How short is too short?

[Bo Eder]

Hi all - newbie here doing some research. Recently got my motorcycle license and am considering this wonderful bike. I'm currently riding what a new rider should be riding, something very similar to a Honda Rebel or a Suzuki GZ250. I'm about 5' 0" without my riding boots (those give me an extra inch) and don't have a problem with both feet down on the Suzuki with a seat height of 28" (well, I'm on the balls of my feet, anyway).

Even with the R1200R's option of the lower seat at 30.5", anyone here vertically challenged that this would be a problem?

I'm going over to my local BMW dealer tomorrow to see if I can sit on one to find out, but I was curious if anyone thought there should be a minimum height restriction with certain BMW motorcycles. Or, as I've seen this in other posts, does your desire to ride the bike negate the safety issues involved with being able to touch the ground?

I realize I'll probably stick with my 250 for some time as I gain more experience, but if I can fit an R1200R, it would be a nice goal to shoot for. I have a couple of friends who ride BMW and they swear by their dependablility and handling - something I'd like to experience. For some reason, I don't seem to relate to folks insistent on their particular brand of bike. I'm just looking for a solid, dependable machine that I can grow old with. Being new, I don't know how common they are in Southern California, but you definitely see less of them here compared to other bikes, and that's an attractive attribute to me.

Your thoughts?

[AllanCook]

Go sit on one. That's the only way to know. I suspect the bike may lower a bit with some weight on it, so maybe that'll allow you to get your feet on the ground. I do know some fairly vertically challenged riders out there who ride Beemers, but I think they usually have to lower the seat and the suspension.

[OlyVR]

Talk to the dealer to confirm this, but it's my understanding that either this year or next year there will be a lower suspension option. That, along with the low seat available now may just be the ticket.

[NeilS]

I'm 5' 5" and I've been riding for 30+ years, and I think the RR (with the "low" seat) is about at the limit of my comfort level. The bike fits well when I'm riding (with barbacks), but I need to be aware of the terrain when I come come to a stop. I also think the boxer engine makes the bike "tippier" than, say, a V-twin. Another issue is that, unless I'm extra-careful, I tend to hit the right-side saddlebag with my boot when I mount and dismount, and I find the resulting scuffs to be annoying.

Since you're in Southern California, you should note that there's an outfit in San Diego called California Motorcycle Rentals that has a fleet of RRs for rent. It might be worth a day's rental to see how you like the bike.

[deilenberger]

Once again - INSEAM is the important number here.. I'm 5'7" (tall day) with a 27" inseam. I know people my height with a 31" inseam. That's a big difference when sitting on the same bike.

I have lowered my R12R - by about 3/4" - which brings it not quite to the level of the lowered suspension model from BMW. With the low seat I can come very close to flatfooting it. It's low enough that using my FreedomAir cushion on the seat doesn't create a problem for me.

Normal inseam people (less than 30") learn to anticipate where they're going to stop and where their feet will end up. It very much becomes 2nd nature after 30 or 40 years of riding.

I haven't been able to see or sit on the lowered model of the R12R - it seems these are almost non-existant... I'd be curious to see how I fit on one compared to mine lowered 3/4".. and I'd like to know how they lowered it.

I'll make a note in a seperate thread on a change I just made to mine that improved the suspension a bunch..

[kudzu]

Being somewhat short of inseam myself, I can relate to your question. Besides the reality of the bike itself, which can only be determined by sitting on and riding it, there is your individual tolerance for how much or how little you can get your feet on the ground. Some riders are not comfortable unless they can absolutely get both feet flat on the ground. Others ride far and wide having to stand on one tiptoe just to keep the bike upright when stopped. With a low seat and maybe a lowered suspension, an R1200R can probably be persuaded to fit you. Even if the R-bike is not for you, you will undoubtedly find a motorcycle that you can both love and ride. Good luck!

[Bo Eder]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies!

Unfortunately, my local BMW dealer is CLOSED on Monday! So I'll have to get there on another day. It is funny, when I ride my bike, it seems normal that I can be on the balls of my feet, but if I ride my wife's scooter (Yamaha Zuma 50cc), I have to tip-toe on one foot! So I'm sure I'll just learn to deal with toe-ing any bike (I've been having to make these kinds of adjustments all my life, when I think about it).

Thanks for the word on the San Diego group. I'll be sure to look them up when I head to San Diego.