34" inseam too long for 1150R

[Rethy]

Well coming off of a touring bike I must say the R is not the bike of choice for racking hours in the saddle. I am hoping you experts have some simple and inexpensive suggestions for me. My meager 34" inseam with the handlebars and peg location has me folded in half and not quite so comfortable. I am okay for 1 1/2 hours then my legs are cramping from what appears a circulation problem. The peg to seat location is going to be a problem for me when the weather turns and I have an opportunity to ride more. I am suprised the bike does not fit better as my frame size fits most motorcycles like a glove (5' 10" with 34" inseam). What mods have been made to the R for enhanced comfort? Thanks, Rethy

[Paul Mihalka]

Two steps: Higher seat and lower footpegs. I only have a 32" inseam but lousy knees with one of them that had surgery, so they don't bend easy. I ride real long distance. 800 mile days and 7K miles in two weeks is not uncommon for me. I have a custom Russell Daylong seat built noticeably higher than stock and lowered footpegs. I have a Verholen peg kit but a Suburban Machinery kit will do the same. Depending on your riding style, the lowered pegs may scrape in fast/tight turns.

[peterbulgar]

The BMW "tall" rider seat will help ($150) but maybe not enough for you. My bike came with the stock low seat and, like you, I found my legs uncomfortably cramped and I'm 5'9" with a 32" inseam. (You must not be coming from a sportbike - a few months ago this topic came up and a guy who was 6'4" with a 36" inseam said that he thought the bike was just fine, but he was coming off a Suzuki GSXR.)

A footpeg lowering kit is available - someone will probably chime in with the manufacturer reference - but that will compromise cornering clearance. If I were doing it over, I'd give Sargent a call, tell them the problem, and ask what they can do. The standard Sargent rider's seat for the R is $300 and is slightly shorter than the BMW "tall", but I believe that Sargent will make a custom seat for not much more than that. The Sargent passenger seat got a good review from my regular passenger, who had complained bitterly about the stock seat and the BMW "comfort" seat.
peter '73 R75/5 (plenty of room), '04 R1150RA (still a bit cramped)

[endure26]

I've got a 35-inch inseam. I'm using the tall seat. Pretty comfy - though there are times I'll stretch the legs out on top of the jugs.

[GJBushman]

I ended up getting a GS (maybe a bit drastic). I have seen Paul's setup (above) and it is quite nice. I tried the tall BMW seat and found it quite uncomfortable. It is very narrow. Go with a custom seat like Paul decribes. That will help with circulation. If that's not enough than try lowering the pegs. I think you should be able to get your Roadster to fit you but it may take some modifications. Good luck.

[FiremanLI]

I too thought the bike had a cramp feel when I first started to ride it. but after miles of riding and some good streching first. The bike feels very comfortable. So I think once your body/legs get use to it, it will be fine!

[Boxer]

I am 5'10" with a 32" inseam and I ride comfortably with a Bill Mayer saddle and no changes to the pegs. I DO get tired of that position and will either put my feet on the rear pegs or stretch out resting them on the valve cover area sometimes. Highway pegs would be nice but I just haven't sprung for that add-on yet.

I think the key is a better saddle. The BMW seat is fine for day rides, but after about 300 miles the butt is aching. And pit stops just don't help much at that point.

[MikeCam]

Us shorter guys like the R1150R for the same reasons you long legged fellows do not. Feels just right for my 30" inseam.

Sorry you don't get the advantages I do. Paul's advice is the right direction for length relief.

[DSKYZD]

[snip]- though there are times I'll stretch the legs out on top of the jugs.

Right there, that's the cheapest trick to riding longer. I often stretch my legs out over the cylinders as well. Usually the ankle of my boots rests on the forward edge, and the heels of my boots dangle to the sides of the headers. Be careful about not resting your boots on the headers. Heat is an issue, but I usually wear Darien pants. Once I can feel the heat through the Dariens, my jeans/pants, and the boots, I take my legs down. I'll do this up/down several times on long stretches.

Moving your legs around, primarily straightening them, provides a lot of relief. Even putting them back on the passenger pegs helps briefly just by giving you a different postion.

Maybe not the ultimate solution for you, but you can't beat the price, and should work in addition to any mods you do. I agree with the others about going with a taller seat first before you start decreasing your cornering clearance. Again, that has a lot to do with riding style.

DSKYZD

[wncbmw]

+1 on what Paul and the others said. Try the taller seat first, then others things later. I would put off the lowered pegs until last if you ride the twisties hard.

I am only 5'9" with a 32" inseam and am going to a taller seat (Sargent) because of bad knees. On long trips, my limiting factor is not my butt but my knees! I realized one agonizing day on the road that the riding position was not far off from my catcher's crouch, which is the reason for my bad knees in the first place.

There are too many guys putting in serious miles on the R to dismiss it for long touring.

BTW, Paul, you are da man!

[Jax]

I have a 33" inseam and was experiencing leg cramps on my R1150R. I did the following:
*BMW Factory Optional Tall Seat
*Verholen Peg Lowering Kit
*Moto-Techniques Bar Backs
This combination put me in a riding position that is very close to that of my 1978, R100S, which I am very comfortable riding. Since I made these changes, I can now ride for long periods with no problems.

Good luck!

[GJBushman]

My favorite configuration for long trips on the Roadster was to use an Airhawk on the stock seat. That would raise my up about an inch and give a soft ride at the same time. Butt and knees taken care of at the same time. I've done 700 mile days like that without a problem.

[ken k]

I have a tall seat for sale if you are interested.

ken k

[solitario11]

I have only 30" but my bad knees are a problem on ride around 200miles, I was wondering how mych taller is the tall seat? thanks! I llike to be able to touch at least with the tip of my boot!

[Jax]

The tall seat is approximately 2 inches taller than the low seat. I would highly suggest that if you decide to go to the higher seat that you use bar-backs because the higher seat will put you in a more-forward leaning position. I am 6'1"/33' inseam and 35" arm length. By using the higher seat, moto-techniques bar-backs and Verholen peg lowering kit, I still lean slightly forward to take the weight off my back but to me, it's a very comfortable riding position.

[rdsmith3]

I have a 34" inseam, too, but I am 6'2"

I use the tall seat plus an Alaska Leather sheepskin butt pad. That seems to put me at the right height.

However, I have to say that I never last longer than a couple of hours, anyway. My bladder seems to want relief, and it is a good time to refill the smallish gas tank.

[wncbmw]

Bob - I understand! If it ain't my knees screaming to stop, it's the bladder!

Nothing like running to the can on creaky knees and unzipping all 'stich zippers in a hurry.