dougallinger
New member
I currently ride a '99 R1100RT but it's out of commission and will likely take me all winter to get back on the road. I love how nimble the bike is and trust it implicitly in twisties. But with 140k+ miles and lacking some modern features, my eye was wandering and found for sale a 2004 K1200 GT locally. (I don't really need to justify why I might want a second bike and want it NOW on this forum, do I? ) So I test rode and loved the power, look and handling of the 2004 K1200 GT. But I'm concerned about driver seat height, knee angle and passenger comfort for 2-up riding.
I've seen other posts on this forum that riders taller than me are happy with this bike, but before I buy I want to make sure I'm not overlooking significant cost or comfort factors.
The current owner is about 5'7.5" and has a custom Sargeant seat and pegs in the higher position, with no bar backs. So it is set up for someone six inches shorter than me. So, while I liked the slightly forward position, on my test ride I felt like I was riding a crotch rocket my feet were up so high. I previously rode a K1100 LT, which seemed more similar to the RT in terms of position.
My questions are:
1) If he had a custom seat made to suit his shorter height and smaller butt size, it seems likely that I may need 1) another seat, 2) lower pegs, 3) bar riser back. Possibly wider handle bar?
2) How is this bike for 2-up moderate touring (300 +/- miles per day) with the current seat and lack of hard trunk? Does anyone have experience with that?
3) Other considerations?
Thanks!
I've seen other posts on this forum that riders taller than me are happy with this bike, but before I buy I want to make sure I'm not overlooking significant cost or comfort factors.
The current owner is about 5'7.5" and has a custom Sargeant seat and pegs in the higher position, with no bar backs. So it is set up for someone six inches shorter than me. So, while I liked the slightly forward position, on my test ride I felt like I was riding a crotch rocket my feet were up so high. I previously rode a K1100 LT, which seemed more similar to the RT in terms of position.
My questions are:
1) If he had a custom seat made to suit his shorter height and smaller butt size, it seems likely that I may need 1) another seat, 2) lower pegs, 3) bar riser back. Possibly wider handle bar?
2) How is this bike for 2-up moderate touring (300 +/- miles per day) with the current seat and lack of hard trunk? Does anyone have experience with that?
3) Other considerations?
Thanks!