Low seat or not, that is the question

[AIRWAR]

OK had my 2012 800GS (Triple black) from Tuesday and really, really impressed. So much better than my Tiger 800XC from a weight distribution perspective.

You sort of feel imperious on it and the stance and power characteristics seem to make me a more chilled out rider... Useful when commuting in London!

I know this topic has probably been done to death but I am interested if the majority of vertically challenged riders opt for the slide to the side of the seat to put a full foot down and feel confident or opt for the low seat, which my dealer is prepared to offer if I want to exchange? I know I can get an Airhawk for longer journeys for comfort and increasing the seat to peg distance but I am "rite vexed" as to which option to choose.

Going there on Saturday to try it out by the way.

Cheers

 

[yoz0807]

I believe the low seat throws you forward so you are sat on your plums. That was certainly the case with my old F650GS single.
Had the F800GS a few weeks now and I went to a seat specialist who has reprofiled the seat making it lower and had a gel pad fitted for £100. Slight improvement. Hyperpro lowering kit this weekend

 

[thomo57]

Hyperpro is the way to go, lowers and transforms the handling of the bike, for road use

 

[yoz0807]

ONLY GONE 1" . HOPE ITS GOOD ENOUGH

 

[Smythson]

I found the low seat to be more comfortable - if you look at it the scoop is wider and so spread weight over greater surface area.

However you will always be faced with the lower seat vs long distance knee comfort. One way to get around this may be lower footpegs - i haven't done the install myself but reports say they do make things slightly easier on the knees.

I think you'll get used to the bike after a few months so the foot down thing won't be the greatest issue - i started with the low seat then it repadded a few inches higher as i got comfortable with the bike.

Best,

S

 

[Bury_Dave]

At 5'9", I have the low seat. More comfortable to me than the standard to be honest. I feel sat into the bike a bit and by removing the rubber foot peg inserts, I dropped my feet an inch and a bit so tight knees aren't a problem for me. My arse is stopped from sliding back when accelerating hard.

I don't use an Airhawk - just a sheepskin. I usually stop for an average of 10 minutes every hour to 2 just to get a break. Riding to get somewhere in such a hurry that i have t spend 8 hours riding solid just doesn't appeal to me. The journey is everything. And as I don't use motorways unless I really have to (in the UK), it's nice to pull over in foreign towns and villages for a break and to soak up some atmosphere.

It's all horses for courses though and there is no one right answer on this.

 

[AIRWAR]

Thanks for the comments guys. I tried the low seat on Saturday and whilst I could put both feet flat on the ground, I just found it too hard and found the peg/bar position odd.

I got back to the show room and wandered round the bike, chewed my lip and thought Bo!!ocks, normal seat it is and I will just bloody well concentrate at low speed... Oh and invest in crash bars or invent pyrotechnic stabilisers.

As a side note I have also ordered a power bronze screen for long distance use. Also decided to sell an organ to fund the purchase of the BMW enduro helmet I saw in the dealers. It is so light compared to my shark S900 and looks the business.

 

[mrjim130]

Lowering one inch has made a big difference for me. I'm 5' 11''

 

[yoz0807]

Just thought I would let you know how I went on with the Hyperpro 1" lowering kit. FFFFFFFantastic !!!!!!!!!!!

It has transformed the bike. Much better handling MUCH less front dive under braking and I can get the balls of both feet on the ground when I stop.
I didn't want the bike to look 'lowered' if you know what I mean
and it still looks the same

I am 5'8" with a 30" inside leg ( just for info)

 

[IOM]

Just thought I would let you know how I went on with the Hyperpro 1" lowering kit. FFFFFFFantastic !!!!!!!!!!!

It has transformed the bike. Much better handling MUCH less front dive under braking and I can get the balls of both feet on the ground when I stop.
I didn't want the bike to look 'lowered' if you know what I mean
and it still looks the same

I am 5'8" with a 30" inside leg ( just for info)

What sort of cost for this kit ?

 

[Smythson]

What sort of cost for this kit ?

~£200. Check out Motorworks.

S

 

[IOM]

~£200. Check out Motorworks.

S

Thanks for that just moved the other way .Had my standard seat cut down and that worked great for height but not for my rear!! So bought a second hand BMW comfort seat which raises seat height (less than I thought actually) not tested over high mileage but well comfy so going to see if there are any issues with seat height over the next few weeks .I am 5ft 7in with 29 inside leg so a real shorty!!but cos the bike is light (compared to the RT I had) the height doesn't seem too much of a problem .Time will tell ATB Hughie

 

[katyotter]

Hi. I have a 700 GS with lowered suspension and, originally the low seat - I'm only 5'4". The seat was uncomfortable after 50/60 miles so I bought a BMW comfort seat and it's great. The height still seems fine - I can get both feet down - and I've just come back from a 1500 mile trip through France and Northern Spain where it was as comfy as could be.
Kate