Low Supension Model

[Y7 JMM]

Nearly time to put my money on the table and replace the 2015 GS i sold two years ago, I have ridden the new 1250 and like it a lot but it felt slightly taller than my 2015!!??
I haven't been able to get a demo of the low suspension model but seem to remember reading somewhere that they don't handle as well as a standard bike? is this true??

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

Low chassis is basically the same as standard, I tried the low chassis first, as they did not have a standard that day, it was already out, both handled the same, obviously I am talking about 2017 bike, so why not try the 1250 with a low seat, if you are struggling a little with feet down, only real difference is suspension travel is less on the lower, so if I was heavy or riding 2 up and loaded standard would be my choice, with low seat, but try all the options first, take your time.

 

[fred_jb]

I have gone for the low chassis version for both my previous 1200 and my current 1250, and can definitely recommend it. The low chassis will not work any less well regarding maximum load and suspension sag as the spring is sightly harder to compensate for the slightly shorter travel, and both versions will therefore bottom out equally low. Although I am quite tall, I have a long torso and only average length legs, so I find the low chassis version lets me have a better padded normal seat in the high position while still being able to flat foot, which is a boon in tricky situations, especially when loaded with a pillion and luggage.

Low profile seats are all very well, but are less comfortable and cramp your legs more by increasing knee bend, especially when mounted in the low position. I road tested a standard chassis bike and don't think the low chassis bikes looks different or handles differently, and in fact the slightly lower centre of gravity is probably an advantage, while any reduction in ground clearance would be minimal. This would probably only be a factor in extremis during track day type riding.

Just sitting on the bike and getting the normal 30% or so of sag reduces the height difference between the two versions, as the longer travel suspension compresses more for a given load, and bear in mind that both versions get progressively closer to equal ground clearance as the suspension further compresses due to road surface or cornering loads, until eventually they bottom out at the same level.

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

I have gone for the low chassis version for both my previous 1200 and my current 1250, and can definitely recommend it. The low chassis will not work any less well regarding maximum load and suspension sag as the spring is sightly harder to compensate for the slightly shorter travel, and both versions will therefore bottom out equally low. Although I am quite tall, I have a long torso and only average length legs, so I find the low chassis version lets me have a better padded normal seat in the high position while still being able to flat foot, which is a boon in tricky situations, especially when loaded with a pillion and luggage.

Low profile seats are all very well, but are less comfortable and cramp your legs more by increasing knee bend, especially when mounted in the low position. I road tested a standard chassis bike and don't think the low chassis bikes looks different or handles differently, and in fact the slightly lower centre of gravity is probably an advantage, while any reduction in ground clearance would be minimal. This would probably only be a factor in extremis during track day type riding.

Just sitting on the bike and getting the normal 30% or so of sag reduces the height difference between the two versions, as the longer travel suspension compresses more for a given load, and bear in mind that both versions get progressively closer to equal ground clearance as the suspension further compresses due to road surface or cornering loads, until eventually they bottom out at the same level.

+1 Fred I did find the spring harder when I had a test on the lowered chassis, the standard just did feel softer at MIN on the ESA and actually I could feel it bottoming out a tad, but the lowered chassis on Auto did not bottom out, and ride height was fairly close.

 

[fred_jb]

Nearly time to put my money on the table and replace the 2015 GS i sold two years ago, I have ridden the new 1250 and like it a lot but it felt slightly taller than my 2015!!??
I haven't been able to get a demo of the low suspension model but seem to remember reading somewhere that they don't handle as well as a standard bike? is this true??

You might need to check that the bike you road tested was set in AUTO mode where the preload adjusts itself to get the correct designed ride height once you have been riding for a short distance. If it was set to MAX it does not adjust and it would definitely feel very tall!

 

[STMGSA]

I have had 2 1200 Adventures a 2017 Triple Black GSA & 2018 Rallye GSA with low chassis and now 1250 Adventure Exclusive in low chassis model. I am 5,11ft tall with 32 inch inseam leg measurement and can flat foot the low chassis model with seat on high setting, but cannot flat foot standard bike with seat on low setting so for me low chassis model makes sense. I have ridden both low chassis and standard bike and cannot feel any difference between the two when on the move but can realise quickly benefit of low chassis model when stationary and getting feet down. I have heard some folk say that low chassis handles better than standard including dealer I purchased from Personally I cannot tell difference. I know this probably doesn't help you much but just my experience.

 

[CPJS]

I am on my second low chassis, great solo, two up whatever, they handle just fine
Only one problem is if you ride like a twat, like wot I do, you may have ground clearance issues. Last boys and toys trip to France had me touching down the brake lever and side stand.
I weight 10.5 stone and only had a rollbag on the back seat with the suspension set on auto so it made me jump a bit, did not expect that.
As someone said check out the 1250 with it on correct settings, it should be no different to your old bike

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

I am on my second low chassis, great solo, two up whatever, they handle just fine
Only one problem is if you ride like a twat, like wot I do, you may have ground clearance issues. Last boys and toys trip to France had me touching down the brake lever and side stand.
I weight 10.5 stone and only had a rollbag on the back seat with the suspension set on auto so it made me jump a bit, did not expect that.
As someone said check out the 1250 with it on correct settings, it should be no different to your old bike

Bloody eck at 66kgs weight the springs wont even move a millimetre.................

 

[fred_jb]

With the AUTO mode set for preload, the ride height should be the same for any weight of rider, within reason, though I guess if you weigh a lot less than what BMW have calibrated zero preload for, then you may get a higher than normal ride height.

As for ground clearance, sounds like CPJS has a riding style which would have even the standard chassis bike touching down!

 

[CPJS]

Bloody eck at 66kgs weight the springs wont even move a millimetre.................

No they don't, no different to min setting.

 

[CPJS]

With the AUTO mode set for preload, the ride height should be the same for any weight of rider, within reason, though I guess if you weigh a lot less than what BMW have calibrated zero preload for, then you may get a higher than normal ride height.

As for ground clearance, sounds like CPJS has a riding style which would have even the standard chassis bike touching down!

Seriously, I am not a hero. I am running Pirelli Scorpion Trails and I am not right on the edge of them. On a Std GS you could ride the to the egde, you would be a long way over though, I am sure the tyres would take it.

 

[Y7 JMM]

I have gone for the low chassis version for both my previous 1200 and my current 1250, and can definitely recommend it. The low chassis will not work any less well regarding maximum load and suspension sag as the spring is sightly harder to compensate for the slightly shorter travel, and both versions will therefore bottom out equally low. Although I am quite tall, I have a long torso and only average length legs, so I find the low chassis version lets me have a better padded normal seat in the high position while still being able to flat foot, which is a boon in tricky situations, especially when loaded with a pillion and luggage.

Low profile seats are all very well, but are less comfortable and cramp your legs more by increasing knee bend, especially when mounted in the low position. I road tested a standard chassis bike and don't think the low chassis bikes looks different or handles differently, and in fact the slightly lower centre of gravity is probably an advantage, while any reduction in ground clearance would be minimal. This would probably only be a factor in extremis during track day type riding.

Just sitting on the bike and getting the normal 30% or so of sag reduces the height difference between the two versions, as the longer travel suspension compresses more for a given load, and bear in mind that both versions get progressively closer to equal ground clearance as the suspension further compresses due to road surface or cornering loads, until eventually they bottom out at the same level.

I had the same thinking having ridden the 2019 Triumph 1200 with a low seat, it felt uncomfortable after an hour or so where the standard seat was good! But I have settled on another GS possibly lowered with a standard seat and then whether to go for a 2018 1200 or the 1250!!

 

[Y7 JMM]

You might need to check that the bike you road tested was set in AUTO mode where the preload adjusts itself to get the correct designed ride height once you have been riding for a short distance. If it was set to MAX it does not adjust and it would definitely feel very tall!

Oh thanks I wasn't aware the 1250 did that? That could explain why it seemed taller!!

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

Oh thanks I wasn't aware the 1250 did that? That could explain why it seemed taller!!

However if you set it to MIN which makes quite a difference, if you want the bike to keep that config, you have to use the little enduro plug under the seat, after bike has been run in, otherwise bike will go back to AUTO everytime you stop and re-start the bike.