Low Chassis

[drinkingparrot]

I have owned a GS since 2004, and being a shortarse and not getting any younger I tried the 800 thinking it might be a bit lower and lighter, nice bike but it's actually taller. The dealer has recomended having a low chassis built which BMW have been supplying since 2010 I think, I sat on one in the showroom and am hoping to get a test ride at the weekend, definately easier to manoeuvre with both feet flat on the ground instead of on one foot on tiptoe. But has anybody experienced one ?, I'm worried it may not handle as well as my old 2004 model, which I can get through twisties as quick as some sports bikes. Any thoughts or experiences would be really apreciated, As I may pull the trigger on one this weekend.

 

[red1]

Why not go for the F650GS?

 

[EggChaser]

My low chassied 1200GS which I have had since 2008 has been brilliant. Still takes twisties really well and can still get air on hump-back bridges (Swaledale spings to mind )

I did find the hugger sometimes caught the mounting point for the pannier rails when I was fully loaded and hit compressions (The A road parallel to Hadrian's wall was good for this)

Have caught both sides of the center stand, cornering - although again this might have been in combination with a bump causing the center stand to bounce slightly.

Also done the forest trails at Loch Awe, Duke's Pass and Kielder with no problems (on standard dual sport tyres not on knobblies)

Of course other than the odd loan bike I haven't ridden a standard height one a lot to compare.

I did eventually find that the standard height seat in conjunction with the lowered suspension was more comfortable - got the extra seat from eBay.

 

[Wapping]

You can get your standard 1200 lowered, which will save you the expense of buying a new bike.

Several bods on UKGSer seem to have had it done, combined with lower seats, altered side stands etc. etc. etc.

A search by entering: lower+lowered into the 'find words' box and then selecting 1200 from the drop down 'search in' menu will turn them all up. Adding the plus sign between the two words means that the search will find any thread where either or both of the words appear. You could add +suspension, too which would further refine or expand the search criteria. By selecting just the 1200 section to conduct the search through, you will save reading about lowered blood pressure, or some such irrelevant twaddle.

Here is a sample found in seconds:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286753&highlight=Lower+lowered

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225404&highlight=Lower+lowered

You could always Google 'lowered suspension 1200' or some such phrase and see what came up from around the world, too. Then, move onto really using Google's mighty powers properly.... Here's how:

http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/1264/12-Quick-Tips-To-Search-Google-Like-An-Expert.aspx You can use all the same methods in UKGSer's search box, too. It's genius.

Alternativly you could just wait until Saturday, ride the bike and issue a full statement of your findings right here.... Dashing overtakes of sports bikes thro' the twisties optional or mandatory, your choice.

 

[drinkingparrot]

Low chassis

Why not go for the F650GS?

Not quite the option for me, I still hit europe most years, don't think it would be comfortable enough, or cope too well for the quick long distance trips I mostly use it for

 

[jimmycabs]

I Purchased a brand new factory lowered 1200 gs this February , I asked as part of the deal to have the standard seat instead of the lowered one, more comfortable and you feel less of the bumps.
I noticed when I took out the lowered demo bike I was feeling every bump hence my request for the standard seat, mind you checking the shock adjustment at the end of the demo ride I found it was on the firmest setting, make sure you check before your ride.
I was really nervous about the extra weight, but compared to the 650gs twin which I had before, all the weight is low down and now I would probably be comfortable and have the confidence to go for a standard height gs.
As for handling. All I can say it feels a lot more " planted " than my twin, and around the twisties is no problem.
All in all really happy with my bike and has me grinning every time I get on it, and have managed a 520 mile day in Spain over Easter so no problems in the comfort department!

 

[shugie]

I put shorter Wiblers shocks on my 1200, only about 1", so the side stand is ok (the centre stand is a bit more effort, but not unusable).

In conjunction with a low Sargent seat, I find my stumpy legs can manage the 1200 quite happily, and I no longer worry about adverse cambers quite so much when stopping. I can flat foot on one side easily, or get the ball of my foot down on both sides equally easily, so I'm not too worried about a low chassis version now.

The Wiblers improve the ride no end, and have the advantage that I can return the bike to stock spec when I want to sell it.

 

[adventuredon]

I bought a 2010 gs brand new with the lowered suspension and low seat. Love it. No hassles anywhere. Even better
as less wind on me. Have since ridden full size and feel more comfortable when getting back on mine. Love it

 

[Drumacoon Lad.]

Also had a new lowered 1200 since 2008. Just allows me to put the balls of my feet down. Taken it to Croatia over the Alps, next year to Morocco, then again last year to Montenegro, Bosnia etc, always fully loaded with gear... Dropped twice, once in the sand in Morocco and then in a service station in Belgium. Handles well in the twisties, only limited by the skill of the rider, but it's embarrassed a few sports bikes.

Take it out for a test ride and see what you think....

 

[red1]

.... but it's embarrassed a few sports bikes.

Why were they embarrassed ? Is your bike pink?

All this "embarrassed sports bikes" is total bollox!

If you mean you've out ridden a sports bike it means you are a better rider than the dayglo warrior you passed.

But please forget any ideas that a sports bike ridden by any semi-competent rider is easy meat for a GS because you're kidding yourself.

A few years back when I had a Pan 1300 me and wifee used to antagonise sports bike riders all over Yorkshire moors. Manys the R1 and Blade that's been passed braking into corners, etc. etc., but only because we picked on numpties who were wobbling about like prats, and not because I'm "Son of Rossi"

 

[drinkingparrot]

Well just got back from jefferies and dissapeared up the road on their low chassis demo, loved the bike, it is just a different animal to my old GS, but I suppose that was to be expected, the new engine has had 4 updates since I picked mine up in 2004. It accellerates smoother, and obviously has more power. The bike also handled a lot better, in fact I cant think of anything that wasn't an improvement, I suppose the most impressing point was the rideing position has altered slightly which I suppose is down to the risers, the bars now sit slighty back from where I'm used too which tucks the elbows in slightly. I took the bike with the standard seat fitted, which aparently I'd have to buy if I ordered a new bike, as they come with the low seat as standard. Although 20mm closer to the tarmac I didn't feel it made that much difference to me to consider buying one, and to confirm my thoughts on the low chassis option I had a sit on a standard machine which seemed a lot easier/manageable than my machine. On reflection it may well be because of the new handlebar position that makes the standard machine seem more manageable for my height, and probably because I'm not leaning as far forward ? maybe. And now for the bad news, I fell in love with the rallye special. Wish me luck and lets hope I come to my senses before the salesman calls me first thing Monday morning, might have to turn my phone off

 

[pfarrell]

I Purchased a brand new factory lowered 1200 gs this February , I asked as part of the deal to have the standard seat instead of the lowered one, more comfortable and you feel less of the bumps.
I noticed when I took out the lowered demo bike I was feeling every bump hence my request for the standard seat, mind you checking the shock adjustment at the end of the demo ride I found it was on the firmest setting, make sure you check before your ride.
I was really nervous about the extra weight, but compared to the 650gs twin which I had before, all the weight is low down and now I would probably be comfortable and have the confidence to go for a standard height gs.
As for handling. All I can say it feels a lot more " planted " than my twin, and around the twisties is no problem.
All in all really happy with my bike and has me grinning every time I get on it, and have managed a 520 mile day in Spain over Easter so no problems in the comfort department!

this was my EXACT experience as well—F650GS to R1200GS low-suspension, stock seat. i'd ridden my father-in-laws 2011 stock height 1200GS a few times and did notice the height difference compared to the F650GS i had previous...for me the low-suspension, stock seat height version was the bees-knees. the 1200GS handles SO MUCH better at slow speeds that the F650GS it's silly. even moving it around the garage by hand is a safer more confidence inspiring affair.

i would point out though, not sure about the past "low" BMW GSs, but the 2012 "low" is "low-suspension"...to go back to the stock non-low height assuming that you buy it with a stock height seat all you need to change are:
- front and rear shocks
- side stand and center stand

not saying it's cheap....just saying that when the shocks wear out one could decide to raise the bike to stock height...something i might decide to do...

 

[shugie]

this was my EXACT experience as well—F650GS to R1200GS low-suspension, stock seat. i'd ridden my father-in-laws 2011 stock height 1200GS a few times and did notice the height difference compared to the F650GS i had previous...for me the low-suspension, stock seat height version was the bees-knees. the 1200GS handles SO MUCH better at slow speeds that the F650GS it's silly. even moving it around the garage by hand is a safer more confidence inspiring affair.

i would point out though, not sure about the past "low" BMW GSs, but the 2012 "low" is "low-suspension"...to go back to the stock non-low height assuming that you buy it with a stock height seat all you need to change are:
- front and rear shocks
- side stand and center stand

not saying it's cheap....just saying that when the shocks wear out one could decide to raise the bike to stock height...something i might decide to do...

Depending on how much shorter you make the shocks, you may not need to change the side and centre stands, I've shocks that are 25mm shorter and still use the original stands quite happily.

 

[EggChaser]

i would point out though, not sure about the past "low" BMW GSs, but the 2012 "low" is "low-suspension"...to go back to the stock non-low height assuming that you buy it with a stock height seat all you need to change are:
- front and rear shocks
- side stand and center stand

This is true for the first Reduced Height option 1200GS (2008) as well

Although you can't have ESA and the low option so you would be changing with non-ESA shocks

 

[Schtum]

Although you can't have ESA and the low option so you would be changing with non-ESA shocks

You can, however, have very short Wilbers with ESA. I recently sat on a 2011 GSA with those. It was like a GS chopper.

 

[JayC]

So what about the low seat option for the 1200? It is considerably lower than the stock seat and didn't feel a great deal taller than the low suspension set up.

 

[EggChaser]

So what about the low seat option for the 1200? It is considerably lower than the stock seat and didn't feel a great deal taller than the low suspension set up.

I think it possibly works out that the stock seat in the high position on the Factory reduced height GS is the same height as the low seat on the standard GS, however the seat profile is then different so one is more comfortable than the other.

My 1200GS is height reduced but I use a standard seat (bought on ebay) that has a gel pad and been lowered 10mm (and recovered with a unique design) so my seat is somewhere in between any of the OEM offerings.

BTW one thing they don't tell you about gel pads is that they conduct heat and a chilling effect on your buttocks may not be what you want in the winter.

 

[drinkingparrot]

So what about the low seat option for the 1200? It is considerably lower than the stock seat and didn't feel a great deal taller than the low suspension set up.

I bought a low seat for my present bike 7 years ago, I tried it a couple of times but could not get comfortable with it, especially on longer journeys. and so it's remained in the cupboard ever since.
anyway don't know if you read my final thoughts after my visit to Jefferies on the low chassis options, But I'm afraid I failed miserably today when the salesman phoned, and ordered a new rallye, does anybody know why an ilmberger hugger wont go on a GS that has ESA ?

 

[EggChaser]

But I'm afraid I failed miserably today when the salesman phoned, and ordered a new rallye, does anybody know why an ilmberger hugger wont go on a GS that has ESA ?

Enjoy your Rallye.

With regards the ESA shocks the have a unit/cover moulding that sticks out into an area some hugger designs use - hence you have to find a hugger that is designed for ESA fitting.

 

[JayC]

I have owned a GS since 2004, and being a shortarse and not getting any younger I tried the 800 thinking it might be a bit lower and lighter, nice bike but it's actually taller. The dealer has recomended having a low chassis built which BMW have been supplying since 2010 I think, I sat on one in the showroom and am hoping to get a test ride at the weekend, definately easier to manoeuvre with both feet flat on the ground instead of on one foot on tiptoe. But has anybody experienced one ?, I'm worried it may not handle as well as my old 2004 model, which I can get through twisties as quick as some sports bikes. Any thoughts or experiences would be really apreciated, As I may pull the trigger on one this weekend.

I bought a low seat for my present bike 7 years ago, I tried it a couple of times but could not get comfortable with it, especially on longer journeys. and so it's remained in the cupboard ever since.
anyway don't know if you read my final thoughts after my visit to Jefferies on the low chassis options, But I'm afraid I failed miserably today when the salesman phoned, and ordered a new rallye, does anybody know why an ilmberger hugger wont go on a GS that has ESA ?

Let me get this right 'cos at the mo I don't get it and probably need to 'go do one'!

You're not getting any younger and so looked at a change of bike , mainly due to seat height 'cos you are a 'short arse'. You then asked for opinions relating to the low chassis, were impressed by it and then after convincing yourself it was the way to go you ended up buying the taller bike?

I am pleased you have overcome this obstacle and may you continue to get younger year by year.