'05 1200 RT ESA mods and lowering suspension

[LA1200RT]

As I have yet to figure out how to stretch my legs a bit I am considering options to lower my suspension. Had a "low" OEM seat which was nearly low enough for me but was way uncomfortable for any distance at all. Have just upgraded to BMW's one piece "comfort" seat which is much more, well comfortable, but it is slightly higher...:-( Would seem my next option may be to seek methods of reducing the overall bikes height. My particular bike does have the ESA system which I intend keeping but is does somewhat restrict me on options. At the moment I'm looking at a couple companies the specialize in ESA mods as one possible solution. Would be interesting to hear from any of you here who have traveled this road and what you did to resolve this type of problem.
thanks in advance...

 

[gene36542]

I'm on the short side of 5-08 and faced similiar problems on my '06 RT w/ ESA. I installed Wilbers shocks, shortened 40mm. I now use the regular seat and touch down flat footed. All is well and ESA works as well as ever... Check out Hermanusa.com. If he does the install, he'll even loan you his GS!

 

[Atomicman52]

Dual flat footed is overrated and not a necessity.

 

[sedanman]

RaceTech can shorten your ESA shocks, re-valve them while they're in there too.



I have no connection with Race Tech.

 

[LA1200RT]

Thanks Herr & Sedanman for the suggestion, I'll drop them a line and get a quote. Works Performance in CA (www.worksperformance.com) is another that will build a full custom setup. Herr I am curious about how you like the ride on your new setup. I'm not exactly a knee dragger but do enjoy sprited cornering and wondering if your finding ground clearance more of an issue now.

 

[Theo]

Dual flat footed is overrated and not a necessity.

...unless you ride with a pillion. I strongly suggest that the ability to flat foot IS important for stability in stop-and-go traffic with a pillion.

$0.02

 

[Theo]

Any need to go with the shorter center and side stands when lowering the RT?

 

[wvpc]

You could also try a set of lowered Yacugar shocks from Ted Porter at the Beemershop.com. They are steel bodies rebuildables custom made in Germany. He also sells a kit for the side and centerstand which includes the bushings and bump stops, etc. No affliation etc. About $1800. Pricey but it beats the Showa stock shocks in adjustability and performance and your stands are the inch shorter stock item. Your pillion would appreciate the gesture.

 

[gene36542]

I've only scraped once in 15 months... I didn't alter either stands and its worked out fine for me. Any good welder can shorten the kick stand easily if need be.

 

[LA1200RT]

Well Herr I have placed my order with Herman for the Wilbers system. After comparing a few different setups their expertise convinced me theirs was the best for me. As you likely know they offer side stand modification so it maintains a proper stance, but so far I haven't figued out what I'll do about the center stand. One thought was a factory center stand that comes standard on the "lowered" version of the RT, but new that part is rather expensive. Looking for a used one but so far no luck. As a side note, does anyone know how much lower the factory "low" RT is ? Thanks again for everyones input.

 

[gene36542]

You can still put it on the centerstand... just a little more work.... Not worth the trouble to install a new one for the little I use it anyway, sidestand works fine most of the time...

 

[stkmkt1]

Well Herr I have placed my order with Herman for the Wilbers system. After comparing a few different setups their expertise convinced me theirs was the best for me. As you likely know they offer side stand modification so it maintains a proper stance, but so far I haven't figued out what I'll do about the center stand. One thought was a factory center stand that comes standard on the "lowered" version of the RT, but new that part is rather expensive. Looking for a used one but so far no luck. As a side note, does anyone know how much lower the factory "low" RT is ? Thanks again for everyones input.

Let us know how you like the shocks after getting them. I just emailed Herman last night about possibly riding down to have him swap mine out. I've got about 30K right now on the factory shocks. New Bill Mayer seat is wider, making it more difficult to reach the ground. So time for a bit more adjustment for my 30" inseam.