Lowering a GSA

[karlp]

Is it possible to sensibly lower a GSA by approx 50cm. I do not want to use a low seat but lower the whole chassis. (obviously non ESA)

My thoughts are shorter spring lengths and plunger rod.

Is this procedure likely to have any effect on handling.

Any other issues likely to arise - I am aware of side/centre stand lengths.

thanks

karl

 

[Womble]

50cm - that's some lowering kit! Are you an oompaloompa?

 

[MattW]

Buy a GS rather than a GSA?

 

[Thunder]

50 cm is quite a drop but its possible by fitting aftermarket shocks such as Wilbers.

Modifying the stock shocks would not IMPO be a viable option, cost would be a big issue and would leave you with issues when it came to selling the bike.

What's the issue with a low seat?

 

[Jonny_L]

I'm sure BMW do lowered frame options if you're buying new? I'm not sure what that entails but I remember overhearing something in Vines.

50cm though? That really can't be possible. I'd love for someone to prove me wrong but surely you mean millimeters? seat height is 86cm, I don't think anyone makes a bike that's 36cm off the ground

I had a loan bike with the low seat on the other day, felt it was much more comfortable than the standard height seat to be honest.

 

[Harry Palmer]

Hi

Try contacting Bahnstormers at Alton, they may be able to help.
From memory I think they can put you in touch with
an firm that can alter the suspension, lowering the beast by about 35 mm.

Might be worth a phone call

 

[Thunder]

I'm sure BMW do lowered frame options if you're buying new? I'm not sure what that entails but I remember overhearing something in Vines.

50cm though? That really can't be possible. I'd love for someone to prove me wrong but surely you mean millimeters? seat height is 86cm, I don't think anyone makes a bike that's 36cm off the ground

I had a loan bike with the low seat on the other day, felt it was much more comfortable than the standard height seat to be honest.

I assumed mm myself but fair point, never assume!

 

[Jonny_L]

I assumed mm myself but fair point, never assume!

I assumed you assumed mm too

 

[PJ1200]

Nippy Norman now does Hyperpro Springs, front & rear for £155 that will lower the bike 30mm. You can always add the low seat if you need it lower

 

[karlp]

Sorry me being a right prat.

Lowering by 50mm.

karl

 

[Bighorn]

If you lower the bike, do you have to do anything with the side stand, wont the bike be a bit more up right and stand the risk of falling over on the right side?

Me I got the Touratech extra low seat, built like a plank of wood but I like it, both feet planted and don't know either it's physiological or not, but seams to handle better.

If you lower a GSA, it seems to me that the benefits over the GS would then be very small.

 

[Dave Ford]

HAve recently Have recently fitted 50mm lower Wilbers to my 07 GSA – very effective but not cheap at approx. £750.00 – but bear in mind you’re getting dampers that are in a different league to the standard stuff.

Found that the side stand was just about OK on perfectly level ground, though even the slightest gradient would mean that it couldn’t be used. I could (just) lift the bike (sans panniers) onto the centre stand but figured it was only a matter of time before I ended up on the floor with 300 kg of Munich’s finest on top of me. Decided to take the bull by the horns and cut approx. 50mm out of both stands. Took all day, mainly because I can’t weld for sh*t, but got there in the end.

Am now able to place both feet fully on the ground whenever required – makes a big difference.

HTH

Dave
The main downside is that the bike grounds far too easily in corners.

 

[bigron]

Karl,

rather than lowering the bike with all the hassle and expense that that entails why not try a standard GS seat on your GSA which should get your feet about 30/35mm closer to the ground?

 

[Janie]

wilbers shocks are the way to go...............i lowered my 1200gs 50mm so yes it can be done.........

 

[bustupbiker]

I did my standard 12 in 05 when i got it...Olins low shocks by 28mm + low seat, side stand on the standard bike ok BUT the centre stand HAD tobe done as i just could not lift the bike onto it. Took it off and used the grinder on the top mounts to remove them, i then chopped 15mm off the legs knocked the mounts back in and welded up

If you lower the bike, do you have to do anything with the side stand, wont the bike be a bit more up right and stand the risk of falling over on the right side?

Me I got the Touratech extra low seat, built like a plank of wood but I like it, both feet planted and don't know either it's physiological or not, but seams to handle better.

If you lower a GSA, it seems to me that the benefits over the GS would then be very small.

 

[karlp]

Thanks for the replies.

My reasons for asking are:

had numerous GSA and although I am 6' tall can just touch the floor.
Like the features of the GSA - large tank, larger alternator, large screen, engine bars.
Do not want lower seat (although never tried one) as I presume there is less padding.

Normal GS would be ok but with the added expense of changing all the above bits it would be too costly.

karl

 

[TheStig]

I thought you had just sold your 08GSA karl ?

 

[karlp]

I have and just got a k1200S but the thoughts are still there.

karl