Short Legs - how can I get on a BMW..!!

[HogHog]

Hi all

Just joined the Forum and said hello in the relevant bit

Got the brochures from the dealer today for the F650GS and the F800GS.

Also just read this... http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301631

I've got a 29" inside leg and therefore the lowered 650 seems to be the "right" bike, but the 800 looks the much better bike - power etc - (F800GS in Triple Black) - but you can't get the 800 lowered.

The thread about engines - link above - says that you can't just "de-restrict" the 650.

Anyone any suggestions/ideas about lowering an 800.??

Cheers, Sam (HogHog), Inverness

 

[Mutley]

I have a 29" inside leg and I ride an 1150 GSA. It's about confidence and a little forward planning

 

[ymfb]

I rode a 1200GS a couple of weeks ago and it had been lowered for a very short guy and I would say it was lower than my old Funduro which came with a lowered seat. Is that an option if you cannot lower an F800GS.

Although I have ridden a number of GS models I wouldn't swap any of them for my F800, I'm 6ft with 31" inside legs and find it very high.

 

[HogHog]

I rode a 1200GS a couple of weeks ago and it had been lowered for a very short guy and I would say it was lower than my old Funduro which came with a lowered seat. Is that an option if you cannot lower an F800GS.

Although I have ridden a number of GS models I wouldn't swap any of them for my F800, I'm 6ft with 31" inside legs and find it very high.

Not that keen on the 1200, and it's a lot heavier - I weigh 66 Kilos, the 1200 is 4 times my weight.!

 

[Buz]

I think the 800 can be lowered with a different suspension, cost a few hundred quid.
I had a 650 twin and now have a 1200 with low seat (29" leg also) I feel a lot more confident/comfortable on the 1200 than i did on my 650.

As Mutley said, its all about confidence and forward planning, checking camber of road, any potholes etc, if all else fails crash bars come in handy for the odd drop that may happen.

Oops, sorry, welcome on board

 

[rce]

but the 800 looks the much better bike - power etc - (F800GS in Triple Black) - but you can't get the 800 lowered.

The thread about engines - link above - says that you can't just "de-restrict" the 650.

You really don't need to up the power on the F650GS it is great as it is. The se editions look well.

 

[Buz]

Have a look HERE ref lowering kit for 800

 

[HogHog]

Have a look HERE ref lowering kit for 800

Thanks for that - will take that info with me to Dealers on Monday.

 

[Yellow Peril]

Got 29" inside leg and ride 1200 GSA no problems

 

[Fordy]

I've a 29" ISL on a F8 with a low seat and its ok on std suspension, but I'm 80kg which I think will make a difference.

Buz recommended Hyperpro, but they do more lowering kits than the previous link click here up to 100mm.

The progressive springs from Hyperpro should also help front end dive of the std suspension.

 

[v8legend]

Maybe things have changed, but the F800GS is available with lowered suspension and/or a lowered seat (not exactly comfortable). I've got 30" inside leg at best, and manage my 800 no probs. If you want an 800, then get one.

I have ridden for 35+ years, and wouldn't want a bike this tall if I was a new rider. However, I've come back from Sportsbikes, and couldn't ride a bike slower than the 800.

Just my tuppence worth.

We're all different, and come at our bikes from different angles. It doesn't mean any of us are wrong!

It isn't a car (tinbox). Buy it with your heart, not your head!

 

[deangsadv]

I've a 29" inside leg and a standard 1200GSA no problems.

 

[Micky]

Mmmmm ...

29" inside leg and a geriatric to boot and ride the F800GS without a problem



Sorry ... maybe not helped you at all

 

[andy5329]

I have a 800,had the TT lower seat which is comfy but also gives about an inch shorter for the rider.I have a 29 inch leg.
I had the 1200Gs Adventure which i had to time my stops very well,had it for two years without dropping until the day of part ex at the bm dealer!!!Foot down, bike kept toppling!.
A mate has had the suspension lowered (Yep were all hobbits!!) and thats worked fine for him,we dont do any crasy off road stuff,only fire tracks.Not sure how it would be on the real off roading lark!

 

[chas820]

Yep,much like the others,29"leg using the 800 with a lowered seat.I`m a tosser sized sod weighing in at 100kilos and can almost flat foot it.My problem is,as Im heading for retirement I have trouble getting my leg over (stop sniggering at the back)the seat.

 

[Tim Cullis]

I have a 30" inside leg which always causes a problem as trousers seem to come only in 29" and 31".

With some experience, you could just about manage a F800GS with standard suspension and low seat, but personally I think you should go for the F650GS with either the standard seat or the low seat (I don't think you need the lowered suspension). I have an AirHawk saddle attached to my F650GS which increases the seat height a bit. The best solution for you might be to get the seat remodelled anyway, to make it both low and comfortable, something BMW with all its resources failed miserably to achieve. This would probably cost less than £100.

Forget the claimed difference in BHP between the two models, this only comes when you thrash the F800GS at over 7000 revs. Torque is what is important and the F650GS torque curve is flatter, with maximum torque coming in at 1200 rpm lower. In fact the F650GS is more powerful than the Honda CB750 which was the world's first superbike.

I rode my first F650GS back from the middle of Poland to Eastbourne in just under 24 hours, a distance of 960 miles plus a ferry crossing, so you'll understand that I don't think it's short of power at all.

 

[Shep]

I got 29" leg length and I rode the 12GSA for many miles with few issues, as mutly said a little planning is needed on occasions when it come down to road camber etc but its very do-able.

I used to struggle when loaded with camping kit but found if I swallowed my pride and mounted the bike using the footrest whilst the bike was on the sidestand, i could manage most places.

Sure you're gonna fall over now and again but that's inevitable with any machine that relies on just two points of contact with the ground

 

[Bullwinkle]

Hi all

...the lowered 650 seems to be the "right" bike, but the 800 looks the much better bike - power etc - (F800GS in Triple Black)...

See? There's your problem right there. Your basic conclusion is all wrong. The 650 IS the right bike, and looks are easier to overcome than technical issues.

It's cheaper to go for the right bike (i.e. 650), and paint it, rather than bodging about trying other mechanical solutions for a bike (i.e. 800 or other) that in many ways is inferior to the 650. Check out the comments from happy 650 owners, don't listen to the psychotically over-compensating 800 owners, and use the money you save going for the 650, to buy bling or take a few trips.

 

[gordh]

Hi HogHog,
welcome to the site.
I'm 5' 7" with a 28" inside leg and had a F650 twin for 2 years and found it to be a great bike. Put 22,000kms on the clock with only recall issues causing minor irritations. Bought the triple black F800 late last year and had the seat reduced at a motor upholstery place here in Adu Dhabi. Guys did a great job. However I was still tip toeing. I've just installed a Hyperpro lowering kit, reduced by 50 mm, and this has made a vast difference. I'm almost flat footing both feet.
Which ever you choose I don't believe you'll be dissappointed. Both great bikes.
Good luck and safe riding.

 

[fatbaldbob]

Platform shoes