Hi Sticky Beak, since you are considering a lower seat height, have you thought about lowering your z650rs seat by changing the rear spring connecting brackets and or sculpting the foam of the seat and or getting the factory reduced height seat, and or sliding the front end down the forks? That may or may not compromise the suspension and ride. It's been fun to see all the South Australian towns and cities as well as the country side. Thanks for the tour, Ron from San Diego.
Hi Ron and San, the Z650RS is a perfect height for me. I don’t have to reach for the ground at all and it has standard suspension and standard seat. The BMW has a wider touring seat with I “think” maybe some electronics in it so it’s heated (could be wrong on that). As a result it’s way too high hence why they got in a moulded (BMW) sculptured seat which means it’s still high but I can get the balls of both feet on the ground. It would mean however I could not have a heated seat using this version. I know the seat height issue is more in my mind than a real issue although (touch wood) it’s a long time since I dropped a bike and I don’t know how I’d go picking the 800 up as it’s quite a lump. It’s why I’ve always taken manufacturer seat heights with a pinch of salt. I could get both feet flat on the ground on my R1s which had an advertised height of 835mm! The seat was an awful low narrower at the tank which makes a huge difference. I’m personally not a fan of lowering a bike. I know if done properly it’s all good etc but there is so much development work which goes in to the dynamics of modern bikes it always worries me about how it would affect the geometry and handling dynamics. Anyway, thanks for your comments - really really appreciate it ❤
G'day guys, and yes, am an aged ole fella...once avid motorcycle enthused over many years. But with retired (ex military) years ago I keep getting this urge to straddle again...Last beauty was a Moto Guzzi. Loved the heck out of it, except was somewhat a tad too heavy for me...but persevered and enjoyed once mobile..... The constant urge never leaves, and need to get out and away from this PC. Am a heavy short bloke, legs too short..ha ha , usual ailments. But did admire your protective clothing... How-When _Where is your recommendation for fitment and purchase. Now , after all that dribble, the test riding BMW 800 sure did excite me....yeah, doesn't take much nowadays..lol. And, after all that, must say did so much enjoy your segment today...thanks heaps....Cheers till next time...Thanks.👍
Hi Sticky Beak, since you are considering a lower seat height, have you thought about lowering your z650rs seat by changing the rear spring connecting brackets and or sculpting the foam of the seat and or getting the factory reduced height seat, and or sliding the front end down the forks? That may or may not compromise the suspension and ride. It's been fun to see all the South Australian towns and cities as well as the country side. Thanks for the tour, Ron from San Diego.
Hi Ron and San, the Z650RS is a perfect height for me. I don’t have to reach for the ground at all and it has standard suspension and standard seat. The BMW has a wider touring seat with I “think” maybe some electronics in it so it’s heated (could be wrong on that). As a result it’s way too high hence why they got in a moulded (BMW) sculptured seat which means it’s still high but I can get the balls of both feet on the ground. It would mean however I could not have a heated seat using this version. I know the seat height issue is more in my mind than a real issue although (touch wood) it’s a long time since I dropped a bike and I don’t know how I’d go picking the 800 up as it’s quite a lump. It’s why I’ve always taken manufacturer seat heights with a pinch of salt. I could get both feet flat on the ground on my R1s which had an advertised height of 835mm! The seat was an awful low narrower at the tank which makes a huge difference. I’m personally not a fan of lowering a bike. I know if done properly it’s all good etc but there is so much development work which goes in to the dynamics of modern bikes it always worries me about how it would affect the geometry and handling dynamics. Anyway, thanks for your comments - really really appreciate it ❤
G'day guys, and yes, am an aged ole fella...once avid motorcycle enthused over many years.
But with retired (ex military) years ago I keep getting this urge to straddle again...Last beauty was a Moto Guzzi. Loved the heck out of it, except was somewhat a tad too heavy for me...but persevered and enjoyed once mobile.....
The constant urge never leaves, and need to get out and away from this PC. Am a heavy short bloke, legs too short..ha ha , usual ailments. But did admire your protective clothing...
How-When _Where is your recommendation for fitment and purchase.
Now , after all that dribble, the test riding BMW 800 sure did excite me....yeah, doesn't take much nowadays..lol.
And, after all that, must say did so much enjoy your segment today...thanks heaps....Cheers till next time...Thanks.👍