Too short for a standard GS?

[Shamone]

Last summer I swapped my Ducati Diavel for a new Street Triple R as although I loved the engine I found the Diavel too slow to turn with the raked out forks and massive back tire (living in Derbyshire these roads are not what the Diavel was designed for). I also have a 2007 CBF1000 which I used to do my first ever tour this summer to France (two up).

I'm looking for a bike that can cover both the fun aspect and and touring two up. Now being a keen biker I've read lots of articles over the past couple of years about adventure bikes, but after sitting on them at the bike shows I just cannot reach the floor on most. Well this year I was surprised to find I could (just) get the balls of my feet down on the new GS. As the weight is higher than my current bikes I'm pretty nervous of having a test ride in case I drop it.

I've just spotted online that Rainbow motorcycles have a factory lowered GSW. I guess I have two questions:

Is this GS likely to fulfill both the touring and specifically the 'fun' handling that was was itching for when I sold the Diavel?

Being a 5'8" short arse with a 29" inseam should I consider this factory lowered version, or are they frowned upon (ruining the handling/resale value) ?​

Sorry for the newbie questions.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

The GS is a superb touring/fun bike.
No problem reselling the lowered bike. Well, you wanted it, why not someone else ?

Get it out for a test ride. If you can get the balls of your feet down, that's plenty.
Just watch where you're stopping until you get your confidence I.e. dodgy camber etc.
What seems awfully high and tippy tie feels completely normal after a few miles.

It gets even easier when touring. Get a bit of luggage on it and you'll be both feet flat on the ground.

 

[roadrider]

Last summer I swapped my Ducati Diavel for a new Street Triple R as although I loved the engine I found the Diavel too slow to turn with the raked out forks and massive back tire (living in Derbyshire these roads are not what the Diavel was designed for). I also have a 2007 CBF1000 which I used to do my first ever tour this summer to France (two up).

I'm looking for a bike that can cover both the fun aspect and and touring two up. Now being a keen biker I've read lots of articles over the past couple of years about adventure bikes, but after sitting on them at the bike shows I just cannot reach the floor on most. Well this year I was surprised to find I could (just) get the balls of my feet down on the new GS. As the weight is higher than my current bikes I'm pretty nervous of having a test ride in case I drop it.

I've just spotted online that Rainbow motorcycles have a factory lowered GSW. I guess I have two questions:

Is this GS likely to fulfill both the touring and specifically the 'fun' handling that was was itching for when I sold the Diavel?

Being a 5'8" short arse with a 29" inseam should I consider this factory lowered version, or are they frowned upon (ruining the handling/resale value) ?​

Sorry for the newbie questions.

I've ridden both bikes (I have the lowerd one) and imho I can't tell the difference in handling or performance, Like you I'm 5' 8" & 29" leg. This is my 4th GS and TBH you just get used to the weight/balance thing.

As to the resale value I believe they will hold their value just as good as the standard height bike, in fact when more & more peeps realise these are available s/hand they'll fetch the money, but to be honest if you want one buy it, concerns over future values isn't what biking is about is it.

If you can afford it buy it...........ride it......enjoy

Oh almost forgot your other question .. fun to ride Oh Yesssssssssssss, Touring ability...... Oh Yes 0ver 1000,00 miles on GS's

 

[ossa eck]

Im 5'7 and 29 inseam, manage fine on a standard LC GS with factory lowered seat .

I also wear Sidi adventure boots that have a decent thick sole which helps .

Great allround bike ,the only bad thing is the owners

 

[Axel F]

I'm on my tippy toes on my GSA, never found it an issue, only ever put one foot down anyway (generally), bum off to the side a bit when stopping at lights etc and get one foot fully planted

 

[sven]

I'm almost exactly the same height and inseam (well, 5/8" taller ) and on a demo ride I found the standard bike with standard seat to be slightly too tall to be truly comfortable if I had to put a foot down on an off-camber junction etc. when two up. I never dropped my old one in 11k miles though.

I've ordered a new one with a lowered seat, but did consider a 1300 mile old ex-BMW staff bike with lowered suspension at Allan Jefferies. I could get both feet down very easily, but thought the centre stand would drag in left handlers. It looked really low

 

[Little-Brit]

Last summer I swapped my Ducati Diavel for a new Street Triple R as although I loved the engine I found the Diavel too slow to turn with the raked out forks and massive back tire (living in Derbyshire these roads are not what the Diavel was designed for). I also have a 2007 CBF1000 which I used to do my first ever tour this summer to France (two up).

I'm looking for a bike that can cover both the fun aspect and and touring two up. Now being a keen biker I've read lots of articles over the past couple of years about adventure bikes, but after sitting on them at the bike shows I just cannot reach the floor on most. Well this year I was surprised to find I could (just) get the balls of my feet down on the new GS. As the weight is higher than my current bikes I'm pretty nervous of having a test ride in case I drop it.

I've just spotted online that Rainbow motorcycles have a factory lowered GSW. I guess I have two questions:

Is this GS likely to fulfill both the touring and specifically the 'fun' handling that was was itching for when I sold the Diavel?

Being a 5'8" short arse with a 29" inseam should I consider this factory lowered version, or are they frowned upon (ruining the handling/resale value) ?​

Sorry for the newbie questions.

Hi Shamone,
Perfectly reasonable questions. Just to alay your feers a little I am 5'7" (if you measure me the instant I get out of bed!) with a 29" inside leg. I have a standard height LC with standard seat and I find it quite manageable. It is easier to cope with than my previous 2009 GS in similar spec.

My preference is for the availability of maximum suspension travel for two up comfort and maximum distance between seat and pegs for my aged knee's comfort and the standard set up does it for me.

A lowered bike is quite likely to meet your needs and will certainly be easier for you to manage than standard. Give it a go, what have you got to lose?

Regarding fun handling? Oh yes!

Touring ability? Definitely.

 

[stolzy]

You'll be fine on a standard bike. You get used to the tallness. Only circus freaks can get the balls of both feet on the ground.

 

[dave hendy]

Im 5'7 and 29 inseam, manage fine on a standard LC GS with factory lowered seat .

I also wear Sidi adventure boots that have a decent thick sole which helps .

Great allround bike ,the only bad thing is the owners

+1 5'8 and 29 inseam factory lowered seat works for me

The GS will certainly put a smile on your face!

 

[tspivey]

I am 5 foot 8 inches and 29 leg and am on my third R1200GS with no problems. You do get used to it very quickly. I had a Sargent low on my last bike and went for standard height Sargent this bike with no issues.

 

[Shamone]

Thanks for all the quick and helpful replies.

Sounds like I am not the only rider with short legs and should be able to manage either the factory lowered or standard with a low seat. With the CBF loaded up with panniers, top box and the wife I can get both feet flat and only had one moment at a T-junction uphill and off camber (just managed to save it). I guess a lot of my nerves are with the centre of gravity being higher on an adventure bike and not wanting to drop it and hurt the wife. I did look at the Multistrada, but I couldn't even tiptoe on the new one with the Skyhook suspension. Now I would not want to drop a Ducati

My wife did comment that I looked tiny on the GS at the bike show - I'm only 11 stone as well as short(ish) My CBF is about 245kg curb weight so on paper I should be able to handle the GS's weight.

 

[roadrider]

I've ordered a new one with a lowered seat, but did consider a 1300 mile old ex-BMW staff bike with lowered suspension at Allan Jefferies. I could get both feet down very easily, but thought the centre stand would drag in left handlers. It looked really low

It doesn't, even two up, the footpegs ground first

 

[littleredrooster]

You're taller than me and I've had nowt but standard GSs for the past thirteen years without serious issues. Just be careful not to stop above a four-inch pothole; your legs won't reach!

 

[DING-DONG]

I'm 5'7" - 29" and stock height bike with low seat is perfect i did try stock height seat but coming to Junctions I'd struggle to get my toes down. Only issue i have now, when its fully loaded ie panniers on and the bike is on its side stand i struggle to get it upright, I'm a lightweight. I'd deffo not have a low version come resale time it will cripple you.

 

[sven]

It doesn't, even two up, the footpegs ground first

Oh well, too late now. I was concerned as I used to grind the centre stand on my old one all the time if I hit a bump mid-corner.

 

[snelly]

Welcome aboard Shamone. As long as you take care when you stop you should be fine. You look small on that. Is that Woman speak for i don, t like those.

 

[Schtum]

It doesn't, even two up, the footpegs ground first

Yes but because the bike's lower, you'll have lean it over farther than a standard height bike at the same speed in any given corner.

I tested a lowered bike first and was unimpressed with the handling and then tested a standard height model which felt much nicer.

At 5' 9" with a 29"ish inside leg, I'd used low seats on my four previous GSes but so far, I'm happy with the standard seat on the standard height WC. However, I've registered with Sargent for early notification of when the seat for the new bike is released and I might well consider a low Sargent as their seats are likely to be wider than standard.

 

[Gossy]

Thanks for all the quick and helpful replies.

Sounds like I am not the only rider with short legs and should be able to manage either the factory lowered or standard with a low seat. With the CBF loaded up with panniers, top box and the wife I can get both feet flat and only had one moment at a T-junction uphill and off camber (just managed to save it). I guess a lot of my nerves are with the centre of gravity being higher on an adventure bike and not wanting to drop it and hurt the wife. I did look at the Multistrada, but I couldn't even tiptoe on the new one with the Skyhook suspension. Now I would not want to drop a Ducati

My wife did comment that I looked tiny on the GS at the bike show - I'm only 11 stone as well as short(ish) My CBF is about 245kg curb weight so on paper I should be able to handle the GS's weight.

Valuable contributions to get more ground contact, Daytona M Star boots will add over an inch to your height, pies plus a pillion you'll be closer to the ground too

 

[Delboy777]

Im 5 ft 8ins with 29in inseem and I had a factory lowered gs and I used a standard seat on it. I found no difference between that and a standard gs with a lowered seat. However I now have a GSA with a lowered Kahedo seat and although its very tippy toes for me I think I will be ok. Just need to be more observant about road layout and potholes etc.

Sent from my SM-T210 using Tapatalk

 

[Paul S]

You'll be fine on a standard bike. You get used to the tallness. Only circus freaks can get the balls of both feet on the ground.

Oh well - I am off to join the circus

Fitted my extra tall Touratech seat today