Hello - latest NG here with my first post.
They call me Hopz- that has to with my howbrewed beer- I am a hop lover.
I have been riding bikes since... oh... 1958... have had all the regular brands, but have been on Harley since early 90's. Currently on my 4th model of Harley touring bike- Road Glide and I love it. I am one of the H-D bunch who got over the "biker" thing years ago. I have no tattos, no loud pipes, and wear a real helmet- all the time.
I also have been a BMW auto guy since- well- going way back. Am currently driving my 10th in a continuous row. Because of this BMW thing, because I like BMW bikes, and because I have fallen into the clutches of a group of BMW riders, I am seriously looking for a BMW bike- most likely an R11XXR and likely one with a few years on her. I have room in the garage for two- and at the present time consider this a summer fling... maybe a project, maybe a trial just to see if it fits...
The issues are these, and I welcome your thought and inputs...
My wife rides with me most of the time. We are two-up 90 percent of the time- so her comfort and enjoyment is number one. If she's not happy I am not happy. You cant stay married 43 years and not learn a few things along the way- and I mean that in a positive, not cynical way.
She won't be comfortable unless I am comfortable. I won't be comfy unless I feel like I have control of the bike- and this deals mostly with low speed, parking, getting on and off the stands, U-turns etc.
Both of us are vertically challenged. My Road Glide has been lowered, and with the touring seat on it I call it about 26 inches. I can flat foot it.
She has a fake knee but is getting pretty good at mount/dismounting... but we do this with the bike on the side stand- then I get on.
Can the R bike's side stand deal with this?
Sorry about the personal dump, but if the concept of riding a BMW is just not in my cards- I would rather hear about it from you experienced and honest guys, and I solicit and appreciate your comments.
OBTW I am one of the Moderators over at the Zumo550 Forum- so if I can help with any GPS questions of the Zumo type, it will be my pleasure to try to help.
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Live to Ride, Ride to Lunch
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
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MikeCam
- Centurion Moderator!
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I am thinking that with every possible lowering technique you and your partner might still not feel satisfied.
Seat to peg height is a concern for many. Step-over height is a challenge even after lowering the seat.
On the plus side, balance, handling, performance at low speed are strengths of this model.
Seat to peg height is a concern for many. Step-over height is a challenge even after lowering the seat.
On the plus side, balance, handling, performance at low speed are strengths of this model.
The Older I Get, The Less I Know.
Welcome to the forum! I'm sure you'll hear nothing but good things about BMW motorcycles! A used R1150XX is one of the best deals in motorcycling. And a used RT seems like a pretty good bike for the two of you. (And you'll love the way they handle)
The R1200C has a low seat. I've heard that it's kinda slow, though. Good luck with your decisions.
The R1200C has a low seat. I've heard that it's kinda slow, though. Good luck with your decisions.
Hopz --
I've got a an inseam that is generously measured at 29" - the R's seat is just a little too high for me to flat foot the bike. This situation is made a bit worse by the design of the seat, which splays your legs out to side quite a bit. There are some fixes to both lower the seat and narrow it. I haven't done either but I think you could easily loose 2" doing both. If you added some thick-soled boots into the mix, you may be there. Taller guys find the peg to seat height inadequate but I find it pretty close to ideal. Your partner may find climbing on a bit challenging since the pilon is another inch or 2 higher than the rider.
That said, the R is an excellent all-around bike (maybe even the best all-arounder out there) with outstanding handling at all speeds. The engine is very tractable with a wide power band, decent, if not outstanding, power and excellent torque. Brakes are another strong point.
Maybe you could take one for a test ride solo to see if it's in the ballpark for you.
I've got a an inseam that is generously measured at 29" - the R's seat is just a little too high for me to flat foot the bike. This situation is made a bit worse by the design of the seat, which splays your legs out to side quite a bit. There are some fixes to both lower the seat and narrow it. I haven't done either but I think you could easily loose 2" doing both. If you added some thick-soled boots into the mix, you may be there. Taller guys find the peg to seat height inadequate but I find it pretty close to ideal. Your partner may find climbing on a bit challenging since the pilon is another inch or 2 higher than the rider.
That said, the R is an excellent all-around bike (maybe even the best all-arounder out there) with outstanding handling at all speeds. The engine is very tractable with a wide power band, decent, if not outstanding, power and excellent torque. Brakes are another strong point.
Maybe you could take one for a test ride solo to see if it's in the ballpark for you.
'03 R1150R
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ernieshrew
- Basic User
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- Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2007 4:37 pm
Hi Hopz
I have a false left knee and tendon due to a training accident but manage fine on my 1150R, I have the lowered seat just to enable me to get both feet down. I was going to use the lowered pegs but once I manged 90 degrees of bend in the knee its just fine. I thought my riding days might have been over but apart from a little ache here and there the 1150 is brilliant, and to be honest I tried other types of bikes from cruisers to street bikes and the beakster was tops.
Ernie
I have a false left knee and tendon due to a training accident but manage fine on my 1150R, I have the lowered seat just to enable me to get both feet down. I was going to use the lowered pegs but once I manged 90 degrees of bend in the knee its just fine. I thought my riding days might have been over but apart from a little ache here and there the 1150 is brilliant, and to be honest I tried other types of bikes from cruisers to street bikes and the beakster was tops.
Ernie
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Robert_winter_1000
- Lifer
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- Location: Switzerland
Hopz
I had the same problem. The R1150R can be delivered with three different seats: High, middle and low. I have taken the law seat. As well I added extra thick sole to my boot. Now if I am ridding single still I can not put my foot flat on the ground but I don’t have problem with it. On the contrary if my girlfriend sits behind me then I can touch the ground with flat foot. I am having the motor already 5 years and I am very happy with it. It is really great motor.
Regards
Robert
I had the same problem. The R1150R can be delivered with three different seats: High, middle and low. I have taken the law seat. As well I added extra thick sole to my boot. Now if I am ridding single still I can not put my foot flat on the ground but I don’t have problem with it. On the contrary if my girlfriend sits behind me then I can touch the ground with flat foot. I am having the motor already 5 years and I am very happy with it. It is really great motor.
Regards
Robert
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dragonmojo
- Basic User
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- Location: Sacramento, CA
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I am also vert challenged (my Levi's say 32x30 these days, altho' it used to be 30x30... once upon a time).
I love my R12C (the Cruiser) since the ride height is around 29" (I almost can flat foot it with both feet, but not quite... besides, I always just use my left foot anyway). BMW discontinued this model due to the cruiser displacement wars. I have a Rockster, which is about as high as I feel comfortable using their low seat. The two bikes are quite different and have their pluses and minuses.
If you are interested in the R1150R series, I know that my shop in Northern CA was able to accommodate a vert challenged female customer. That Telelever/Paralever suspension (according to the mechanics) lends itself to lowering by not affecting the geometry, or very little if any. They say it still handles wonderfully but my guess is that the pegs might scrape if you push the corners really hard, due to the pegs being closer to the ground now. If someone makes a kit to raise the peg height, this may resolve that issue. It depends on how hard you're gong to hit the curves (I scrape pegs on the Cruiser but not the Rockster).
If I recall correctly, the customer was about 5'2" tall, but I don't know what her inseam was. Did I mention "happy" customer?
Hope this helps,
Alan
I love my R12C (the Cruiser) since the ride height is around 29" (I almost can flat foot it with both feet, but not quite... besides, I always just use my left foot anyway). BMW discontinued this model due to the cruiser displacement wars. I have a Rockster, which is about as high as I feel comfortable using their low seat. The two bikes are quite different and have their pluses and minuses.
If you are interested in the R1150R series, I know that my shop in Northern CA was able to accommodate a vert challenged female customer. That Telelever/Paralever suspension (according to the mechanics) lends itself to lowering by not affecting the geometry, or very little if any. They say it still handles wonderfully but my guess is that the pegs might scrape if you push the corners really hard, due to the pegs being closer to the ground now. If someone makes a kit to raise the peg height, this may resolve that issue. It depends on how hard you're gong to hit the curves (I scrape pegs on the Cruiser but not the Rockster).
If I recall correctly, the customer was about 5'2" tall, but I don't know what her inseam was. Did I mention "happy" customer?
Hope this helps,
Alan
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT
Short guy checking in
Hey Hopz,
I'm new to the RR. I hadn't ridden for ~15 years or so after a couple of spills scared me away.
My drivers license says 5'5", but that was on a tall attitude day. More like 5'4". I love the RR, but am not able to flat foot it at any time. I do have the low seat, but even with a passenger, I don't quite get there.
I don't know if it's just a matter of being newly acquainted with riding or if it is a height thing or if it's a passenger wiggle thing, but I do find some instability when turning slow through parking lots and such. However, this really isn't a problem when alone.
As far as her mounting the bike.... I have been able to comfortably hold the bike while she steps up on the foot peg and swings her leg over. I'm afraid that if she got on first, I would accidentally kick her in the side! Talk about not being happy.
She has asked for a backrest, so I am going to include a pad on the top case I am ordering tomorrow. She has also complained that the seat did not offer enough cushion. I've looked into optional seats for her that would not raise my seat, and there are some options that look good, but I'm going to hold off on that one for awhile.
Hope this helps. This has been the first post that this newbie has felt I could add meaningful input.
Take Care,
Tony
I'm new to the RR. I hadn't ridden for ~15 years or so after a couple of spills scared me away.
My drivers license says 5'5", but that was on a tall attitude day. More like 5'4". I love the RR, but am not able to flat foot it at any time. I do have the low seat, but even with a passenger, I don't quite get there.
I don't know if it's just a matter of being newly acquainted with riding or if it is a height thing or if it's a passenger wiggle thing, but I do find some instability when turning slow through parking lots and such. However, this really isn't a problem when alone.
As far as her mounting the bike.... I have been able to comfortably hold the bike while she steps up on the foot peg and swings her leg over. I'm afraid that if she got on first, I would accidentally kick her in the side! Talk about not being happy.
She has asked for a backrest, so I am going to include a pad on the top case I am ordering tomorrow. She has also complained that the seat did not offer enough cushion. I've looked into optional seats for her that would not raise my seat, and there are some options that look good, but I'm going to hold off on that one for awhile.
Hope this helps. This has been the first post that this newbie has felt I could add meaningful input.
Take Care,
Tony
Thanks to all.
If there is a consensus forming, it seems to be that yes, its tall, but some level of alteration can be made.
I have spent a good bit of time looking around the web. Some follow up questions...
Are the seats on the R1100R different from the 1150? and for that matter the RT's?
I know Rick Mayer makes custom low seats- are there any others?
Who makes a touring style windshield that is thought to be good? Is Cee Bailey the preference or Parabellum, or?
Which IS the fastest color?
If there is a consensus forming, it seems to be that yes, its tall, but some level of alteration can be made.
I have spent a good bit of time looking around the web. Some follow up questions...
Are the seats on the R1100R different from the 1150? and for that matter the RT's?
I know Rick Mayer makes custom low seats- are there any others?
Who makes a touring style windshield that is thought to be good? Is Cee Bailey the preference or Parabellum, or?
Which IS the fastest color?
Live to Ride, Ride to Lunch
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
R1100R- Dark Metallic
H-D Road Glide- Sweet Silver
A LONG time ago there was a guy that posted here called Patrick (namesake of Patrick's Playhouse). He was, as they say, height challenged. You might be able to seek out some of the posts he added about getting closer to the ground. I do recall he trimmed foam from the sides of the seat. But I think he had several other tricks.
Hope the Roadster works out for you. It is a terrific bike.
Hope the Roadster works out for you. It is a terrific bike.
- Bill #438, Lifetime
If I'm going to grow up, I'd better hurry.....oh well.
If I'm going to grow up, I'd better hurry.....oh well.