The MAM Journals- Low Chassis/low seat BMW R1250GS. A GS a shorter rider can enjoy?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ธ.ค. 2022
- Having come to the the conclusion that my R1200GS is too tall for me to ride comfortably and confidently , two up and fully laden , I bought an alternative. A very kind friend gave me the opportunity to try his low chassis / low seat R1250 . What did I make of it ? Is it a bike that a shorter rider can enjoy and use safely and competently?
For clarity , all the R1250GS models discussed can be ordered with different seats , chassis and equipment levels. The Triple Black I tried earlier this year, and use for my base numbers , was a standard chassis and seat model . Simon's Trophy is low chassis and low rallye seat ...
My Journal on the 2022 BMW R1250GS can be found at:
• The MAM Journals- BMW ...
My Journal on the history of the GS range and my R1200GS is at:
• The MAM Journals-The B...
Other MAM Journals can be found at:
• The MAM Journals - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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I have a low chassis GS with comfort seat so could go lower still. 28” inseam and no problems. Great bike…
Can you provide me the part number for your comfort seat? Thank you.
I am 5’9 with a 31” inseam, maybe 32 in my boots. The standard height GSA was too tall unless I bought a $500 low seat. The factory low suspension GSA with the standard (and heated) seat is perfect. Still a tall bike, but my feet can reach the ground. I’m not jumping boulders and tree stumps with it, so I don’t miss the standard height. Love my GSA👍
Thank you Michael for the thorough analysis, congrats.
Very Welcome . I really took to the bike and bought it from my friend . A video - 1000 Miles - comes out tomorrow morning .
Wow thanks I always just overlooked the GS because of its height I will look into this more carefully.
Excellent and very usefull presentation
I always thought the GS was too big and bulky which makes it harder to lane split and handle. I also looked at bagger cruisers but prices are out of reach for me. I ended up with a Kawasaki 1000sx which I am very happy with. Hope this helps anyone else. Thank you for sharing
Interesting you went for the 1000SX. I test rode one in 2018 and also the R1200RS and to me the BM was the better all round bike, though it was more expensive. In thevend I bought another (2) lowered GS'. A few years on and I too am about to go back to a more traditional sports tourer, as I get older I wanted something a bit more manageable and have opted for the R1250RS SE with the tubular bars rather than the usual clip ons and a low seat. I haven't got it yet so can't give any real feedback on ownership experience other than to say on the test ride I found it more engaging to ride than the GS but no quite as comfortable.
I like this guy. Brilliant.
Excellent video from your new subscriber from across the pond. I recently purchased a Pan America simply because of the adjustable ride height. Great content!
Thank you Mike . Glad you found it interesting . Off to do a few miles on the bike now as I actually bought it from my friend . Planning to make a video on my first 1000 miles . The light hearted story of the collection of the bike is here ..th-cam.com/video/KO9p7SUe4Dg/w-d-xo.html
Good interesting watch nice to see that their are options for us more vertically challenged types Michael I have toyed with the idea but I think alas it's probably to late for me to contemplate one of the very good machines .I am now more thinking along the Harley route no issues with them that's for sure .Cheers 😉👍
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks , as always for watching . Hoping to try a Harley in the spring . Tried one a fair few years ago and ran out of ground clearance on every roundabout 😂 Might need to adapt my style to do them justice 👍
Good review! 👌I'm 5'11" (32" inside leg) and have a 2018 R1200 GS TE Exclusive with the factory low chassis kit. I bought it off a 5'7" mate this year, 5,000 European touring miles later and it's perfect for the slightly taller rider too with the seat adjusted to 'H', the lowering kit also comes with a shorter centre stand which is useful when the bike is switched off and the suspension drops down. 👍
Thanks for sharing your experience Andrew 👍
Height is exactly why I don't have a GS. I have an RT with a lowered seat. BMW are ignoring the needs of a sizeable portion of their potential customers.
What’s ur h8?
Interesting and informative. That should answer the ‘low’ question for a lot of folks !
Thank you Ady . I hope so . I am surprised by how many people I meet who like the idea of a GS but have dismissed it because they are unaware of the options . I am yet to be convinced that all dealers are as helpful as they could be with this ? Hope to catch up for a coffee soon👍
@@michaelmam
I think sometimes a bike that sells itself leaves some salesman not going the extra mile as it were to let people know about the variants offered by BMW. Hopefully videos like yours will steer people into what they can have and achieve.
Selecting the ‘low’ option prior to a challenging car park etc is very good advice mate.
I’m 6’2” and ride a regular height 1250 GSA. I only watched this video because I spotted the lovely image of the Trophy on the opening home page. I think that the Trophy model is currently the best looking option GS or GSA. It looks well with vario luggage. Anyway, I watched it through and would just like say that I thought that your presentation, delivery and content were all very well done. 35 years on radical sports bikes I’m now on my third GSA. Great bikes for what I now use them for 👍
Thank you for taking the time to comment . I appreciate it . Have fun on your third GSA !
Thanks for a very enjoyable video!
I'm about the same height as you and had a 2007 GS for 7 years and took it to France. I loved it but eventually decided it was a bit tall for me. Before that, I had a BMW Rockster which I also took to France and loved that as well. I've since had a couple of other bikes but have missed the Boxer engine. I've had an R on my wish list for a few years but recently having seen a petite 5' 4" lady riding a GS Adventure all round the desert, and explaining the need to learn different techniques to compensate for the disadvantages of not being tall, I was very impressed and it opened my eyes again and re-established my love for the GS!
So now, I think, I will have to test ride a low GS and an R, back to back.
The styling of the R in recent years has not been so much to my taste as the earlier ones, but the 2023 triple black looks very tasty, but if I were to get that at some point, I would definitely want to add a screen etc. for long distance touring.
Thanks again and keep up the good work. 😃👍
Wow, you are telling my story. My first BMW was a 79 R100RS, then a 750 K bike, back to a 04 R1150R as I missed the boxer, now - retired - I picked up a 2017 RT to extend my riding distance ability. Road from WA to NY & back, I think I had the right bike for that, I’ve equipped it with a BMW low seat and it’s still too tall for me to flat foot it, and as I age it keeps getting heavier. I have thought of going to lighter lower bikes but I know I would miss the BMW, looked at the BMW 750 but again I’m afraid I’d miss the boxer engine. Now I’m thinking a 1200R as I really don’t much like the newer R bikes.
Thanks for the good read Gillian.
@@thesalsalthe I was strongly considering an R nine T, which I test rode and loved it, but I also rode the R1250R and it was like riding on a feather!
SO comfortable!!
Trouble is, I wasn't in love with the looks, and I need that in any bike I buy. The R Nine T is definitely on the cards, and with the fully adjustable suspension, I haven't ruled it out and I would want to have full luggage and a screen on it, so the options are very small in that department.
Whatever I end up with after a road test on the low chassis GS, I must have a boxer in my stable!
The other thing I noticed is that the black rubber circular blocks under the seat on the adjustment mechanism, can be bought with an off set hole, so you can get about another centimeter of height reduction. Available on eBay for about £8 upwards.
I'm also working out every day to build myself up and eating really healthy food, as it's never too old (unless one thinks it is, up to a point of course!!) 😃👍💪💪
Great post, I am in the process of moving to a GS 1200 from my Edition 80 anniversary R1150R Rockster and am 5 foot 6, thanks
Great straight to the meat of the matter video on the GS’s and the height challenges, of bikes these days. I have a 2018 factory lowered GSA, and to your points it provides a more confident city experience. Saying that I do ride mine in the dirt too and have the Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires, add a bit to the ride height back, but when in tight city confines, drop it in the modes to min setting. Have found most people discount or be honest hate on the GS’s but have never ridden one, by the way have had Road Glides, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha sport bikes too in the shed so fortunate to have sipped from different cups to be able to judge. The new HD Pan American, once sorted offers a great feature on the auto lower, on the upgraded model, but Ducati is still for the taller of our ilk! Again, the BMW electronics are amazing and if you get a GS-911 tool, do most of the services yourself. Good luck doing that with other brands. Again good information and right to it on how the bikes settings work real world. Cheers.
Thank you Michael . Great to hear your experiences . 👍
Well the inevitable has happened...This is the light hearted story of my collection of "yet another bike". Accompanied by long term friend and former professional racing driver , Tim Harvey . We had fun ..th-cam.com/video/KO9p7SUe4Dg/w-d-xo.html.
Great video on the three letter one
😂 How are you David ?
Great Piece of Content.....S.F.A.
I have a lowered triple black and love it. Gives me lots of confidence. Would love to see a road focused GS with a 17inch front tyre like Pikes Peak Multistrada
Great to hear you love your triple black ! I guess some would argue that they already do a road version with the same engine but I know what you mean 👍
Great vid! I have a pic of a 2015 r1200GSA triple black on my fridge as a constant reminder that I would one day be riding my dream bike. I went to a BMW Dealership a few months later just to check out the bikes and saw a standard triple black r1200GSA in the showroom. That bike was so tall and heavy, I couldn’t get it off the side stand. I was heart broken. I’m only 5’6”. I ended up buying an FJR 1300 AE, which was also a “tall” bike for me because of how wide it is. Well, a few bikes later such as an Africa Twin, and VFR 1200X and finally a 2018 Goldwing non tour, which is a fantastic bike, I still have that pic of a 2015 r1200GSA. Now that they come in a low chassis and low seat, and can still drop it to minimum height, I might give it another go. I sure do love the way they look. Ride safe…
Great to hear from you ! I thought there might be quite a few of us in a similar position .Good that BMW are catering for us …👍
Nice to see someone vertically challenged going over a gs. I currently have an Aprillia shiver with a 31.7 in seat height. Gotten use to it and feel 32 wouldn’t be that bad but 33 would be pushing it.
Many thanks for this video. I like you are a chap of a certain age, I own a 2005 (from new) GSA 1150 but recently finding the weight and the height (mine was lowered) getting to me a little. I love my bike but although all ok in normal circumstances, the camber, the two up etc is becoming an issue or potential issue.
So today I had an appointment with the Motorad main stealer here in Devon to look at the exact bike you are using.
One huge issue.. they have stopped making them new, so only the GSA is available to order new and those are only for the next 10 days I was told. The low chassis version isn’t available to order either on the GSA.
So I will have to either buy a second hand low mileage Trophy or wait until the new one is available from late November.
Great video, this is top content for me. 👍
Yes . New model well and truly on its way . Fortunately the low chassis models are a bit more “accepted” / popular than they were initially so there are a few about in the nearly new market . I really like mine and I am glad I didn’t give up when I realised my 1200 was just a bit too tall for me , two up . I have just made a video comparing it to my Suzuki GT , which I also like but for different reasons. Good luck with your search . Have fun👍
Your old bike looks immaculate.
Thank you . I have looked after it . 6600 miles 🤦😂
Cheers Michael. Great video. ADV MATT rode his GS Rally off road on a regular basis (difficult desert riding) and blew out the forward (Telelever shock). BMW replaced it under warranty, but warned him the next one would cost $3,000.00. He kept the GS for touring and bought a KTM for off road. These are better touring bikes than the Honda Gold Wing, but other than gravel and some sand, do not think they are good for off road.
Thank you ! I bought the bike from my friend and a new video about how I am finding it comes out next Friday . 1000 miles - BMW R1250 GS Trophy ..
Thanks for the video. I am also 5’7. And I purchased the lower chassis 1250 gsa low suspension. I also use the electronic suspension to low setting. Both feet on the ground. Without it would find it difficult to ride.
And so, any issues with cornering, or the suspension travel not being enough?
@@patrickfromger4802 no issues with cornering. Can do full u turns without any issues. In fact it’s easier on this bike. Hasten to add, I have only ridden the standard height gs once, and my gsa lower chassis is the only main experience I have had. The travel suspension- no issue whatsoever for me. I have not ridden over any rough terrain so no experience on that side. The bike floats on air.
I have a low chassis triple black and find it very comfortable and easy to manoeuvre. I also owned an early (2004) GSA and will admit over time I lost interest as it was too big and heavy so nice to come back to the fold, although I did try the standard GS and it wasn’t intimidating but just preferred the lower chassis
I really enjoyed the 1250 triple black when I rode it solo but just didn’t fancy riding a bike that tall two up and touring . Since making the video I have bought a low chassis bike to use alongside my GT . I ride about 15000 miles a year so I like to spread my mileage amongst the bikes . Thanks for watching and taking the trouble to comment 👍
I had a couple of GS’s (an 1150 and a 1200) but went to other bikes because of the size as I got older. I found that I really missed that boxer engine and went back to an R1250RS. My worsening arthritis started to mean that that bike was getting really difficult to manoeuvre around the garage and so I’ve now sold that and bought an R9T, which I absolutely adore. It’s a bit smaller and lighter but still has that beautiful engine (albeit the older air/oil cooled 1200), plenty fast enough for the road, far easier to move around and such a hoot to ride. It’ll keep me going well into my 70’s!
Thanks Tim 👍
I was pretty sure I was going to get an
R nine T as well, until I saw the 5' 4" lady on a GS Adventure, and also, I still couldn't get out of my head that I want something really comfortable for long distance rides and the R nine T doesn't have the electronic suspension which is like being on a magic carpet! (I would imagine 😅)
@@gillianbrodie6807 I would test ride the electronic suspension first, my RS had it fitted and the auto pre-load was great, but otherwise I found the electronic suspension too hard, even in Road mode. Hitting a bump in Dynamic mode had me out of the saddle, and I’m no lightweight!
@@timparish172 Thanks Tim. I just found out today that Exeter, where I live, opened a BMW Motorrad here a few weeks ago. I went along today and they had exactly the bike I would have if I get a GS, with low suspension. It was fine to sit on, and yes, I will try everything out first because I realise the suspension won't have so much travel. We'll see! 😃👍
@@gillianbrodie6807how did that turn out with your checks?
Very well presented. I'm 5'8"" (30 inch pant inseam) and had to stop looking at newer BMW after the bikes just go too damn tall. I love my 02 R1150R, it's perfect for me. For adventure-ish fun, I love my Tiger 900 (Lower height version). Hi from Texas
Thanks Andrew . Happy New Year to you 👍
@@michaelmam Happy New Year back to you
Thanks for an enjoyable and informative video. I had the same experience as you - I had the std 1250 with a low seat and it was just too top heavy and a bit cramped in the knees. I’ve found a low suspension version really lowers the centre of gravity and feels the same in terms of rider triangle as a regular bike with regular seat. One small correction re: seat height: the low rallye seat is actually 10mm taller than the regular seat, so on a regular bike the seat height is 860mm and on the low suspension bike it takes it down to 810mm, not up to 820mm.
Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for commenting . I do find the seat measurement byzantine in their complexity . So many permutations. The grid that the BMW dealer provided me shows the low suspension & seat at 800 , the low seat , standard suspension at 820 and the standard seat at 850 , the high / comfort seat at 870 and the extra high , Rallye seat at 900 . That said , you could be right . The manual says low slung with low rallye seat is 840 😂🤷🏼♂️ . Thanks again for commenting 👍
Michael your now a official Cowpoke after that Dusty Trial comment. I'll have to get a pair of spurs for you. Although some insulated Long Johns sounds more useful. Shorter is better in my world. Thanks
That’s like my bike I just bought a 1250 gsa low suspension trophy and it’s great
Taking ours away on 3 day trip soon . 👍
Hi Michael
I was hugely surprised at the NEC as to how comfortable I found some of the BMWs. Never really considered one but now rethinking. I find anything over 800mm too tall but a number of their models fitted well.
Regards
Denis
I tried the low chassis at the NEC and thought - this could work ..👍
Love your videos Michael! very informative
Could you make a low chassis GS back to standard chassis?
Thank you Martin . Personally I don’t know anyone who has tried ? There is a growing market for them in the uk and they tend to hold their value slightly better than the standard model because they are slightly more difficult to find .
Yes, you can. Just add standard shocks, a side stand, and center stand.
I am a really short rider 5'3 and I have a Triumph 900 GT low seat height is 765mm this is a fantastic bike.
That’s what I plan to buy. I’m 5’2”. 😳
Same here
Funny I don’t know what mine is.
I bought my GS 1200 used from a rental company. I think it might be lowered. I can flat foot it quite easily. At 5’ 10” with a 30”or 32” leg.
It has an aftermarket comfort seat.
In the Dealership. I sat on of road 850 which was just a bit to tall but the on road I was flat foot. I found the same with triumphs. On road just fine off road just a bit high.
The GS 1200 is an exclusive model. I can flat foot. Just fine my leg is bent and I can stand up straight with my butt clear of the saddle.
When I bought it there was no mention it was lowered. Just thinking it might be.
After riding a few months I’ve put the seat in the higher position. Which is about 33”
And quite comfortable.
The big thing is it’s a heavy bike. Flat ground no problem. I find it difficult in the driveway with a little bit of slope.
I'm now on my 3rd factory lowered GS, so I can speak from experience. I bought my 1st in 2015 for touring 2 up with my wife and it was far easier to handle at low speeds fully laden than a standard GS, so although the wife no longer rides pillion I've stuck with the low chassis versions every since. At a similar height to you at 5'7" and now in my 60's, I can still manage my 1250 GS without any problems. Getting on and off the bike is easier if you use the left-hand footpeg to stand on and have the bike on full right lock. I also have a sidestand foot enlarger, which brings the bike slightly more upright, though you need to be careful with parking it if the camber or slope is against you. I also have a pair of Daytona M Star boots, which help too as they have a raised sole and heel. Why the GS? Simple really it does evering thing well. Why not an R or RS which on paper are better road bikes? Both are great 🏍 but they don't have the front telelever suspension, which GS riders love because it keeps the bike so stable, which is a real asset 2 up. The R's headlight to me is just plain ugly and when I test rode one unlike the GS it seemed to have no road presence as I was constantly having cars pull out in front of me at junctions and roundabouts. The RS is too much of a reach to the bars for me in standard form, though I see they are offering it with flatter bars in 2023. The GS is all day comfortable, too, so rather than the R or RS, I'd say the closest road bike to the GS would be the 1250 RT? Anyway, the key thing is buy the bike YOU want, not what someone else thinks you should have no matter what model it is or manufacturer it comes from. For anyone interseted in the lowered version of the GS they are rarely on demo so leave your details with your local dealers for when they get a used one traded in, but be quick to test ride it to see if a lowered one is for you as they rarely stay in the showroom for long.
Thanks for sharing your experience Adrian . I hope to pick a low chassis bike up in the next few weeks.
@Michael Mam Nice one, depending which one you get you might want to consider getting some protection for the paintwork? I have a TE Exclusive and one of the matt tank sidepanels marked up quite badly. I ended up getting another under warranty so had PPF (Paint protection film) fitted by Tony James design at the dealers to stop it happening again.
You said it all, that’s why I have a GS!!
You talk out of experience! Love that! How did you experience cornering with the lowered suspension or suspension travel being shorter? Did it impact the comfort?
@@patrickfromger4802 I've never had any problems with the cornering on it and never scaped the pegs either solo or 2 up but I don't go mad in it, my riding style is more smooth progress and I'm 72kg/158 lb. The suspension travel is only 20mm shorter than standard and is still 170m front 180mm rear so more than say the 1250RS at 140mm both ends so it still soaks up the bumps well and even with the thinner low seat allowed me to ride all day in relative comfort. I can't say how it compares to a standard GS as I've not ridden one since the test ride in 2016, but when I got my first lowered GS I didn't notice anything noticibly different comfort/suspension wise to the standard bike I'd ridden previously. You'd need to ride the 2 back to back to see. Having had them for 8 years now I'm getting a 1250RS with a low seat and tubular bars as it's more compact so easier to ride at low speeds as at 67 years young and a shorty I'm finding the GS is just getting a bit more of a challenge at low speeds. Don't get me wrong it's not a problem and easier to cope with than other Large ADV bikes but my pillion has given biking up so I don't do tours anymore which is why I got the GS.
Hi, I had exactly the same problem so ordered a low chassis and fitted aftermarket extra low seat which fixed my ability to ride with more confidence, I’m 5’6
Just bought one as a result of making the video 👍
@@michaelmam pity I can’t send you a picture of my setup!!!
@@patvillagemotorcycleclubhu1904 you can always join my facebook page - Michael Mam - and put a photo on there 👍
What aftermarket seat did you go for?
Hah ! ..... your vid micheal could have been me stood there talking. I've had the exact same experience. I got my 07 GS about 2 years ago. Having had sports bikes for 30 odd years, I got a bit fed up and was on the verge of giving up biking, until a mate of mine turned up on one ( an 06 ) . So, three weeks later I sold my ZX10R that I'd had for 14 years, that I'd toured all over the UK and Europe on.
Wow ! What a difference, at first, I coukd hardly move the bloody thing ! Let alone pick it up off the side stand. At 72 I'm not quite as fit, strong and agile as I was, and its taken me a while to get used to my New Mobility Scooter, however, 2 years on, I'm getting there. In fact, ironically, I got caught out in gravel car park a couple of weeks ago, fully ladened, and ended up unceremoniously lowering it to the ground. ( enter stage right, a 20 stone 6ft 6 farmer who picked it, and me up.! 😃 ). So, yesterday, with the aid of my son, I decided it was time I got to grips with this monster. Having lowered it on to a piece of carpet, and having watched numerous vids on how easy it is to " pick these things up " my first method, was the centre of the bike routine. That didn't feel right for at all, so I didn't even attempt that. However, using the Turn the bars to Full opposite Lock, and pick up from the bar end, worked ok....." just" after two lifts that was enough !
( its worth doing, and I'll do it again sometime..... once the tablets have worn off ! Hah ! )
I like you, my jnside leg is about 29" but here's "My Solution" for the GS. First, I made and bolted a 20mm ali pad under the side stand, that sorted that issue out. My seats on the lowest setting. My Preload is backed right off at the back, and the front spring backed off to the low setting. I've done away with flat'ish soled biking boots and now wear high ankle walking boots. The boots with a fairly beefy sole work a treat, and by adjusting the gear lever Down one spline position, it works perfectly..
With all that I'm basically Flat Footed and 10x more comfortable and better in control.
Thanks for the vid, excellent ! 👍
Hope this helps anyone out there reading this, thats struggling or contemplating a GS.
Cheers Roj
Thanks for commenting 👍 I made the video partially because I felt there are quite a few people in a similar position and it might be helpful to discuss it . Since making the video I have actually bought the bike . Below is a light hearted “muse” on the collection ..
th-cam.com/video/KO9p7SUe4Dg/w-d-xo.html
I got some daytona boots. They add 2 inches to the inseam and are very comfortable. Not cheap boots but a lot cheaper than low seats or lowering suspension. I can now flat foot 2016 gs.
Insightful. Please what’s your height and inseam?
Totally agree with your comments, the GS is a overpowering bike size wise. If I was going to buy a new touring bike, like you I would also opt for the Suzuki
i have a dealer special Quad Black 1250GSA, and with the front low seat and the adjusters UNDER the seat set to low i can comfortably touch the ground, despite having only 32 inside leg. i can definetly tour on it 2 up with full luggage confidently and have done so. an awesome bike me thinks ! oh and mine is the normal/ standard height frame.
Lots of ways of getting there by the sound of it 👍
I was looking for GS1250 Triple Blck and Trophy with low seat and low suspension .... I am 5' 8" not comfortable for standard GS1250 height nice review just convince me to go for Trophy
The permutations are endless . 👍
I'm about your height (5' 7" / 5' 8" if I look up) and about 30" inside leg (trouser measurement between a short and a reg leg). I am riding a 2018 1200 GS Adventure (about 1" taller than a GS). Its a Low chassis, I have seat in the standard position and the suspension on Dynamic / Auto. I have also fitted a set of wunderlich bar risers which bring the bars up a bit but importantly back by about 1". This set up is spot on for those of us that are a bit closer to the earth than most. Do not be intimidated by these bikes, they are gentle giants! so rideable.
Great to hear your experiences Alex . As I am sure you know I made this video to encourage shorter riders , who want a GS , to have a go . It’s increasingly clear that there are quite a few do want to and it can only help that people who have successfully done so , talk about it ! Thanks for taking the time to comment . 👍. I pick up my low chassis , trophy soon ..
@@michaelmam |Top Tip for anyone looking at bikes on line, it is very difficult to determine a low from a standard height just from pictures. On the GS/A look at the gap between the front mudguard and the beak, if the gap looks like about the width of a fist its a low, if it looks like the span of hand its a standard. Then get the VIN, there is an online decoder that will verify it. When I bought mine the selling dealer (not BMW) did not know it was a low chassis. Good luck with the Trophy, sure it'll be great!
@@alexwright2368 great tip !
Specifically what changes are included on a “factory lowered” GS? What compromises do they introduce eg reduced suspension travel? Can a regular GS be lowered similarly by a second owner?
If you see a 1250 GS with a low chassi for sale .By it .Its unik You wont regret it 👍😊
I bought that one … 😂
I’m about the same size as you. I had a 2006 GS which was too tall for me, so I fitted a shorter Wilber rear shock, which was the answer.
I then got a new 2014 1200 GS with ESA, which could be adjusted on the fly, I never found the seat too high. I replaced that this year with a 2022 1250GS Rallye low frame with low seat which was necessary because the ESA & riding modes cannot be adjusted on the fly like the previous model.
Hi Nick , interesting post . Can I ask what you did on the front end of your 2006 to level the bike up ?
Its also interesting to hear that you could adjust the ESA /seat height of your previous bike - “on the fly” . I wonder why they have taken that away on the later bikes ?
The work to the 2006 bike was done just after I got it in 2012 at 16,000 miles. the wilbers was fitted by MCT in Stowmarket Suffolk. I can’t recall anything being done to front end as the paralever just evened itself up, but the rear shock was only about 38mm shorter than stock. It was great, I rode that bike to Morocco & into the Sahara, slow dropped many times, but it was great. Overall I rode the bike about 15,000 miles, px’d it when I bought the 2014 GS.
The 2022 1250GS riding modes are completely different to the 2014 model. Carl on TH-cam channel, Just The Way It Is, explains it all brilliantly. I leave mine on Auto & it’s generally fine, but I do find the ride a bit more bouncy than the 1200.
@@nickmoulton446 Thank you Nick . Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.
Great demonstration my friend I’m a bit under 5‘7“ would I have a fighting chance w/ the 1250 gs ,I thought I was relegated to the 750 GS
I would definitely try one James !
I love the GS over all other bikes because it’s made for us tall riders. Almost all other bikes are too small for me.
I can understand that Cris . Adventure bikes are a great option for taller riders . I think is good that BMW offer options for those less tall but want to ride one . Others - KTM and Ducati are , to my mind, currently less accommodating .👍
I have the lowered R1250 GS Rallye which I bought earlier this year for a trip the Switzerland, but had been seriously considering the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GT that you have.
With you having ridden both bikes, which do you think is the better bike for long distance riding and the Sunday morning blasts through the twisties?
Tough question . I have done 4000 miles on the Suzuki and got to know what it likes and doesn’t like . I really enjoy riding it and my wife is very comfortable on the bike . My 2022 “bike of the year” . It is a sports bike you can tour on with a buzzy straight four ( I can feel traditional GS owners switching off as I type 😂) but goes like the wind and with proper tyres on handles well . The Suzuki probably suits smaller riders and pillions ? I like to just say try one but it sometimes isn’t as easy as that 👍 Nice problem to have !
@@michaelmam I previously owned a Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K6 from new and sold it in 2020, having done several track days and absolutely loved it. So when I was looking for a sports tourer to do the Furka Pass in Switzerland, the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GT was on my list as it shares the same engine ( albeit detuned ) and handles so well. I managed to buy a factory lowered 2019 R1250 GS though for the trip as it came with the luggage, and sat Nav included. The intention was to do the trip then advertise it for sale when I got back, as the price to hire one with included luggage for 10 days was quoted as £1360.
I was so surprised how capable and flickable this big bike was with the weight low down with the boxer twin engine. Needless to say I have decided to keep it as I absolutely love it and had it not been for the trip away I would never have given it a second glance. I will book a test ride on the Suzuki next year.
Do the clutch/ brake lines need extending in order to use that handle bar raiser ?
No . Fitted straight on 👍
HI. I have always wonder how the 1250 air flow works .cause the air intake is in the front ,how does that works ,
when it rains ? when you driving the rain gets sucked in the airbox ,how does the air filter stays dry ?
Hopefully someone more familiar with aerodynamics will enlighten us all 👍
Hi can you tell me the company that did the seat height adjustment as I cannot find them thanks John
Hi John . Core motorcycle seats . They are in Lincolnshire 👍
Cheers to your humor and your relaxed personality. Good thing I’m not superstitious tho, had to press that 666th like …
😂 Thank you . It’s only dangerous if a black cat saw you ?
How many motorcycle do you have? I got my first bike last year GS850 Adventure, now I am dying to by a GS1250 Adventure. Is that normal feelings? lol
😂 This is a little out of date now but close .. probably not the best person to ask about normal bike ownership ? th-cam.com/video/RhoQUL71hgY/w-d-xo.html
Why do manufacturers keep making bikes too tall, they seem obsessed.
Average height varies across the world and there are exceptions in every country . UK is 5’9” but there are plenty much taller and shorter . Netherlands is 5’11” . For genuine off road capability you need good ground clearance and travel , which adds to seat height . I am glad they cater for less than average height . Some make no concessions ..
But if you go to a dealer they don’t have low chassis versions in stock as they don’t sale many I have asked I’m only 5.5 with a 29-30” inside leg
They are selling more every year .. used ones proving popular as well .
[ Like ] :)
what is the seat height of this bike ?
I think I cover it in the video .. 800 mm or 31.4 inches . It is about 8 minutes in if you want more detail 👍
I have triple black LC , am 1,78 cm , am not short person, I just need my feet on the ground to get more comfortable and confident when I ride my motorcycle, I believe the standard high is for the german people they are giant people 😂
One more thing , I can rise the motorcycle height by using the max load, it will rise the motorcycle for approximately 2 inches
On average they are taller than the British but not as tall as the Dutch 👍 . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment ..
With your height gs 310 is enough for you.
😂
Ruins the dynamic of the bike. My first GSA came with every possible parts to lower it. Spent nearly 3k to put it back to OEM spec. Night and day difference.
Drop the bike has nothing ashamed at all, sir.
But can’t enjoy the bike without fear is matter as an adventure rider
I have dropped plenty of bikes over the years . I used to race enduro off road . What I don't like doing is dropping the bike in a car park with my wife on board 😂
@@michaelmam 😅😅😅😅Sorry, Sir I didn’t know that
@@glimpseofcambodia no problem ! 👍
Excuse me but where did you get this Byzantine thing about the B in BMW??? It was B for Bayerische ( Bavarian) and still as it has always been. BMW first motorcycle was in 1923 and it was that only model no Byzantine no BS. The M stands for Motoren and the w for Worke. Which makes it literally Bavarian Motor Work AG. Come on Mr Byzantine
It was a joke Emzee . 😂
@@michaelmam i apologize then I didn’t get it. And I forgot to add nice video and very relevant info. 😀😀
@@Azantys no problem at all ! Glad you enjoyed the video . I have actually made a more studious video on the GS which covers the history of its development. That one gets the name right .. th-cam.com/video/ZwddWS5iKbI/w-d-xo.html
Why not just buy an R1250R. It's the bike that most GS riders should have bought in the first place.
Far too logical Jonathan 😂 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍
@@michaelmam I was not being flippant when I suggested the R1250R. It is a much nicer road bike than the GS, with a CofG down low, which makes for easy handling in tight situations. It also has more rubber on the road for more secure handling.
I see too many GS riders struggling with their bikes below 10mph and loading on ferries can be both traumatic and hilarious.
@@jonathantrice7614 👍 I didn’t take your comment as flippant - apologies if it appeared that way . A friend has the R and feels exactly as you do .
I have only recently discovered your channel. I am now subscribed and working my way through all of your previous videos. You seem to have your finger on the pulse of what us more mature riders (69😱) are thinking and feeling. After a lifetime of Z1's, ZZR's, BMW's etc., bike number 36 is on order for March delivery, a Honda ADV350.
When age, aching joints and arthritus start catching up, you just have to adjust your bike choice, but never give up !! 😎
That's the best idea IMO
All this trouble and expenses to lower a seat for a bike of BMW. This brand is constantly looking for the victim clients who are eager to spend a little fortune for their bikes. No thank you, i will not take... There are so many other interesting bikes to choose.
As you rightly point out , it is about choice..
Well shit! 6 and a half minutes to really get into what tha **** this video is all about.. i checked out at 6:30. Good riddance
😂 👋
Bmw downgrade and put old cheap headlights 🙄 .
Covid supply chain issues . BMW say that they will offer a cost effective upgrade once they have enough in stock . We will see...
How much seat Comfort is lost with the low seat option?
Probably too subjective to answer in a useful way ? We have ridden an 1800 mile return trip , two up with the Rallye seat and found it fine , but we only do up to 250 miles a day . The “low” standard style seat would probably be more comfortable but haven’t tried one …
Get the low comfort seat (sounds like an oxymoron doesn’t it!) - it’s the most comfortable seat I think I’ve ever tried on a bike. It’s about 5mm taller than the regular low seat but a much flatter and better profiled seat.