on ebay and ebay.de and get the BMW low seat and you will be fine.
I am 1/2" shorter than you and have just ordered another GSA
Also dont worry about touring 2 up with full luggage, the bike sinks a bit fully loaded.

 

[immigrant]

You want an F650GS twin, that's what you want, with the lowered seat, but standard suspension. My 28" legs can manage it, and the bike copes well with 2-up trips with full luggage...

This.

You don't mention other biking experience than the Vespa, but if it is limited I'd recommend one of BMW's 800cc bikes rather than a Boxer, especially if threading it through a clogged London everyday.

Not to say it can't be done, but many do find it very cumbersome to manage. They're far nicer on the open road.

 

[ka4564]

you will find the 800cc to high and skinny - go for the 1150 gs touratech low seat and just bully your way through the traffic and won't have to put your feet down.
I have had many bikes and I'm 5.9 but the 1150 is the best bike i have ever had and i wont be changing it for a 1200 and i reach the ground with inches to spare

 

[Mr K]

5'9" and had a 1200GS for 6 years.

Stock seat in low position.

 

[george]

am 5'8 used my gs for 6 months on low seat setting, done a big trip around spain there n had to put the seat up for more comort, now am used to it being like that af just left it and its fine.... skip the vespa, jist kidding their cool

 

[Loiq]

5 7 5 8 on a good day... GSA low seat with shock set to mid position seems alright... certainly better than the HP2 with rally spec shocks and bigger wheels... what was I thinking....

 

[freeloader]

I'm 5' 7" and have had both 1200GS and 800GS, standard suspension on both, and low BMW seat on both too, initially.

However, I've had the seat on the 800 reupholstered with a gel pad in it, and it's now about the same height as the standard seat - I manage quite well enough, but I don't do a traffic splitting commute. And since I got the 800, I now find no problem in riding a standard height 1200, and even the Adventure's not a problem (I get to ride them, occasionally, in the course of my work ).

Which now means I'm thinking I might get one next, although the main barrier now is finance.

 

[the lost soul]

Neil23 aka Barney is only 5'2" and he gets on his GS.
Although he does fall alot...

 

[bitwobbly]

5'7", 1200GS with touratwat low seat.
Bit tippy toes but with engine bars and vario panniers when it falls over don't do too much harm.
Buy a new one, in the dealers car park push it off the stand, get salesman to help pick it up. There now you've dropped it and got over it.
, go and ride

 

[Cuprinol Man]

Me is 5' 8".
Did 15000 miles on a 1200GS with standard seat on high setting
Got another 1200GS and fitted GSA seats which are a tad higher again.
Now on a 800GS with standard seat with 10000 miles on her in 13 months.
Once you get used to tippy toes you will be fine.
If you still find it a wee bit high get a lowering kit.
Don't discount the GS's on seat height as they are great bikes.
CM

 

[freeloader]

Neil23 aka Barney is only 5'2" and he gets on his GS.
Although he does fall alot...

Neil's bike is lowered though, IIRC.

 

[NLC]

Many thanks

Hi all thanks for the kind replies. I went to a dealer today and tried a used GS1200 with the single cam with lowered suspension and a low seat and new 30th anniversary edition with a low seat normal suspension with the new double over head cam engine. Wow I loved it! A bit nervous going out the parking lot which I think made the salesperson nervous but out on the open I go. So I have gotten over the height issue and feel comfortable on a regular suspension with a low seat. Is the ride suspension worth having as I am told you can't get that with the low suspension option. A couple of further questions for the audience:

1. Is there much difference between the new engine and the old engine? I typically don't buy new cars with the exception of my Vespa because you could not buy any used at that time. I could not tell the difference between both versions since I was concentrating on just staying on. My preference is to get something a couple of years old but should I be concerned with not having a warranty etc. Or should I just stump up for a new one?

2. Any good site recommendations for sourcing a used GS (of course this one) and selling my Vespa? In terms of valuations is Glass/Parkers the regular source?

Thanks for your kind advice.

Cookie

 

[karnevil]

Yep 5'8" and can cope even with seat in high position.Get one.