Low version - how low does it go?

[newboy]

Issue: I have a mate with short stumpy legs...
He wants a good adventure style tourer...

He sat on the Multistrada, Triumph Explorer and the WC GS

He prefers the GS but was horrified when he saw the height of my 1150 GSA
He is about 5'8" and there is no way he would take on the Adv model...

With factory options, how low do they go?
seat/suspension etc...

It is new he is looking for...

 

[brut33]

Should he wish to go the after market route if not buying new.
These are a well respected company and very competent in this field. It’s worth passing this link onto your mate. It gives the lowering measurements that they do.

http://wilberssuspension.co.uk/wilbersesa.php

 

[WindyChuffer]

At 5'8" he will be fine on the WC. The seat is alot lower on the WC than the Hexhead. I know quite a few shorties / blokes of similar height that managed fine with the Hexhead; it's all in the mind.

 

[Shunt]

Isn't there a low chassis low suspension wc coming this year? I chucked my leg across one at the Birmingham show late last year. It did feel very low.

 

[SMB]

There is a low suspension model, @ 790mm seat height. I think that this comes with the low seat.
http://www.cymarcbikeparts.co.uk ( Mark Hooton of this parish ) makes an adaptor to lower the seat a bit more.
I have a standard model with a low seat and the low seat adaptor and at 5ft7 I find no problems as I can flat foot both feet.

 

[mcinlb]

I pick up my low chassis GS in March, believe it is approx 35mm lower..

all ESA is same as per standard GS.

 

[Gargy]

I'm 5'9", with a short 29" inside leg (Which is the measurement that counts). I have the lowered GS LC with low seat, and to be honest, I could of got away with just the lowered seat and normal height suspension.
Even if his inside leg is 27" he should be ok, as I can stand up, and my arse is a inch or so off the seat.

Good luck.

 

[vinniebug]

I'm 5'7 with 29 leg. I tried f800 which was too big, even factory lowered. I bought wc GS with standard suspension and low seat. It's fine. I get both feet down (not flat). Dealers are happy for you to try for size. I wouldn't want it to be any bigger though. I test rode my bike and went back a week later to remind myself it fit. If your mate is deffo 29 leg then the standard GS WC should fit.

 

[Matty589]

The GS and GSA now have lowered suspension. On the GS it drops seat height from 85cm to 82cm (or 79cm with the low seat) and on the GSA it drops from 89cm to 84cm, or 82cm with the black GS seat. I have a lowered GSA and at 5'10" with reasonably short legs it can get both feet down flat easily. If you want to drop seat height go for low suspension rather than a low seat - it maintains the bars-seat-pegs ratio, and it lowers the centre of gravity.

 

[Eunuch]

I'm 5' 8" and find the standard WC with the low seat is fine. Suggest your mate asks for a quick spin at the dealers with the low seat.

 

[Jonno58]

Issue: I have a mate with short stumpy legs...

He prefers the GS but was horrified when he saw the height of my 1150 GSA
He is about 5'8" and there is no way he would take on the Adv model...

With factory options, how low do they go?
seat/suspension etc...

It is new he is looking for...

Hi Newboy, Williams Manchester have a lowered suspension GS in stock that I test rode two Sundays ago. It's currently used as a service loan bike but said they were 'de-fleeting' their demos so check with them when it's there rather than just turn up, 0161 907 0340. For a Test Ride you need to take both parts of Driving Licence. I'm 5'7 with 29" Inside Leg and I almost had both feet flat, (on tarmac road.) I sat on a Low Suspension GSA with Standard Seat at the NEC and had both feet flat.
One short arse to another! Jonno

 

[newboy]

Thanks all

He lives in York so Allan Jefferies is closest I think.
I will call him tomorrow to pass on this info.

I'll let you know the outcome


Sent from my gadget using wires n string n stuff

 

[CPJS]

I have the lowered '14 LC. with lowered seat in the low position
I am 5'6" 28" leg and can get the balls of my feet on the ground which is good enough for me to paddle the bike backwards with the missus on board.

 

[gerarddwatts]

My own '09 1200 has lowered suspension and a lower seat. I had it serviced and was loaned a standard WC with a normal seat....I managed fine

 

[matchbox]

Barrie Robson is the local BMW dealer in York. Small company but friendly and helpful. Bought my lowered used GS LC from them. I couldn't manage a full height one - 5'7" and 29" inside leg. No problem with the lowered bike but have to watch the weight when pushing it around!

 

[Jonno58]

Thanks all

He lives in York so Allan Jefferies is closest I think.
I will call him tomorrow to pass on this info.

I'll let you know the outcome

Hi newboy, did your mate progress on a bike anywhere?

I've ordered mine this week, a Low Suspension Adventure with the Standard Seat, due for delivery in April,

regards Jonno

 

[wknight]

Boots can help as well

I am on my third lowered 1200GS and would highly recommend it if you have short legs.

Another option is to look at the Daytona boots, expensive, but they have a model which raises you an inch. Much better than messing about trying to lower the suspension.

I have a lowered bike and the boots and no problem putting my feet down.

 

[stevie Allen]

I am on my third lowered 1200GS and would highly recommend it if you have short legs.

Another option is to look at the Daytona boots, expensive, but they have a model which raises you an inch. Much better than messing about trying to lower the suspension.

I have a lowered bike and the boots and no problem putting my feet down.

+1 on the comment above , have the lowered shims, from hooters, low front seat and the low suspension bike,
The Daytona boots were recommended me by SMB of this parish and they are confidence inspiring on cambers and on uneven surfaces.

 

[SMB]

Daytona M Star boots

I had a standard GS Twin Cam & low seat. All was fine, so when I got my GS LC standard height but low seat thought all would be well. However I found that now a camber caused a loss off confidence. I tried the lowering cams better but now quite enough. The Daytona boots (M Star) did help a lot.
When I sat on a lowered GSA, with my Daytonas on, all seemed fine.

SMB

 

[matchbox]

Maybe one should think of it a different way.

Why would you want a non lowered one? What benefit could there be unless you are using it for really wild off road riding? If you have long legs then fine. But for those of us with 'ducks disease' the benefits of the the lower machine are considerable. I had a test ride on non lowered yesterday(I have lowered '13 GS) and could feel no difference in handling or ride comfort but stress every time I needed to stop!

Something else to consider is how easy it is to get the bike upright off the side stand? Not easy and if the camber is against you....