R1200R

[dodi]

Hi, I am thinking about purchasing a R1200R. I owned a 1996 R850R a few years back and enjoyed it. The bike had a pretty low seat height and with the seat in the lowest of 3 positions and a shaved seat the bike was very manageable for me. I loved the boxer engine. I am only 5" 4" tall with a very short 27 inch inseam. I am on the stocky side , weigh 165 pounds and have reasonably strong legs. The reason I mentioned this is after going through many sport bikes and cruisers i purchased an 1150 r. I always liked and wanted the bike and the first thing I did was cut the seat down a bit. I found the 1150r to be much more difficult to ride. The reach to the bars, the added weight and the servo assisted brakes were all too much for me. With all my riding experience for some reason I lost all confidence and sadly sold the bike within a month of purchasing. I am back on the boxer engine kick and do like the r1200r. At first , I believe in 2007 it seemed a bit tall....then a lowering seat option was added and finally a low-frame low seat option brings the seat down to 750 or 760 mm. I think this would be even lower than my 850r. Also the bike is much lighter. Problem is of all the BMW dealerships I've been to including different cities ( vacation travels ) I have never seen or been able to sit on a low frame, low seat option. Any information regarding ease of use , test rides, ownership, or advice on this model would be much appreciated. I think a low frame low seat r1200r is in my future.
P.S I currently ride a Yamaha Fz6r, sporty motorcycle and I just bought a Honda cx 500 ( 1979 ) older standard to putter around in. The Honda probably has more weight and a taller seat height than the BMW....but it is only a 500....maybe 50 HP. I am 54 years old and after 20 some odd bikes since 1996 I want the safety and security of abs, traction control etc....it rains a lot in the Northwest ( Vancouver B.C.....close to Seattle ) Sorry for the long post....your responses would be much appreciated
P.S. 2 Forgot to mention if BMW lowering springs or Hyperpro springs would be recommended. Just about every bike I have owned has been lowered. Thanks again

[hankth]

Dodi,
I am on the short side too, 30" inseam. I have the standard seat, which is fine for me on the R1200R. I did have to install bar backs because the reach to the bars put too much weight on my hands. So, plan on that as well as lowering modes. That said, I love this bike! I'm an older guy who has had many bikes, and this one, I have to say, is the most satisfying one of them all. It is light and quick and very well balanced, with super handling. Be sure to let us know how you like it if you decide to take the leap. Good luck.

[IDR1200R]

buy the low/low you won't be sorry, I have one and love it. I can flatfoot it anywhere

[fastdogs2]

Dodi,

Welcome! I have a 29 inch inseam and I have the Low Comfort Saddle, which puts the seat height at 31.5 inches. I cannnot flatfoot, but I am on the front part (balls) of each foot with this arrangement. Since your inseam is two inches less than mine, you probably have two options:

1. Purchase the low chasis model with the low seat. This will put you at a 29 1/2 inch seat height. See the BMW specs: http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/ind ... arison.pdf

2. Purchase the standard chasis model with the low seat, which will give you a seat height of 30.3 inches (see BMW specs). Replace the BMW shock with a Hypermoto shock and lower the bike another inch or two.

I think the ability to flatfoot depends as much on how much the seat spreads your legs, as well as, your inseam length. My problem is that I have such a short femur (upper leg bone) that I can't really achieve the leg spread that I would like to be able to flatfoot.

If that is your case, you may have to go with option 2. You should visit the dealer to sit on a bike to determine what is best for you.

Bill

[crewzzn88]

I have a 2008 with the low seat. My inseam is 28"x 5'5" x 145lbs. At a stop, I could only place the ball of my feet down. I'm ok with this because I've been riding for many years. I prefer to place the toe, mid sole and maybe the very front of the heel down. I don't need to be flatfooted. I'm thinking of ordering a Sargent "low" seat. Anybody out there have one? Was thinking of trading in my R12R for a low suspension version. But, I don't want to scrap my pegs on every turn.

[dodi]

Thanks for the replies and info....Is their a difference between a Hyperpro shock and the Hypermoto shock. Are they the same or is one a BMW specific brand. It's probably easier to find a r1200r with a low seat and then lower with a aftermarket shock , then trying to find a low seat low frame bike.

[tinytrains]

I have a 30" inseam too. I have the standard bike (standard suspension) with a low seat (now low comfort seat) and have no problems reaching the ground at all. My only issue is swinging my leg over the saddle bags since they are so high. I just put the bike on the side stand when I mount or dismount to solve the stability problem with getting my leg that high. Just a good practice anyway.

[rockbottom]

I have a 30" inseam too. I have the standard bike (standard suspension) with a low seat (now low comfort seat) and have no problems reaching the ground at all. My only issue is swinging my leg over the saddle bags since they are so high. I just put the bike on the side stand when I mount or dismount to solve the stability problem with getting my leg that high. Just a good practice anyway.

How else could you mount the bike other than on the side stand?

I found that my boot scuffed the right bag because of this. I got some rubbing compound at an auto parts store, and that fixed it.

[michael Tobias]

I was also interested inlowering my R1200 but was told that BMW will not honor the warranty on the rear end or anything connected to the aftermarket shock...I wanted to put Ohlins on and drop the bike about 1" ...the other thing to consider is that if you lower the bike too much you have to deal with the center and side stand possibly being too long ( according to the dealer I asked)

this might not matter but it is worth checking on....

[deilenberger]

I was also interested inlowering my R1200 but was told that BMW will not honor the warranty on the rear end or anything connected to the aftermarket shock...

Who told you this? They're fullabeans.. especially since BMW sells a shorter shock model. Sounds like the usual dealer blather to avoid doing something they don't want to do.

I wanted to put Ohlins on and drop the bike about 1" ...the other thing to consider is that if you lower the bike too much you have to deal with the center and side stand possibly being too long ( according to the dealer I asked)

this might not matter but it is worth checking on....

Side and centerstand are no problem on a bike lowered 3/4".. I've been riding mine that way for the past 3 years and 37k miles. Only problem with the sidestand is pulling on a shoulder of the road - you may not be able to use the sidestand if the crown of the road is steep enough. Other then that - it's a non-issue.

[BigEasy]

I have a 30" inseam too. I have the standard bike (standard suspension) with a low seat (now low comfort seat) and have no problems reaching the ground at all. My only issue is swinging my leg over the saddle bags since they are so high. I just put the bike on the side stand when I mount or dismount to solve the stability problem with getting my leg that high. Just a good practice anyway.

How else could you mount the bike other than on the side stand?

I found that my boot scuffed the right bag because of this. I got some rubbing compound at an auto parts store, and that fixed it.

UMMM On the center stand? Just being a smart a$$ cause I can get away with it because I have a 35" inseame I feel for you guys that have to deal with seat height/inseam issues, gotta be a pain

[Dauntless]

I have a 30" inseam too. I have the standard bike (standard suspension) with a low seat (now low comfort seat) and have no problems reaching the ground at all. My only issue is swinging my leg over the saddle bags since they are so high. I just put the bike on the side stand when I mount or dismount to solve the stability problem with getting my leg that high. Just a good practice anyway.

How else could you mount the bike other than on the side stand?

I found that my boot scuffed the right bag because of this. I got some rubbing compound at an auto parts store, and that fixed it.

When I have the side cases on, I just put my left foot on the left peg and get on the bike like you get on a horse. It works with the side stand or center stand deployed.

[lynnboyd]

When I have the side cases on, I just put my left foot on the left peg and get on the bike like you get on a horse. It works with the side stand or center stand deployed.

+1

[celticus]

I was also interested inlowering my R1200 but was told that BMW will not honor the warranty on the rear end or anything connected to the aftermarket shock...

Who told you this? They're fullabeans.. especially since BMW sells a shorter shock model. Sounds like the usual dealer blather to avoid doing something they don't want to do.

I wanted to put Ohlins on and drop the bike about 1" ...the other thing to consider is that if you lower the bike too much you have to deal with the center and side stand possibly being too long ( according to the dealer I asked)

this might not matter but it is worth checking on....

Side and centerstand are no problem on a bike lowered 3/4".. I've been riding mine that way for the past 3 years and 37k miles. Only problem with the sidestand is pulling on a shoulder of the road - you may not be able to use the sidestand if the crown of the road is steep enough. Other then that - it's a non-issue.

With the shorter shocks does the bike ground easier in corners?

Mark

[deilenberger]

With the shorter shocks does the bike ground easier in corners?

Mark

Mark,

If you go with the BMW lowered suspension, it's not an issue since they lower the bike by reducing the suspension travel - it never compresses further then the stock suspension will. If you ground the bike in corners without loading up the suspension, IMHO - that's 10/10ths riding.

I don't do that.

I've never grounded mine, which keeps the stock suspension travel (a bit of a trick setup with Klaus of Hyperpro) - but I've also never beeen accused of being a 10/10ths rider (healthy 3/4" chicken strips on my tires.. if I need that extra rubber, it's right there waiting for me to use it..)

There are always compromises - but this one is one I find very liveable..